Cafè

"Pick whatever you want, dearest." My mother said, browsing through the hanger rack all filled with designer brands. She picked one out and brought it towards me, "I think this one will look nice on you." She turned to me, "What do you think?"

I didn't reply, one morning while I was reading my mom told me to wear outside clothes, we got in a car and now we're here. No warning, no explanation, nothing. But why do I feel like air is sucking out of my lungs every time I'm near her. I want it to stop.

"I'm sorry." My voice comes out softer, quieter than I wanted to. Come on, mean it, "I'm sorry, mom," I said, much clearer now, "I'm so sorry I didn't win."

"Oh my dear.." She cupped my face, my breath stopped, "If anyone needs to apologize it's me." She said, "I've been so stressed these past few days and I…I didn't mean to snapped like that."

"But-"

"Darling," Her voice turned soft, "you know I love you, right? And I know that my little winner won't let that mistake happen again. You're my daughter after all." Her voice was low.

I gulped, "T-That's right." I stammered, "I am your daughter."

"Good," her hand finally left me, "now I want you to pick whatever you want In this store. Anything!"

"Y..Yes mother." I took a breath, I scanned around. Walking a bit here and there, pretending to be interested in different clothes. But in the end I picked the one mother chose because that was the one that would make her most happy. And most of all, not mad at me.

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Today was the entrance exam for senior year.

And I think I totally butchered it.

I don't know what happened, the questions didn't make sense, I kept rereading the same questions over and over. I think I misspelled something, am I dyslexic? Is that what's wrong with me?

I was deeply ruminating about these issues when I exited the school. As I stepped outside a big sigh escaped me, I stood there for a moment. Now what? I've spent all my time studying for this exam for weeks. I never really got the chance to relax.

I looked around my surroundings, there was a fountain, and skyscrapers. Some buildings with stalls and shops and cafes..

I looked at one in particular, the exterior was painted in soft, sunny hues, with shades of light amber and pale gold. Large windows framed in white allowed natural light to flood the interior, and a little smiley face painted on the door.

And my mind went, 'Welp you can't go wrong with a smiley face!'

I walked towards the cafe and entered inside, the walls were a delicate cream color, with an accent of light yellow and orange. Wooden floors with a honey finish while delicate pendant lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow.

Light oak tables and comfortable chairs upholstered in creamy tones. Cushions with patterns of soft gold and ivory. On each table, small vases held fresh sunflowers or daisies.

The counter, where baristas skillfully crafted beverages, was a focal point with its polished wooden surface and a backdrop of tiles in warm beige and soft yellow. The menu, written on a chalkboard in flowing script, offered a variety of coffees and teas, each described in inviting terms.

Honey and Fig Cheesecake

Caramel Panna Cotta

Lemon Drizzle Cake

Chamomile Sun Tea

My mouth watered, the barista noticed me and smiled sweetly, "Anything you may want, dear?"

"Oh uh, everything?" I winced at that, "I mean the honey and fig cheesecake and the tea sounds good."

"Okay ma'am, please wait over there while I'll have your order ready." She gestured towards a nearby table. I mumbled a thank you and scurried off to the corner.

I flopped my head down at a surprisingly soft table. Man, have I always been this bad at talking to people? I mean I'm not the best and the only people I talk to since coming here are my parents and the girls. I say 'talk' but mostly I just nod and listen, people love to hear themselves talk after all.

The faint buzz of my phone vibrating against the wooden table jolted me from my reverie. I glanced at the screen and saw Seliana's name flashing. My heart skipped a beat. Why would she call me now? Without a second thought, I swiped to decline the call, placing the phone back down with a soft thud.

I stared at the phone for a moment longer, noticing the notifications piling up. A dozen missed calls, all from the same group of friends — or rather, the group I was supposed to mingle with as Aurelia. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, why couldn't they leave me alone, just for a day?

"Ma'am?"

The barista set my orders down, the cake and tea both placed on small sunshine plates.

I plastered a smile at her, "Thank you."

She nodded and with a smile she left alone with my thoughts. I stare at my orders with a blank expression. Vespera Institute, the school I'm attending. The school I will go to in a matter of a few weeks.

That's when the real plot kicks in, that's where Aurelia starts taking a more active approach, an approach I'm not sure I'm willing to go. That's where it will be uncertain, if my unwillingness to follow through with my character's role backfires or…

Could this be a slight chance to have a less painful path than Aurelia?