Chapter 1 The Charming Stranger

THYE CAFÉ 5 pm

"One cup of Espresso" A hasty customer ordered.

"Coming right up" Sophia responded cheerfully.

She brewed the coffee with a smile on her face, made a love design on it, and served it with a smile.

"Happy drinking" She wished heartily and the customer flashed her a smile and left.

She sighed and started cleaning the counter. That has been her daily routine. Brew a coffee with a smile, serve with a smile, and do everything with a smile even though her situation permits her to just lose it and cry down torrents of tears.

Her phone rang and she ransacked her bag to bring it out. The number calling was saved as "Clio's class teacher". She heaved a sigh and picked up the phone slowly.

"Hello" She muttered.

"Hi, this is Clio's class teacher" The voice said.

Sophia nodded as if she could see her.

"I've been trying to call you but your number has been busy" The lady on the other end continued.

Sophia has seen the call but ignored it on purpose because she has run out of excuses to stall them.

"I'm sorry about that. I left my phone at home" Sophia lied.

"That's fine. I'm calling to remind you about Clio's tuition fee. It's long overdue and failure to pay might lead to withdrawal. Please make sure you pay as soon as possible" The lady relayed.

"No problem. Thanks for the reminder" Sophia mumbled.

"Alright. Bye" The call ended.

"Oh God" Sophia exclaimed gently when she dropped the phone. Her countenance fell drastically and sadness was evidently written on her face.

"Where do I get the money? My salary for this month isn't till the next two weeks... Gosh" She lamented again.

Her head dropped on the counter in dejection. She wouldn't have done that if it was rush hour. But it was already evening and people rarely come in during this time.

"Hello" A Soothing voice called out.

She jerked up in reflex and quickly masked her expression with a smile.

"What can I get you?" She asked perfunctorily.

"An espresso" He replied in an endearing tone.

Sophia looked at him and his blue eyes bored into hers.

"Coming right up" She took her gaze off him and set to work.

"It will rain very soon. Won't it?" The guy asked.

"Oh, really?" Sophia feigned interest.

She was not in the mood to strike up a conversation with a random person. She has a lot going on in her mind already.

"Yes" He nodded. "I'm Alex by the way" He started.

The coffee machine made a soothing noise.

"The forecasting agency predicted that there won't be any rain in the next two days. So, I think you're wrong sir" She blurted and focused her gaze on the brewing machine.

"They can be wrong you know, they are humans too" Alex pressed on.

"The thing here is not about them being humans. It's about them being expert and professionals in their Field. They are the ones who can predict the weather better because it's their area of expertise" She explained avidly.

Alex was stunned and only muttered an okay.

"Here comes your expresso. Happy drinking" She said with her usual smile.

Alex collected the coffee from her hand and their hands touched. Sophia's gaze locked with his again.

He brought out money from his pocket and dropped it on the counter. From the bulge, Sophia could tell it was more than the stipulated amount.

"I think you overpaid" She pointed out to him.

"Consider it a tip, For the conversation I enjoyed" He smiled boyishly and exited the Café.

Sophia stared at him until she couldn't see him anymore.

"What was that?" She wondered and felt her heart skip a bit.

No doubt, he was a handsome and simple guy with admirable facial features.

Sophia grabbed the money on the counter and felt a rustle with it. She looked at it and saw that it was a crispy folded paper.

Curiously, she opened it and it read thus: Your smile can light even the haziest of days.

Sophia felt her insides churn strangely as she read the handwritten note. She traced her fingers along the perfect handwriting on the note and let her fingers savor the smooth texture. She revered the sincerity of the letter and how It got to her. No doubt, she has been receiving random compliments but never has she received a handwritten one.

"When did he write this?" Sophia wondered.

She soon waved the feeling off and started preparing to leave.

"Sophia" A middle-aged man entered the Café and called her.

"Boss" Sophia flashed her most endearing smile.

"How is your health?" She asked.

"What can an aging man do than to hope for good health?" He replied heartily.

"How was sales?" He drew out a chair and sat closer to the counter.

"It was fairly better than yesterday's" Sophia divulged.

"Sounds fair enough. Let's make calculations and you can close for the day" He said.

Sophia brought out all the money she made and they both counted it and sorted it out.

"Thank you Sophia" He appreciated genuinely.

"You're welcome boss" Sophia responded cheerfully.

"I will see you tomorrow" He said and walked to the entrance.

"Boss" Sophia called out in a low but audible tone.

"Yes" He stopped in his tracks and turned to her.

Sophia clasped her hands together nervously but she reasoned that she had no other options.

"I need your help" She intoned shyly.

"Is everything okay?" He asked with concern laced in his voice.

"Yes. I mean no. It's Clio" Sophia stuttered.

"Clio? What happened to her? Is she sick?" The man panicked.

"No, she's well and healthy" She refuted.

"So, what's the matter?" The man pressed on patiently.

"Her school fees have been long overdue and the school is considering her withdrawal" Sophia explained melancholically.

"That's so sad" The man sympathized.

"Please, can you give me a salary in advance? Please" Sophia pleaded with misty eyes.

She detests doing things like this but she has no choice if she still wants Clio in school.

"I'm sorry Sophia but I have to pay for my health fee"

"Oh right" Sophia felt guilty for bothering the ailing man.

"But I will see what I can do and get back to you" He assured her.

"I will really appreciate that sir" Sophia eyes lit up.

"Pack up quickly and go home to Clio" He urged and exited the Café.

...................................

Sophia walked down the lively street deep in thought. She was oblivious to the excitement and buzz around her as she concentrated on the wants gnawing her insides. Closing time is when she has the time to brood as she is busy offering the happiness she didn't get to strangers over a cup of espresso during work hours.

The lyrics of Jeiel Damina's song boomed through the speaker and the lyrics etched into her soul.

And if you feel under pressure

Lost a close treasure

Broke beyond measure

You gotta remember you're not what they call you

Can't limit yourself to what people tell you

You're the final word!

"All will be well" She consoled herself and continued her short journey home.

Her mind drifted to the stranger who had written her a note earlier. She found herself thinking more about him but she soon waved it off as just a mere kind gesture. She got to the entrance of her small but decent one-bedroom apartment. That was all she could afford for Clio and her.

"Leave me alone or I scream" That was Clio's distressed voice.

Sophia was alarmed, she kicked the door open in reflex and yelled her name.

"Clio"