Strong & Sweet coffee

by LaCuevademisgustos

Valentine's Day, that date where no one wants to be alone. One heart has suffered, but maybe it can be healed in time.

Strong & Sweet coffee.

It was another day in the city of Toronto Canada, the date? February 14th, Valentine's Day.

For all teenagers that day was Russian roulette. Some were lucky, and had their "hearth partners" to spend the day with, others spent it with their friends, others used the day as an opportunity to confess to that special someone, and others seemed content with their loneliness.

But what no one wanted was one of two options. To be dumped on Valentine's Day, or to be rejected.

At a café called "Coffee Break", it was a frequent point of visits, and on this type of date it only increased, fortunately, the two workers at the counter were very efficient and all couples received their orders more than quickly. One of the workers was a young redhead named Zoey, and she was serving some of her classmates and friends from school, Sam and Dakota.

Zoey: Here you go, "Pink hearth" milkshake just the way you like it.

Dakota: Thank you Zoey.

Zoey: And, here are your personalized heart cupcakes Sam.

Sam: They're for me beautiful princess from the kingdom of my heart.

Dakota: Aww. Thank you Sam.

The couple shared a kiss as they walked outside, Zoey smiled at the sight of her friends, until she heard a sigh and saw her work-mate, Dave. A dark gray haired, brown eyed, tan skinned boy, he was twirling a napkin on the counter with a droopy face.

Zoey: Is something wrong Dave?

Dave: Huh. It's nothing Zoey.

Zoey: Dave. We've known each other for what, 6 years? I know exactly when something's bothering you, and right now you're definitely tense.

The boy sighed.

Zoey: It's because of Natty isn't it?

Dave: ... She humiliated me.

Zoey: What happened?

Dave: Well, I left her the note with some chocolates. But I didn't count on her showing up at that exact moment.

Zoey: ...and what happened?

Dave: S-she laughed in my face, tore up the note, threw the chocolates and kissed Jackson.

Zoey gasped.

Zoey: With Jackson? B-But, I thought she hated him. I thought she was a decent girl.

Dave: I-I did too. But I saw it. I saw it with my own eyes. That's the third girl that's turned me down. What did I do wrong this time?

Zoey: You didn't do anything wrong. You kept yourself in line, you were polite to her without being overt, she just didn't reciprocate. But she had no right to do that to you.

Dave: Then why did she do it?

Zoey gave him a hug.

Zoey: Some people are just... rotten inside.

Dave: Maybe... I'm just not cut out for it.

Zoey: Don't be silly. Dave, you're not perfect, sometimes you act without thinking, you can get a little obsessed, and you tend to be too honest to the point of hurting.

Dave: Thank you?

Zoey: But you're always trying to improve on all that. Remember how you acted when Daisy rejected you?

Dave: I'd rather forget I ever acted like that.

Zoey: And you never did it again. You're not the same, you just have to trust yourself more.

Dave: Do you really think there's anyone who would like a person like me?

Zoey: Absolutely. I felt like I wouldn't find someone too, but then I met Mike, and even though things didn't start out the best, we've both gotten stronger since then, and 3 years later, we're still together.

Dave: Yeah. I still remember when I thought Mike was just a little weirdo. He's lucky to have someone like you.

Zoey: I'm the lucky one.

Zoey's phone rang and the girl stepped away to answer it.

Zoey: Hello? Mike, hi. No, don't worry, no one's here... uh-huh... Turn and see the door?

They both turned and saw Mike standing outside with his cell phone, the boy had dark brown spiky hair, tan skin, brown eyes. He was wearing a light brown sweatshirt with blue hooded theater masks, underneath was a blue t-shirt with a beige collar and beige ties, blue pants, brown sneakers, and was carrying a purse with his name on it. He was also accompanied by a girl holding a bouquet of flowers with a card that said "for Zoey" with a heart, the bouquet completely covered her face.

Mike: Happy Valentine's Day Zoey.

Zoey: Mike... it's... beautiful.

The redhead stepped out from the counter and hugged her boyfriend, then shared a kiss. Dave smiled to see his friends happy.

