Part 1: Sudden Interruption

It was a Sunday afternoon on the second week of February. No matter how you look at it, it’s just an ordinary afternoon, in a quiet city, in a peaceful country.

And there I was in a house that I called home, in a chamber that I call my room. I was just staring blankly at the wall in front of me and lost in my own thought just moments ago. But the sudden warm breeze that blew through my window helped me to snap back to reality.

I leaned back on my chair as I stretch my arms, tired from writing a plethora of useless math equations, it is a long and gruesome study session.

Even though I’m not particularly fond of it, I’ll eventually have to get it done regardless. I’m just doing it ahead of time because I have things planned out to do for tomorrow. I’d say that’s a pretty productive use of my time.

I exhale a huge sigh of relief as my chest is filled with bliss. You know what I mean right? That feeling you felt after you’re done doing something or a task. That feeling of “Man I’m glad it’s finally over.” I said, but it’s only just the beginning for this story.

I looked outside my window to see and check on the weather. It’s sunny outside, but I wouldn’t call it hot. There’s some clouds, but I wouldn’t call it cloudy either. The trees are breathing, the birds are chirping, the clouds are drifting, and the sun, well, it’s shining. And it should stay that way for the next 5 Billion years or so, but don’t take my word for it.

All and all, I’d say it is the perfect weather. Perfect to just stay inside, sit back, relax, play some games on my PC, or even read a book or a manga while Lo-fi Girl is playing in the background. “Well time to have some well deserved me time,” I thought to myself, as I get up from my chair, close my notebooks and trust fall into my bed.

But it’s all interrupted as soon as I hear a noise at the door. “Knock-knock!”. Ah yes, the voice I’m too familiar with, just as familiar as the ones in my head. I knew instantly who’s behind that door. However, almost as if I’m avoiding responsibilities, I tried to play dead and hoping for the person who is behind that door to walk away.

Well that doesn’t really work as an analogy now does it? Sounded more like I’m an opossum who came across a grizzly bear or something. “KNOCK-KNOCK!” again, this time around louder and more aggressive.

At this point if I don’t answer the door, she might grab an axe and tear it down, it’ll be a crappy reenactment of ‘The Shining’. Well if that happened, perhaps my previous comparison isn’t too much of an exaggeration. Like a turtle forced to come out of it’s shell to see what’s been pestering them, I got up to answer the door.

“What is it now?” I asked with an annoyed tone.

“That is not how you respond to the joke Blake. You should’ve said ‘Who’s there?’” She said jokingly, while rocking a silly smile.

“Well my bad Annie, but I’m not interested in the joke. Beside, the knock-knock joke is the worst of them all, why bother doing the setup? Just say whatever the clever pun is that you came up with.”

Sound as if I’m a connoisseur of jokes. If that’s a thing, will they be referred to as a ‘Joker’?

“I mean you can, but I don’t think It would be as hilarious since the punchline sometime revolves around the build up.”

Well that’s true, guess I’ll stand here corrected. I then proceeded to ask what’s her intention and cross my arms.

“Sure whatever. I shouldn’t get too work up over a knock-knock joke. So, what do you need me for? Let me guess, is it to accompany you to a café that you recently found?”

In reality, it’s just a facade of trying to act like I didn’t say my previous opinion, and make her forget about it. Which at this point, I’ve come to realised, is very stupid. Can’t help it since it’s difficult to retract a statement once it’s been said.

“Come on why would I go to a café while wearing my jersey?” she replied, while putting her left hand on her hip.

“I want to ask for your help to be my sparing partner and duke it out with me one-on-one!”

“Why?”

“The school competition is coming up duh!”

She replied with a body language that seems to be mocking me for asking such a goofy question.

In an effort to regain my ground in this conversation, I whipped out a clever yet important question. The one that I should’ve asked the first time around.

“No, I know that. I was asking why me? Wouldn’t it be much better to practice with your teammates?”

With the ball’s in her court, she replied.

“That’s true, but today is Sunday. Everyone is either busy with their family or spending their quality ‘me time’.”

“That’s what I was planning to do before you knock on my door. Also, my skill when it comes to basketball is mediocre at best, the only real experience I got from playing basketball is during P.E. classes.”

With that reply, I reinstated the fact that I might not be willing to help her out, while hoping that she turn back down. But deep down, I know damn well that this is a valiant effort. Why? Because I knew and understood this person more than everybody else.

