Don't Forget Me

The Caffeinated Rush

Hey hey! I'm excited to continue Daisy's story of her eventful life. This is an ode to my 13-year-old imagination. I hope to share her creativity and passion and maybe hints of cringe. I'm writing this to help me get a conclusion on a story I started over a decade ago. I hope you enjoy it!

-Adaeze Opene

"I'll have a double shot of espresso over ice, with a splash of half and half and vanilla please" The vibrant blue-haired barista sighed in annoyance. Their orange graphic eyeliner paralleling their high-framed cheeks against their clear-framed glasses. The Barista, Cody, slid their clear framed glasses to the tip of their nose. Sending me a look that is a mix of disgust and judgment. "So a latte?" Cody said matter a factly. I sheepishly pause, not wanting to correct them but also knowing there is a major difference.

After I graduated high school I took on a few small jobs in the summer to help cushion my pockets for how expensive college can be. I babysat on the weekends, dog-walked, and cleaned houses. My favorite job I picked up was as a barista at the local coffee shop not too far from downtown. It had pink chairs and gold accents that hung from the ceilings. The perfect coffee shop for me. I learned a few things working there. I'm not the best with Latte Art and the difference between a latte, cappuccino, cortado, and an americano.

"No, actually I was wondering if you can make me a double esspresso over ice with two parts half and half with a splash of vanilla. This is not a latte, since a latte would bring the milk all the way up to the top of a 20 oz cup" Cody was fully annoyed at this point "Gotcha, name?" "Daisy, I'm sorry" I whisper under my breath as I head over to the group of undercaffinated customers waiting for their drinks.

Highschool me was so confident and bold. She could conquer anything and the most awkward of situations. Which were often and frequent to little me. But now, at 22, freshly graduated from college. I've lost most of that confidence from professor to professor. I started off pursueing what I always wanted to, which was theatre. But after a long talk with myself and my dear friend Crystal. Theatre was not the dream job for me after all. Don't get me wrong, I'll always love to sing and dance. But the reality of a unstable life to pursue my passion was unfortunately a heavy weight to bare. I decided to dedicate my studies to film and graphic design.

"Daisy!" I grab my half filled 20 oz cup and decided to not bother with correction. I moved to New York after graduation hoping to find jobs that are in the field I desire. My sister Lily moved here with me. We always knew we'd move here someday. As I step out of the coffee shop, the stench filled air of gas and stale trash hits my nose. I'm reminded of my interview in 30 minutes. The location is a 20 minute commute so I'm really pushing it. I stare at my phone desperately trying to find the right train to make my commute quicker. Distracted, I don't realize the rush of people crossing the street heading into the coffee shop. A tall man in a white button up and shiny italian shoes rams into my left shoulder. The impact was so harsh I completely lose my balance. I've been in New York for just a few months, so of course I get up ready to give him a piece of my mind.

"Aye watch where you're going, you fucking goon!"

"Excuse-"

All of a sudden the sharp pain in my shoulder and the city smell that fogs my eyes subsides. I come to realize who I've bumped into.

"Galen?"