Twilight Java

Chapter 4

I sat awkwardly at my table, contemplating the best way to approach the singers. There would be no way around it except to ask them before they started their set.

"Fourteen!" The barista with the smooth voice called out. I quickly rose to my feet to retrieve my steaming cup of goodness. The barista smiled as I approached him, the coffee steaming in front of him. "If you're worried about how to ask the singers, don't be because these are all artists hoping to get recognition. If they don't want to be photographed then that'll be their loss," he slid the coffee that stood on a shiny turquoise plate towards me. "Both of you will gain something."

I felt grateful for his advice. "Thank you." I said before walking back to my table, coffee in hand. Ultimately, most of these singers wanted some recognition, especially the younger ones who might be trying to pursue a career in music. The soothing voice of the young girl ended and I instantly missed the soft singing that lingered in the room. The silence remained for a while as no one claimed the stage.

While sipping my coffee and waiting for an act to come up, I took the time to notice the little details the cafe had: The rims of the counters were engraved with swirls of sorts, the large windows that faced the busy street had drawn deep red curtains at the sides, and I didn't know if it was for decoration or if they drew them sometimes. Some corners of the cafe had blue armchairs with bookshelves drilled into the walls near them. The cafe gave off a very local and warm feeling, so it was hard to imagine it in the middle of a big city.

Messing around with the settings on my camera, I heard the door open abruptly and the barista yelled across the cafe.

"Ellis, you're late!" He hollered with a playful smile.

Ellis had a guitar case slung over his back that he began to unhitch as he strode towards the stage. "Yeah, but I'm here," He yelled back then jumped, literally, onto the stage and began adjusting the mic. "Plus, it's not like anyone's waiting for me. I'm not famous. Yet." He smiled and laughed to himself as he continued setting himself up to sing, his laugh lines outlining his smile. I realized I should be getting ready to talk to him, but I had this strange sense of fear. This guy wasn't famous, just another boy singing small gigs yet it felt like he was more than that.

It must have been his confidence and suave. The way he carried himself so carelessly yet so composed. Even though this was only my second time seeing him, he felt like someone who always knew what to do but would always remain calm. Obviously I didn't know if it was true, but his lightheartedness made me think that.

The barista turned his gaze from Ellis to me, giving me a knowing smirk then nodding his head towards Ellis. I stood up from my seat and walked towards the stage, feeling inferior from the level that it put me at. Clearing my throat, I looked up to him and tried to get his attention. "Excuse me," I said. He noticed me, then stopped what he was doing.

"Yes?" He said, raising an eyebrow.

"I was wondering if you would let me-" Just as I was about to finish my sentence, what sounded like a blender turned on and made it hard to hear myself, not to mention Ellis. He sighed impatiently and motioned me to come up onto the stage. I raised my eyebrows, and he pressed for me to come up. I raised my leg on the foot-high ledge but found it hard to lift myself up while making sure my camera didn't hit anything with force. Ellis reached his hand out towards me that I grabbed instinctively and soon became lifted upwards with ease. My face became slightly warm from the embarrassment of not being able to help myself. I tried to compose myself quickly and stepped away from him after realizing I was inches from his face.