Now That I've Found You

Now That I've Found You: Chapter 3 "New Beginnings"

The Voyage Café
Several people walked by on the crowded street. Outside the Café were tables, each with an earth tone umbrella and small flowers in the center. 

Among the noises of people, you could hear music spilling out from inside the café. The sunset could be seen down the center of the street the view was so beautiful. The owners of the café, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, have been running this beautiful café for 5 years.

Inside the café large ceiling to floor windows, rustic tiled floor, There was a love seat and a few lounge chairs displayed like a living room area. It looked so relaxed and on the other side was more café tables. Along the wall, there was a variety of arts and on the opposite side, the wall was filled with books both old and new.You could smell the aroma of Chicken baguettes, latte, espresso, cream cheese smoked salmon bagels, faux chic atmosphere, and see servers wearing black and white matching garbs.

At the front, you could see a small stage where Rosalin and Bret were setting up their equipment. On a 3rd Friday night of every month, they held an open mic and they get many people in, willing to share poetry, spoken word, or a song whether it's an original or cover. Gwen walks in just as Rosalin gets up to go place an order.

"Ros!" she makes her way over to the lounging area. Puts her coat and bag down. Then walks over to Rosalin and gives her a hug.
"Girl so glad you could make it. How are you?"
 "I'm good. I'm good. I had 2 interviews today." Gwen responded.
Rosalin quickly put in their drink orders. Then they both went to sit down and Bret joined them.Gwen continued on about her day.

"So fingers crossed in hopes that I land at least 1 of them cause it's exhausting submitting 100 resumes a day and only getting back 2 prospects." "Girl I feel you on that. I was searching as well. Even though I have a job, It's not what I really want to do."

 Brett chimes in "We should count our blessings that we even have jobs, babe." "I know and I am grateful." Smiled Rosalin. She is grateful that they have jobs but wish they could do what they love and that is music. Sipping her latte, Rosalin smiled to herself.

"So you both ready to dazzle us with your music?" Gwen was rubbing her hands together in excitement. When Rosalin first met Gwen, she took part in the open mic. She did a spoken word piece that stuck in her mind and once they sat down to talk she found that they had somethings in common and they kept in touch since. Gwen has such a carefree, naturalist outlook on life and a chill attitude.
She can also be a bit of a rebel but focused when it came down to serious matters."Honey you looking fierce!" Edmond said loudly as he walked over to the table.
 Gwen stood twirled once and then laughed. "Yasss Yasss!" He shook his head, then gave her and then Ros a hug. "Brett! My brother how are you?" shaking his head Brett responded with a smile."Good, Good, and you?""Oh I'm good! Can't wait to see the talents in this place tonight. Yall ready?"Brett laughed "As ready as we'll ever be."
As they all sat in the lounge area conversing a lady comes over to Ros."Excuse me," She was clutching her bag and looking around at everyone at the table then directing her question to Ros. " So I have been here twice and I have to say that you are such an amazing singer. I'm sure you hear it all the time but I wanted to come and introduce myself." holding out her hand. "I'm Nikita. I also do some singing here or there."Ros stood and shook her hand.

"Ooh Thank you. So you enjoy the open mic?""Oh yes. I just am not as brave as the both of you. It seems frightening.""I have been doing this for so long. Practice makes perfect. Are you by yourself?""Yes. I am new to the city and well just adjusting."

Gwen patted the seat beside her. "Then come join us. We can all get to know each other."
"Really? I don't want to intrude."
"Oh no. Please sit." Edmond pointed to the empty spot beside Gwen. Nikita smiled and sat down. They all chatted for a while. The service staff coming and going.
 Clearing tables and making room for new customers.

Ryan opened the door stood back to allow Emelia and Braxton to walked ahead of him into the cafe. Braxton stood there for a moment to let his eyes adjust. He scanned the area until he saw his friend Edmond and then they walked over to them."Hey guys, you made it." Edmond stood to do introductions. " Okay, so Emelia, Ryan, and Braxton these are my friends Gwen, Brett, Ros and -" He paused looking at the newcomer."I'm Nikita." She said smiling.Edmond laughed "Yes Nikita." Brett pulled up another chair making room. Ros looked towards the door hoping her sister would make it on time. "Man what have you been up too?" Edmond asked Braxton. "Well, I finished school. Starting my new job soon. So I'm really excited about it. What about you." Edmond laughed. "Man I'm working and saving. Trying to reach new heights like you." they both laughed. As everyone continued. A microphone came on and the owner, Mr. Joseph begins to list the participants in tonight's open mic.
"Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Open Mic. Whatever you want to share: Poetry, Spoken word, original, or a cover...you are welcome to do that here tonight. I believe we have familiar faces here so don't be scared or intimidated. We will open up with our first volunteer shortly." Mr. Joseph placed the mic down on the stand and exited the stage and went back to the kitchen.

Ryan, Braxton, and Emond's conversation was on sports, family, and School. They hadn't had time to catch up until now and Emelia, Gwen, Nikita, and Ros couldn't stop laughing about Gwen's perspective on how domestic home life can be.
Sophia walks in as Brett gets up to go refill both his and Ros drink. He sees her walking up to them. "Hey, about to get something at the counter. Want anything?" She was removing her jacket."Yes, please. Water with lemon, Thanks." She turned and faced everyone. "Hi."Rosalin got up and hugged her. Then pulled her over to the seat she saved for her. "Everyone this is my sister Sophia." "Heyy!" the group said. Edmond and Gwen got up to introduce themselves, while the rest waited and as Sophia was shaking hands and catching names, Braxton laughed at something Ryan said. Sophia looked over towards the area he was standing. She remembered that laugh.He turned and his eyes fell on her and his brow creased in thought. She could tell he was trying to place where he has seen her.
Rosalin continued. " Just so you all know Sophia owns her own business. She is a pro with cooking and baking. So if you ever need a coordinator, grab her info while you can."As she spoke surprise flitted across Braxton's face and then he got up and walk over to Sophia. She wanted to laugh because she could see him rolling over in his mind 'Where have I met this woman?' He reached her. "Hey, for a moment I had to remember where we met. I'm Braxton.""I could tell. It was written all over your face, but it's okay. I'm Sophia." They both laughed."It's been a while. Did your mom like the cake?" She knew his mom liked it, she just needed something to say."Are you kidding me? She couldn't stop talking about how amazing it was." That made Sophia smile. "She even bragged about you to all my aunts and uncles." "Awww, I love a happy customer. " It was flattering to Sophia that Braxton's family spoke so highly of her. Brett came over with her drink and she took it. "Thanks".She turned back to Braxton."So what about you? How have you been? Last time we spoke you were running so many errands for your mom and sister." He laughed shaking his head."Don't remind me."
Before Sophia could respond Gwen came over." Hi, I'm Gwen," she says holding out her hand."Braxton." he shook her hand and before he could get it back. Gwen held on to it. "How do you and Edmond know each other?" Braxton then shared with both Gwen and Sophia his friendship with Edmond. How they met during an internship at a STEM PROGRAM.