To Be Or Not To Be

Chapter 17

Alis POV

It's been a week since I started my job at the café where I met Isla a couple of times before. The routine is becoming familiar, comforting in its predictability. I've learned the regulars' orders, mastered the coffee machine, and even started enjoying the rhythm of the busy hours. Today, I found myself making a strawberry smoothie—the same one Isla got for me that first time. It's funny how certain things stick with you. As I prepared the drink, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to her.

Isla has been coming to the café more often lately. It's almost turned into a routine for her, and I've somewhat come to look forward to seeing her walk through the door. Some days she comes in to study, her books spread out on the table as she sips on her favorite milkshake. Other days, she just stops by to say hi, a bit odd but im not complaining.

Today was one of those days. Just as I finished making the smoothie, I glanced up and saw her walk through the door. There she was, looking around the café before her eyes landed on me. She flashed a quick smile, and I felt an inexplicable warmth spread through me. It's surprising how much I've come to enjoy these moments. I find myself looking forward to them, anticipating the times she'll come in, and feeling a little down on the days she doesn't.

Of course, I don't admit this to anyone—not even to myself fully.

 It's just a job, after all, and she's just a customer, right? 

But there's no denying the lift in my spirits when she's around. Instead of coming up to the counter right away, she headed to her usual spot—a cozy little corner with a bean bag and a floor desk. She laid out her books and settled in, her focus shifting to her studies.

I went back to my tasks, but every few minutes, I found my gaze drifting towards her. She was so engrossed in her work, her brows furrowed in concentration, and yet there was a calmness about her that was captivating.

After about twenty minutes, Isla finally made her way to the counter. I straightened up, trying to appear casual as she approached.

"Hey, Ali," she said, her voice cheerful and bright. "How's your day going?"

"It's going well," I replied, handing over the smoothie to the other customer before turning my full attention to her. "Busy, but good. What about you?"

"Same here," she said, placing her order. "Just thought I'd take a break and grab something to drink. Got a lot of studying to do later."

"What are you studying for today?" nosy maybe but i was just trying to build conversation. ive been told i need to be a bit more social of course.

"Bio," she replied with a hint of a sigh. "Lots of memorization. It's kind of draining."

I nodded as I started making her drink. "Yeah, I remember those days. Bio can be pretty intense. What part are you working on?"

"Cell division," she said, rolling her eyes slightly. "Mitosis and meiosis. It's a lot to keep straight."

"Tell me about it," I chuckled, carefully measuring the ingredients for her milkshake. "I used to mix them up all the time."

As we continued our small talk, I found myself enjoying the conversation more than I expected. Isla had a way of making even the most mundane topics interesting. As I finished blending her drink, I glanced at the clock.

"I have a break in about ten minutes," I mentioned casually. "Just in time for Maghrib Salah."

Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh , I totally lost track of time. I need to pray too."