While whipping her twin tail back with her arm, she replied.

“You’re not that bad actually. Trust me, I know a decent player when I see one! Beside, you have a quality that my teammates and opponents lack.”

She said that with such proud and confident in level which rivals that of a Roman Consul. Her dignitas must’ve been through the roof right now!

“And that is?”

I replied while raising my left eyebrow. Somewhat eager to hear what kind of bullshittery she has to say in order to persuade me.

Like a snake oil salesman who’s trying to sell their bogus product, she replied with such a convincing manner.

“First of all, you’re smart! I think your intelligence can make up for it and rivals even those with experiences. Second of all, you’re also taller than all of the opponents from the rival school, I think the tallest one was only at 168cm.”

I don’t mean to act smug, but, I agree about the first statement. However, I couldn’t say the same about the latter. Does She has access to some kind of high school girls basketball database in order to know that info or something?

Yes, it’s true that I’m taller, but its only by about 3 centimeters, does that make a huge difference? What’s the average height of woman basketball player anyway? Those are questions that I may or may not need to look up later.

“Flattery won’t get you nowhere you know that right?”

“Debateable. So, are you going to help me out or not? I promise you it’ll worth your time,” she said, while giving the cheekiest wink of all time.

“Alright fine, just give me a sec!”

Still trying to sound like I’m annoyed and playing hard to get. However, part of me do want to get out of the house and have some fun outside. Perhaps, that wink did affect my decision. After that exchange, I quickly change into my workout outfit, and take my fully charged phone with me.

When I opened the door, she’s just standing there waiting patiently all this time.

“That takes way more than just a second. Ok then slowpoke, let’s head to the park!” she remarks with a smile.

She’s probably in disbelief, and at the same time delighted that she managed to convince me. I myself also couldn’t believe I agreed to accompany her playing basketball of all things.

Though, my curiosity of what she meant by it’ll worth my time is probably the reason why, definitely not the wink.

Thus we quickly make our way to the park. But when I left the house, there’s this weird feeling that I felt, like I forgotten something. But I’m pretty sure I brought everything with me. Oh well, guess we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

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Part 2: Playful Interaction

The gentle gust that signals the summer is on it’s final bout, and warns that the beginning of autumn is right around the corner is breezing through this town.

I said town but in actuality, its just a plain old city. The graffitis on the overpass, stray cats in the alleyway, trains on the railroad, passengers waiting at the bus stop, pedestrians crossing the street, cars circling the roundabout, and buildings in the business park are all the sceneries that you would see here.

Just like I told you, a generic city in the 21st century. I myself has a lot to say about this city. Things that I like and spite, aspects that I love and loathe, as well as places I adore and despise.

But, when it’s all said and done, I’m quite attached to this city. Well its where I was borned and bred anyway, that’s why I refer to it as town, my hometown.

While we’re walking on our way to the park, we talked with eachother, a lot. I mean, that’s what we always do. Conversation turns to discussion, from discussion into arguing, then arguing becomes debate, and it usually ends with one of us succumbed to the other person’s wit.

In reality, it’s a lot less dramatic than that. Most of the topics we discussed about are, for a lack of a better word, rather mundane. You could even call it boring or even outright silly at times.

I’m not gonna recount everything, but here’s a part of those dialogues that I think is slightly more appealing than the rest, and also to prove my point.

“Say Blake, do you think they coined the term pop music or song because they deemed that the song is popular or because the music feels and sounds like a ‘pop’?”

She said, while striding over the zebra cross.

“What are you talking about? Isn’t it obvious?”

I then continued by giving a short explanation, declaring the glaring inescapable obvious truth.

“To start, pop song can be generalized as songs or musics that are popular or in the mainstream. But it can also be used as a genre to label pieces that appeals to and can be listened by everyone.”

Just need some sailor outfit and I’ll be “Captain Obvious” for sure.

“I totally get what you mean, and I’m aware that pop is short for popular.”

She said, while unwrapping a chupa chups.

“But, based on your explanation, I personally believe that the latter is probably the reason why and not because they’re popular.”

With that, she stated her disagreement, as she started to chew away the now unwrapped lollipop.

At this point, I don’t have a choice but to listen to whatever nonsense she about to spout. As there’s still a bit of distance left to cover before we arrive to our destination.

Somewhat interested to what she’s about to say, as we continue our pace, I replied by asking her to break it down for me.

