Even a ghost craves junk food. (open)

[Thomas Geiston]

When Geist had awoken in the morning there were several stacks of boxes leading down the hallway from his apartment door. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were from his mom and brother and half of them seemed to be stuff from his room at home, the other half was newer things. Nothing major; some pots and pans, curtains, a dvd player, and a cat bed where just some of the newer things. It was painfully obvious that his mom had gotten him and packed the newer things, while his brother sent all the older things. Comic books, video games and systems, posters, and even some of his old action figures and games where shoved into the boxes.

Needless to say, it took the guy most of the day to go through and unpack everything. It wasn't until his stomach started growling, that he even noticed how late it was, and that he hadn't eaten all day. Luckily it wasn't too late, so he could still get to that little cafe he liked that was just around the corner. Grabbing his keys and phone, he pulled himself from the maze of empty boxes, out his door, and eventually down the street to Kali's Kafe. Once in, he ordered his usually coffee with cream and sugar; and for after, a soda and a very large order of cheese fries.

Sure, it wasn't the healthiest choice, but hey, he wasn't at home anymore. Geist settled in with his coffee and waited for his fries, humming happily to himself.

[Arlene Baines]

Arlene had closed the antiques shop today in order to travel to Montpelier and appraise some art for a collector. Since she had studied art history in school, she hadn't needed to use her powers to verify the authenticity of the pieces...of which one had been a very clever knock off. Arlene hated delivering bad news like that but at least this client wasn't inclined to call her a liar. She hated that even more than delivering bad news. After informing her client where they might be able to pursue legal action Arlene took down the name of the seller and sent it to her parents. In a few days everyone would be more informed and they could avoid this in the future.

She'd spent the rest of the day wandering flea markets and second hand stores, eventually coming home with a trunk full of things in her beige BMW. She felt the first hunger pangs as she entered Pilot Ridge later that day and decided she was too tired to cook. She parked at the closest space and walked the short distance to a cafe she had yet to eat at. The shop wasn't empty when she walked in but other than a brief, friendly smile she ignored the other customer. After placing an order for a toasted tuna sandwich with a salad, she took her drink to the table. The iced tea would taste wonderful after the day she had.

She took a seat somewhat near the man in the shop and reached into her purse to take out a collectors magazine she had bought earlier and began to flip through it. It was thick, and listed things like trading cards and action figures on the market, it also had advertisements for newer games and cards. She made little noises now and again when something interested her and started making mental notes in her head. One if which was to find someone to play pokemon with.

She looked up when am order of cheese fries landed on her table, but before she could protest the waitress was distracted by a phone call and practically ran off. Puzzled, Arlene looked at the other patron and picked up the cheese fries. With the magazine still in her other hand she approached him, thinking she must look so silly in her very nice "appraiser" clothes holding a plate of cheese fries. "Hello!" She greeted him cheerfully. "I think these are yours?"

[Thomas Geiston]

By now, Geist had finished his small cup of coffee as was practically twiddling his thumbs as he waited. It didn't take long for him to reach in his pocket and whip out his custom 3DS and turn it on. He sort of hummed along to the theme music as it played and he selected his game. Not even three minutes in, he was already flailing about a little as he fought his way through the game he had saved. So much attention was on the game that he didn't hear the well dressed lady beside him. 

An elbow glanced the plate, but luckily it didn't spill it. "Oh god!" He paused his game and spun in his seat to grab the plate. "Oh, yeah, they're mine..thanks...Sorry. I almost got ya all messy." He chuckled some nervously as he glanced her over to make sure nothing got on her. "I'm really sorry." He repeated and stood, wondering if like most people, he'd be shorter than her too. 

((sorry short Rae...next one will be longer))

[Arlene Baines]

Arlene was equally grateful that the fries hadn't been upset too much either, her dress was very difficult to clean due to the material and she wasn't sure if the local dry cleaners would be up for the task of heavy stain removal. "Oh, it's no problem," she assured him after his second apology, backing up just a touch as he stood up. In her heels she paused and looked down at the shorter man. It wasn't a first for her, but she thought he'd looked taller sitting at the table. She grinned again anyway. "Your 3DS looks really cool by the way! Did you get that custom made? I've never seen one like that at all!" she asked, looked down at his game system.

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and waited for her answer, the collector's magazine held just to her side. However before much could be said Arlene's correct order arrived at her table. "Oh! Hold that thought...can I, can I join you?" she asked hesitantly, not sure of the shorter man would rather eat alone than have her interrupt what might be time he wanted to spend my himself.

[Thomas Geiston]

Geist smiled up at the taller woman with a bit of a sigh. "Yeah, just like I thought...taller." He thought to himself and meant nothing by it other than a minor observation. "Good, I would have hate to of thought I messed up your clothes in anyway." Another little smile cracked his lips and he nodded at her. "Thomas Geiston, by the way." He moved to sit back on the stool, mainly so he was a bit taller. "Friends call me Geist." 

For a moment, he had almost forgotten the DS in his hand until she practically gushed over it. He had to laugh a little and tucked a strand of his long black hair behind his ear and nodded. "Yeah, kinda. My brother had it made for me. I love it though." Though he thought it was a bit odd for someone dressed like her, to have an interest in something like video games. Then he saw the magazine and chuckled. It all made sense then. Finally he set his plate of fries down and nodded.

"Sure, I'd love to have some company." Geist hopped off his stool and pulled the one next to him out for her. "Couldn't help but notice your catalogue. Ever been to The Hidden Dungeon?" He was of course referring to the comics and collectibles shop he worked at.  

[Arlene Baines]

"Nice to meet you Thomas," Arlene said with a smile. She wasn't sure it was polite to simply assume that she would be allowed to call him "Geist" as he might assume (perfectly reasonably of course) that they were not friends just yet. "I'm Arlene Baines, you may call me Arlene if you wish," she informed him before looking back down at his game system as he explained that it had come from his brother. "It's fantastic! Mine is purple with some charms hanging off of it," she added before turning and fetching her food, happy that he was willing to let her join him.

When she sat down again set her catalogue aside she flushed a little. Actually, she hadn't set foot in a shop like that in awhile. "Uh, well no actually. I know it exists of course, I've walked by it more than once but I haven’t actually been inside just yet,” she added, remembering the last time she had entered a comic books shop after a job only to be practically chased out by the “men” who ran the store. It was frustrating and embarrassing that the incident had hurt her feelings immensely because she honestly could not understand where any of their animosity had stemmed from. “I usually purchase what I want online or through people that I know.”