A Brew-Tea-Ful Time To Relax

The aroma of coffee assaulted my senses when I entered the quaint, little café, a faint smile appearing on my lips as the cozy atmosphere warmed me up from the inside out, and I sighed softly, feeling at home within its walls.

“Good morning, Callie! Would you like your usual?”

The barista greeted me sweetly, prompting me to stride towards the counter she stood behind, the chain attached to my jeans jingling quietly against my left thigh as I walked, and I hummed thoughtfully at her inquiry.

“Mmm, actually, what is your guy’s special for today, Daphne?”

“Well, we have the Cinnamon Dolce Latte—which happens to be our seasonal favorite—or our freshly brewed Earl Grey. Bonnie also whipped up her famous chocolate peppermint muffins!”

Daphne squealed, her high-pitched tone carrying through the café, but luckily for her, there were only two other customers in the café. They both were regulars, who were quite aware of the fact that Daphne could get extremely loud, and neither of them paid any attention to our conversation, which was a relief to me.

“No way, Daph! Do you think cinnamon and peppermint would taste okay if they were put together?” I questioned the girl inquisitively while stroking my chin, wondering if those two choices would go together.

As I mulled over my decision, Daphne waved her dainty hand dismissively, blowing raspberries as she did so, and she replied,

“Pfft, what does it matter? If you want them, get them. I am not going to judge you, Calli.”

For several moments, I’m lost in thought, contemplating my options carefully, and even though the Cinnamon Dolce Latte sounds divine, the idea of having an Earl Grey with one of Bonnie’s chocolate peppermint muffins is exactly what I am craving right now.

“As a matter of fact, I think I will have one of Bonnie’s famous muffins and a cup of Earl Grey with a splash of cream and two sugars, please.”

My request was swiftly granted by the young woman, her fingers tapping the computer screen rapidly, then she grabbed some tongs and a plate before reaching into the glass warmer that held all of the freshly baked goodies, and Daphne pulled out a chocolate peppermint muffin and placed it on the mini plate. She set the dish onto the counter, then snatched a tea kettle from behind her, as well as a teacup with a saucer, and poured the contents of the kettle into the cup. With rapt attention, I observed the tea filling my cup, then the girl added the cream and sugars for me, smiling brightly, and once she was finished, she handed me the teacup.

“Thank you, Daph.”

“You’re welcome, Calli. The total will be $6.48.”

I nodded in understanding, reached into my pocket to produce my wallet, tugged my card out of the sleeve it was in, and handed it over to the cashier. Daphne took my card from me, swiped it through the fancy card reader, then tapped the screen once more before returning my card to me, and she asked,

“Would you like your receipt?”

“Nah, I trust you, Daph. Thank you, though.”

“No problem! Enjoy your tea and muffin!”

With that, I smiled gently, taking the teacup and saucer along with the plate that had my muffin on it, and I spun around on my heels to head toward my favorite spot in the whole café.

In the far left corner of the establishment, my favorite spot happens to be a cozy nook that features a small table and two plush chairs, which provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy the café as a whole, including a lovely view of the town square, and I feel excitement and joy at the sight of the spot being vacant.

Placing my tea and muffin down on the table, I sighed happily while sliding into the plush chair that faced the café and, as I soaked up my surroundings, I lifted my cup to my lips to take a tentative sip of the scalding liquid, wincing at the sensation of the tea burning my tastebuds.

After placing my tea back down, I grasp at my messenger bag that had been hanging off my shoulder the whole time, and I set it beside me before flipping it open and taking out the current novel I have been reading as well as my headphones. When they were both out and lying on the table, I closed my messenger bag, then I directed my attention back to my headphones, and I picked them up to put them on.

With yet another cautious sip of my tea, I grab my phone, turn it on, and unlock the screen and I find my music to listen to some immersive songs to be able to fully enjoy my book without distractions. As I click the play button on the playlist of my choice, I reach for my book, delicately tracing the front of it for a moment, then I open it to reveal where I left off from my previous reading binge, and I pluck the scrap of paper I had been using as a placeholder from inside.

Setting the makeshift bookmark down, I bring my book closer, skimming over the last page I read before discovering the spot I would need to continue reading from, and as my music played in my ears, I submerged myself into my novel, not wanting to miss one little detail of it.

Relaxing back into the cushioned chair, my eyes follow along the lines of the book, my hand leisurely grabbing my muffin, bringing the delectable treat to my mouth, and I take a bite, never once straying from the scene unfolding before me, but I hum in delight at the chocolate and peppermint bursting over my tongue.

While lost in my own, little world, I am unaware of my surroundings, too engrossed in the plot to acknowledge reality, but as I flip to the next page, a hand suddenly waves in front of my face, startling me out of my binge. At first, annoyance takes root in my stomach, my nose scrunching as I huff and bring my book away from my face, though once my eyes flick up to discover my best friend smiling at me, my irritation is gone, and I squeal while leaping out of my seat.

“Oh my gosh, Emery! You’re here!”

I exclaimed, throwing my arms around my best friend to embrace her, and she giggled, hugging me back with just as much excitement as me.

“Yeah, I got to come home early and knew you would be here. I decided it would be a good idea to come see you in your natural habitat.”

“Haha, very funny. But seriously, I’m glad you’re here, Em.”

I replied sarcastically at first, but then my tone turned serious as I pulled away to look at her, and Emery smiled at me while taking a sip of what looked to be a coffee frappé.

“I am happy too, Calli. So, what are you reading?”

My best friend asked, sliding into the plush chair that was across from my own, and a massive grin broke out on my face, as I sat down as well while lifting the book to show her.

“OMG, it’s about a warrior princess and her broody bodyguard! …”

I started to explain the book, thrilled about having someone to gush about this story to, and as the two of us deep-dive into my hyper-fixation, we are both relaxed and happy to merely be in each other’s presence.

And that is how it should be, no matter what.