A Cup of Fate

Before The Blend (Prologue)

PROLOGUE: Before the Blend

“There are times when the actual experience of leaving something makes you wish desperately that you could stay, and then there are times when the leaving reminds you a hundred times over why exactly you had to leave in the first place.” 

― Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way

_________

I am sitting there- at my usual spot at the corner of the shop where the wall is painted with the words "This is a place for broken souls." I would always spend my spare time here just to enjoy my freshly brewed coffee while staring at the bold letters on the wall. I really have no idea what the words are supposed to mean or convey but It sounds interesting enough to make me stay.  

My friend works in this cafe, which is the reason why I always hang out in this place during my spare time. I really adore the aura of coffee shops; the aroma of the newly brewed coffee beans, the hushed tones of people talking, the serenity the place brings. It is the perfect place to read, to be alone, and to think. It has been my sanctuary ever since. 

I’ve been through a tough time recently but I am okay now. I think I am.

I pick up the book sitting lifelessly on the table. I flip through the pages of the book slowly as I try to feel the parchment of the paper. The roughness brings an unusual shiver to my senses. Chapter One, it read. My mom would give me books all the time when I was a kid. I grew up reading tons of them and that is probably why I’m the biggest nerd you’ll ever meet. Don’t get me wrong, I am just the average smart- not the weird smart type of nerd.

Being average smart, I was chosen to participate in an exchange student program to Paris just recently and I’m leaving tomorrow. I am hesitant to leave at first, but I have to. I just made the courageous decision two days ago; four days before my departure.

I’m forced to go. I force myself to go.

I push my eyeglasses up to the bridge of my nose and take a quick sip from my cup of coffee. The mist rises up. I feel the warmth of the vapor as it gently brushes my face and blurs my vision as my glasses moistens. The doors of the shop opens. I discern a familiar person walking in. My eyes widen to the recognizable stature.

No. Please don't let it be him. Please. Please.

But even if I wish him away, he won't be going anywhere. Wishes are for suckers who believes that by closing your eyes and believing in your wish, you will get what you want. Things don't work that way. Not in real life, it doesn't. Sometimes, believing isn't enough. You have to make a move. Take a leap of faith. Gamble. Because life isn't served in a silver platter.

I couldn’t believe I’m seeing him now; one day before I relinquish this place. I hurriedly lift the book up to my face with hopes that he won't see me. All I can do at the moment being is awkwardly read with the book so close to my face to hide myself from him, but the truth is that I am shielding myself from believing in his words that I will assume to be lies.  

I’m invisible. I’m invisible. I’m invisible. Damn it, I'm invisible. 

I wait for a few minutes to pass by before I decided to put the book down with my eyes close as I heave a huge sigh. As much to my surprise, I am not invisible in his eyes. As I flutter my eyes open, he is there- standing next to my table, gazing at me, looking so dashing that it irritates me. I try not to look so nervous, but man, my hands are shaking. I don't understand why they are shaking.  

“Hi,” he greets with a lopsided grin planted on his face. The golden light illuminates his face so gloriously, I want to choke down. I don't understand why I want to choke down.