Once Upon A Coffee Shop

Chapter One

'Today is the first day at the college and I can't even find my books!' I growl quietly to myself and look around the room, only to find them stashed away under a pile of purple flannels. Once they are all securely shoved into my bag, I go about the normal hygiene-related morning routine and pull on black jeans, a grey button up, and a purple sweater over said button up. "Now to class.." I mutter, slinging my bag over my shoulder and walking out of the apartment. On my way to the college campus, I pass a small coffee shop. The name is Little Red Cafe, the words are red with white spots and since I have a little time to spare, I decide to go in. A little bell above the door chimes softly when I walk in, my black and purple checkered wallet in hand. The barista smiles and waves happily at me, her pale wrists are adorned with cute, mushroom themed bracelets. Her bright red hair swishes as she speaks in a bright, bubbly voice. "Hello! I'm Zoey, your barista. What can I get for you?" I look up at the menu, only to settle on a regular, black coffee. She nods and immediately sets to work. "I noticed you have a bit of an accent. Are you one of the transfers?" I watch her work, feeling more comfortable talking to her than most other people I know. "Yeah, how'd you know that?" She smiles and turns, holding out my coffee. "I have night classes at the college that's accepting the transfer students. Anyways, good luck with your classes!" She waves goodbye to me and returns to waiting for other customers. I smile and sip at the coffee, relishing the bitterness and warmth of it.

During class my pencil taps relentlessly on the notebook in front of me. The class continues going by in an excruciatingly slow manner, clock ticking away as it counts down the hours, minutes, and seconds until we get out of the room in which we learn. Eventually the teacher begins writing new notes on the board for our class to copy and I zip through writing them as fast as I can, I then continue on my drawing. The graphite pencil in my fingers soon begins to draw the lines needed to create a long face with a small, grinning mouth and dimples. The eyes are large, sparkling, and beaming happiness, and the nose is cute and button-like. The girl's jaw is adorned with two cute bandages and her shoulders are small and angular. After a bit more attention to detail, I sit back and take the entire picture in, only to realize I had drawn the coffee shop girl, Zoey.

-Duncan's P.O.V.-

I laughed happily as I marched down the halls with my close friend and science partner, Kim. "Hey Dunc, how's your bro Hector?" I smile and fake thinking for a second. "Hmm... Just as evil and in love with your step-sister as he was last time you spoke to him." She nods and mutters something about 'getting those two to date' and I nod, waving goodbye to Kim as I turn to walk down the hallway to my next class. On my way down, I pass a sign advertising the Winter Dance and I can't help but wonder if Kim would go with me.

A few hours and an annoying class later, I dart outside, backpack slung lazily over my shoulder and a grin smeared on my face. I quickly make my way to the coffee shop Kim owns with her best pal, Zoey. My favorite drink they sell is the nano coffee. Rather than white foam, they put blackberries in it to make it more of a purple colour. It was Kim's idea... Probably why I like it so much. I slowly open the door and walk in, waving at Zoey in a friendly manner. "I'm guessing you want the usual Dunc?" I nod and smile at Zoey. "Did anyone new come in today?" "Yeah! An exchange student! He was really cool, and quiet, and mysterious!" She rambles on as I sip the coffee and nod. "You have school tonight, don't you?" I cut off her ramble and her eyes widen. "Crumbs! I should go get ready!" She shuffles out from behind the counter and walks to the open sign, flipping it to closed. I walk out of the shop with Zoey, waving goodbye to her outside, and then walking to my apartment. Once I get there, I turn on the tv and watch whatever pops on.

Kim's P.O.V.

I grin and sing along with my sister, Echo as she listens to one of her CDs using the small, violet radio/CD player. Eventually, Mother walks in, a large smile on her face as she proudly listens to her daughters. Once the song ends, she claps and chuckles. "Good singing girls! Now, why don't you help me get the groceries from the car. And Kim, how was school today?" I smile at the thought. "Great! Duncan and I got to mix chemicals in science and we made a really cool, multicoloured fizzing reaction!" My smile fades as I continue to think about Duncan. "He still hasn't asked me to the dance yet..." Mother sighs and picks up a couple of bags. "Well, if he waits too long, go with somebody else. Show him that just because you like him doesn't mean you'll wait forever." Her lavender eyes flick over to me and she smiles gently. "Both of you girls are too good for any man, and they'd better realize that." I smile and nod. Mother is so smart and kind, it's crazy. Soon, all three of us have gathered all of the bags into the house and Mother looks over at us from her embroidering. "You girls should get to bed, or you'll be tired when it's time for school." Echo and I nod before racing up to our rooms, slipping into our nightgowns and climbing onto the bunks of our bunk bed. "G'night Kim." " 'Night Echo." With those words, I finally go to sleep.