Unbreak My Heart

1. Homecoming

You know how anxious you get when you are looking forward to that school trip or awaiting good news? That's how I have been all week, but it was worse last night hence I woke up at the crack of dawn today.

After experiencing one of the longest nights of my entire life-which is saying something for someone who's seen some of the worst things life has to offer- I couldn't get comfortable. My pillows were too flat and hot (on both sides!), and the noises drifting in from my small window grew louder with each passing hour, but the truth was none of those were the real reasons for my restlessness. My mind ran a mile a minute with only one thing.

Him.

I'll finally be seeing Alex again. Face to face. In person. After eleven months, two weeks and four days-yes, I've been counting.

A smile pulled at my lips when a soft breeze blew around me and the scent of coconut from my freshly washed hair drifted into my senses. Anyone who knew me, knew I only used coconut shampoo for special occasions, and today was very special.

Even the darkening clouds that threatened rain couldn't dampen my good mood this morning.

Waiting for the traffic light to allow me to cross the street, I shifted the bag that held my newly purchased sundress over my shoulder. As soon as Melissa, Alex's mother, asked me to help with his homecoming party, I went on the hunt for the perfect dress. Granted it was the most expensive piece of clothing I now owned, but you only live once.

If I was going to survive today I needed some caffeine and only one place could boost my energy. William's café. As soon as I walked in, I smelt coffee beans and croissants. Yum! Like every morning this place was packed-good thing I wasn't staying.

"Darling, are you having the usual?" asked Susie, the co-owner coming from the kitchen.

"Yes please, but takeaway. I'm in a hurry."

As I waited for my order, a frustrated gentleman a few feet away from me caught my attention, fishing through his pockets-it looked like he couldn't find his wallet. With a look of embarrassment, he turned toward the door about to leave when one of the staff called out the next orders.

"Cafe mocha with peppermint and a splash of cocoa and croissants for you sir, and cafe latte with almond milk for you ma'am," said the barista confusing our orders.

Mortification and heat flamed the gentleman's face before he opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off, feeling sorry for him and had an unexplainable urge to be generous today.

I placed the cash on the counter with a smile. "That should cover mine and his order. Please keep the change."

The barista walked away after thanking me and I looked at the man holding my order. "I believe this is yours?"

"Yeah. Thank you and for paying for my order. I left my phone and wallet in my car," he finished off clearing his throat.

Smiling, we exchanged our orders and I turned away, heading for the door. "Wait, I didn't get your name," he called out.

"Call me Mocha." I winked with a smile. "Mind if I call you Latte?"

" I don't mind one bit, kitten." His grin matched mine and I stepped out of the cafe, confused at the fluttering sensation the interaction with the handsome stranger gave me.

~~~~~~~~~❤️~~~~~~~~~~

For someone who has been to Alex's mansion more than a hundred times, today I definitely felt out of place.

The foyer was decorated so beautifully and classy. Looking at the sparkling chandelier made it clear that Melissa, Alex's mum, wasn't kidding when she said she wanted the house to be spotless. The house staff were dressed in black and white going up and down, doing one thing or another.