Coffee, Stranger? [Completed]

VI. Taste of Brewed Coffee

I HELD my breath as I anticipate for his kiss. My fisted hand crumpled a bit of his shirt. I'm literally screaming inside and my head is spinning with excitement.

"Eherm." We heard a cough from the door and I jump far from him. I didn't know I had such quick reflexes. I whistle out of nervousness I didn't know if she noticed.

Dean just chuckled.

"Mom! How long have you been there?" I swear I'm wiggling like a worm bathed with salt. My heart beats crazily like a drum. I couldn't look at anyone's eyes, and I guess I'm blushing. I run to my mom as I drag her out of the kitchen.

"I think your friend needs assistance," she teased me grinning. I felt my ears burning red together with my cheeks. She clearly saw things.

"Mom! We're not like that." I stomped my feet on the floor like a kid, hoping a little tantrums will help me make my mom believe my foolish lie.

She just laughed at me. I felt like she's being crazy. "Mom, I'm telling you, we're just friends."

She just snaps her fingers but still has this grin on her face. "Of course baby."

"But I like him." I mumbled in a low voice but I know my mom heard it loud and clear. "A little."

She just patted my head as she hugs me tight.

"How did you grow up so fast?"

I hugged her back, tight. "I didn't mom. I'm still your baby."

"So is he courting you?"

I pushed her gently, "Mom!"

She just laughed as she stands up and walks to the kitchen. I walked behind her but I tried my best not to look at Dean. I'm still embarrassed. She opens the refrigerator and pull out a cake.

"Dean, honey, I'll just bring this to the garden."

He nodded and winked at me before going back to what he is doing. I followed mom to the garden where she sat down and looked at me dearly. She looked at me with love and I can say that for all those years that's she's been busy ever since my dad left us, I missed her so much.

I moved to her side and hug her without warning. I know she was shocked about my gesture because I'm not always like this. But I just realized it now, I am all that she has for now. I need to let her know that somehow, I'm here for her.

Dean caught us in that position. And I couldn't care less. Why would I be embarrassed hugging my mother in front of anyone? I just smiled at Dean as he placed the coffee in front of us. The aroma filled our noses, and it was sweet like summer breeze. I felt like drooling.

He sat in front of us smiling. "Here Auntie. I'm not confident with my blending. But I hope you'll like it."

Mom just smiled. I let go of her and let her pick one cup and smell it. She smiled like the smile I haven't seen before.

"It smells like Franc's coffee." Franc's the name of my Dad. No doubt she loves him so much despite him leaving us. "Your father is a part-time barista on the coffeeshop I usually went to when I'm having a bad day."

I just listened. She rarely talks about Dad ever since he left. I know this is a way for her to let go. Dean just looked at me, hooked my hand under the table, squeeze it tight and just nods at me. I squeezed his hand back.

"I met him there. He was too good, and I feel in love. And I like his coffee. Good old days." She sighed and she looked at me as she drank one sip of the coffee. "He fell out of love and I understand that. I love him despite those things. But love is not something you can control. He was honest, and I knew he loved me then. It just happened that it didn't last."