Patience( Book Two)

Year Three

"I belong with you

you belong with me

you're my sweetheart."

_____________________

Sonne, Germany

Summer, June 1st

On most mornings the Xavier-Lehnsherr household found itself empty. A steady heartbeat of calm would breathe it's way through the open windows and let the natural scents of the surrounding lavender gardens stick to the surfaces. The curtains would dance in time with the chimes just outside the porch. The hardwood would become slightly littered with small flowers that would fly inside from the Kwanzan Cherry Trees on the property. The home was straight out of a storybook, old brick built on strong foundations, overgrown ivy reclaiming her in the gentleness of time. The greenhouse is always full of exotic and native plants that Charles and Erik tended to effortlessly. Inside was a simple couch, old green fabric wrapped around sinking soft cushions, portraits of friends old and new scattered around the walls. Old morning mugs would find their way into the silver lines sink, always one with a little more remaining sugar at the bottom than the other. Reminders scratched on tiny post-it notes decorating the fridge between photo's of Strawberry or a rather old photo of Erik and Charlie. The stream nearby would produce hopping frogs on the porch that settled in the small shade provided by the chairs. A single bedroom, not neat but not messy either, had clothes scattered on the floor and old books stacked in the corner. Posters from concerts long ago and dried flowers hung upside down in the window sill. Everything about the small cottage at the edge of the Schrieber Family land was perfect, and those around them could feel the love that poured from that place.

Yes, on most mornings you would find the inhabitants of the cottage at their small business, a place that had become the backbone of the community. Fresh daily pastries made from recipes passed down for generations made their way in the thin glass and left their scents in the air outside. Four small tables made home on the cobblestone street that were almost always taken by regulars and visitors alike. A sign had recently found its way into the window, oddly enough it read "Pastries Beware! Very Hungry Dog! She Has Absolutely No Manners!" with a small, joyous looking photo of a now year and a half old Strawberry. She had grown quite tremendously over the year, and with that she'd grown attached to both Charlie and Erik on an almost unhealthy level. In consequence, she would find herself at the café, often outside lounging in the summer sun. Most days, customers were aware of her and offered a corner of their morning nutrition's to the adorable creature, but every so often an unsuspecting victim would turn away just long enough for Strawberry to swipe the pastry undetected. It was comical in a way, like somehow everyone was part of this giant joke involving a hefty puppy and her undying love of pastries.

"Strawberry, do behave today," Charlie planted a soft kiss on her nose as he stepped inside the café.

Erik could be spotted in the back hard at work on today's menu while Sylvia iced and packaged cupcakes and cookies. Charlie made his way into the back with the cardboard box of dried teas and fruits and flowers that would be used in today's blends. It had become somewhat of a passion of his, creating the perfect tea blends for the morning. He would work with Colette to create twelve options for the day, three of which would be monthly specials while the other nine rotated throughout the summer. It was early June and so it was time to start bringing out the Summer blends. Sonne was always beautiful in the summer, a beautiful portrait frozen in time that spread joy and carefree attitudes to all its inhabitants.

"Good morning," Charlie slipped inside the kitchen and kissed Erik softly before disappearing into the back room.

"This everything?" Colette asked in excitement as she reached hungrily for the box. Her brown curls were in a claw clip, causing flyaways to fall into her face softly. Her apron was light green and stained from their many failed attempts at mixtures, it was a science really and with all science comes a mess. Over the years Charles had found himself to become what most would consider 'best friends' with Colette, but Charlie felt it was deeper than that. Like they understood each other and complement each other perfectly. Most days, if Charles wasn't with Erik you could find him attached to Colette at some local market chattering away over a cup of fresh botanical tea.