Coffee is one of the best ways to outlive the boringness of life. You can say it is my job of survival as it has a way of bringing out the best in me. This is why I could still calm my racing heart when my first love called last night to talk over a coffee.
I couldn't believe how calm I was as I replied to him. The coffee I took before getting ready to watch a movie must be filled with miracles because he hurt me so badly and let me handle the shame that came with it... All alone.
I was supposed to be fuming with anger but I didn't. My heart was calm. Very calm if I must add. And yes, I did watch the movie afterward before sleep took over.
Waking up to the sound of my alarm, I stood up from my bed and brushed my teeth before going over to the kitchen to make coffee.
I swallowed the lump in my throat as I remembered my conversation with my ex-lover Raphael, I remember how crispy his voice sounded over the phone as I drank my Cinnamon coffee. I swore quietly under my breath, "Darn him for choosing coffee". He knows well I can't say no to that and it sucks.
After I finished with coffee, I stood up and washed the cup as I walked back to my room to go grocery shopping since I am almost out of groceries, and yeah! It is Saturday which means no work. Before leaving, I set my time to 4 p.m. to prepare for the "Coffee Meeting" with Raphael by 5 p.m.
I shopped for longer hours than expected and the traffic took the hell out of my time. By the time I got home, it was already 11 a.m. As time flew by, I chuckled. I decided to cook Spaghetti before I brewed another Cinnamon coffee to go and by the time I finished cooking and eating, I was tired. I showered and went to sleep again.
A beep sound from my alarm woke me up and my phone rang out too. It was a call from Raphael. I picked up the phone and he called to know if I hadn't forgotten about our meeting. I guess someone doesn't want to be stood up. This made me laugh.
It is crazy how he stood me up years back while we dated. How he had introduced me to his parents as his friend when he already proposed to me and how he left me alone, standing at the altar where we promised to have a secret marriage together only to find out that he was with my best friend that night.
He had taken her home to see his family and I was left alone. With no friends to talk to cos, he said he didn't like them. But he did approve of my best friend though because they were dating and I didn't know if not for his little sister that called to let me know. That night was the longest hurtful night that started many hurtful memories for me. But I am glad I have passed that.
Standing up from my bed, I quickly took a shower again and brushed before dressing up. I went to the kitchen and made coffee again. Yes, I am addicted to coffee. Please call the coffee police and sue me.
On getting to the restaurant, I walked in and found him already seated. I waved to him with all smiles and walked over as he pulled out the chair for me to be seated.
Before we began our discussion, I ordered coffee and some side dishes to go and so did he.
"You look breathtaking," he said, smiling.
"Thank you, and you look good too," I replied with a smile of my own.
Our food came before we delved into more discussion and we ate silently.
"I am sorry for everything, I did you wrong, and I don't deserve your presence here, but I am grateful you gave me a chance". He spoke, breaking the silence between us.
"I don't hold any grudge against you anymore. I forgave myself a very long time ago because I deserve peace which I can only give to myself. And I am thankful that I did. So you have nothing to be sorry for. Seven years have passed and I am better than I was, so seeing you doesn't mean much. You are just an old friend". I replied.
"You have indeed changed, so full of elegance even with the way you walk. And I am glad I didn't break you. You are a rare gem that every sane man should have. Thank you for being an amazing person despite it all".
"Make no mistake Raphael, what you did wasn't the biggest problem I faced in this world but it did prepare me for the future. So, thank you". I responded by twirling my hands at the edge of my cup of coffee.
"I have cancer and have some months to live but I needed to see you first and drink coffee with you before I go to the mountain where I can view the world at large before I die". He spoke smiling as my heart skipped a bit.
"Raphael... I am... Oh... I.." I stammered, unable to finish my words.
"Thank you for giving me the chance to see you again. I appreciate it." He said again before calling on the waiter and paying the bills.
My mouth opened agape as I watched him struggle to stand up and walk off the restaurant with a smile at me. And that was the last time I heard from him.
"Darn him for dying".
This is my response to Cinnamon Coffee Prompt here and I am a first-timer.