(Tʀᴀɴsʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: Lᴏᴠᴇ Cᴀғᴇ)

"And just where do you think you're going?" My mom shouted, stopping me as I made my way to the front door.

I wanted to see if that boy I saw yesterday was still there at the cafe today. This time, I want to actually get a proper look at him, and maybe even talk to him if I'm feeling bold. He was just an absolute sight for sore eyes, I couldn't help but check him out again. The problem is: my mom would go nuts if she found out I even held a conversation with a boy. I wasn't about to risk her knowing my intentions.

"I'm going to the coffee shop Lucy took to me yesterday."

Lucielle was in the kitchen, the worst place to be right now, listening in on the conversation while cooking up breakfast. She raised an eyebrow.

"You didn't even like it, you spat it out all over me. Why are you going back?"

I gave her a 'look', the "shut your mouth right now please to save my ass" kind of look. She smirked, understanding the message I was giving off.

"I want to give it another shot...I'll pick up a coffee for you, Mom."

My mom thought about it for a second before shrugging her shoulders. She turned around and walked back towards her bedroom.

"Grab a latte for me, then."

She shut the door, and I gathered some money that I was given when I first got here, since now I was actually buying something. I was about to open the door when I was stopped again.

"Get me my usual." Lucy requests, sliding over a wad of cash.

I grabbed the cash, and finally bolted out of the door before someone interrupted again. I tried to remember where exactly it was, but I think I had somewhat of an idea.

⧫           ⧫

I waited a second to make sure Cynthia was fully out of the house, and came out of my room. I went up to Lucy, leaning myself against the kitchen counter. She peered over at me, and I gazed back at her.

"Why is she actually going there?"

She stirred the batter of whatever she was making, shrugging and slumping her shoulders.

"You think I know?"

I tilted my head at her, and rolled my eyes. She obviously knew something I didn't. She spent all day with her yesterday, she clearly at least had some idea.

"Cut the bullshit, Lucy. Why is she going back to the coffee shop if she doesn't like it?"

"Look, I don't know. She probably is just giving it another chance, or maybe grabbing herself a donut. You're making a big deal out of nothing, Michy."

She clearly was lying to me, she was up to something. She's barely been back for a week and she is already going behind my back, and bringing Lucy along. I was irritated, but decided to let it slide.

"Fine."

⧫  Lucielle ⧫

Yeah, she was definitely seeing that boy again. No one would intentionally walk all the way over to a coffee shop if they didn't even like coffee. I recognized that look she gave me from anywhere, might as well spare her the ass whooping. She just got back from prison for heaven's sake. She's a teenager, almost an adult, she should be allowed to explore wherever and whoever she wants. I did when I was a gal, and I turned out fine- ... Okay, maybe not fine, but my point still stands.

I think we've got each other's backs for now. I'll keep her secrets, and she'll keep mine. Besides, that boy may not even notice her. Let's not jump to any conclusions, it could just be a little crush.

⧫           ⧫

Okay, so it turns out I have no idea where I'm actually going. I've kind of just been walking around for ten minutes before realizing that I highly doubt this is within walking distance. I pulled over to the edge of the sidewalk and tried to think of what to do.

Crisis averted, I called a taxi. Luckily, they knew where to go, and I got there relatively quickly. Although, I was walking in the complete opposite direction the entire time- whoops. Note to self: don't walk around Manhattan trying to find a coffee shop if you have no idea where it actually is.

When I got there, I felt a sense of enthusiasm. Why was I so excited to see a boy that I didn't even know? I looked pathetic, like a puppy dog waiting for a treat.

The same scent of coffee and pastries filled the shop, and it was slightly less packed than yesterday. And sure enough, the dreamy boy was still there, quickly making and sending out orders in a matter of seconds.

He's awfully good with his hands.

I went up to the counter and my heart started beating out of my chest a little when he happened to be the one taking my order. I think he recognized me from yesterday, because he gave me that cute little smile again.

"How can I help you?"

I was more focused on him than my order, I don't even remember what I was ordering. There was an anxious and impatient line behind me, so I did what I did yesterday.

"A vanilla latte, and.. Uhm.... surprise me with a pastry."

Jesus, I sounded like an idiot. 'Uhmmm uhhh uhmmm' did I have a fucking speech impediment or something? He probably thinks I'm a loser. While I was busy overthinking,  I totally forgot Lucy's drink. What did she even want?

"Oh, uhm, do you know Lucielle?"

"Williams?" He responded.

So he did.

"Uhm, yeah, I guess her usual?"

