Alina's Pov
This morning feels slow, just like yesterday. Summer is fast approaching and it gives me a good feeling, or it's simply happiness. The one that comes when a child is expecting a gift from his mother who is coming back from a trip.
Never been a fan of cold weather. Plus today my alarm didn't wake me up as it did for every individual, my recurring dream did and as usual, my bed was soaked with sweat once more. Heart hammering in my chest, making it feel tight like a rope is tied to it, my head is hurting.
And that voice keeps ringing in my ear, reminding me of when a song is put on repeat.
There's nothing special about my studio apartment. Rosa handed it to me, it was her son's space when he stayed in town, until he moved to Mexico for a mouth-watering job offer. Though we've not met for two years since I've been here.
A big room housing my clothes, shoes, and bags is placed neatly in the wardrobe. White paint adorned it. A small TV positioned in one corner, beautiful sets of light, casting a beautiful glow around the room, especially the chandeliers.
Rosa also outdid herself when she handed me a set of exquisite-looking paintings. Which was placed in both the room and the kitchen axis.
Being one of my favorite spots in the apartment, keeping it neat has always been my goal every day. The counter is wiped clean all the time, and the utensils are placed neatly in the cupboard.
The bathroom too was decorated according to my taste. A bathtub, all my skin care products placed in front of the mirror. Right now I'm standing in front of it, staring at my reflection after brushing my teeth.
"You should know who you are," I murmured. Slightly touching my face, down to the freckle near my lips.
My routine for the day is simple. Wake up, do a five-minute exercise, shower, and get dressed in a smart casual outfit that feels comfortable on my birthday all through the day, then leave straight for the Cafe.
Wrapping my Auburn waist-length hair in a ponytail, apron in place, coffee machine in brewing, water boiling on the stove rinsing the mugs, flipping the "Open" sign, and back into the kitchen to get started on the pancakes, before the first customer walks in.
But everything feels slightly off like a shifted photo frame. I involuntarily glanced towards the corner of the booth before it was even occupied.
The stranger's voice from yesterday keeps echoing in my mind like a forgotten song.
A few minutes later, the cafe was crowded with customers. Students, workers, tourists, and even couples. The chatter, laughter, soft music, and the smell of espresso filled the morning air.
The lemon around here always comes in fresh. There's a huge market at the far end of the coastal town that I've been meaning to visit and get some fresh fruit for myself, but Rosa keeps stopping me from going. Saying I might get lost with an escort.
Meaning either she goes by herself or Melinda does. By the way, Melinda is a nineteen-year-old girl who also works here. Dark skin, round face, a tiny pointed nose, and cute little lips.
She's gorgeous and I like her. She's been a good friend, and we've had a rather platonic relationship since I started working here. Being born and brought up here, she's quite popular as well.
"Good morning sir! Welcome to Rosa's, what would you like this morning?" Melinda's voice bounced off the room.
Even with the chatter and laughter of different people going on in here at the same time, it was easy to pick out every voice. It baffles me at times, and at the same time, it could be the material used in building the cafe.
"Good morning! I will order later."
The knife hung mid-air in my hand, the lemon forgotten for a few seconds. My heart skipped, before hammering against my chest. That's Steven's voice, but aside from that, it also sounds familiar, but from whom are where?
Rosa happened to walk out of the kitchen at that moment, eyes scanning me like an open book. Her head snapped in the direction of my sight, before settling back on mine. There are questions in that brown orb of hers that weren't said out loud, but I got the message.
My head shook slightly, indicating that everything is fine. But we both know it wasn't. She shrugged and walked back into the kitchen.
Back to the job in hand, as the lemon was picked up again. "What was she even doing out here?"
Melinda was called by Steven, who stuttered towards his table for the second time. Her eyes were full of admiration and something else. Not that it's my problem though.
Their lips were moving, and since I'm a bit far, I couldn't make out the words being said. And then, Melinda turned around, eyes fixed on me as she walked towards me.
"The man over there" her finger pointed towards Steven's direction "He wants you to attend to him." With an eye roll, she strode off to another table that required her attention.
"What's her deal?" A faint hiss left my mouth, brows furrowed in confusion.
Being wary of this guy should be a duty from now on. Not being able to remember who I am is hard enough, adding another thought and feelings to it will make things worse for me, I'm certain of it.
My mind went in different directions in arguments, as I approached his table. His ocean green eyes peered into mine as though he was trying to read my mind and fish out every single thought in it.
"Good morning Sir, what would you like today?" A tight-lipped smile accompanied the question.
