COFFEE: Drink of the Gods

Sunday, November 9, 2014

11:48 pm I walk into the café and situate myself at a tall table next to my roommate. I see my friend Barry behind the counter, like he is every Sunday. I strategically place myself in line so that I can order from Barry. It paid off because I get my caramel latte for free as well as my pumpkin bread.

11:52 I see the surprisingly nice man with the tattoos that is always here. He sits in the same place at the bar. Last time I told myself I would remember his name, but of course as I sit here I can’t for the life of me come up with what it might be.  He has tattoos on his hairless head, and all down both his arms. I find him intriguing and wish maybe sometime I could get to know him.

11:55 Although it is lunch time the café is pretty still, not much action going on. I over hear a frazzled woman as she waits in line tell the customer next to her that she came to the café to fix her coffee hangover from the night before. She explains that she drank too much at midnight the night before and didn’t sleep a wink. She raves about how coffee is her addiction, and calls it the drink of the gods. The woman does not have a book bag with her or a computer so when she gets her coffee (of course a large for an addict like this) she walks back out the front door and down the street.  

12:01 people tend to come in waves. One minute the café will be quiet and still with only the background music interrupting the work of the students filling the tables, the next minute 9 people will walk in the door at the same time all wanting coffee. They don’t disrupt the feel of the café, but add to it.

12:03 A woman walks in the door, two little ones trailing behind her. The kids don’t look much older than 4 or five years old. They wear the similar outfits, one wears blue overalls while the other wears pink overalls with flowers on it. A boy and a girl. Twins. They are the cutest things, and excitement fills their faces as mom tells them they can each pick out a drink for themselves. They both pick their own chocolate milk from the refrigerator as mom orders her own coffee and two pastries. One for the kids to share, and one for herself. As the they walk towards the bar to wait for their orders the little girl trips over something unseen, as all little kids tend to do. She hits the ground with a thud and begins to make the first noises of a cry. Her brother runs to her aid and immediately helps her up, and says “It’s okay! I’ve got your milk!” the little girl looks up at mom. Mom smiles and says you’re okay. So the little girl, realizing that no one seems too concerned by the fall, gets up and her and her brother go on with mommy and wait for their food.

12:15 MEN: 9

          WOMEN: 11