“Hmm. Please, elaborate!”

I then put my hands in my pockets as I eagerly wait. But it seems like I didn’t have to wait for too long, as she replied almost immediately.

“In my opinion, pop musics are well received by a wide range of listeners because of its’ one unique trait.”

As she continues walking beside me. Her argument seems to follow suit.

“The tempo that invites you to nod along, the lyrics that you unawarely hums, and a chorus that harmoniously unite with the beat that stuck in your head for days are all the factors that make said trait unique!”

She then grabbed the white stick with her right hand to pull out the lollipop she’s been chewing and offered it to me.

I pulled out my left hand from my pocket and grab the lollipop, accepting her offer to share it as I continue to listen.

“In conclusion, it has that quote-unquote ‘pop’ sounds and feels that makes it standout!”

At first, I thought this is just going to be another one of her heretical ideas. But for some reason, I’m suddenly interested to hear more.

“You kept mentioning it, but, what do you mean about this ‘pop’ thingamajig you use to refer to them?”

I asked, as I continue to chew the cola flavoured lollipop.

“Like I previously mentioned, they has to standout in order to reach the audiences. And what’s the best way to standout? Make some explosions!”

She said, while making hand gesture that mimics one.

That’s cute Annie. But, had this taken out of context, your name will be on the watchlist. However, nothing prepares me for what she about to say next.

“The song just out of nowhere hits you like a car’s airbag. The rhythm when it enters your ear, it feels like a firecracker of melodies. Tiny little harmonious explosions that serendipitously birth the song, akin to a batch of flint corn inside a microwave that unanimously burst and miraculously becomes a bucket of ‘Popcorn'.”

Speaking with such pride and dignity, almost as if she founds the cure for cancer. She then make a declaration while walking in the bustling sidewalk.

“Thus I firmly believe they named the term pop song the same way they named the food popcorn.”

What the fuck did I just listened to? I take back what I said, this is the most blasphemous piece of thought I have ever heard from her.

“You know what I mean right? I always get excited whenever I hear the corns pop. The same feeling I felt when I found a banger of a song!”

I really hope the pedestrians that are walking by didn’t hear what she just said, I’m getting second hand embarrassment right now. I’m dumbfounded by what she just said.

I do however admit that it’s creative, creatively stupid as well as hilarious. Still trying to hold my laugh that’s mixed with irritation, I played along.

“I see. That’s a pretty good observation,” I said, as I offered the lollipop back to her.

She grabbed the lollipop from my hand, and replied to me with a cheeky smile.

“See? It’s not a coincidence they have the same name now is it?”. She asked, as she chew away the last bit of the lollipop.

“Sure bud. However, I’ll stick with the dictionary on this one.”

Ending the conversation for a moment, before we inevitably start a new one.

With that little snippet of dialogue, by now you should realise and understand the message I’m trying to convey moments ago. We just can’t help ourselves, sometimes we just lost in our own thoughts.

Thankfully, we have each other to stop and remind the other before the point of no return. Had I not stopped her there, I’m willing to bet she’s probably going to make a connection about how popcorn is related to pop culture or something.

How do I know that? Like I said before, I knew her better than anyone else. You probably had already formed an opinion on how you see and think about the two of us.

But let me keep the record straight, there are times when we’re serious and have a discourse about matters that has weight to it.

After multiple streets has been crossed and conversations to be had, we finally set our foot in the park. It was around 10 minutes walk to get here. But somehow, it only felt like it was only 5 whole minutes.

Time really flies huh? Though from my personal experience, only the good times passed quickly. But when I’m going through a painful experience, it feels like the clock slow down a lot. Maybe that’s just me, don’t know if there’s someone out there who agrees with me.

Anywho, we’re here now. If someone ask my opinion on what I think about this park, then this is what I had to say about it. It is mediocre at best. Ok hold on! Let me explain myself.

What I’m trying to say is that I don’t like nor dislike it. To be fair, it has the facilities that a standard park has. Open space for various activities? We got that. Courts to play certain sport? We got that. Public restroom? We got that too. Benches? Trash cans? Landmarks that has no function? Pavements built from taxpayers’ money? We got them all.

However, my opinion of it hasn’t changed one bit. Sure, the park today is very different to what it was 7 years ago when I first visited it. If my memories don’t deceive me, it’s also Annie who dragged me here to play with her. Seems like not much has changed between the two of us since then.