He nodded, and I handed him the cash. I was so humiliated by my sudden inability to speak I immediately rushed to a table the farthest away from the front. I had to think about this. I really wanted to get to know him, but how does one go about getting to know a complete stranger without seeming desperate? I could ask if he's free later? No, that's weird, he doesn't even know my name yet. Maybe I should just ask his name first? Would that be awkward? No, I can just make it seem like small talk.

As I sat there staring into space pondering about how I should approach him, my order was called. I rushed to the counter, and he handed me the drinks and my "surprise". Before he walked away, I swiftly made my move.

"Uhm, hey, you?"

He turned himself around. "Yes?"

"What's your name?"

"Michael, yours?"

OH MY- he was asking me for MY name? God, he's adorable.

"Cynthia.. Are you uhm, are you... free later, possibly?"

He chuckled, putting both hands on the counter and leaning towards me.

"5pm, Cynthia. Should I expect you here for an afternoon coffee?" He joked.

All of a sudden, the floor was looking very shiny today. I really hope I wasn't visibly blushing, because I could feel my cheeks turning red. My eyelids fluttered, and I tried to match his tone.

"Possibly."

Another barista called out from across the room. "Michael, quit the small talk. Get back to work."

He huffed, and gave me a small wink. "I'll catch you later, C."

Oh. My. God. I cannot believe I just talked to him. I needed to slow down; I just got out of prison, I don't need to be making moves so fast.

But, who's to say I can't?

↞↠      ↞↠ 

I stumbled back in the apartment, and I gave my mom and Lucy their coffees. I grabbed the pastry from the bag it was placed in, and I was swooned with adoration. It was a donut in the shape of a heart, topped with pink icing outlining and covering the top of it. Well, heart shaped donuts certainly were not on the menu. I blushed, secretly placing it back in the bag and sneaking it into my bedroom so no one would see it.

I plopped myself on my bed, and Bonnie was sitting in the beanbag chair in the corner. She had her nose buried in that same rabbit book, or at least, she did. She watched me as I pulled out the donut.

"And who's that from?" She snickered in her heavy accent.

I turned my back towards her, covering it. "No one. Keep reading Watership Down, and don't worry about what I'm doing."

"Okay, damn." She said, turning her focus back to the book.

↞↠      ↞↠

I decided to talk to Lucy to tell her the news. Maybe she could give me some advice on what to say? I didn't want to embarrass myself again.

I knocked on her bedroom door, and she invited me in. I sat myself down.

"What's up?"

"So you know that boy from yesterday?"

She grinned. "Yeah, so you actually were looking at him, huh?"

"Obviously. Well I talked to him today, and he said we could meet up at 5PM. What should I do?"

She sat up from lying down, and crossed her legs. "So, you're fresh out of the slammer and you already found yourself a date?"

Well, it wasn't technically a date, but more of a "getting to know each other" talk. Of course, in Lucy's eyes, that counts as a date.

"It's not really a date, but still. I just want to meet new people, and I gotta start someday. But what do I say so I don't sound like an idiot?"

She leaned over to her nightstand, and pulled out a journal. She flipped through some of the pages, and then tapped her finger on the page she needed. She showed me the pages full of advice and tips for talking to boys.

"We're gonna go through this and by the end of it, you'll be an expert on flirting. So, get comfortable, you'll be here for a while."

↞↠      ↞↠

I checked the time on the clock.

4:45 PM

Perfect. I touched up my hair, and Lucy taught me some basic makeup techniques so I looked nice but not too dressy. It wasn't a date, so we'll save the glamour for that day. I grabbed my small handbag, and sprayed some perfume on my neck and wrists before walking out of the door. Luckily, my mom was occupied in another room, so I didn't get caught going out. Lucy agreed to cover for me if she questioned anything.

I called another taxi, and made it to the coffee shop at exactly 5:00 PM. And sure enough, there he was, fixing himself a coffee and sitting down at a table outside. He spotted me coming out of the car, and that iconic smile formed on his face. I eagerly walked over to his table, and sat down across from him. I had butterflies in my stomach, and my eyelids were fluttering again, but I managed to calm myself.

"So, your name is Cynthia, right?"

I nodded. "Michael?"

"Yep, so uhm, how's your day so far?" He asked, trying to start up something.

I've literally spent most of my day planning for this moment, so I'd say it was pretty great. But one of Lucy's rules, rule #31 to be exact, was not to sound too excited too fast. It looks desperate, so stay mysterious and have fun with it.

"Pretty well, how was your shift?"

He sighs and takes a swig of coffee. "About the same as every other shift; stressful, boring, I just do this because I get paid well."

