Secret Haven (HIATUS)

Chapter 2~ Is that salt?

"Ugh, why did David choose the 9 a.m. class?" I groan, putting my hand to my head in frustration.

I walk into the kitchen and grab my Sertraline, something recommended to me for my PTSD and Anxiety. Popping one of the pills into my mouth, I take a sip of water to wash it down.

"Time to go," I say to myself, grabbing my backpack and put my student ID in it, along with some text books. I get in the car that my boss had provided, a simple 2018 Kia forte in the color blue. It's nice, but not nice enough to draw too much attention. I start the engine and begin the drive to Saint Adams University.

Once I arrive, I grab my bag and start heading towards the school entrance. The class that I had signed up for was supposedly in room 028 in the west wing, so I look around for a bit, before finally spotting it and walking in.

I look at the large classroom and notice that I am one of the first ones here, besides a couple of other students. I take a seat in the back of the classroom right next to the door, glancing at the time briefly. Glancing around the classroom, I see no sign of David and sigh in annoyance.

Finally, around five minutes after nine, a professor with broad shoulders and graying hair walks in and says a very dull good morning.

All throughout the class, David doesn't show up and I realize coming was a waste of my time. After the professor gives us an elongated introduction and tells us some basic information about the class, ten o'clock finally arrives. The professor dismisses us and starts cleaning up his desk. I grab my bag and shuffle out of the classroom, along with the other students.

My stomach grumbles, and I sigh to myself. Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I look up some good food places near me. I settle on a cute little cafe a few blocks away and start walking to my car, but quickly decide against it. I take a deep breath, enjoying the warm weather.

I arrive at the little cafe and it's pretty cute, with little flower designs all over the walls and booths.

I walk up to the front counter, ringing the small bell set out. I wait for one of the servers to notice me, pulling out my wallet. I see someone poke their head out from what looks like the kitchen door and walk out, smoothing their apron.

"'Ello, my name is James and I'll be your server, what can I get for you today?" He says, a strong Australian accent clear in his voice.

"Can I just get a small black coffee and a blueberry muffin?" I ask, setting a ten dollar bill on the counter.

"Alright, so one small black coffee and blueberry muffin. Will that be for here, or to go?"

"For here, please."

"Okay, I'll be right out with your order," he says, putting my ten in the register and giving me my change. I put it in the tip jar absentmindedly, looking for somewhere to sit.

I find a nice little booth and sit down, scrolling through my Instagram.

After a few moments of waiting, I notice James come back, my muffin and coffee on a tray.

I thank him and dig into my muffin, loving the sweet treat. I lean back into my booth and take a sip of my coffee, a salty taste overtaking my taste buds, making me nearly gag. I barely manage to get it down without spitting it out. Wiping my mouth with a napkin, I take a bite of my muffin to wash the flavor down.

I notice James by the counter and stand up, taking my salty coffee with me.

"Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, but I think there might've been a mix up with my coffee. It tastes like there's salt in it or something," I mumble, setting my coffee on the counter.

I'm surprised to say the least when he picks up my coffee and takes a sip of it, immediately spitting it out into the sink behind him.

"Yup. Definitely got some salt in it. Huh, maybe there was a mix up with the orders. I'll get a new coffee for you right away."

I watch as James makes my coffee, moving so swiftly and effectively I can't help but look at him with wide eyes when he sets my coffee in front of me only moments later. My coffee is now in a small glass cup and I notice that he added cream, making the top look like a small leaf.

"That was quick, thank you."

"Well, I wouldn't want to keep such a pretty lady like yourself waiting too long, now would I?"

I smile at him kindly, admiring the art in my cup.

"Ya know, I've never seen you around 'ere before. Are you new in town?" James asks, leaning forward on the counter.

"Yeah, I am actually. Just moved here about a week ago."

"Oh, that's cool. Where'd you move from?"

"Michigan, actually."

"Oh, what brings you to L.A.?

"I actually got accepted to a nearby college," I beam, grabbing a nearby stool and sitting down.

"Oh really? Which one?"

"UCLA. It's got a great program for writers, so I'm excited."

"So I've heard."

"I have to ask, your accent is super strong, where are you from?"

"Australia. I moved here when I was fifteen but I have lots of family 'ere so I guess my accent decided to stick around."

"Oh I see. That makes sense."

"So I guess I'll be seeing a lot more of you from now on?"

"Oh definitely. I love a good cup of coffee and blueberry muffin. I just really need to try and find some work. I'm on full ride with tuition, but I still need to find a way to pay for my food and such."

"Well, I think we have an opening 'ere if you're interested?"

"Really that'd be great actually! Considering how close this place is to my apartment, it would be stupid not to."

"I can talk to my manager about you coming in for an interview. If ya wouldn't mind, could I get your number so I can contact you?"

I almost say no, before realizing that I do, in fact, need a job while I'm here. "Sure!"

"I'll see you around then?" he asks, putting his phone back into his pocket.

I nod my head and walk back to my booth, taking my cup of coffee with me. Surprisingly, I enjoy it more than I normally would, the cream adding a nice change to my usual routine.

I savor my coffee for as long as I can, before stacking the mug onto the glass plate my muffin was brought out on. I walk up to the counter, wanting to pay for my food before I leave.

I start to pull out my wallet, but James stops me, insisting that it's on the house due to the salt incident.

I give him a kind smile and thank him, walking out the door and back to the university.

I finish up the rest of my classes, a few boring, and very unnecessary lectures tacked on to the original two classes I wanted to take. I'm finally able to head home, so I start the engine of my car and take the long way home to think.

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to leave any tips or suggestions in the comments!

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Xoxo Allie

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