Mike: I hope I didn't go overboard with the flowers.

Zoey: Not at all Mike. They are beautiful.

???: So can I put them somewhere now?

Mike: Oops. Sorry Sky.

Zoey: Let me.

The couple took the flowers, letting Dave see the girl holding them. She was short, fair-skinned, black hair tied in a ponytail, black eyes and wore red feather earrings. She wore a light purple jacket over a beige blouse with a darker purple stomach line. A pearl necklace of the same color, a gold medal on black string, which had a design of two people holding hands. She completed her outfit with black leggings with the word "Mikitou" along the leg and purple and beige sneakers .

Sky: Thank you. I was starting to get allergies from the pollen.

Zoey: Sorry Sky. Ask my partner for coffee, I'll go drop off the flowers.

Sky: it's okay, just let me untie my hair.

The athlete took off her ponytail and blew her hair back a bit, Dave was transfixed by the image in front of him, he saw the athlete's black hair flying while he was also transfixed by the sight of her porcelain-like skin, mixed with the sunlight coming through the glass of the coffee shop, and the music they had on for the dates. She was like a painting in motion, with his heartbeat having accelerated just seeing her. He was so shocked, he didn't notice when the girl came up to him and started talking to him.

Sky: Hi ... Are you okay?

Dave: uh?... Ah, yeah sorry. Umm h-hi, I'm Dave.

Sky: Skylar. But you can call me Sky.

Dave: Sky. Got it.

A small awkward silence formed.

Dave: Uh. What kind of coffee do you want?

Sky: A cappuccino with cream, and a slice of lemon pudding.

Dave started working on the coffee, and I decided to try to keep up with the conversation while the milk was heating up.

Dave: So... How long have you known Mike?

Sky: We've been friends since we were kids. I met him in gym class, I was surprised to see someone so young and so skilled, and then I found out why. At first I was a little surprised, but that didn't stop us from becoming good friends. And Svetlana can be a good trainer.

Dave: Svetlana gives you lessons?

Sky: Sort of, she gives me tips and routines. All so I can get ready for the Olympics.

Dave raised his eyebrow somewhat intrigued as he pulled out the jug so he could put the contents in a glass.

Dave: Do you want to become an Olympic athlete?

Sky: Yes. That's been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Along with my older sister, she almost made the rhythmic gymnastics team.

Dave had a certain idea about that activity. But for once, his brain decided to block out his "brutal honesty" and instead, he tried to go with the flow.

Dave: Wow that's it. Impressive. Although, I guess it takes a lot of time and effort.

Sky: More than you think. But I know it's going to be worth it.

Again there was a short silence.

Dave: Uh, do you have someone to spend the day with or... just going about your training?

Sky raised his eyebrow at the question, with a sad little smile, but it was so small that Dave didn't notice it.

Sky: Uh, no. I don't have anyone.

Dave: Sorry, I just didn't think someone as pretty as you would be alone on a day like this.

Sky was a little surprised, while Dave mentally slapped himself. He was just way too obvious.

Sky: You... You think I'm pretty?

Dave: I, ummm.

Unintentionally, the Indian ended up hitting the glass, which resulted in the coffee tipping right over him.

Dave: Ahhhhhhhhh. Geez-

Sky recoiled a bit in surprise, while Mike and Zoey returned from the warehouse.

Zoey: What happened?

Dave: I accidentally spilled coffee on myself, ouch it burns.

Sky: Sit down, I have some ice in a bottle.

Dave: N-no, that's not necessary.

Zoey: You do that Dave, I'll take care of cleaning this up and restocking the order. Sky, can you take care of him?

Sky: Yeah. Come on.

Dave came out of the bar, and took the nearest inside seat, the good news was that all the couples were outside, and the glass cancelled out all the sound.

Sky: Okay, you need to take off your apron.

Dave heeded and with a little work, undid the knot on his work apron. Sky wrapped her bottle in a rag from her purse and placed it on the affected area of her stomach.

Sky: Good thing you were using that, at least you'll only have the burning sensation, but you won't have to worry about infection.