He lets out a small laugh. I'm still so mesmerized by him, he seemed like he was handcrafted by Jesus himself out of the most precious diamonds.  And as we all know, diamonds are a girls best friend. I'm picturing us together as we speak.

He combs his hands through his hair, nervously. "So, did you like your surprise?"

I totally forgot about that, but I was glad he brought it up again because it made me absolutely swoon. "I loved it, it was adorable." I say with a grin.

He seemed about as nervous as I was. We both seemed to be pretty shy, but one of us is going to have to stir up a conversation soon or else this is going to be awkward.

"I'm glad you liked it, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make something special for a stunning girl like you."

"Hehe, thank you... I could say the same for you." I was definitely blushing, my cheeks probably looked like roses at this point. His shyness made me feel a bit better, actually. Knowing we're both kind of the same as far as social interaction goes was a good sign; I think.

"Well, I was thinking since you seem fairly new to the place, I could make you whatever you want from the menu for free? I saw you spit out the other coffee, so I thought you'd like to try something different."

I was ecstatic, but also slightly embarrassed. He saw me spit out that coffee everywhere? Yikes, what a first impression. But, the idea sounded fun.

"That sounds great! But uhm... you saw that?"

He rests his chin in his palm. "Yeah, don't worry about it. She gave you a black coffee, which most people hate. Not sure why she even gave you that in the first place." He teases.

I pushed my hair behind my ears. He was so understanding, and he talked so calmly and sweetly. I genuinely felt comfortable talking to him, and it didn't seem like he was a jerk.

He stands up, and gently grabs me by the hand. "Want to come make them with me? I already asked my manager, she gave me the go ahead."

I stood up, taking his hand. "I'd love to."

He showed me around,  teaching me how to make different coffees and teas. I tried a couple of drinks, some I made myself, and he tried a couple he hadn't tasted before as well. I must say, it was a fun evening. I got to spend time with him, and I even learned something new. He was great at explaining things and a great helper, and didn't make fun of  or laugh at me if I made a mistake. He was just so kind, supportive, and oh my goodness was he adorable. We spent the last hour talking, drinking our favorite menu item we made and cracking jokes. He had a great sense of humor, and we seemed to have similar personalities.

It was 8:30 PM, and we decided to call it a night. As we walked out of the shop, he handed me a piece of paper.

"Here's my number if you want to call me. Just ask for Michael."

I took the note and slid it in my bag. He hopped on his bike, getting ready to leave.

"Thank you for tonight, I really enjoyed spending time with you." I said with a wide grin on my face. I was relieved that it didn't end up awkwardly, and we genuinely got to talk to each other. It truly was a great night.

"You too, want to do this again sometime?"

"Sure, that'd be great. I'll, uhm, I'll give you a call."

He smiled, pedaling on his bike and taking off waving. "Bye, Cynthia!"

I waved back at him. "Bye..."

He made his way down the street, and disappeared from my sight. I felt something could actually start between us. Maybe just platonic, but hey, at least I got to know somebody. He seemed perfect, and I couldn't wait to see him again. He was worth going to a coffee shop everyday, because if I got to see his face, it would brighten my day. But, now that the night was over, I had to go back home. Which meant, I would have to explain to my mom where I was. I really hope Lucy kept her promise, because I didn't need to be scolded and have my amazing night ruined.

↞↠      ↞↠

When I stepped into the apartment, Lucielle and Rosemary were cleaning up the kitchen. My mom, however, was nowhere to be found. I shut the door quietly, and went up to Lucy.

"Did you keep our promise?"

"Of course, gal. Michy just thinks you fell asleep and took an afternoon nap. She was too busy doing her own thing to be concerned anyways. How did it go?"

I sighed in relief. Thank goodness she lied for me, or else this night was going to be not so fun anymore. I set my bag down on the counter, taking out the paper and waving it in front of me.

"It was great, I even got his number!"

Lucy smirked, and gave me a high five. "See, I told you you'd be an expert. I'm proud of you, now go rest. This is just the first among many more to come."

She gave me a wink, and I hurried to my bedroom. I read the digits he wrote, and slid the paper onto the very bottom drawer of my dresser so my mom wouldn't come by it. I spent the rest of that night in bed daydreaming about him, and planning our future dates. I wonder what our wedding would be like? Cynthia and Michael sounded nice together.

So much potential, and this is only the beginning.

𝔸/ℕ:  no, this will not be turning into a romance, I swear. I'm not good at writing dates, especially straight ones considering I'm a lesbian, but I tried. I will take suggestions from people who actually know how to write that Lmao.