Quick Bites

Saving Anna

Anna and William's relationship looked peachy from the outside, with its cutesy kisses and warm teddy bear hugs, but actually it was crumbling down.

Anna knew she was not being herself. She had to break free and follow her heart if she wanted to live life her way.

Anna and William had it all. Good job, a trendy apartment they rented together at a rather posh part of the city and a bunch of cool eccentric friends to hang out with. The relationship they had was one of the most unbelievably perfect symmetry and synchronisation.

If Anna cooked dinner then William would do the dishes and when William did the laundry, Anna would be dusting around the house. They worked out together, maintaining each other's diet control plan with the strictness of a drill sergeant. They were so attuned to each other that they would complete each others' sentences most of the time. It was like they could read each others' mind.

Of course, like any other couple, they had their own share of shouting matches and temper tantrums but nothing fazed them. They held on to their relationship and made sure the relation- ship sailed on smoothly like before.

Anna would stop by a little cafe every morning to catch a bite for her breakfast. Her usual order would be a large cup of bitter black coffee and a tiny chocolate brownie. The jolly old man, owner of the cafe, soon became friends with her and he would add a cupcake to her order for free occasionally. Anna loved little perks like this and moreover, the cafe was small, warm and smelled of delicious baked goods and coffee.

One day, Anna entered the cafe to find a stunning beautiful girl sitting behind the counter. She looked as if she would be in college. She had thick chestnut hair cut into a pixie bob and pretty light brown eyes. Her mouth was small and cute. She was wearing a Superman t-shirt.

"Hello! How may I help you? We have a batch of ginger honey cookies coming up soon. Would you like to try them out?" The girl chirped as soon as she saw Anna.

Anna stared at her awe-struck. New feelings, ones she never had before, were arising into her heart.

"Hello, I would like to order black coffee, large and almond chocolate brownie. And, of course, throw in some ginger honey cookies too!" She managed to divert her stare and looked at the menu, although she knew her order by heart.

A girl was silent for a moment as if she was recalling something.

"So you are Anna, the black coffee and brownie girl! My dad speaks a lot about you. He says you are his favourite customer. You come in here every morning."

So, she was the owner's daughter. Undoubtedly, she seemed as sweet as the glazed apple pie, the bakery was famous for.

Anna smiled, "he is a great guy. He gives me free cupcakes!"

The girl extended her hand. "I am Jules. I am going here to work for the summer."

As soon as their fingers touched, Anna felt sparks coursing through her veins. Jules's hands were soft and warm and they seemed to be a perfect fit to Anna's.

Anna gulped.

'Your order will be here soon." Jules waved towards a seat. Anna thanked her and walked towards the empty chair. It was by the large window overlooking the roads outside but also gave a panoramic view of the cafe.

Jules went back to work, taking orders and writing them in little yellow notes which she would pass through the kitchen door. She seemed to be highly efficient at her work. She was sharp.

Anna sat, silently, surreptitiously glancing at Jules from time to time. The more she watched, the more enamoured she became. Jules had a way with others. She seemed to exude coolness, she was like a breath of fresh spring breeze.