My Cup Of Tea

Chapter 2: The Coffee Shop

Pamela

The walk to the coffee shop wasn't very long. It only took about 5 minutes to get there and we quickly sat down at one of the tables in the corner. The place was surrounded by shelves and shelves of books, amazing DIY decorations, and very soft colors.

"It's at least warmer in here, and the place is very cute, I wouldn't mind coming here more often," I announced.

Tabs happily sighed, "I come here many times a week. When it's cold out, this place is nice and warm, and when it's hot out, this place is cool and fresh. It's the perfect place to go anytime of the year, really."

A waitress came to our table and asked us what we were ordering. I didn't know much about what was good here and what wasn't, so I simply ordered a regular hot vanilla coffee. Tabs ordered a green tea. I would have never guessed.

After the waitress left, I looked at Tabitha and smirked, "Tea, huh?"

Tabitha laughed, "I know. How very british of me."

Suddenly I wondered, "Did you live in the UK at some point in your life?"

"Yep, I was born and raised in London. I lived there until I was about 13 years old."

"Oh wow, so not that long ago I assume?"

Tabitha shook her head, "I've only been here in this country for about 4 years."

That meant that Tabitha was 17, like me. For some reason that simple fact made me happy knowing we had that in common.

"I'm curious about you though," Tabitha said, resting her chin on her hands, "I can't immediately tell what your race is."

Most people couldn't. My face obviously screams out I'm Asian but my hair confused people, because I have long, wavy blonde hair. I'm surprised Tabs didn't just assume I was Asian and had dyed my hair, because that's what most people think. News flash, my hair is natural.

"I'm half Korean, half White," I said proudly. That will always be one of my favorite traits about myself, because it's what makes me one of a kind.

"No way, that's really cool! I've met a few bi-racial people who had a white parent and a black parent, but never one who was a mix with an Asian parent," Tabitha stated in disbelief. I smiled brightly at her.

"I'm glad to be the first. My mom was Asian, and my dad is white." I saw Tabitha's face fall. Then I realized what I said.

"Uh... I'm sorry, did you say-"

"Was? Yeah, she isn't alive anymore," I looked down at my coffee, "She died when I was 5." I looked up at Tabitha, who stopped smiling for the first time that night. I instantly regretted turning this conversation into my sad story again. I didn't need any more pity. But what I didn't expect was Tabitha's next response.

"I lost both of my parents when I was 8 years old."

I didn't want to be rude and look really shocked, but my wide eyes and slightly open mouth must have been a dead giveaway. I looked down, feeling bad that I had only lost one parent while here she was with both of her parents gone. Sometimes, I would forget that there are people out there who don't have any parents while I would just be in my room crying for not having one of my parents. I decided to try and change the subject.

"Did you look more like your mom or dad?" I asked with a small smile. Tabitha looked up at me and giggled softly.

"I look more like my mother, but act more like my father." We both ended up laughing out loud, and I swear I felt our hearts beat in sync.