Dave: Ah, sorry about your drink.

Sky: It's no big deal.

Dave: No no, I'm really sorry about that. I just... I didn't have a good day.

Sky: ... Do you want to tell me what happened?

Dave: I was rejected and humiliated. I confessed to who I thought was a friend. And she just. She made out with some popular jerk in front of me after breaking and throwing away my gifts.

Sky put a hand on his shoulder

Sky: It's okay, I understand. You're not the only person with bad experiences on this date. My boyfriend broke up with me last year.

Dave: On Valentine's Day? But... Why... How could he think of doing something like that to you? Especially being someone as pretty as you.

Dave covered his mouth, while Sky blushed a little.

Sky: So. You really think I'm pretty.

Dave: Y-yes. Agh, sorry, I must be coming off as some kind of pervert.

Sky smiled at him, as if to indicate that there was nothing wrong. Fortunately Zoey stepped in to save him.

Zoey: Here's your order Sky. And add something special.

Sky: Thanks Zoey. I have to go, my sister is waiting for me to help her. It was nice meeting you Dave.

Dave: S-same to you Sky. I-I'll see you again... if you come here of course.

Sky: Mmm, maybe.

The athlete winked and stuck out her tongue in a friendly way, making the boy let out a small laugh.

The black-haired girl handed the money to Zoey and left the place. Dave sighed with a chuckle.

Zoey: Awww, looks like Sky made a pretty good impression on you.

Dave: Uh... I-I don't know what you're talking about.

Mike: Yeah right. You're redder than Zoey's hair.

Dave: N-not true. Be-besides I'm sure I just made her uncomfortable.

Dave felt his phone vibrate and pulled it out.

Dave: A message?

The boy opened it, and was surprised to see a selfie of Sky, winking and holding a heart-shaped cookie with a chocolate D on it.

Dave: But how did-?

A second photo came to him, this one of a napkin with a phone number and the phrase "Don't thank me" and a heart signature.

Dave: ZOEY.

Zoey: Well, you two just looked so cute talking, so I thought I'd give a little help.

Dave smiled, that Valentine's Day had started out black, but now. All that sadness about what had happened to him was gone. Dave looked at his phone once again and thought to send a message.

Dave: Are you enjoying your cappuccino?

Sky: Yes. I can taste a hint of cinnamon.

Dave: Heh, it's a trick I taught Zoey.

Sky: I love it, it gives it a little sweetness, but without being invasive.

Dave: Well, I'm more of a double espresso guy. So it has that strong kick to it.

Sky: mmm, that's weird, I would expect the opposite being so sweet.

Dave: Y-you think I'm sweet?

Sky: Of course I do.

Dave: Oh... thanks... I have to get back to the counter and clean up.

Sky: I enjoyed talking with you. Maybe we can get the bad memories of this day out of the way by creating a good one when you're done ; )

Dave's face got even redder, was she suggesting a date?

Outside, Sky watched the message, waiting for a response as she took a sip of her cappuccino.

Sky: Ugh, I hope I didn't sound too desperate or cheesy.

The girl saw the cookie, she knew it hadn't really been a gift from him, but still, it was as if it had his intentions. The ringing of her cell phone made her see a message.

Dave: I would love to create a new memory with you Sky :)

The athlete smiled and took a sip of her drink before replying.

Sky: Do you like karaoke?

Dave: I do actually.

Sky: Cool, I have a friend who works there, what do you say we go there after you finish your shift?

Dave: Well, I've got half an hour to go, so if you're willing to wait a little bit, we could go right away.

Sky: Cool.

Dave: Yeah cool. So, I'll see you on the way out...I guess?

Sky laughed a little giggly, she found the boy's nervousness adorable.

Sky: Yeah, see you on the way out ;)

Sky put his phone away and decided to enjoy his snack. While his head couldn't help but think about the smile of the boy he just met. Unaware that Dave was in a similar situation. They both happily sighed and said.

Dave/Sky: "I think this is the best Valentine's Day ever".

-THE END-

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.