Where the roses bloom

Chapter 2-A

Maya's Point of view

Mornings used to be the worst for me—like, why do they even exist? Back in high school, I hated waking up early. I never saw the sunrise from home, and honestly, I didn't care to. But ever since moving here, something shifted. Now, waking up before the sun? Yeah, it's weird, but I actually kinda love it.

I'm up at 5 a.m. without even needing my alarm. It's just a habit now. At first, I'd spend those early minutes scrolling through my phone, but let's be real, it was pointless. So Sara, in all her wisdom, suggested I ditch the phone and get an actual alarm clock. I put my phone in the bedside drawer, and boom—game changer. I know, shocking, right?

Anyway, here's how my morning usually goes:

Wake up. Obviously.

Brush my teeth and eat the almonds I soak every night, like my dad taught me. It's a thing.

Shower, get dressed, blah blah, you know the drill.

Then, I pray to this tiny Goddess Durga idol my grandma gave me the last time I visited her. If I managed to snag some flowers the day before, I offer those. Didn't get any yesterday, though. After that, I light the lamp and hope it stays lit until I'm back.

Make tea. Breakfast is... well, mostly just tea and whatever I grab at the café later.

Then, some study time. Or at least that's the plan.

I never thought I'd be the kind of person who sticks to a routine, but it's kinda nice. Keeps me grounded, makes me feel like I've got my life together—even if it's just for those early morning hours. And honestly? It makes me feel less anxious, which is a win in my book.

By the time I finish my tea, the day starts creeping in. That nagging reminder: college. Ugh. As much as I love my little morning ritual, it's only a temporary escape. My backpack, half-zipped and spilling notes from last week's lecture, sits slumped by the door like it's just as exhausted as I am. Another day of trying to care about computers. Yay me.

Fast forward a few hours, and I'm in Sara's car, staring out the window at the passing streetlights. The day passed like always—bad to worse to worst. Sometimes I wonder why I took computers—wait, didn't I already rant about that? Right. Anyway...

Sara's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "I'm dropping you off at the café, then zooming off to the mall. Still don't wanna join?" a textbook open in her lap, her "nerdy" glasses on and a highlighter in her hand.

"Next time." I chimed as I stretched a little in the back of her car. Her driver, James driving us from college to café like always.

She looked up at me from the corner of her eyes, rolled her eyes and hummed getting back on to her book.

James parked the car in front of the café, and Sara and I quickly scrambled out.

"Be back in a minute, James. Do you want anything?" Sara called back, her hand resting on the door.

"Iced Americano would be great, ma'am," James replied with a friendly smile.

"Got it! We'll be quick," she said before we headed inside.

As soon as we stepped inside, the familiar aroma of coffee enveloped us, instantly lifting my spirits. The café buzzed with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of cups. Jenny was behind the counter, her hands moving expertly as she prepped drinks.

"Hey, ladies!" she called out, her bright smile shining like the morning sun. "What can I whip up for you today?"

Sara leaned against the counter, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I'll take my usual cappuccino. And make it extra frothy, okay?"

Jenny winked. "Extra frothy coming right up! And what about our favorite waitress?"

I grinned, leaning in closer. "Just a regular tea for me, thanks. Gotta keep my caffeine levels low while I wait for my shift to start."

"Oh, come on, live a little! Get a coffee! You need all the energy you can get for those endless orders tonight," Sara teased, nudging me playfully.

"Right, because nothing says 'I'm ready for work' like a caffeine crash. I'll pass for now," I laughed, shaking my head.

"Okay, fine. I'll get an iced Americano for James and an espresso to-go for Adrian," Sara added, looking back at Jenny with a grin. "He'll need it to recover from last night's antics."

"Got it! One iced Americano and one espresso coming right up!" Jenny said, her hands dancing across the espresso machine.

"So, how did Matthew like the surprise yesterday?" Sara asked, sliding onto one of the bar stools by the counter, all casual like she owned the place.

Jenny's face lit up as she started frothing the milk for Sara's cappuccino. "He loved it. Honestly, Sara, getting us into that private gig? You're a legend. I've seen him play a hundred times, but last night? It was... I dunno, special. You know?"

I plopped down beside Sara, grinning. "Yeah, Matthew and his band totally killed it. You could feel the energy."

Jenny nodded, still working her magic with the drinks. "It was insane. You should've seen his face when we got backstage. Like a kid at Christmas."

Sara leaned back, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "Just doing my part for love and rock 'n' roll." But then, her expression shifted, a little cloud crossing her face. Jenny noticed it too.

"You okay?" Jenny asked, her voice dipping into concern. "You got that heated call right after we left... Was everything cool?"

Sara waved it off, but I could see the faintest hint of annoyance in her eyes. "It's always the same story. I ask Vanessa to pull some strings, my brother flips out because it's 'beyond her job description.'" She made air quotes, rolling her eyes. "But don't worry, I'm meeting him now. I know how to handle Adrian. It's a sibling thing."

Jenny shot her a knowing look but didn't push it further. "Alright, just checking. Anyway, here's your cappuccino, extra frothy as ordered." She placed the drink in front of Sara with a flourish. "And the iced Americano and espresso are almost done too."

"Thanks, Jen," Sara said, reaching for the cup. "You're the best."

Jenny wasn't done, though. With a sly smile, she reached under the counter and pulled out a tray. "And here—have some choco chip cupcakes. On the house."

"Wait, for me?" I asked, trying to pull off my best puppy-dog face. "Jen, you're too good to me."

Sara scoffed, playfully side-eyeing me. "As if you're not going to 'taste-test' every single cupcake that comes through this café for free anyway."

I shot her a mock glare. "Hey, it's called quality control."

Jenny laughed, sliding one of the cupcakes over to me. "Here's yours, Maya. Don't say I never gave you anything."

I accepted it with an exaggerated grin. "Much appreciated, Jen. I'll be sure to critique every bite."

Sara grabbed her drinks, balancing everything like a pro. "Alright, see you later. Don't miss me too much," she called over her shoulder, heading out the door.

With Sara gone, I took a quiet sip of my tea, letting the warmth of it settle in as I absentmindedly scrolled through Instagram. But that little bubble of calm didn't last long—it was time to clock in.

I glanced at the clock. Five past five. Perfect timing. I slipped off my stool, tied my apron around my waist, and stashed my phone in the back pocket. Showtime.