Sorry, I have digressed a tad bit there. So where were we? Right, it won’t be an understatement to say that the park is Ordinary. There, you happy that I changed it to Ordinary?

People associated the word mediocre with bad connotations as if it’s an insult nowadays. Damn it, I strayed off topic again. In conclusion, I deemed it ordinary because that’s just how I see parks in general. Maybe that’s a bit biased, but, that’s my two cents for you.

With that, we quickly head to the basketball court that’s located on the opposite side of the park. However, I can’t help but noticed that something feels a bit off, it seems like there’s a missing piece to this puzzle.

And then it hit me, it’s that weird feeling that I felt when I stepped out of the house. What is it exactly did I forget to bring?

I brought my smartphone with me, the number one thing I always brought with me. Is it the battery? No, I charged it beforehand. And when I turned it on, it displayed 97% on the top right.

I then retraced the actions I took to get here. Then it hit me. The thing I forgot to bring was quite detrimental actually, and I felt kind of responsible at first.

However, I shouldn’t be the one to shoulder it. She should be the one. After all, I’m not the one who wants to play basketball.

To top it all of, she also doesn’t seem to noticed, and so I raised a question regarding the matter that can jeopardize our little basketball game.

“Annie, don’t you think we forgetting something here?”

I may sounded calm. But in my head, I’m scrambling to make a plan B and hoping that she had something planned already and I was just mistaken.

“Forgetting something?”

“You know, something that’s very important. Like an item that won’t allow us to play basketball if we don’t have it?”

I gave her a side eye and then go back to look straight ahead in the distance to see if my contingency plan could work.

Just a split second after I said that, when I look to my right, she’s no longer walking beside me, she’s slightly behind me now standing in a daze. It seems that when she comes to the realisation, it shook her and stopped her right on her track.

“FUUUCK! How could I forgot such an important thing?”

She yelled, while facepalming in disappointment. I replied by chiding her with a sly tone.

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

“It was so obvious. Also, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

It seems like desperation is looming over her, as she grabs me by my shoulders.

“Why just now?”

“Look, I only just realised now too.”

“SHIT! It’s your fault Blake for not noticing it earlier!”

Shifting the blame to me is a bold move for sure. Then I remembered, Isn’t she’s the one who wants to play basketball? Her words kind of irritated me a little bit there.

I planned to reply by saying “How in the hell is it my fault? You’re the one who’s responsible here, idiot!”. But I managed to stop myself from saying it. I don’t want that old habit of mine to rear it’s ugly head.

I have to be the bigger person here. By proceeding to talk with a soothing voice, I tried to calm her down while getting her grips of my shoulders.

“Calm down now. It won’t help us one bit if we just point fingers at each other.”

She gave a sigh, then proceeds to speak in a lower voice while raising an eyebrow.

“So, what now? Don’t tell me you’re suggesting us to walk back and grab it, and then walk back here again.”

“Well not quite, seems like there’s someone on the court playing by themselves. We can ask to borrow theirs for a bit,” I said while pointing towards the court in the distance.

Almost as if a switch has been flicked, her desperation turns to hope.

“Huh? Wait, you’re right!”

She said it with a smile. Like a traveller who saw an oasis in the middle of Sahara. Her once distressed face is now slowly returning to it’s cutesy origin.

“Well let’s go then!” I replied while continuing to walk.

As the distance grew shorter, our feeling of desperation turned to delight as we rejoice at the sight of this person.

You might be asking why that’s the case. Why did we suddenly feel that way at the sight of this stranger.

The figure in question is a girl with a ponytail hair that has a slender and fit body. Despite wearing a high-quality running shoes from a famous brand, it’s contrasted by her casual attire.

To you, she might be a stranger. But to us, this familiar face is a friend of ours. I said ours but, she is Annie’s friend to be exact, a really good one at that. You can even call them best friends and it won’t be an exaggeration.

“What’s up buttercup!” she greeted the girl who’s playing basketball alone.

“Oh, Annie? How are you?” she said, answering the greeting with the same joyous emotion.

“I’m feeling great right now! How about you Ollie?”

“Couldn’t be any better.”

“If only you knew how she was moments ago,” I said, to join in on the conversation.

She replied to my greeting as she noticed my existence that she actively tries to ignore. But, the way she greeted me, doesn’t have the same energy as the one with Annie. The difference is night and day.

Devoid of any emotions, she speaks in a flat voice and with a meek expression.

