Second Chance

Coffee

*BZZT BZZT BZZT*

I woke suddenly to my alarm ringing in my ear. I sat up and stretched, then leaned over to switch off my alarm. I knew mum wouldn't be awake for a few hours at least, so I could leave soon and avoid her completely!

I jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom, quickly showering and washing my hair. I then quickly stepped out, grabbed a towel and headed to my room to blowdry my hair and get dressed. After then applying my usual, tedious routine of foundation, concealer, bronzer, eyeliner, mascara and eyebrow pencil, I pulled my just passed shoulder length dark blonde hair into a cute half pony. I then quickly threw on a stripy tee and skinny jeans, not forgetting my trusty Doc's from my shoe rack. I was ready to leave.

It was time to look for a flat.

Picking up my keys and bag from the floor I headed out of the flat and down the stairs.

First stop Starbucks! I always need a coffee to wake up properly in the morning. Pulling out my headphones was a task as they were tangled right in the bottom of my satchel. Just as I'd finished untangling them, I reached Starbucks. I pushed open the door and wandered in, browsing the menu. I eventually settled for my usual caramel latte, paid, and left with my drink. As soon as I got outside another body collided with mine, sending me flying backwards and my coffee everywhere else.

"Oh My God I'm so sorry! I- I wasn't lookIng where I was going! Oh God are you okay? Are you hurt? Shit- I mean- oh fuck. Sorry. Are you okay?"

He hit me with this torrent of stutters and stammers. It was so adorable, I just laughed.

"I'm Fine, thanks for asking..?" I gestured for him to give me a name.

"Oh, it's Chris! Sorry again" he smiled back as he offered me a hand up.

"And you are?"

"Grace" I replied, still grinning.

"Well Grace, can I buy you another coffee? It's the least I can do after knocking you over like that" he asked inquisitively.

"Well.." I hesitated.

"I'd love to, but I have a flat viewing in about 5 minutes, I'm in such a hurry" I answered in rather a melancholy way.

He looked disappointed.

"Oh! Well, I'll er- see you around I gue- hope. I hope" he said with a rather mischievous look on his face.

I caught his eye and smiled back.

"Yeah, I er- hope so to, bye Chris!"

"Catch you around" he chuckled as he strolled in Starbucks, leaving me standing outside.

I'd missed my morning coffee, and for once, I didn't care. In fact, I felt more awake than ever according to the butterflies in my stomach...