Bifemme Short stories

Fall For A Drink

"Coffee is life."

"Black plain, black with cream, 3-in-1 coffee, chocolate drink...", sigh.

"There's not much to choose in this machine. I tasted all of it when I set foot on this land."

Of course I murmured it, but I think the lady heard me. I cringed. I continue walking around and grab something to eat.

I've never gone far outside in our building where I live, aside this nearest convenience store. I just stayed in my flat because I'm not familiar yet with the place. I arrived about 2 days here in New Zealand to study and I'm very much excited to roam.

It is first week of April and I still have two weeks to enjoy 'autumn season' before classes start.

Unfortunately, my closest friend whose helping me to make this things possible, to study here, take few days vacation with her fiancé for a family bonding. She is soon-to-be chef and her fiancés family, her soon-to-be in-laws wants to congratulate her and make a celebration. She's supposed to be my tour guide. But of course I'm happy for her and I don't want to be the hindrance for her future happiness. Besides being alone means me-time. It's important because it allows us to reconnect what's important to ourselves.

This studying abroad is new to me, same as fall season. There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant cascade of autumn leaves. Leaves change its color. This is amazing for me being born in a topical country with only two season, rainy and summer.

I think of myself, like the autumn leaves, I want to change my color, too. I gamble everything I have left in my country just to be here. New course , new work. As a International student at age of 30, it is same like a teenager in a new school. I feel like 18 again. This makes me smile and I didn't notice the woman in front of me.

"Is there something on my face?", the corner of her eyes crinkled.

Oh, no, not again. " I'm sorry. I- I... didn't mean to. I- I'm always in deep thoughts lately and..."

" No worries. I'm not mad.", she cut me. "Waiting for someone?"

I bite my inside cheek. "No, I'm not". I lower my head, though I am smaller than her. I fidgeted with my phone.

"You like coffee?", I frowned

"I heard your murmur a little while ago."

My mouth fell open. "You heard me?"

"You whisper, too, loud.", her mouth twitched. "Would you care for a coffee?"

Fear crossed my face.

"You don't have to be afraid. I'm not a serial killer. I'm a local here." She grab her purse and showed me a rectangular hard plastic.

"Here's my ID.", extending her arm showing it to me.

"Oh, no! I didn't mean to... you know." I paused and breathed. "Does it show?".

She gave me a wide smile and my face flushed. A long silence. I look away to hide my facial expression. I can feel her stare.

"I know a lot of coffee shop. It's autumn season and they are reinventing new drinks. Would you like to have a drink with me?".