Olive Branches Don't Grow On Trees

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  She stayed in Cape May until nighttime when the outdoor mall lit up and was filled with people enjoying the lovely mild evening. The mall was on a cobblestone street and filled with cafes, pubs, and shops selling ice cream, fudge, and seashell souvenirs. With no cars on the street, Silvia didn’t have to hear the roar of motors, beeping horns, and drivers yelling. The car-free aspect made it an especially pleasant place to walk and window shop. She strolled by a restaurant with outdoor seating where a tall, dark, curly haired waiter smiled at her. She smiled back, but then started walking fast. Immediately, she regretted not doing more and wished that she had gone up and talked to him. Flirting wasn’t something that ever came natural to her, and it was only very recently that she acquired the skill of flirting at all. While in college, it was all too easy to meet guys, so she never had to worry about doing anything like approaching a strange man and conversing with him.

  She wondered if she should go back to the restaurant where she saw the waiter and attempt to talk to him. It was too late now. Besides, she would be moving to Portland soon. More than that, she just felt stupid going back to talk to him, so she just continued walking on, feeling regretful and relieved at the same time. Then something inside of her made her turn around and walk back to the restaurant. To her dismay, the waiter was nowhere to be seen, and it looked like the restaurant might be closing.

  “Just as well,” she thought to herself. She got back on the road heading home and soon after got a call from Donna. “What are you doing driving down to Cape May by yourself at night? What if something happens, like a blow out? You'll be stranded on the side of the road alone.” She could hear her mother's panic through the phone.

  “I'm sorry Mom. Don't worry. I'll be home soon.” Donna had no idea of all the nighttime driving Silvia did alone and Silvia made sure that she never would.

  “I want you to call me as soon as you get home,” said Donna in her most firm tone of voice.