Black Coffee

Black Coffee



It was a cold wet day. I had been running for my car when I passed the window of a quaint little teashop and noticed you seated inside, still beautiful. Your sudden appearance forced me to stop mid-step and stare through the rain soaked glass convinced that my eyes had lied.

But they had not.

I watched entranced as you stirred your coffee with an elegant spoon before slowly raising the cup to your lips. You paused to savour the fresh ground aroma, then took a tiny sip, testing the temperature with the tip of your tongue.

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

We sat in silence whilst you drank, both unsure of what to say. I waited patiently for you to speak, enjoyed the sight of you after so many years. You looked better than when we'd parted. A new confidence showed in your face that was reflected in your clothes and the way you wore your hair. "Hi" was all you said, as if it had been days, not years since we had last seen each other.

Before I could respond the waitress arrived to greet me, she offered you another coffee and I requested chamomile tea. When she had left we continued our awkward silence. You smiled coyly, nervously twisting the ring upon your finger until you became aware of my startled gaze.

It was a golden ring, third finger, left hand. I continued my stare awaiting explanation, unable to speak.

Something in your bearing changed as you began to speak of him, transforming you from beautiful to extraordinary. I watched you lose yourself in memories, hearing nothing that you said, only observing your thoughtless enthusiasm. It was evident that he inspired a passion far greater than the one you had had for me.



The tea, when it finally arrived, was bitter and slightly cold. You held your cup to warm your hands and I remembered how soft and small they had felt in mine. I wondered if they fit so well in his, if they knew his body as well as they had once known mine.

We were interrupted then by a tap on the window. The warmth that passed from you to the tall man outside was introduction enough. He was attractive, of course, his well cut suit protected from the rain by the large umbrella he carried. He smiled at you, nodded politely to me then tapped his watch and raised an eyebrow.

Does he know I wondered, did you tell him about me?



And then you were leaving all over again. I let my eyes linger as you stood, recalled the sweet taste of your skin, the gentle curve of your breast and the firm flat stomach of which you were so proud. Only then did I notice the slight swelling of your belly. This man had indeed provided all that you had wanted, everything I could not. I guess you saw the pain inflicted by this extra piece of knowledge, heard me laugh at the great injustice of life, for a brief look of embarrassment crossed your perfect face.

The coat was a lovely blue that drew attention to your eyes, cut generously to compliment your growing form. Nimble fingers hurried through the buttons before they were wrapped in leather and hidden from view. The apologies were sincere, as was the promise to call me soon and catch up. However, you did not look back as you left.

Outside, I saw him take your arm, cover you with that great umbrella and lead you away forever.

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

I watched you go, stared at the table before me, struck by the irony of it all. I could now give you the security you longed for, a ring and a child. I had had dreams of seeing you again, had my lines written out in my head.

But you were gone. Everything had changed.

There was nothing left, just two empty mismatched cups and an unwanted jug of cream.