The Cycle of STRANGERS

• 7 •

"Rosa you're paying, right?" Meira asks, as we enter the dim, but cosy coffee shop. She rubs her hands together, approaching the sweet delicacies put out on display. Immediately, she presses her hands against the glass, eyes widening as she takes in every single dessert there. With her height and quick happiness to the most simple things, it's not surprising people mistake her to be a year eight pupil.

"Why do I have to pay?"

"You offered to meet up."

"You chose to come." I protest.

"For you." She places the tips of her fingers on her lips, blowing a kiss by extending her arms out towards me.

"Fine, we can leave. The park sound good?" Venus speaks up.

"No! No, let's stay." Meira demands. Her words stumble out fast, not caring for who heard. In regards to that, Venus covers her mouth, anxiously scanning the café.

"You need to keep your voice down, bitch!"

"Venus, live a little."

"Let's just order stuff..." I say, "please."

"Okie, I'm first." Meira raises her hand, walking to the order point. She stands for a little, waiting for the cashier to finish up with the previous customer. They exchange 'hi' and then she orders a blueberry muffin with a hot chocolate and marshmallows. Venus walks forward next, ordering a sparkling water and choc chip cookie. She has this rule: eat sweet, drink healthy. And trust me, I've tried to do the same, but how am I to do that if everything looks so good?

"Hi there, what can I get you?" A cheerful boy with ginger hair and brown eyes taps the screen a few times, waiting for my response.

"Sparkling water and triple chocolate muffin, please." I say sheepishly.

"Is that everything?" No I want a chai tea instead.

"Yes, that's everything. Thank you." I smile. He returns one back and hands the receipt, directing me to wait at the collection point.

I stand for an estimated thirty- forty seconds, until my number is called and I walk up to the till point. I press my card on the machine, waiting for the confirmation.

********

"You guys got the worst table." I moan.

"That's what I told her. But she insisted on eating next to the window with everyone staring from outside." Venus forces a sickly sweet smile towards a content Meira sitting opposite the two of us.

Sometimes when I see the two of them argue, it makes me wonder how they are only friends. They act like an old married couple. To put it frankly, I would not be shocked if they start dating soon. Then again, that idea would only backfire on me more. I'd have to third wheel everywhere.