Jade
"Life is a beautiful and endless journey in search of the perfect cup of coffee." - Barbara A. Daniels
"What. The. Fuck. Is. That. Sound!" After another long second, I realize the seagulls outside of my window are screeching like there's no tomorrow. Instinctively, I reach under my pillow. Once I bring my arm out, I swing it over to the direction of the window and pull my index finger back.
For a second, I blink confused at what I just did. I peel my heavy eyelids back and look at my hand only to find it empty.
Suddenly, the events of the past few days come crashing down. I realize the gun that was supposed to be in my hand is somewhere thousands of miles away. Whew, thank goodness. That noise complaint would've been annoying to deal with, and I really don't need another reason to run.
Swinging my legs over the bed, I run my hands over my face and groan as I get up. I am a dead zombie walking towards the kitchen of my hotel suite and turn the coffee pot on. Knowing I won't wake up until I taste the sweet salvation called coffee, I stumble over to the bathroom. More like bitter salvation since I take my coffee as strong and dark as I can get, I think as I turn on the lights and walk into the bathroom.
"Ahhh! Fucking shit!" I grab my chest and pant as if I just ran a marathon. I turn around quickly, ready to punch whoever is behind me. Just before my fist hits the wall, I stop confused. Where did it go? I turn back around and stare back at the reflection that almost gave me a heart attack.
My reflection.
"Jeez Louis. What happened to me? Did a hurricane go through my hair or something? I look like shit." That's what I get for falling asleep with wet hair. My curls never stood a chance. I grumble while I fight a brush through the tangled mess, but it's a battle I'm going to lose.
Sighing and accepting my defeat, I turn on the shower and hop in for a relaxing fifteen minute rinse. A bottle of conditioner should help detangle this mess. Once I'm done, I don't bother wrapping a towel around me since I'm alone. I stroll into the bedroom and stop dead in my tracks when I realize I'm flashing those annoying seagulls my prized possessions.
Frustrated, I stomp back into the bathroom to grab my towel. "Those assholes don't deserve a show." I grumble angrily as I change.
Going over to the kitchenette, the heavenly smell of coffee hits me and I suddenly feel a million times better. I smile and take out the biggest mug I can find. I pour a full cup and take a big, long gulp. As soon as the muddy liquid enters my mouth, my gag reflex triggers.
I run to the sink and spit out the concoction that stole the place of my coffee. "You call that coffee?!" Hearing the seagulls laughing behind me at the window only fuels my boiling irritation. "I don't know what they did or how they did it, but I bet it's those damn seagulls that are getting me back! I'll show them!" I yell and start stomping over to the window.
Okay. No. Stop. Be positive. You woke up today, and that is already a miracle. Just go out and buy some coffee. It'll give you a chance to see your surroundings and think about your next move. Yes, that's a good plan. I take a big steadying breath and head out in search of a normal cup of coffee.
* * *
"Wow." That's the only word that comes to mind as I stroll through downtown, Santa Barbara.
There is color everywhere: tropical flowers, tanned people, patterned bikinis, colorful bikes on the boardwalk, and shops wherever you turn. Smiling, I close my eyes and take a deep breath of the salty ocean air. I think I'm going to love it here. This crappy morning is quickly turning around.
Suddenly, my eyes snap open and all my senses are on high alert. It was faint and barely there, but I still smelled it. Turning my head to the direction of the unexpected smell, I start walking towards it.
Rounding the corner, I increase my speed. I'm so close; the smell is getting stronger. My mouth begins to water, and finally, I stop in front of a building and stare up at the name.
Copper Cup Coffee Roasters
I get a wave of excitement and rush into the shop. The line is short, and before I know it, it's my turn. I order an Americano with an extra shot of espresso. Instantly, I regret that decision and realize I'll need an extra crutch today. I change the order to two extra shots. Just to be safe. You never know. Maybe a zombie apocalypse will happen and I won't ever taste coffee again. I involuntarily shiver.
After the barista writes down my order on a to-go cup, he looks at me expectantly with a pen in hand. "Name," he asks?
"Oh," I shake out of my stupor and tell him, "um.. its Natalia". My alias. I hand him some cash and go sit down on one of the couches.
I patiently wait for my coffee. And wait. And wait. And wait. Just when I think I can't wait another second and that I've been waiting for about 40 minutes now, if not more, I finally hear the best sound I've ever heard in my measly life.
The yell of a barista. "Natalia! Your coffee is ready!"
Thank goodness! I jump out of my seat and nearly trip over my own two feet rushing to the counter. I grab my liquid savior, and inhale a gulp of the bitter drink as it scalds my throat. The barista gives me a funny look but I couldn't care less as the grogginess from a curse called morning slowly washes away from my brain.
Looking down at my watch, I realize it's only been 3 minutes. Oh. Well it felt like an eternity! Sometimes, I think I could be an addict... but then I think about it again and realize that can't be possible.
I quietly giggle at my outrageous thoughts and walk over to my couch by the door. I'm about to safely make it to my seat when the door flies open, and a slab of stone crashes into me. My beloved caffeine goes flying into the air. But before it can land on me, my reflexes kick in. Seeing the steam before I even see the coffee, I quickly duct to the side, and the brown sludge spills all over the stone.
Weirdly enough, the stone then lets out a harrowing yell. Huh?
I glance back at the wall only to realize it's actually a ...man! Then why does he feel like a goddam rock wall?! If I wasn't so pissed, he might even be slightly attractive.
I SAID SLIGHTLY, OKAY?! What he just did is unforgivable!
Subconsciously, rubbing my arm where I ran into him, I glare at the statue, wishing I had the power to send daggers flying with my eyes.
My coffee!! I barely had a sip! How dare he?!