Today I arrived late, by late I mean my favourite spot was taken.
I love sitting at the end of the hall, facing the mirror. This way, I can see everyone well, stare, and no one will ask questions.
The coffee smells excellent today; Kathy, my favourite Barista, is on duty today, which means my Latte will have a beautiful heart on it.
The waffles and pancakes are inviting; Kathy has everything here; she uses powdered sugar to create little, cute patterns.
‘Hello? How are you?’ Kathy asks as she grabs her pen and paper to take my order.
‘I’m fine, Kathy. How are you?’ I respond.
Kathy and I have been longtime friends. We meet at an open mic. She had this orange dress and a necklace, and her locs were in a ponytail. She played the guitar and recited a poem on heartbreaks.
Maria, Kathy’s best friend and my classmate, introduced us. She thought we would like each other. Her prophecy came to life; it’s been two years since Kathy and I met weekly for poetry nights.
Today I’m feeling spontaneous. Today I try waffles, ice cream, and an iced coffee! I won’t be ordering my usual American pancakes: a dash of cinnamon, powdered sugar, four strawberries and a banana, to be washed down by a nice latte.
Regarding food, I go all in… two square waffles, strawberries, honey and butter were looking back at me.
Like a good child, I said my grace. I don’t want to choke in public or get a toothache. Who came up with this rule? I dig in.
‘Excuse me, do you mind exchanging seats? The single one is empty; my girlfriend will be here soon.
I go out every Sunday to avoid feeling lonely, and now you remind me of my status. Of course, I do mind. So single people can’t breathe? We don’t belong in this world.
I smile and move my food.
Great, my view is ruined. That old couple looked like they had a story to tell.
If I never get to see the northern lights
If I never get to see the Eiffel tower at night
Oh, if all I’ve got is your hand in my hand, baby, I could die a happy man
Die a happy man by Thomas Rhett plays maybe Sundays are for lovers.
Her shoes click, and I raise my head slightly, a face like the first autumn leaves, a smile as warm as summer, and her floral scent. I don’t mind giving my seat and view. Scratch what I said.
Jambo’s café has a simple menu. I recently learnt they use their farm produce. How cool is that! Their chicken tikka and chicken curry are dishes to look forward to.
I’m what they call a food critic but always on a budget, so student-friendly places are my thing. I’d like to own an espresso machine- ‘But I don’t want to keep it- ‘
My thoughts are interrupted by what is a private conversation.
‘Baby, you will make a good mum.’
I, too, agree; she does look like those mums at the football game cheering their sons and who let them have ten extra minutes of sleep…
‘Patrick, I’m scared.
He holds her hand, kisses it and brings her closer to him. Her body gives in as she places her head on his chest, kisses her forehead, and rubs her back.
‘I have an idea., you love writing things down, why don’t we write the pros and con list of keeping it- ‘
‘Yes, plus we could also write what it will take to keep it
Patrick grabs a pen and paper.
I’ve been taking care of Smile for three months now #catmum. Having a child sounds like fun. No, seriously, having a child- a human child does sound like a lot of work guess Marie Stops exists for a reason.
Children look like fun when they don’t belong to you. They do look quite expensive. You can take them back to their owner.
I can barely feed myself! Diapers, milk, and hospital bills come on. I think the sweet universe should withhold babies till one is financially ready.
I said withhold babies, not the process; pleasure is needed. (wink). Partners must be financially compatible; you two can’t be spendthrift. What will the child eat?
My studio apartment doesn’t look where I’d want to grow up. Kids need enough space to write on the walls and put their toys in every corner apart from the designated corner. You also need an extra room to eat your snack or catch a break. Oh, and an extra room to invent a new way to give you a heart attack.
I’m a big fan of school so an education plan would be on my mind. Which school would I take mini-me to? Would I encourage them to go to college or follow their hearts? Homeschooling does sound like a fun thing to do. I do, however, think school is overrated. You could learn anything on YouTube hit me up if you want your thermos flask fixed.
Those where you see yourself in 10 years come in handy. All you want in this life is to solo travel across Africa and then retire in Laikipia and kids don’t pop up anywhere… or you want the life van with your dog and partner. Have your maternal instincts kicked in, or you’ll wait five more years?
Someday Smile is the adult in the house, I mean, between school and work, one is bound to get lost in it all. Parents should be going to therapy; kids are delicate, so extra help is required. Emotional strength should be considered. Do you want to be a mum, or does your inner child need you?
‘I think Jack will make such a good father’
‘Yes, he is so good with dogs, plus he has so many vet dogs and lives in a pet-friendly environment.’
‘Okay, we should give the puppies to Jack’
They look at each other, so in love.
