In Her Own Footsteps

XV

"There are two things friends should absolutely know about each other," Sophie began with a grin on her face. "Birthdays and how you like your coffee."

"Does this mean we are friends?" Aanya asked, teasingly.

The truth was that Aanya was serious, although she did not want Tessa and Sophie to know this. She had always felt so confused about where she stood with her previous friendships that the confirmation became necessary.

"Of course we are!" Tessa confirmed before hesitantly adding, "We better be. I would not have shown you both my embarrassing pictures from nine years ago if we were not."

Sophie and Aanya laughed in unison while Tessa pouted and glared at them. The three of them walked towards the Starbucks that stood at the junction of South 18th and Walnut Street. Peer support had just ended and united in their shared passion for the arts, the Museum of Art was their next destination.

"Well, usually, I go for a hot cappuccino, anything with cream and sugar. But today, I will melt if I drink anything hot."

"Iced cappuccino for you then, ma'am?" Sophie joked before turning to Tessa, "And what can I get you, young lady?"

"I might just get a cold brew today... with extra foam." Tessa joined in.

"I am disappointed," Sophie added, crossing her arms over her chest, pouting. "None of you share in my passion for whipped cream? I am flabbergasted." She quickly turned her head away from the two girls.

"Whipped cream for me is for special occasions," Aanya explained. "If not, I can't use the excuse of treating myself if it's every day."

"I'm just keeping away from a sugar high." Tessa followed the conversation.

They walked into the Starbucks. The store was quite empty with just a handful of people sitting around. The delicious smell of dark roast brew welcomed them. In the cool air, they breathed, a hint of sweetness lingered.

"Man!" Sophie exclaimed loudly, her hands raised in the air, "The heavens have rewarded us with some AC."

"Should we sit for a bit?" Aanya asked.

"Yes, definitely!" Tessa agreed. "I could use a break from this heat."

Taking their turns, the girls ordered and paid for their drinks. Aanya paid with a gift card she received from Connor's mom last Christmas. With their cold drinks in hand, they walked to a booth on the corner, with a view of the busy streets and the theater across the street.

"Girls, I am glad I was able to meet you when I did." Aanya expressed her gratitude, her eyes getting moist.

"Oh Aanya," Sophie pulled her into a hug. "This friendship was written in the stars. If it was not for Connor, I would never leave your side."

"I am glad we found you!" Tessa reached for Aanya's hand. "If it was not for you, I would not be able to handle Sophie's high energy." She teased.

"It's probably because of all the whipped cream," Aanya teased Sophie back, "It turns her into the sweetest of them all."

They lost track of time as they talked each other's ear off in Starbucks. The sound of their melodious waves of laughter blended with the gentle sound of coffee brewing in the back. When they all finished their drinks, they cleared their table before exiting the commercial space and continuing their adventure to the Museum of Art.

As they entered the museum grounds, they found themselves in the most beautiful garden. The freshly planted tulips and roses created a rainbow of colors on the ground. The view past them was that of the Schuylkill River where collegiate athletes could be seen training in their row boats. Along the paths, locals ran and walked, taking in the beauty that summer offered. The rocky stairs stood majestically a few miles away from them as tourists posed on the stairs and took photos.