Nice to Meetchu Again

Nice to Meetchu Again Written by Jackie Friedland Illustration by Katherine "Kat" Taddei

The cafe looked different from the picture online. That is the first thought that occurred to me as I stood outside the building AppleJazzy told me to meet her. She always loved talking about how they had the best croissants and hot coco in the entire city. Yet she neglected to mention that it was right next to a vape shop. Probably since it would ruin the ambiance. I double checked the name. Yup, right place. The door gave a cheerful jingle as I walked in. The interior was pretty. Soft warm colors, worn wood furniture and plenty of natural light. So many cafes these days like to go for a more modern minimalist feel so this was a welcome change. Plants grew in planters in various corners, adding to the cozy atmosphere. Definitely an AppleJazzy vibe. The thought made me smile underneath my mask. I didn’t see anyone else yet so I thought that I might as well grab a snack.

Walking up to the counter, I was greeted by a cheerful barista wearing a mask. She was dressed in a pastel goth style. A fitted sweater dress, bouncy pastel bow keeping her soft silver hair up, and bedazzled hightops under a pin covered black apron. The opposite of how I dress. I give off more of a lazy academic fashion, complete with worn shoes and oversized cardigan over a loosely tucked in button up and skinny jeans.

“Excuse me, may I order a large cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream and an almond croissant please? For here.” I asked.

“Of course! Let me grab that for you real quick!” she said. The barista immediately went off to start making my order.

“Wait, how much for it all?” I said, confused.

“ It’s on the house. Consider it my treat!” she said with a wink of her sparkly shadowed eyes. While unusual, I was not going to question the cute barista giving me free stuff.

I walked over to an empty seat by the window and opened up my book. It is the perfect place to people watch as I wait for AppleJazzy to arrive. I felt myself gradually relaxing more and more as time passed. Between the calm cozy cafe interior, noise of the barista prepping the drink, and soft sunlight hitting me as I read my book, I could feel myself getting a little sleepy. I took off my glasses and rubbed my eyes to stay awake. I refuse to have my first meeting with AppleJazzy be one with table marks on my face. Now that I think about it, something about the cute barista reminded me of someone. Someone familiar....

“Here you go, one giant hot cocoa with whipped cream, an almond croissant, a large apple cinnamon tea, and a cheese danish.” said the barista “Excuse me, this is too much. I didn’t order all this!” I panicked.

The barista tilted her head to the side, bow resembling a pair of lovely pink rabbit ears. “You are a little dense, aren’t you?”

I frowned slightly. She was definitely reminding me of someone. But who? She took off her apron and then pulled out the chair across from me. Smug energy like a cat that stole the cream emanated from her. Kinda like...I slammed my drink down and leaned across the table.

“AppleJazzy?” I asked.

She took off her mask and gave a bright grin “Took you long enough, SakuraHime.”

I pulled down my mask and gave her a warm smile in return. She has the same energy online as in person. And same voice of course. It is just different to put a face to the internet friend that I have been talking to for so long now. And a name. I looked at the name tag on her apron. Ringo. So that is where she got her username.

“So, what do you think? Cute as you thought?” asked Ringo with a wink.

“No, much cuter. You are very Ringo.” I said.

Ringo blushed “What is that supposed to mean? You-you! Ah, give me your name already!”

“Cherry. It is nice to finally meet you in person, Ringo.” I said with a smile still on my face. It is hard not to when faced with Ringo’s cheerful energy.

“No, you got it wrong, Cherry. It is nice to meetchu again!” she said.

“I suppose you are right. Well then, it is nice to see you again.” I said

The two of us smiled, enjoying the pleasure of meeting again in a new way. We enjoyed the food and treats, talking as if we hadn’t in years. It was perfect in the way only normal things like sitting with a friend in a cafe could be. And the promise that it wouldn’t end at one meeting alone made everything just right.