Elliott in Love

Chapter One

"Shit!"

Riy screeched as she walked through the door. The line was about 5 people deep and every head turned towards Riy. Despite the ever-growing morning rush line, my best friend walked straight up to the front of the line, ignoring everyone around her. She probably didn't hear the murmurs, but I did. Even if she had, it wouldn't have mattered. Shy of a handful of people, Riy has never cared about what people thought of her.

I care. I care a lot. Way too much. My melanated skin betrays me, painting my cheeks pink but you wouldn't be able to tell. Also, those who are confused about Riy obviously aren't from the area because if they were, they'd know she's notorious for her entrances. Still, I wondered what everyone thinks of us right now.

Two racially ambiguous women. Definitely ethnic. Definitely under the privilege line. Their silent commentary plays an opus in my head.

"Our table?" Riy said breathlessly. I snapped back to the present. My eyes fell to the line that was spilling out the door. I breathed in deep only for the milk I was steaming to spill all over my hand.

"Shit fuck!" I shake the burning milk off my hand and see Riy's Oh damn sis expression. "Lemme clear the line, Riy." I breathed out. Riy looked at my hand then back at me then left me to occupy our table. Her eyes stuck on her screen and I wonder what's got her pressed.

I dried my hand and poured out the over-foamed milk, starting over completely. The whole morning had been one long line of customers, one after the other with no silver lining on the horizon.

Riy, Sariyah Amari Smith. My best friend since 1st grade. She moved to Claremont from Fontana and I spoke broken English. My parents are Afro-Latino and in their house, we speak Spanish. So I learned English in school and I did alright until I transitioned out of dual language kindergarten.

Riy was the only kid who talked to me. Maybe it was that we were both new or both little chocolate girls but we've been stuck together ever since.

My phone is buzzing like a firecracker in my back pocket. I pulled it out after the last customer. Alexia tapped my shoulder, releasing me to my break and I left without a word.

3 texts and 2 calls from Do Not Answer. I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and picked up Riy and I's lattes from the bar, balancing each toward our table.

I don't know how one can have their own table but we had one with the most perfect view. In the farthest corner of the shop by the full window facing York Street. It was the perfect spot for sun and people-watching. We'd been coming to Essence our entire lives. This table has heard all of our heartbreaks, caught our tears, and covered its ears with the screams of excitement from acceptance letters and gushy love stories.

"Your caramel latte."

"Thanks boo."

Riy took a deep sip, eyes finally looking up from her phone. I relaxed in my chair and absorbed the fresh espresso filling the air, mug tight against my chest. My legs cross and I flex my sore feet, which are relieved at the break from standing. I could feel the annoyance creeping up from my notifications. My phone was still buzzing but I just silenced them. I didn't need to deal with drama today.

"So what going on?" I asked, lifting my mug to blow the heat away before I sipped.

Riy set her coffee down and leaned onto her forearms on the table. Her pale green eyes are serious. I'm deeply confused and hope no one has died.

"Okay, I need you to prepare yourself."

"Did someone die?"

"No worse."