Whisked Away

Untitled Part 16

Tiiiing!
The familiar scene of a chalkboard menu staring back at her, the pastel interior of sofas and tables and the overwhelming smell of roasted coffee beans enriched her nostrils and definitely her mind too. One who once heavily disregarded cliched cafes couldn't help but fall in love with the place she and Pete regularly visited. Besides, the pastries were to die for and the staff were friendly and amazingly efficient. Taking a whiff, she couldn't help sneaking out a smile. Greeting the familiar waiter and barista on her way to her favourite corner seat, Tanya had already made up her mind on what to drink- an aromatic cup of matcha latte. She had always been a faithful worshipper of a classic cuppa but Rose had pestered her into trying the new creamy, warm drink which had her at first sip.
'Hi!' A new waitress, probably in her late teens, stood in front of her with a notepad and a pen. 'Can I take your order?'
'A matcha latte with extra creamer on the side for Miss Tanya, I reckon!' The barista shouted across the room with a smiling eyes and a cheerful grin.
'You got it, Ben!' Tanya chuckled, giving him a wink.
'Alright, sure,' the confused waitress went back to wiping tables.
It feels nice to be at familiarity again, Tanya thought to herself as she looked outside the clear glass window. Leaning back against the cushioned seat, she closed her eyes, embracing solace. She tuned her ears to the hissing of the espresso machine as the ebony liquid dribbled onto the porcelain surface. The buzzing sound of people chattering and the occasional shrills of laughter filled the place warm. Then, the antique bell placed right at the door of the entrance rang. Dismissing it, Tanya continued keeping her eyes closed as her auditory and olfactory senses heightened.

"HI!"

"OH, DEAR GOD!" Tanya jumped, as her eyes flew open. "Wait- YOU?"

"Glad you can already place me," he smirked, revealing a perfectly straight and pearly white set of teeth.

"How can I ever forget you, RUDE SUPERMARKET GUY?" Tanya snapped.

"Not forgetting ignorant, chewing gum guy?" He chuckled.

"Whatever," Tanya rolled her eyes.
'Look,' He said, uncrossing his leg, 'I know we headed on to a bad start. But we should forget that!'
Tanya frowned.
'I'm Dan, Dan Craw!' He extended his arm, flashing a smile.
Tanya's slowly lifted her palm and raised her whole hand. 'Tanya.'
'Here's your matcha latte,' the same, young waitress placed the hot drink in front of her.
'Thanks.' Tanya glanced at her with a smile. 'So, how did the interview go?'
Dan frowned, shamelessly helping himself to the drink Tanya ordered, instantly earning himself a look of disapproval from her.
'It went horrible,' he frowned, 'let's not even talk about it here. Which position did you apply for?'
'Err,' Tanya stole a glance, catching Dan's stare, 'I tried for an editor.'
'That's great!' Dan exclaimed. 'Why are hesitant about that?'
'Because a lot of younger people are fighting for this position,'Tanya shrugged as she snatched back her drink. 'Besides, I'm sure I won't get the job. I'll just to look around more.'
'And what makes you so definite about that, Miss Tanya Green?'
'Because I was the one who went for the interview, not you,' Tanya snapped. 'Wait a minute, how did you know my last name???'
'Err, you said it while you were introducing yourself earlier on...' Dan stuttered. Confused, Tanya pushed the thought aside as she went on indulging in the creamy drink as each sip caressed her throat and flowed down, refreshing her.
'Hey, maybe we-'
RIINNGGGG! Dan was interrupted by the shrill of his handphone ringtone. 
'Yes, hi, okay. I'll be right there.'
Dan sprang up and grabbed his coat and cellphone. 'There's an emergency, but I'll see you again, Miss Green.'
With that, he broke into a jog to the exit. Tanya looked until he disappeared into the distance.
'Great,' She thought, 'all alone again.' She reached out for the white porcelain cup and brought it to her lips. Her eyes gazed outside the windows onto passers-by, wishing she was one of them; wishing she did not have to go through such a hurtful ordeal. A tear escaped her eye.

Tanya left a $20 bill on the table and left without saying goodbye to her favourite barista. Her chest felt heavy and her eyes began to water as she recollected every scene of her and Pete, hanging out at their 'spot' at the cafe, the one at the far left corner. 

'Why do you like to sit at far end corners all  the time?' Tanya used to ask Pete.

'So that I can focus on you without anyone disrupting my beautiful vision,' Pete would reply swiftly. 

"Taxi!" She shouted a tad bit too loud as an elderly man passing by gave her a strange look. Without giving two hoots, she got into the taxi where she gave the driver her house address and quietly sobbed. Pete was gone, and all that was left was the huge void in her chest that caused her so much pain.