Lesson 3: My POV -

It’s a cool October morning with a slight chill in the air, leaves falling, and the sun trying to peek out from behind the clouds. I pull my jacket a bit tighter as I walk up to my favourite coffee shop, Moonbean, and pull open the door. The little chimes above it sing, signalling a new customer.

I walk up to the large oak counter where I see an abundance of freshly baked goods, delicious sandwiches, pre-made soups, and several types of drinks. The menu covers the entire back wall; what do I choose? I scan the different items and after some debating in my head, I decide on a medium French Vanilla, a BLT sandwich, and a fresh blueberry muffin.

I move closer to the cashier and they greet me and ask, “What can I get for you today?” I tell them my order and watch as they punch in codes into the cash register. “Is that everything?” they ask. I say yes. They tell me that my order will just be a few minutes and that I can wait off to the side. I thank them and wait with one other person.

As I look around the shop, I notice that it is quite busy for a Tuesday morning at 11am. Then, without warning, my eyes fall on a girl a few years older than me, sitting at a single table in the far corner alone. She is reading a book and drinking a Starbucks white Americano. Who the hell brings Starbucks into an independent coffee shop? I recognize her immediately. It’s Ellen.

Great, well now my day is ruined. Why is she even here? Of all places to be, I think to myself. There’s just something about her that I don’t like and her presence just infuriates me.

I hear the barista say behind me, “Ma’m your order is ready.” I turn around, unclench my fingers, take a breath in, and say “Thank you” to the woman with a semi-forced smile. I take the small bag and coffee cup from her, turn to look once more at Ellen, then quickly turn back and walk out the door.

Lesson 3: The Person I Don't Like POV -

I am sitting at a single table in Moonbean Cafe. I’ve never been here before but I decided to try something new. I’m reading a new series as well and am thoroughly enjoying it so far. I’ve got my favourite coffee in front of me and a bagel I bought at the counter. I notice that it’s quite busy this morning but it’s still quiet enough to read.

The front door opens and I hear the chimes above. I feel a cool breeze rush in and wrap itself around me; reminding me it’s the middle of October. I look up from my book to see a girl, a few years younger than me, walk in holding her jacket tight around her. She’s got a slouchy beanie on, ripped jeans showing tights underneath, and long brown hair.

I know that girl, I think to myself. She’s got her eyes down as she makes her way to the counter.

I wonder if I should call her over after she orders to say hi. The thought ponders in my mind. I watch as she scans the menu for a bit then makes her way to the cashier.

She probably doesn’t want to be bothered, I think. Especially not by me. How would she feel if she knew who I was waiting for? Maybe I should keep my head down and perhaps she won’t notice me.

I bring my attention back to my book. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her waiting for her food and then she notices me. Well, so much for being undercover. I wonder what she’s thinking. Is she going to come over here? No, most likely not. I continue reading my book.

After a few very long minutes, I turn my gaze to see her walking towards the cafe door, bag and coffee cup in her hands. I suddenly get this feeling that I am doing something wrong.

Lesson 11: Create a Setting (Quiet Nights in My Head) -

I am so done with life, I think to myself as I inhale another drag.

How am I ever going to make a career out of music if no label or producer is willing to hear my stuff? I mean I know it’s not great but I can do better.

That’s the problem with society today. Someone makes one mistake or didn’t put their best self forward and then they’re just cancelled altogether. This is not going as planned. I can’t find any reputable record labels that I haven’t already contacted.

I slam my laptop shut, take another long, heavy drag and slowly push it out of the thin gap between my lips. My arms are wrapped around my knees as I sway back and forth. I hate being alone. Why is no one with me right now? Where is Luke when I need him? He’s probably hooking up with someone, probably doesn’t even want to come back to Portland. I bite my tongue as the thought very quickly absorbs me.

I finish my joint, breathe in the crisp air flowing in through my window, curl up under my blankets and think of something better to come.

Natasha K.

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