Just my cup of tea

Foreign TasteBuds

Alice POV*

I woke up before my alarm went off and took this an opportunity for a relaxing wake and bake. Hayleigh had texted to ask if I would like a lift again but I humbling declined. I felt like being alone with my thoughts today. She had brought up my future plans and I realised it was something I really needed to think about and actually come to a decision. I reclined on my bean sack outside as I lit my spliff. The sun was hot but the air was cool and I wanted to stay right here the entire day. I finished my spliff and suddenly had a craving for coffee from the cafe. It had been sometime before I went back there, out of fear of running into Kate. Although I'm sure she had the same thought.

I decided to give into my cravings and headed towards the cafe. I stepped in and the fresh scent hit my nose. I had missed this place. I scanned the cafe and didn't see any sign of Kate which made me both disappointed but relieved at the same time. I took a seat at the couch as I would just get some coffee and maybe a doughnut. I placed my order and opened up my book to read a little. I looked over to the counter and realised that Kate's boyfriend was sitting here this entire time! He shifted about in his seat as he tapped his finger on the table. There was no way he didn't see me. Where was Kate? Then fate decided to answer my question and in came Kate from the toilets. She immediately spotted me and our eyes locked for a second. I saw a whirl wind of emotions flash across her face but she quickly snapped out of it and shot a look at her boyfriend. He had his head down in his phone and then looked back up as she got closer. He said something to her but I could not hear and she glanced one more time for a second and then sat down with her back towards me.

He grabbed her hand an held it up on the table, most likely for me to see but she pulled it back down and reached for her bag. More words were exchanged and I became very uneasy. He put his arm around her after she picked up her bag and she shifted a little obviously feeling uncomfortable. I wanted to leave so bad but I had placed my order and I'd have to walk passed them to get out. I felt like a mouse in a trap and the door was my cheese. I couldn't stand the sight of his hand around her. I couldn't stand the sight of him. No matter how hard I tried I just could not find even the smallest reason not to hate him with everything I have.

Finally the bell chimed and it looked like their order was ready. He finally took his arm off her and they stood up to get their food. She didn't turn around to grip her jacket but rather reached behind her and got it. They got to the counter and picked up their things and headed for the door. His car was parked just ahead of were I sat at the window so I saw them get in and I caught her immediately looking into the side mirror to the cafe window. Our eyes met and I didn't want to believe whatever emotion I saw on her face. I had to start believing there was nothing there in her eyes, in her heart and nothing here in this place for me anymore.

Finally I heard the bell chime again and I went up to get my order. I left but before I did, I took one last look around the coffee shop. I made my way to work and decided to get lost in the days work. Hayleigh and I were sent to two long conferences and I caught her dozing off a few times. Her side comments and corny jokes actually helped a lot to take my mind off things and I was really grateful for her right now.

"So, what are you doing tonight?" She looked hopeful and full of energy. "Tonight? you want to hang out two nights in a row?" She squinted her eyes, "And so what? you can't possibly be tired of me already now?" She gripped her bag and began digging in it. "No it's not that just today kind of drained me and I think I should have an easy night." She found her gum and took one out for me. "Well I can do easy, you know that." She seemed very eager and I was glad that she enjoyed my company so much. "Alright, what do you have in mind? But you're driving."

her face brightened up, pleased with herself that she won this time. "oh, you like to smoke right? There's a really cool place I go to with my friends but we can only go there in the next hour or so." It was pretty late and most of the places would close soon. "That's a bit late don't you think? What place is this?" I asked. "Oh come on, I promise you will like it! One chilled night coming right up!" She fist pumped the air and I would feel bad to let her down now. "Alight so then what do we do for an hour?" She thought, "We could drop your car off since you don't want to drive."

We picked her car up and then headed over to my place. "Welcome in kid, make yourself at home while I see if I have anything good to drink." I made my way into the kitchen and I could see Hayleigh looking around at pictures and ornaments around my lounge. "Did you go to all these places?" She picked up a music box I got from Paris. "Yep sure have, once the travel bug hits you're infected for life." Again the thought of leaving popped into my mind but before I would let it wander to her I brought my attention back to Hayleigh as I handed her a cup. "Here, Have you traveled anywhere before?"

She picked up a notebook I had bought in India and trailed her fingers over the intricate designs. "This is beautiful, Yes I've been to London once with some family for a wedding." She put down the notebook and we made our way to the couch. I rolled a spliff and we chatted more about her friends I would meet. I immediately forgot all their names. The night slowly progressed and she was correct, I did have a chilled night. Her friends were very similar to her and I immediately knew I would be seeing more of them. I realised that I've been slowly letting go of things and taking on new things in my life. Maybe it was me secretly calling for a huge change. It played on the back of my mind constantly.

I thought back to a conversation I had with Hayleigh about places I have traveled to. As I relayed my journey to each place her face lit up in awe. It made me feel as though I too were seeing those places for the first time threw new eyes and it excited me. I got home and couldn't sleep. It was 3 am in the morning. I lounged around a little and smoked and then decided to check all my social networks. I opened up my Facebook and just saw a post from a friend teaching in China. It was a picture of her at a temple. It looked amazing! I clicked in her album and wrote her little comment; "Hey there Clare! Just thoughtI would let you know that your time in China looks amazing and I'm really proud of you!"

I smiled as I thought back to our campus days and how we would always talk about getting away from this place. Suddenly a notification popped up that Clare had inboxed me.

Clare: "Hey Babe! thanks so much for your comment. Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't you do a teaching course for foreign countries?"

Me: "Yes I did! You look like you're having the time of your life there! It really is amazing to see!"

Clare: "Well then why don't you come teach in China?"

Me: "I don't know, I've always thought of it but I got so caught up with life here after campus."

Clare: "Oh please come! you will love it! I just know! It would be the perfect thing for someone like you! If you want I could speak to my director and recommend you?"

Me: "Really?! That sounds amazing...although I'll need to think about it."

Clare: "What is there to think about?" I need someone from home here! common please!"

Me: "lol ok ok I will definitely think about it and get back to you."

Clare sounded over the moon excited about the idea of me coming to teach and I felt...well am not sure. This was it, this was what the past few days have been boiling down to. My chance to get away and just leave this all behind and start a fresh. Then Kate popped into my mind and my heart felt heavy. China is very far away but then again so is Kate. The memory of him holding her and flashes of that night passed my mind. I felt the distance between Kate and I even more now. It seemed as though my mind knows I have to leave but heart just doesn't want to hear it.