A Cup of Love

Part 1 - Last Friday at the Coffee Shop

Phew! It's the first Friday of the year and here I am, being grateful that finally the class is over. I don't have anything in mind 'to do' during the weekend. I guess I'll just stay home for now. Just this time.

My students were cleaning the room as I am putting my things inside my backpack. The rain is still pouring and I don't think it'll halt in the next few hours.

"Class, if you're done cleaning you can go home." I told to my students.

"Okay, sir! We're done here anyways; I'll just throw the garbage." Matt, the leader of the group, replied. He took his umbrella and the trash and went off to the school's garbage area while the others exited one by one bidding farewell to me. After some time, Matt is back, he entered the room to get his things.

"Hey, Matt, do you know some coffee shops near our school?" I asked.

"Yes, sir. There's a café located at Freeman St. called Clover's Cup Café or C3." He responded. "My mom used to tell me that that's where she met dad, so I think it's quite a romantic place." This kid, aside for being smart and talkative, knows how to talk to people older than him. He's still thirteen but the way he addresses me is more of a young adult, very friendly and approachable.

"Really? Do you think I can meet my future wife there?" I said amusingly.

"Who knows, maybe." He shrugged and smirked. "Just try it, sir."

"Haha, okay, I'll try" I supposed. "Well, it's getting late, Matt. Better get home before it goes dark"

"Yes, sir! Goodbye, sir!"

A romantic café, huh. It's been years since I've had someone to love. I got so caught up with my career that I forgot the feeling of being in love. No, I'll just have a cup of coffee before I go home. That's all. No girl-hunting or whatsoever, just a cup and off we go.

I started up my Corolla and headed to that café. The place is fancy. I never knew that this place exists near the school. The exterior is well painted. There are numerous costumers inside. The parking lot is also stuffed, good thing I found some space to park. I hopped out of my car and rushed towards the door. I crossed the threshold; hanging on the wall of the bar table is a wooden sign, the letters embossed: 'Clover Coffee Shop', under it is the year of establishment: 'Est. 1950'. There are also photos hanging on the stone wall and most were black and white. Classic!

"Hi, Miss..." looking at her nametag "...Jona. I'll have one cup of cappuccino and onion bread." I said to her, the barista on the bar table.

"Is that all, sir?" She inquired.

"Yes, ma'am." I replied. She handed me a wooden tag with a torched number 4 on both sides.

I took a seat at the backmost area. Each table has a lamp above which makes it illuminated. As I was waiting for my order to arrive, I saw a woman next to my table. She's reading a book: The Dark Half by Stephen King. Her eyeglasses showcased her beautiful eyes. On her table is a white cup of coffee I presume. The saucer is inches away from the cup. For seconds I was staring at her and I think she noticed because she covered the book to her face. Oh shit! She must be presuming that I like her, though, I do like her. I reached for my phone in my pocket, opened and scrolled the screen as if I'm busy, but, truth is, I'm actually embarrassed.

My cappuccino has finally arrived together with onion bread. The hot drink is refreshing, perfect for a rainy season. She pleated the upper right corner of book and shut it. Red sweater and light-blue trousers, she's elegant looking in those clothes. Her scent wafted through the air, damn, she's lovely. I checked her out until she stepped out of the door. Damn!