She was near the baking supplies aisle, pushing a whole cart by herself. She lived far away from here, I thought. She couldn't have a car because she didn't know how to drive. I knew how to drive. Also, she was probably too poor to keep a car. How would she take everything home with her on the bus?   

I was there with him. We were gathering the materials to make a birthday cake for our friend. We had lots of friends. I was in charge of the color scheme. He was searching for the best deal on eggs. Her cart was so full! She had sacks of flour, bunches of bananas. She held an apple in each hand. I watched her cock her head, considering items. She didn't see me. I picked out blue frosting and went to find him.

She saw me near the dairy aisle. He waited in line, while I went back because one of the eggs was cracked. I could have avoided her but I walked through the grocery store, chest humming. If I was meant to see her, I would. Then I did. We stood still and stared like animals.

I never told him because I couldn't give him the satisfaction. Instead, I was quiet the rest of the night, while we made the cake together in the drafty kitchen. We bundled up to bring the cake to the party, where I drank vengefully. In the morning I woke up alone, my mouth stained blue with birthday cake.