Hearts of Coffee

First Chapter :))

Heyyy! Thank you for clicking on Hearts of Coffee! Or even if you accidentally clicked on it, please read chapter 1! :)) Before you start reading, I have to say that I'm still young, so obviously the writing won't be perfect, but it makes me happy to write and improve. So thank you so much again, and I'll be more than happy to accept writing tips from anyone. :D

Scarlett:
I ran across the street, holding a 10-inch textbook over my head, my hair soaking wet. The rain pattered on the concrete. It was way stronger this morning, with flurries of rain attacking. It had settled down though, just a few droplets at a time, but still enough to make me look as if I had swam the entire way.

Mom had already gone to work, leaving me to make myself breakfast and jog to Cynthia's. It wasn't anything new. That was the daily routine; Mom goes crazy over work, I have to care for myself, and Cynthia makes sure I don't burn the house down. Once, Mom forgot to iron my dress for a recital, so Cynthia had to dash over and do exactly it two minutes before. In kindergarten, Mom got stuck in a meeting and forgot to pick me up, so guess what? Cynthia rushed to the rescue with Taco Bell and a mismatched outfit.

As I curved around Coney street, a small building stood in front of me. Everything was neatly placed, not one corner of the shop empty. Sometimes Cynthia and I would come here to buy what she called a "souvenir." Things like porcelain baby dolls, grandfather clocks, vintage clothes, and old records.  I stopped for a minute to admire a dazzling crystal dragonfly necklace, carefully picking it up. I ran my fingers along the smooth silver and the beautiful emerald, shocked that anything majestic as this existed on Earth. I dug through my messenger bag, fishing for my wallet. Hm. I counted my money quickly, and I had a total of ten dollars and eighty-eight cents. When I checked the price tag, it was way out of my budget. I couldn't believe it. A whopping 60 dollars. I sighed, trying to think. Suddenly, an idea hit me. I could try to negotiate the price with the owner. Slowly, I brought the dragonfly necklace over to the register, crossing my fingers.

"Hello. I love your um- glasses." I smiled, nodding excessively.

She raised a confused eyebrow at me.

"Sorry sweetie that's non-negotiable," She said, pointing to the necklace. "It's actually priced quite cheap, considering how valuable it is."

"Oh! Of course, okay, sorry." I replied awkwardly, making my way back to the front of the store. No luck today.

I stared longingly at the necklace, then put it back and made my way down the street.

My wet sneakers squished like wet sponges as I darted through the huge line of people in front of "Forget Me Not Florals." I breathed in as much of that sweet scent as my lungs could take. It was like I had entered a new world, a world where nothing could hurt me.

The shop was painted a soft pink, with hints of white. Petals burst out from every corner, each one with a distinct shape and unique color. Seas of misty greens, periwinkle blues, and frosty white flowers glimmered in the sparkling sunlight.

Cynthia was more beautiful everyday that I saw her. She always wore some sort of floral dress with a cardigan, no matter the occasion. She had gorgeous flaming red hair and the warmest smile.

"Hi, Cynthia!" I yelled over the crowd to Cynthia. 

I waved my hand in the air for her to see me. Cynthia was outside of the flower shop with a clear plastic umbrella in her left hand and some white tulips in her right hand. My mom and Cynthia were childhood friends, and when Mom had me, Cynthia was beyond happy. Where Mom and I went, Cynthia followed. Every holiday and every vacation.

"Hey Scarlett! Where's your umbrella?" Cynthia asked, in a concerned tone.

"I was so focused on getting here, I guess I forgot. Oops."

Cynthia motioned for me to come inside as she handed me the tulips.

"Give these to Liz, she'll love them." She chirped happily.

I smiled and followed her into the shop.

"Busy today, huh?" She asked.

"Not really. Sure looks like you are though!" I set the tulips down gently and turned towards the never-ending line of customers.

"Yes I am! Care for some tea?" She turned to the boiling teapot.

"No thanks, I'm getting coffee at the usual place after."

"You've been coming there more lately. Anyone special there?" She emphasized, sipping her teacup and leaning against the storage room doorframe. I knew exactly who she meant.

"What? Charlie? No way, I've known him since like, forever." And it was true. Charlie has always been like a brother to me, and I couldn't picture him any other way.

"Mm-hm." Cynthia chuckled softly.

"Maybe I just really like americanos Cynthia." I laughed.

"Cynthia I need those roses!" A lady standing outside called.

"Alright! Sorry kiddo, better get working! Help yourself to any of the snacks." She set her teacup down and picked up number 1265, a box of roses. 

I pulled my coat on and headed out of the shop with the tulips cradled in my arms.

"Bye, Cynthia. See you tonight," I announced.

"See ya kiddo!"