"Good morning Alina, the same from yesterday please." A dimpled smile flashed on my face, showing a straight white dentition.
"Coming right up, Sir."
How do you explain the feeling of shyness and anxiety mixed, that's my situation right now. The aura emanating from him needs to be studied in schools. While he's feeling relaxed and unbothered, the same could not be said about me. Great…Just great.
With fidgety hands, the order was quickly prepared. Black coffee with no sugar and pancakes.
People continued to troop in and out like a museum, almost overpowering our services. Rosa has to step in just in time to assist. Her station is mostly in the kitchen while we do the serving.
"Here you go."
His head goes around the room before settling on his order. "Busy morning?"
"Yeah, sometimes." The chatter and laughter have died down a bit, since the students and workers have left, leaving behind only the tourists and couples.
With a slight head bow, "Please excuse me."
A crease appeared on his forehead." Alright."
A footstep echoed behind me and the next thing, someone tapped me on my back. "Rosa?"
"Can we talk?" Not waiting for my reply, she started towards the kitchen entrance and I followed suit.
"Sure,"
The door shut behind us with a soft click. The tantalizing smell of toast, chicken soup, and cheesecake filled the room. All the utensils are arranged perfectly on their various shelves. This place is kept clean at all times courtesy of the person peering into my eyes at this very moment.
"That man… Steven, he's here again."
With hands folded across my belly. "It's a cafe." The words came out more quickly than usual.
"Yeah, but some men aren't here for coffee only, they're here to collect broken things." she voiced out.
Frozen by her utterances. "I'm not broken." My tone came out in incredulity.
Her hand stretched out to gently cup my face " You were sweetheart. When I found you, there was no ID, no voice for days, just that locket and wedding ring clutched in your hand like a lifeline."
The room goes silent for a few seconds, as only our heartbeat, the pot cooking on the stove, and our glances into each other's eyes say all the words that sound couldn't make.
"Please be careful, okay?" she asked in a concerned voice.
My head nodded as the words that were formed and resting at the tip of my tongue, were suddenly tied.
The moment she leaves through the back door, probably to get a bucket. My feet moved towards the front desk. The room has quieted down more but he was still there.
Is he a tourist?
A businessman?
I've never seen him around here before, not until yesterday.
Steven waves his hand, calling me to come. Shit, he caught me ogling him. This is so creepy…fuck! My hand involuntarily went behind my head to rub it. The walk to his table felt like a chore.
"The bill please." He requested, wiping his mouth with the handkerchief.
My hands reached for the pen and notepad in my apron. "You always sit here." Striking up a casual conversation will release the tension that is thick in the air like smoke.
His lips curved into a smile. "Yeah, best light."
True. The table at the end of the cafe has a window looking out at the ocean. It's a beautiful sight. The birds flying above the water, fish jumping up and down out of it and the sound… oh the sound, it's so pacifying.
This is actually where my lunch is eaten most of the time when the place is empty of customers. With earplugs plunging into my ears as I listen to one of my favorite songs "Diva" by Beyonce.
Our fingers brushed when the bill was handed to him, and my breath itched. His eyes snapped to mine, the expression on his face shifting like he felt it too.
I retrieved my hand as though it had been touched by fire, a nervous smile stretching across my face. With a little cough to clear my throat.
"Are you sure we've not met before?" The question that has sat comfortably at the tip of my tongue blurted out before I could catch it.
"Do I look familiar?" He asked, his voice low.
I shook my head slowly. "It's like trying to remember a dream, but the pieces won't just stay."
He readjusted himself on his seat by leaning over the table, watching me gently. "Maybe it's not the dream that is slipping. Maybe it's just waiting for the right moment to come back."
My mouth fell open slightly, what is he saying? He is talking in parables like an aged man? My mind reeled in circles.
Even as my thoughts were flying everywhere, my eyes were still watching him closely as he brought the wallet resting on the table. Clean mint dollar notes were placed on the table and from the look of it, it is more than the bill.
True to my assumption, the money was more than the bill when I counted it…way more
"This surpasses the price," I stated.
"Yeah, I'm aware. Keep the change." He responded casually, resting his back against the chair. Eyeing me with an expression I can't read.
Placing the cash in my apron, a small smile appeared at the corner of my lips. It's not every day that we get a huge tip from a customer. Rosa will be thrilled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He stands up, smoothing out invisible wrinkles from his suit jacket. "Have a great afternoon Aline, see you around."
Walking out of the cafe without a backward glance, my legs remained rooted to that spot. Eyes fixed on his reverting back.
"He said my name like someone familiar with it. Why do I feel this way?"