Saturdays

Chapter One

First Saturday

As I walk through the glass door, I hear a small chime go through the coffee shop, signaling the two workers of my arrival.

"Good morning" they say simultaneously, most likely out of habit, while they continue working.

I glance around the shop in awe. Small white tables and chairs took up most of the floor space while a few light green booths were lined up against the white walls with little vases topping them, filled with flowers. Pictures hung from the walls and small lights hung from the ceiling. I internally praised myself for deciding to come on the earlier side because there were barely any people in here.

This is better than I expected.

As of last week, I moved here to start my junior year of college. During my sophomore year, I decided I wanted to switch my major from philosophy to English and creative writing. This caused me to have to move from my hometown, Nessis City to Burton. I needed to find a good place where I could relax and forget everything. This place was one of the first to pop up after searching online so I decided to check it out.

I grew up having to deal with a lot of anxiety. In the mornings, while driving to school, I would have a knot in my stomach like I was about to give a presentation in front of my whole school. Even the smallest thing like doing homework would cause me to overthink and have unnecessary stress. I never knew how to control it.

One day during my freshman year of high school, my dad suggested going to a family owned coffee shop about a mile from our house. "Get a coffee, bring a book, just relax." he said.

The next day, I rode my bike down to the shop just to try it out. At the time, I didn't think it would be much help, but now that I look back, I'm so thankful I went. It was so quiet and peaceful; I absolutely loved it there. I decided to try to visit the coffee shop every Saturday I could.

After a while, I, in a way, became a regular. All the employees knew me by name and had memorized my order. I felt at home there.

The college I ended up going to was not too far from the coffee shop, so I continued to go there. When I decided to transfer to a university here, I hoped to find a cafe just like the one from home. Now, I think I have found the perfect place.

I make my way to the counter and find a paper attached to the register. 'Free wifi!' it said.

I don't remember seeing anything about free wifi on the website. Can this place get any better?

Just as the thought goes through my mind, I glance up to see a young man (around my age) making someone's drink. May I just say, he is the very opposite of unattractive.

It just got better.

He had hazel eyes and blonde hair. Out of nowhere, he smiled for a split second, revealing a dimple and his sparkling teeth.

Aww, that's adorable!

Am I being creepy?

Yeah, I'm definitely being creepy.

I quickly shake away my thoughts and come back to reality. The other employee walked up to the register with a smile.

"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked while moving her long, blonde hair behind her ear. This revealed her name tag, which had 'Claire' printed across it.

"Mhm.." I hum while I feel my palms start sweating and my starts to heat up.

Come on, Grace. It's a simple question. She won't even remember this interaction in a few minutes. Stop being anxious.

"I'm n-not sure. Any suggestions?"

"Oh, you should totally try our white chocolate iced drink or our caramel latte. They're my favorites." she said with a small giggle.

I give her a shy smile,"I think I'll try the caramel latte." I say barely above a whisper.

"Good choice," she said smiling,"that will be $3.05."

I quickly pay and take a seat at one of the small booths by the front window.

I gaze out the window and observe the people walking by, waiting for my drink.

Since it was about eight thirty in the morning, there weren't too many people out. The light rain was probably another factor.

While looking out the window, I noticed a cute little bookstore that was right across the street. Knowing me, I'll most likely check it out sometime.

There were also a few little boutiques, a smoothie shop, a pizza place, a music store, and a muffin/bagel place.

This is literally just like Nessis City.

I'm pulled from my thoughts when I hear my name called from the counter. I retrieved my steaming cup of coffee and slowly made my way back to my seat.

As I take my first sip, I quietly thank Claire for recommending this drink because, wow, it is good.

I turn to my bag to pull out the book I brought and continued from where I had stopped reading.

After reading for about 15 minutes, with a half empty drink, my phone rings. I quickly fish it out of my bag and accept the call.

"Hello?" I say, forgetting to look at the caller ID.

"It's me, come on." A feminine voice says with a chuckle.

"Oh my," I quietly laugh, "Sorry Kate, I forgot to look at the caller ID."

"It's all good. So, how's Burton?"

"So far it's going well. I mean, I've only been here for like a week, so I haven't really had tons of time to explore, but it's not bad."

"Yeah, that makes sense. Where are you right now?"

"I'm at this little coffee shop called The Grind, in the downtown area. My drink is really good, and it's just like the one from home." I say.

"Oh that's good! I was worried you wouldn't be able to find a coffee shop you like." she laughs, "I'm not sure why since most coffee shops are really good."

"I was worried too. I think I could get used to it here, but don't worry, I'll come back to Nessis City."

"Good! You better come back. So... have you seen any cute guys yet?" she teases.

"Just to let you know, I'm rolling my eyes.. But yeah, I have." I laugh.

"Ohh.. tell me more!"

"Uh, do I have to?" I groan.

"Yes, of course you do."

"I hate you," I say while she laughs through the phone.

"He actually works here at the coffee shop. He has blonde hair and a dimple. I don't know what else to say." I giggle.

"He sounds hot! Have you talked to him?" she asks.

"Of course I haven't! Leave me alone Kate." I groan.

"Come on, Grace. Man up."

"I do what I want, I'm punk rock." Knowing her, she just rolled her eyes at my attempt of a joke.

"Fine, but you'll never get a boyfriend if you say that." she says while laughing.

"Whatever." I laugh.

"I'm done talking to you."

"No, Kate! Don't leave me!" I giggle

"Fine. So what have you done this week?"

"Um, mostly unpacking. Some reading, some writing."

"Have you met anyone- wait, how's your roommate?"

I sigh. "Her name's Alena. I would like her but we're complete opposites. She's always out partying and she has a wild personality."

"Grace, you need to have a positive attitude. Try to get to know her more. Maybe you'll end up liking her."

I sigh ,"Yeah, maybe. What have you been up to?"

"I moved back into our old dorm. My roommate hasn't come yet but I'm pretty sure it's Elizabeth, remember her? I think she was in one of your classes last year."

"Oh yeah. She seemed nice." I reply, not really knowing what to say.

"Yeah.."

"Um, I should probably go."

"Yeah, I should too. Bye Grace."

"Bye." I say before hanging up.

I try to forget about that awkward goodbye and continue where I left off reading in my book.

In the next hour or so, I've finished my drink and more people have come, taking up most of the seats. Three more employees arrived and are now helping out the first two.

I'm too observant.

I decide that I should probably leave soon since I've been here for a while.

I get up to throw away my trash, but realize the nearest trash can is next to the pick up counter.

They should probably invest in more trash cans because I'm not a huge fan of unnecessary walking.

As I'm weaving through the tables, I just so happen to glance up at just the right time for me to freeze in my spot.

You know the very attractive barista from earlier? Yeah, we're making eye contact and wow, his eyes are gorgeous. I am one hundred percent sure I look like an idiot because I'm not making any type of movement. I just kind of stopped in my place, frozen.

I finally rip my eyes away from his and quickly finish throwing away my cup. I'm still in shock. I don't even know why, this shouldn't be such a big deal. It wasn't even for that long. HE IS JUST ANOTHER HUMAN.

I need to stop freaking out and be a normal person.

I gather my belongings and head out the door.

As I open the door, I hear the same chime noise as earlier, which catches the attention of the employees. "Have a good day." some of them say.

Still dazed, I walk out of the coffee shop. Of course, with my luck, I almost trip over a paved step while approaching my car. I slowly look around to see if anyone noticed and hurry to my car.

Gosh, why am I like this.

I sigh to myself while driving back to my dorm, wishing to forget any of this ever happened.