Untamed Hearts

C h a p t e r 16

"Good morning, sweetie!" Mom said, looking up from her phone as I walked into the kitchen. "Isn't it lovely outside today?" She nodded toward the window, where the sunlight was peeking through the blinds.

I smiled, as I reached for an apple from the fridge. "Yeah, it's beautiful. I love this time of year." The soft hum of the refrigerator and the gentle chatter of the morning news provided a soothing background noise.

Mom took a sip of her coffee, her eyes sparkling with interest. "So, do you have any big plans for today? Any tests or projects due?" She leaned against the counter, her eyes locked on mine.

I shook my head, taking a bite of my apple. "No, nothing too major. Just a normal day." I glanced at the clock on the wall. "I should probably get going soon, though. I want to grab some breakfast for Claire and Natasha before school."

Mom nodded, "Sounds like a plan. Don't forget to greet Ava for me, okay?" She handed me my backpack, and I slung it over my shoulder.

"Will do, Mom. Thanks for the reminder." I gave her a quick hug and headed out the door.

As I walked to the Louis café, the crisp morning air filled my lungs. The sound of leaves crunching beneath my brown Chelsea boots and the chatter of people passing by created a lively atmosphere. I finally stepped inside the cozy café, where the smell of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee surrounded me.

I ordered our usual treats – three hot chocolates with strawberry muffins. I knew Natasha would appreciate the one with less sugary toppings, while Claire and I would indulge in the extra topped ones.

With a few minutes to spare before my order arrived, I took a moment to glance around the cozy café. I noticed the warm glow of the morning light streaming through the large windows, casting a golden hue over the bustling atmosphere.

A group of students sat in the corner, typing away on their laptops, while a young couple sat at a small table by the window, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes.

Near the counter, a local artist had set up a pop-up exhibit, displaying vibrant paintings and sketches on the cafe's walls. The barista, a friendly woman with a bright smile, expertly crafted intricate designs on the foam of customer's lattes.

Near the window I noticed a small, fluffy cat curled up in a basket. The cat, wearing a tiny name tag that read "Mocha," seemed to be the cafe's unofficial mascot. My face grew warm with delight as customers cooed and snuggled the adorable feline.

The café's diverse atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee on a chilly winter morning.

Just then, the barista called out my order, and I got up to collect it.

"....try not to worry too much." A guy emerged from the back of the café, chatting warmly with Ava, his messy blonde hair was slightly tousled, as if he'd just rolled out of bed. The black jacket he wore was open, revealing a crisp white Nike top underneath, his thighs looked like they were screaming for mercy, trapped in those sleek black pants. His sturdy black Dr. Martens boots made a soft thudding sound on the floor as he walked, and the delicate silver cross chain around his neck glinted in the morning light.

Ava patted his arm reassuringly. "You'll do just fine, just be yourself and make some new friends. And don't forget to ask for help if you need it."

Blondie nodded, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Okay. I'll see you later."

As he prepared to head out, his aqua blue eyes met mine, a warm smile spread across his face accompanied by a respectful nod. I was struck by the brightness of his aqua blues that made me wonder if he was secretly stealing hearts with those piercing orbs.