A Humble Sculptor

Henry Johnson | 33 | Sculptor | Formerly Hephaestus "Never deemed to be the most important but definitely the most essential…"

[wisdomofgods-deactivated2015073]

Okay that’s it. I’m paying.

[henry-johnson]

No, you’re not. I said I can cover this and I will.

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

She stepped forward “What happened, if you don’t mind?” she asked looking back at him. She moved to his side, so that they walked side by side. Taking a sip of her coffee, she admired how beautiful the day is.

[henry-johnson]

His grip on the crutch tightened before he forced himself to relax it. With a heavy breath he replied, “It’s a long story. Basically it was a nasty fall.” His tone was clipped and to the point, not wanting to talk about it any more. He was quick to switch topics, point to cup in her hands. “You don’t usually visit that coffee place, do you?. I visit almost daily yet I’ve never seen you in there until now.”

[darkeststaar-blog]

“Look – I’ll pay what he needs left. I’m hungry and I want food.”

[henry-johnson]

Henry turned to the girl with an offended huff. “Look I don’t need your charity. Just wait like everyone else can, it’s not the end of the world.”

[payton-darcy-blog]

Payton glanced at Henry momentarily before she returned her gaze back to the map, her eyes darting around the page hoping to find where she’d left off at. “Sometimes technology can be unreliable, Henry. What if google maps tried to give me directions to the wrong place? Think of all the wasted time! Besides, reading a map is like a survival skill. I’m practicing for the apocalypse that everyone keeps talking about.”

[henry-johnson]

“Right, like staring at a map isn’t any more of a waste...” He mumbled under his breath. With a sigh he resigned himself to looking at the map with her, trying to follow the odd lines that twisted and turned almost randomly. “Okay, but even then you wouldn’t really need a map. You’d just need to know how to get out of the city. After that it’s just guessing, not mapping.”

[heyhuntress-blog]

“It’s me. You should know the answer.”

[henry-johnson]

“That really clarifies nothing.” He held up the mug like a peace offering. “Coffee?”

[irene-tisch]

“What else do you want Henry? Because I am sorry and I want to make this better!” She stopped cold when he told her to leave him alone.  “You want to leave you alone? Fine.  You don’t have to see me ever again, congratulations.” 

[henry-johnson]

“That’s fine by me.” The last words felt scorched on his tongue, anger burning with the regret and guilt that fueled it. Petty and hurtful, just like him. He turned away, forcefully making himself leave. He wasn’t going to turn back to her, no matter how much he wanted to. Not this time. He had to salt the ground on what was left if he ever wanted to move on.

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

“If you troubled me, I will let you know.” she said simply. “It is your choice alone.” she spoke, reaching for her coffee. If he wanted to accompany her, the he could, if not. That was fine as well.

[henry-johnson]

Henry stood there, honestly thinking it over. Which was ridiculous in of itself, he realized. When was the last time he just relaxed and went with it? A decision was made, the taller man stepping back with his crutch, motioning for her to take the lead. “ After you then, I wouldn’t want to accidentally crush your foot with this.”

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

“However.” she said with a smile, “I wouldn’t mind the company.” she gestured for a walk near the park. “That is if you don’t mind.”

[henry-johnson]

He blinked, taken aback by the invitation.  “Are you sure? I feel like I’ve troubled you enough as is.” the thought ‘you don’t need to do this’ sat heavy on the back of his tongue, even if politeness kept it shut in.

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

“Call it an act of kindness.” she shrugged her shoulders. This was something she rarely did. It wasn’t like he was charming her, she disliked people that had to act a certain way. When he mentioned to pay for her coffee, she shook her head. “Mine’s paid for, but thank you.”

[henry-johnson]

“Oh, right. Sorry.” He awkwardly took a step back, scratching the inside of his other palm. A tick he hadn’t grown out of. It was situations like this he loathed to find himself in, yet kept finding himself in them all the same.

[heroperseus]

I believe you. I’m saying the man’s a joke.

[henry-johnson]

He’s not all that bad...

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

“Anything to help someone out.” Though he did not seem like the many people she’s encountered. He seemed nice enough.

[henry-johnson]

“Are you sure? You don’t even know me.” He explained even if his tone came off blunt. He winced internally, back tracking. “What I mean is the least I can do is pay for your coffee.”

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

She chuckled seeing he was about a dollar short. Handing the cashier the dollar. “It really is no problem.”

[henry-johnson]

The protest he had caught in the back of his throat, a resigned sigh escaping instead. “That was very kind of you. I own one.”

[warxofwolf-deactivated20170420]

“Did you need some help?” she asked taking out her wallet.

[henry-johnson]

“Oh no thank you. I have it covered, really. I just- um...”

[heroperseus]

Morris? What a joke.

[henry-johnson]

Don’t believe me? Just give him a call then.

[keepingtheharmony-blog]

“It’s only a couple cents though. But if you’re sure, then sure. Regular table, then?” 

[henry-johnson]

“Please. Lead the way. I could really use a cup of coffee right now anyway.”

[heroperseus]

Should I get your car while I’m waiting? This may take a few hours.

[henry-johnson]

If that’ll keep you busy, fine. It’s not my car, you can just send it off  with one of Mr. Morris’ people. 

[heroperseus]

I don’t have all day to wait.

[henry-johnson]

Hold your horses, I’m good for it. Just give me a second.