“Nice to see you too Blake.”

That’s to be expected if you ask me. All three of us went to the same intermediate school, and she was even in the same class with me in the 7th year.

However, when we first spoke to each other, the words we exchanged is anything but nice. Back then, I thought that her personality is really annoying.

It’s funny how I thought that way, when my personality and behaviour back then was not any better than her. In fact, it was probably even worse.

And her abrupt attitude towards me, gave me the reason to act so. I saw it as a justification of me acting cold and rude towards her, I shielded behind the idea of returning to sender. How cowardly of me.

I don’t know how or when did they get to know each other. One thing that I do know though, when Annie introduced her to me, the situation cannot be more awkward.

After that, all of us sat down and talk for a bit. Annie and I explained to her our real relationship with each other and Ollie started her rant. I couldn’t really talk much at that moment as I trusted Annie to handle it.

After some more rambling from both side, and with Annie helping the whole way through, Ollie and I agreed to a ceasefire. On how Annie managed to do that, is a story for another time.

“I thought you didn’t like basketball, don’t tell me you turned a new leaf when you enter highschool and plotting to challenge me.” she said, while putting her right hand on her chin.

“You got the wrong idea, my cousins are visiting for the weekend and one of them brought a basketball,” she explained, while dribbling to the three-point zone.

“So I borrowed it and take it for a spin,” she said, as she goes for the shot. Unfortunately though, she missed.

“I see. Say Ollie, you mind if we borrow it for a bit? Me and Blake want to go one-on-one”

“Sure I don’t mind, didn’t know this weirdo is your personal trainer,” she answered, while turning her gaze towards me.

“There’s no such thing. I was forc— I mean, I was just tagging along, it was her Idea!”

“In short, I have a competition coming up. But at the same time, I’m also bored out of my mind. Since Blake is the only person today who are available, I decided to bother him with the premise of helping me practice.” She said, with a cheeky smile.

Should’ve just said what I was going to say there if I knew she was going to say that.Amused to see me getting tricked by Annie, she laughed.

“Hahahaha, well if that’s the case I’ll volunteer to be the ref and keeping count of the scores.”

“That would be great, thanks a lot Ollie,” she said, happily accepting the offer.

After some deliberation and settling on a ruleset as well as getting some warm up, we proceeded to play. We decided to play until one of us surrender or the score differential is way too high.

Seems simple enough to understand right? Also, did I forgot to mention that there’s no time limit? That’s right! In theory, this little basketball game of ours could go on forever.

But you know that’s not going to happen, I also know that it won’t happen, and so is she. So why exactly did she suggested to use this ruleset? Well, to dumb it down for you, she enjoys seeing me admitting defeat to her as well as beating me in something.

Now, you might ask why I agreed to the ruleset? Simply put, even if I’m against it and suggested for a more manageable ruleset, I’m not going to win anyway. So why bother?

And if I did went for it, she’ll make fun of me even more for losing a game where I tried to make the playing field even by giving her handicaps. I can already imagine the comments she'll say if that were to happened.

That’s why I agreed with whatever she said and decided to humor her.

So it’s started, the game has been going for a bit now. We’re going back and forth, trading blows. If she scores, I scored back. She went for an attack? I defended and counter attack.

For some reason, I can’t shake off this odd feeling I’m having. Something’s been bugging me, something’s out of the ordinary, something’s not right.

And that is the score. I heard Ollie announced something just now.

“It’s 22 to 27 in Annie’s favour!”

Yup, the score is somewhat even, which is why there’s something wrong. This shouldn’t be possible.

If you didn’t realised it already, she’s going easy on me. She’s giving me false hope that there’s a chance for me to win. But if I somehow closed the score difference, she’ll score again and puts me back where I was. She’s just playing with her food, and I’m fighting a losing battle, you could say I’ve lost even before the game started.

But don’t worry, I have a trick up my sleeve. Don’t get your hopes up though, it’s not that it can make me win. It just to make the suffering ends a lot faster, I’m just waiting for the right moment.

After getting another one in the hoop. She decided to mock me.

“Come on Blakey-Blake, don’t tell me you’re giving up already,”

THERE IT IS! The chance that I’ve been waiting for, time to execute it. I then calmly inhale a great deal of air, and prepare to return to sender.

“Shut the fuck up Tomboy!”

