The past is present!
1117 Words
I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the chaos of the day ahead. I'm just a simple cafe girl, trying to make a living and forget my past. But fate always has a way of testing me.
As I clock in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee envelops me, and I force a smile onto my face. The morning rush is a blur of orders and small talk, but I'm grateful for the distraction.
Just as the lunch crowd starts to dwindle, the door swings open, and my heart skips a beat. Him. Again.
Maxwell, CEO of Automax, walks in, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room until they land on me. My pulse races as he strides towards me, his chiseled features softening into a warm smile.
"Hey, beautiful," he says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. "Usual table, please."
I nod, trying to play it cool, as I lead him to his favorite spot by the window. We exchange pleasantries, and I take his order, my hands shaking slightly as I pour his coffee.
I know he wanted a conversation with me, I wasn't ready especially concerning what I did last night in his limo.
My face is burning red right now.
“Sir Donaldson, can I go to the ladies for a while?” I asked.
“ Are you okay?”
I shook my head, handed him the apron and turned to the ladies without waiting for his reply.
I didn't want him quizzing me about what was wrong with me, I was embarrassed enough.
I came back minutes later when he was about leaving.
As he leaves, I exhale slowly, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. Why does he keep coming here? And why can't I stop thinking about him?
Just as I'm about to take a much-needed break, my phone buzzes in my pocket. My heart sinks as I see the message from an unknown number:
" Hair packed neatly and those gorgeous legs... you look stunning today, Pumpkin."
My blood runs cold. It's him. My Ex. The one person I thought I'd left behind. How did he find me? And why is he watching me?
I force myself to stay calm, not wanting to draw attention to myself. But my mind races with fear and anxiety, wondering what he wants and when he'll show up next.
For now, I'll keep smiling, keep serving coffee, and pretend that my past isn't haunting me. But deep down, I know I can't hide forever.
I try to shake off the unease, focusing on the familiar rhythm of the cafe. Orders are called out, coffee beans are ground, and the hiss of steam wands fills the air. I move on autopilot, my mind elsewhere.
The lunch rush subsides, and I finally get a chance to take a break. I slip out back, into the alley, and pull out my phone. My hands tremble as I dial a number, hoping she'll answer.
"Hey, girl!" My best friend, Cassie's, cheerful voice is a balm to my frazzled nerves.
"Hey," I say, trying to sound casual. "Just needed some moral support."
"What's going on?" Rachel's tone shifts to concern.
I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. "Just some creepy messages from an unknown number."
Cassie's voice becomes stern. "That sounds serious. Have you told the police?"
I sigh, knowing she's right. "Not yet. I don't want to make a big deal out of it."
Cassie's response is firm. "You need to report this. And I'm taking the next available flight to be with you. We'll deal with this together."
I smiled Cassie would go to any length just to protect me, but taking a flight down here?
I won't let that happen.
"Thanks, Cass. I think I'm just being paranoid,you don't have to bother but if I overthink too much about this, then I'll have you come, okay?”
I needed to reassure her that I was fine.
As we hung up after talking for a while, I felt a slight sense of relief.
Maybe, just maybe, I was just being paranoid .
But as I head back into the cafe, I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched. And when I glance around, I could swear I see a familiar face lurking in the shadows.
My ex.
My heart races as I quickly scan the area, but he's gone. Vanished. Leaving me with more questions and a growing sense of dread.
What does he want from me again?
I try to push the unease aside and focus on my work, but my mind keeps wandering back to the messages and the possibility that my ex is watching me.
I can't concentrate on anything except the feeling of being hunted.
Why did I have to pay for this?
It felt like it was just yesterday…. But it's been seven good years.
I didn't grow up to see my biological father, I was just happy with being around my mother alone till one day after I'd turned sixteen, my mom came home beaming with joy, I could swear that was the happiest I'd ever seen her and I'd promised that whatever made her that happy was worth keeping.
I was going through a phase that I needed to share with her but I didn't want to spoil her moment of joy.
It can wait Ria, I'd assured myself.
As I eagerly waited for her to spill the reason for her excitement, she went about humming and cleaning, not sparing my curious self a glance.
“ Mum, is everything alright?” I asked, I'd read somewhere that people who're about to take their lives were happiest hours to the deed.
Chills ran down my spine.
She gave a toothy grin, “ Ria dear, I am very okay”.
I stared at her in disbelief.
“ No secrets mum, remember? Are you about to take your life?”
She gasped, “ where did you hear that from?”
I rolled my eyes, she still thinks I'm a kid in third grade.
“ I read it somewhere, Psychology I guess,” I said with a shrug.
She heaved, “ what do you think about having a new dad?”
The question was abrupt, I staggered.
“ You…you're seeing someone!”
I couldn't believe that but I'm grown now, she doesn't have to tie her life down to me.
Her once smiley face turned sad, I realized the tone I used was accusatory.
“ I'm sorry …. Are you seeing someone?”
“I am" she replied grinning.
I pulled her into a warm hug," you deserve this happiness mom," I whispered.
My troubles could wait.
- Writer
