Kris, a 26 year old tomboy

The busy cafe was almost packed, and Kris couldn’t believe how lucky she was to find her seat. It was her favorite spot, right by the large window overlooking the bustling city street outside. Her meal was never complete without being comfortable and watching the people go about their lives. The spring weather was particularly inviting today, raising her spirits and the number of people outside.

Most of the people had shed their heavy winter coats in favor of their shirts and shorts. Kris had opted to wear a baggy hoodie and jeans. The jeans were especially good because they hid her unshaven legs. She didn’t care to shave them (or put on makeup, for that matter) because of her tomboy personality.

Kris was a guy’s girl. Ever since high school, she felt more comfortable hanging out with guys than with girls. She enjoyed their straightforwardness and the lack of drama that often accompanied female friendships. It wasn’t that Kris didn’t appreciate her female friends (she had a few close ones whom she cherished dearly). However, she felt more like herself when playing video games or sports with the guys than on mall trips with her girl friends.

Now that college was behind her, Kris had found herself a nice job at a local tech store, where her coding skills and problem-solving mind were highly valued. Even though she was the only woman who worked there, Kris always kept the guys on their toes with her quick wit and competitive spirit. Kris enjoyed her tomboy lifestyle and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Kris checked the time on her phone. She still had thirty minutes left on her lunch break. Looking out, Kris noticed a young couple walking across the street. The two looked so happy in each other’s arms. Kris wasn’t jealous. She had always been content with her independence, finding fulfillment in her passions and pursuits rather than seeking romantic relationships. Still, she couldn’t help but admire the intimacy shared between the couple, the way they laughed and leaned into each other as if the world around them seemed insignificant.

“Do you mind if I sit with you?” asked a male voice to her.

Kris looked up to see an unremarkable man standing over her. He wasn’t particularly tall or short. He was neither athletic nor out of shape. He wasn’t unattractive, but he had no features to attract anyone. He was just there. Kris felt that if she were to look away from him, she would forget that he was even there. But she didn't want to be rude.

“Sure, go ahead,” Kris replied with a nonchalant shrug, gesturing to the empty chair across from her. The man smiled appreciatively and took a seat. Kris returned her attention to the window, sipping her coffee. Maybe she’ll ask the guys if they want to play basketball tomorrow.

“There’s something about spring that brings people outside,” the man said, looking out the window.

The man’s voice startled Kris out of her internal monologue. She hadn't expected him to speak, let alone make an observation. In fact, she forgot he was even sitting across from her. “Yeah, it does,” she replied, more out of courtesy than genuine interest.

He turned to face her, his smile widening slightly. “I’m sure you have a lovely name.”

“Kris,” she responded, despite herself. She rarely gave her name to people she just met.

“So, Kris,” the man continued, “what do you like to do in your free time?”

Kris hesitated. She wasn’t used to strangers asking her personal questions, especially not about her hobbies. “Uh, stuff,” she mumbled, hoping it would pass as a decent answer.

The man chuckled softly. “Mysterious, I see. But I’m sure you do more than just ‘stuff.’”

Kris sighed inwardly. This guy was persistent. “I mostly hang out with my friends,” she conceded, hoping he wouldn’t pry further.

“Friends? Cool. Do you mind if I ask, are they mostly guys?”

Kris stiffened. Did it really matter? “Yeah, mostly,” she said, her voice clipped. “Am I that obvious?”

The man’s smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. “Interesting. I find it intriguing that someone like you, so comfortable in your own skin, seems to gravitate towards one specific gender group.”

The man chuckled again, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Not at all,” he said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. “I was just curious. I saw the way you were dressed and almost mistook you for a man. I tend to be observant.”

Kris raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. “I don’t really dress like a man,” she pointed out, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice.

The man laughed as he gave her a mischievous, unsure look. “Are you sure, Christine?”

Kris opened her mouth to answer when she stopped. Only her family and close friends knew Christine was her real name. How did this man know? Did she know him?

"But there’s something about your demeanor, your confidence, that makes you stand out,” the man continued as he sipped his coffee. “It’s refreshing, really.”

“Do I know you?” Kris asked as she failed to recall if she had ever seen this man.

“No, Christine, you don’t.”

“Then why do you know my real name?”

He took a bite from his sandwich and set it down. Kris’ question went unanswered. “Things happen the way they’re ‘supposed’ to happen. I am who I am and you are who you are. For what it’s worth, you were ‘girly’ despite growing up with three brothers before you went to college. Had I known the younger you, I would have never guessed she would grow into you.”

Kris felt a shiver run down her spine. She couldn't shake the feeling that this man knew more about her than he was letting on. “How do you know that?” she asked, louder than she should have. A man from another table shot her an annoyed look before returning to his phone.

“If I could, I would have bet you would grow up to be a ditzy bimbo and work as a dancer or stripper.”

Kris stood up. “I don’t have to listen to this.”

“Sit down.”