The court suddenly went silent. The only audible sound at that moment, came from the bouncing basketball that rebounded and Ollie’s gasp. The smug smile that paint her face is now replaced with a splash of shock and anger.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?” She asked, with an angry voice to confirm what she just heard.

“You heard me, don’t make me say it twice,” I responded, all the while having a shit-eating grin on my face.

Now, keep in mind to never try this at home. These actions are performed by professionals. So please, don’t go around insulting people.

I know what im doing in this situation. And I know who I’m dealing with. And that’s to show you how she really plays basketball.

“I’m gonna mop the FUCKING floor with you Blake!”

She yelled, with veins popping out of her forehead like a bull ready to charge at the matador. I don’t have a muleta ready on me but, I guess the basketball will do.

She’s so mad right now. Suffice to say that my plan worked, Instigation tactic successful.

If you’re shocked by what I said, then don’t worry. Ollie’s expression just now represented what most of you guys felt when you heard that.

No, that’s not what I meant. What I’m trying to say is that it’s pretty normal for the two of us to make fun of each other. Bantering with one another is quite the daily occurrence. Though, it seems like I made her a tad bit too angry for my own comfort.

Well, what’s the worst could happen? Is she gonna make me sleep with the fishes? Believe it or not, That’s actually in the realm of possibility. She might be a girl and shorter than me in terms of height. But, when it comes to physical strength, I’m no match for her.

Ladies and gentlemen, what you’re about to witness now is the most one sided basketball game of all time, and I’m not even exaggerating. If previously she was playing greatly, then this time around, her plays are superb.

She turned things up a notch. Nope, maybe even three Notches. You don’t know how terrifying it is to play basketball against her. It’s similar to encountering a great white shark, while swimming in the open water, but you also have thalassophobia.

I don’t know how you would even get in that situation in the first place, but hopefully you understand the picture I’m trying to paint here. She reminds me of Sue Bird when she’s in her prime, or even the Larry Bird himself. Wait, are those two players related? Pretty sure they don’t. Anyway, this is a prime example of you reap what you sow.

Sure I don’t need to say that, and could just play for a couple more minutes and admit defeat. But one or two things you need to know about me is that I hate when people are going easy on me, I don’t want to be treated like that.

If you want to beat me in something, then go all out, don’t hold anything back, pull out all of your cards, and use all the tricks in the book. Why? Because that way, it’ll help me see things in perspective.

Because personally, I would do the same. I won’t go easy on beginners and fill their heads with dreams. Instead, I will be merciless and teach them the reality of the situation. I could expand a little bit further on why I think that way but, it’s getting a bit too out of topic, so let’s head back to the basketball game.

From that point onward, she’s not giving me a single chance. She did not miss a single shot. I cannot steal the ball from her whatsoever. If it’s my turn to attack however, she stole the ball effortlessly from me no matter how well I dribbled. And when I went for a hail mary shot, she just easily blocked it.

As for the cherry on top, she does what every other basketball player do to make the crowd goes wild and their opponents lose their will to play. She performed a slam dunk, she has asserted her dominance right then and there.

For me, that’s a signal to throw in the towel, as I fell flat on my ass. Not the first time I’ve seen her do it, but certainly the first time she did it to me.

“I give up!” I said, while putting my hands up, indicating so.

“Hmph, had to teach chumps like you a lesson from time to time,” she said, while putting her left hand on her hip and whipping back her twin tail with her right.

Still trying to catch my breath, I spoke in a defeated voice.

“I was just joking back there, I just wanted to see the superstar in action after all.”

“Thought I’d give you a chance so you can enjoy the game for a little bit, though it seems like you’re uninterested,” She said, as she hold out her hand to help me get up.

I replied to her as I reached for her hand, and got back up on my feet again.

“Trust me, I enjoyed it even more the second you shifted gear.”

Does my action just now can be considered as masochistic? I hope not.

“So what’s the final score Ollie?” she said, while turning her gaze towards her.

“It is 57 to 22! As expected from the MVP,” she said, while high-fiving Annie.

Annie proceeds to reply with a humble demeanor.

“I haven’t earn that title for my highschool team just yet, since this tournament is going to be my debut.”

“Thanks for lending us the ball Ollie!” I said, while giving the ball back to her.

“Don’t mention it! I get to see some quality basketball game after all. Plus, seeing you got your ass whooped by Annie is very entertaining. So it’s a win-win for me.”

She said it while slightly tilting her head and putting on a little smile. Sure it’s a win-win for you, but it’s a lose-lose for me.

