The Café Diaries

Meeting a Stranger

I've just a seen a face,

I can't forget the time or place

where we just met

Manhattan Mocha was quite overcrowded for a chilly Wednesday morning. It was snowing outside and a majority of people were seeking shelter wherever they could find one. The café had never been so full of hustle bustle, it was usually quiet inside and that's what the regulars loved about it. People were talking, laughing, ranting about the weather and some were lost in slurping their hot coffees. But Rachel had nothing to do. She was out of job as the start-up she was working for had to dilute its assets. After the liquidation of the company she had forwarded her CVs to various other companies. Unfortunately, she got no replies yet.  

Rachel loved this little café which was located near her old office. She had thought of grabbing a cup of coffee after packing up her belongings from the office.

She placed the cardboard box on a table facing the window and went to the counter to order a cup of coffee. After looking at the menu and changing the type of coffee she would like to have, Rachel at last settled for an Irish coffee, her favorite. She turned around in haste so that no one would take her seat in the bursting café and before she could even fathom what was happening; her hand smacked the coffee cup from the hands of a man clad in uniform behind her. The cup fell down and splattered its content on the wooden floor, but not before it wet the young man's shirt.

"Oh fuck!" Rachel was flabbergasted at what she did. "I am so sorry. I'll just clean it up."

She picked up a tissue from the counter and started to pat dry the man's t-shirt. She was even more mortified when she saw that the man was wearing a soldier's uniform.

"It's not a problem ma'am. You don't need to do this." the guy said calmly.

"How can it be not a problem? I just ruined your uniform. You were probably going on a tour for all I know." Rachel exclaimed.

"No, it's really okay ma'am. I was actually going back home, so it is alright." The soldier said

"Umm, okay. But let me at least buy you another cup of coffee." The guy was about to say no but Rachel continued before he could do so. "It will make me feel better. Please let me buy you coffee."

He sighed, "Okay then. Who doesn't love a free drink anyway?" he finished with an innocent smirk.

Rachel ordered a coffee for him too and both of them moved out of the line.

"Well, thanks for the coffee."

"It's the least I could do after ruining your shirt. I am so sorry for that. Sometimes I can be really reckless. Sorry again." Rachel said.

"It's really alright ma'am. You don't need to apologize again and again."

"Can you please not call me ma'am? It makes me feel a hundred years old." Rachel laughed timidly and continued.

"I am Rachel by the way." She introduced herself and let out her hand.

"Aiden." He joined her hand in a firm handshake.

"Well, it's a little overcrowded in here and I have got a table near the window, why don't you join me?"

"Sure, I'd like that." Aiden replied.

Both Rachel and Aiden settled in the single seat couches and waited for their coffees. But they didn't have to wait long as their warm cups of happiness arrived soon.

"So, you are in the army huh?" Rachel asked

"Yes, in fact I just got back from my second tour of duty."