A face in the crowd

 It felt as if winter came late this year even if it was a new year. Sure January was known for its snow and ice, but there were so many nice days even the birds were confused. But when February returned so did the harsh cold, which made life feel like Siberia. A strange time of the year, indeed.

Oh, it would have been a good time to go to Florida if one had the money, but these days grocery shopping took priority, especially with the price of eggs. But if it wasn't that it was nothing for a dollar on the dollar menu. How would Monica suffice with Lent on the way?

Not that she ever gave up much for such an event. After all, she thought she went without all year. Especially, when it came to boyfriend material. Oh, it was a lonely month. Valentine's day came and went. She didn't even buy any Valentine's day candy on sale.  What was the point? She might as well have been in the desolate desert. 

If that was not enough, a car parked in front of her house. Of course, Monica never thought of herself as a celebrity. But what was going on? Sometimes, she'd fall asleep just thinking about who was in that car. Sometimes, she dreamed of knocking on the window and hoping to find out. Usually, this ended in a nightmare. Would she ever know? 

Still, she hoped for that perfect date. She'd wear something with the sign of spring. She would be in love. Although, that was still a mystery. It wasn't like she'd never dated. After all, she was right up there with "ulzzang" pretty. Naturally, she didn't live where one might appreciate her beauty.

Yes, from time to time she wondered if anyone knew what really beautiful meant. Of course, it was a topic she didn't bring up at school. After all, there were the popular ones and that really didn't have anything to do with real beauty. You just needed to have the right look and the personality that everyone wanted. Which meant, you might wear pajama pants with your Pumas and a hoodie with the school mascot. Really, it felt as if she was suffocating in the heartland.

Finally, she did find out who was in that car. That was where Riley was living these days. 

"Why? Why here?" Of course, Monica was certain she had something to do with it, but he told her it was close to the school and he'd gotten in trouble sleeping in the library parking lot.

Oh, if only she knew what to really do with that kid. She was quite certain he didn't know if he was a boy or a girl, but he did look pretty cool in her lacy shirt. And he actually thought she could cook which made her laugh even more. But she thought he could stay awhile. Hoping he would figure out how to deal with his parents. All the while, she hoped for a date by spring.