Fated to Espresso

Chapter 2

"Ava! Get down from there!" The loud shout from downstairs woke me up. I opened my eyes and realized that the bright sun was shining through my window. I let out a deep sigh, realizing how late I was. I had slept late last night, and now it was almost evening. I want to still sleep more because of the season of ber months and christmas is almost near. but why does time seem to pass so quickly when you're asleep? My body don't cooperate because I was having a good night sleep.

"Maria Gabriella Samantha Sofia Isabel Alea Ava Matthews!" I suddenly get nervous because she shouted my full name.

"If you don't get down here, I'll go up there this minute! " I jumped straight out of bed the moment I heard my name. I rushed downstairs and discovered a table spread with food. I greet her with a smile

"Good morning mom" she take a glimpse of me and I smiled at her.

"Good morning" she said.

"Eat here first, and I will still go to town in order to purchase something to cook." she added so I watched my mom quickly grab her bag after she placed rice on my plate, then kissed me on top of my head.

"I'm really so lucky." I said to myself, because if she hadn't discovered me standing outside our door, I could be a beggar, roaming around the streets. She's my stepmom and lucky me, she wouldn't refer to herself as my stepmom, and I address her as mom instead because we belong to the same family—after all, not by blood but by our hearts.

"Come on, it's just me" She tossed her hair as we laughed together, goading one another like siblings.

"Alright, eat there first, and then I'll head to the market. Afterward, go to the café and get shower. There may not be any other customers there since the employee smells bad." I pouted.

"Yes mom", It was like she always had something to grumble about, even when I bathed every day. That was why she tickled me on my waist and neck. I laughed very hard because of what she did.

"Ahm. you smell so bad now" she taunted, reading my mind. I saw her laugh, but it was short-lived when she realized that I was not playing along with her jokes.

"Alright, fine." she said like giving up because of her silly jokes

" I'm leaving now so you can eat. " She kissed me on the top of my head once again, smelling my hair, and I smiled. She exited the door, and I yelled out, "Bye, mommy!" as she waved back without having to turn around.

I had to put my college education on hold because of financial constraints. I was in my second year, and I chose to assist my mom in operating the café, Steamy Mug, to help with our finances.

While I am eating, I suddenly got a call on my cellphone. I hastened to pick it up.

"Hello?" my greetings.

"Hello, ma'am, this is delivery. I'm already at the café with your order." Its still so early. Why is it so early to deliver? I glanced at our clock and saw that it's almost 8 o'clock. shock! I know that she will throw a tantrums now.

"Oh! Sorry sir, I'm not at the shop yet. Can you wait for a few more minutes?" I had forgot that today was delivery day.

"Sure, I'll just get a coffee here and wait. "

"Thank you, sir! "

"I'll be there in a few minutes. " I hung up and rushed to brush my teeth and shower. I was unable to eat since I was already behind schedule.

As I came out of the bathroom, the phone rang once more. I picked it up without checking who was calling.

"Hello, woman! Aren't you finished yet? I'm already waiting outside your café, it seems like you are receiving deliveries." I rolled my eyes when I knew who was calling again. Speaking of the devil.

" I know, okay, I'll set this down now. I'm already in a rush. Entertain your stomach first, because it might be growling already." I teased her to calm her down, though I heard her chuckling before she hung up.

After dressing, I hurried downstairs without bothering to make myself too presentable. I closed the door and headed towards the waiting area so that I did not keep him waiting for too long. Luckily, There are still taxis waiting in waiting area. I hurriedly walked as I saw the taxi coming from me.

"Where are you, ma'am?" he asked.

"Mr., at the Steamy Mug." I answered. Luckily, the café was already established in town. Since my mom began running it, the café has been a favorite among locals. Even after I inherited it, the café still remained prosperous and all known.

"Are you alone or are you with someone ma'am?" Mister questioned as I entered the taxi.

"Yes sir, I'm by myself." I answered as I got in. I glanced at the children heading to school, some accompanied by mothers, others by themselves.

Within a few minutes, I could already spot him loading the photo booth that I had worked hard to invest in adding some excitement for our clients.

"Hey, woman! It's nearly noon! Why did you sleep in so late last night? Do you have a date?" she greet me so many question as I open the windo, her voice booming so that everyone could hear. Thinking she swallowed a microphone.

"Just let me off here, Mister." I said, gesturing him to pull over in front of the café. I paid him and hurridly went inside to open the door.

"Eh? Huh? You can't reply? Did you go out last night? It's unusual for you to open the café this late." I rolled my eyes as she went on and I did't listen to her because I focus on my delivery.

"Come in, sir." I said and enlarged the door so the photo booth item could fit.

"You may put it alongside the door, sir" I replied in an attempt to dismiss her, as she rolled her eyes and folded her arms.

"Why aren't you responding to me? Did your date keep you awake all night?" she teased me.

"Lily!" I exclaimed, cutting her off becuase of her overacting.

"I didn't have a date last night, alright? I just had a great sleep," I said soothingly, in an attempt to placate her. If I responded, she would only egg her on teasing.

She sighed and folded her arms, scowling like she had just run for hours. I gave up. This is why one of the reason why I should have arrived earlier because of her and her tantrums.

"Okay, okay, let's go in. You stop talking there, you look like you're starving," I told her, putting my arm around her shoulder to reassure her as we went inside.