The Barista Diaries: Love At First Brew

Chapter 12: Grieving Is Awful.

Long time no see! That writing break felt so nice for the soul- but I am here for a new chapter for you all. I hope you enjoy and if you are someone that is grieving a loss in your life, know I am here for you and the process of grieving will take time and that time will be worth it. Do know that you can take all the time you need to grieve. Anyways, read the new chapter! Love your faces!

The same day...

"Pete?" says Alexis. "Yes?" says Pete. "I wanted to ask you- how did you cope with losing both of your parents?" says Alexis. "Well, I had to figure out why they were gone and knowing that they were important parts of my life. They molded me and shaped me into the person I've become. Without them, I would've not developed my love for music- that is where my dad comes in- and you're probably wondering where did my love of coffee stems from?" says Pete. "Who did you get it from? I've always wondered that myself." says Alexis. "My mom ironically. She was the person that knew coffee well; well maybe not the latte art I taught myself to do that. We'd sit outside if it wasn't too hot or if it rained and had our coffee together. I remember it being my last day of high school and I didn't have anyone to share my morning coffee with." says Pete. "I feel like I learn something new everyday about you, babe." says Alexis. "And after they died, life did seem dark for a while; I went through a depressive phase and I wasn't the fun person to be around. I met my two friends, Maya and Westin, at the first job I mentioned to you already. I explained them the situation and went through that whole process to keep me as their 'own' if you will. It was a longtime in my life but it was worth it to have somewhere to sleep at night." says Pete. "I bet that's first night's sleep was great; if it wasn't I understand." says Alexis. "It was actually.Knowing I didn't have to be alone anymore was a wonderful thing. After the old job I worked at ended, I got the job at Brew Blends and still work there to this day. Maya & Westin have been nothing but supportive just like my parents would've. I think my mom would've loved the perks of me working in a coffee shop though." says Pete."I'm glad you found your place in life. I'm thankful you are here to help me overcome the process of losing my dad." says Alexis.

"When is the funeral?" says Pete. "In a couple of days. My mom is still getting everything set up for it. She invited a few of his side of the family to which I don't know many of them. And some of my mom's side to which I would rather see." says Alexis. "Why your mom's as opposed to your now late dad's side?" says Pete. "You know I had a complicated relationship with my dad and never got to know any of his family really well. Whenever I would visit my mom's side, I would get so excited to go see them. I didn't even want to leave after we went to visit them." says Alexis. "Not that I should ask but if you did visit them was it as awkward sounding as you are making it?" says Pete. "Yes, I would dread those visits like the plague. I would want to leave after that. I felt that if I had a complicated relationship with my now late dad- I felt I had a complicated relationship with that side of his too." says Alexis. "I didn't know any of that. I feel like we open up to each other more which isn't a bad thing. I think communication is important in a relationship." says Pete. "Absolutely, I agree. I still thank you everyday that I met you. I don't know what I would do without you." says Alexis. "I say the same thing to myself at least once a day. I love you, Alexis, I do." says Pete. "Me too, Barista Boy, me too." says Alexis, getting ready to go over and kiss her handsome man.

She is super thankful that she understands what she's going through and that he'll be there with her. I thank him for being here right now. I just need him right now. I just do.- Alexis thought.

A couple of days later...

Alexis' Dad, Sam's funeral // Lunch + then home

They have most of Sam's side of the family come and for some strange reason, they don't even acknowledge Alexis. She was right about them indeed. Her mom, Diana, is beside her and Pete is holding her hand as she begins crying. She knows this will be a hard time in her life to process but as long as she has her mom and Pete the process will be much more smoother. After the service, Diana offers to take Pete and Alexis out for some lunch. They both nod in agreement and head to a local deli spot and get some sandwiches. After lunch, they all grab coffee and take it home to sip and savor. As soon as they pull in, Alexis runs in to go change into more comfortable clothing as does Pete. She asks Pete if they want to watch a movie and cuddle on the couch. He nods in agreement and he puts on a comedy that randomly started on TV. She doesn't know what she would do without him and just being surrounded by his presence is exactly what she needs right now. She leans in to kiss him and doesn't want to let go of him at all.

"Babe?" says Pete. "Yes?" says Alexis. "Do you want to go for a walk or is watching a movie fine?" says Pete. "This is fine. I just want you in my arms right now. That's all I want." says Alexis. "Okay, we'll do just that. I just want you in my arms too. Always want you in my arms forever and always." says Pete. "Gosh, I love you when you're sweet." says Alexis, cuddling up closer to him.

They finish the movie and a song begins playing in Pete's mind- My Lover by Bird-Talker and the lyrics play in his mind as he watches the movie still with his girl: While it may be hard to navigate This masquerade We can still go back to our place With some cheap champagne You're my lover... As the movie ends, Alexis nudges him about that walk and they take a walk outside and just soak each other up.

In life, you can come across the perfect person and they are usually right in front of you. They understand you for you. If I hadn't met Pete, my life would've looked so different. He's here for me while I grieve the loss of my complicated dad. I wouldn't trade him for anyone else. He's simply perfect- well maybe excellent instead of perfect. Barista Boy, don't ever let go; Please don't ever let go. You are someone that completes me. -Alexis thought.