Acting all smug, Annie inquired her if she’s up for a challenge.

“Well then Ollie, you want to play with me too? Beating Blake is not a big deal, I can still play a few with you if you want.”

Seriously, how much stamina does she have?

“I would like to, but. It’s almost five o’clock so I gotta go, sorry,” she answered.

Coward! At least I have the balls to face her head on despite knowing I will become a laughingstock.

“Okay! Just tell me if you wanna play some, this time around I’ll make sure to not forget my own ball.” she said, while putting her hand on her hip.

I doubt it.

“Alrighty. Goodluck on your tourney Annie! I’ll see you guys around, peace out!” she said, while holding the basketball with her left hand and giving a peace sign with her right as she swiftly took her leave.

----------------------------------------

Part 3: Warranted Intermission

Despite it being in the afternoon, the summer heat is still pretty much looming and doesn’t seem to lose it’s intensity. The obvious option here is none other than to go home.

We will pass a 'Four Square' if we go back taking the same route we came. And I planned to buy something refreshing like a carbonated or electrolyte drink. I wiped away my sweats and continue my plan.

“Well then, we should also head back home!”

As I started to walk away exiting the court and heading towards the park’s exit, She grabbed my right hand from behind.

“Wait not yet! Since we’re already here in downtown, there’s a place I wanted to check out.”

I turned my body to answer the sudden, yet expected request, and looked at her dead in the eye.

“I thought we’re only here to shoot some hoops?”

“Initially it was. However, there’s a change of plan. Wait no, I mean there’s another event added to the agenda,” she explained, while avoiding eye contact and looking away.

Seeing right through her lie with the obvious body language that accompanied it, I tried to decline.

“I see. However, I only agreed to accompany you play basketball. You can go by yourself right?”

By now, I already know where she wanted to go. She then proceeded to reply with a persuasive manner, the same one when she asked me to help her practice earlier. Even though it’s more of a beatdown than it is a practice.

“Oh come on, don’t be such a killjoy. Look, today is Sunday. How 'bout we blow off some steam and enjoy ourselves?”

“That’s literally what I planned to do before you dragged me here,” I said, while crossing my arms.

Begging for me to go with her, she pleaded while giving a nervous laugh.

“You know what they say, the more the merrier! That means it’ll be double the fun if you spend it with me, rather than just alone in your room reading some random comic. So please, pretty please!”

Excuse me? Actually, its called a manga, not a comic. Please educate yourself. Though I do understand why she got it mixed up. Because at the very core, they’re technically the same.

“Ok fine. Lead the way then Annie-Whiny,” I said, with an annoyed tone.

“Yay! Trust me it’ll be worth it,” she declared, while giving a cheeky wink & smile.

Once again I fell for it. She didn’t informed me what kind of place that she wanted to check out. But knowing her, I can already guess where we’re heading to next.

With that, we left the park and headed to the next destination. I followed her through the busy streets, concrete sidewalks, and zebra crosses. Of course without fail, we discussed a bunch of nonsensical mumbo jumbo on our way there.

I’m not going to show it to you here again, cause it’s the same song and dance. After walking around for a few minutes, it seems like we’re here as she said this to me while rechecking the Google maps on her phone.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“It’s should be right around the concer.”

She quickly take the turn and seems to be looking around to find the place, so I follow suit.

“What’s the name of the place?” I asked, fishing for an answer so I can help her locate it.

“It should be around... ah found it!” she said, cheerfully.

Would you look at that, my guess was right on the money.

“Greenie Beanie? So this is the cafe you wanna visit?”

“Yup, you read me like a book back there huh?”

She replied, giving a silly smile that now the cat’s out of the bag. To be honest, it wasn’t in the bag to begin with, I saw right through her.

“It’s not my first rodeo. Well let’s head inside then,” I said, while holding the door for her.

From the outside, this café is already exuding such cozy feelings. So I already have high expectations, and it seems like those will be met momentarily. We were greeted by the cafe’s friendly and lively atmosphere the moment we entered it.

The beautiful yet clean maple hardwood floor, neatly arranged seats and tables with simplistic yet modern design, gorgeous pots of flowers sitting near the windows, the barista skillfully brewing coffees made-to-order, and the waitress sincerely serving the customers are all the things that describes this humble café.

It provides hospitality for customers who are; searching for a place to relax, foods and drinks to enjoy, quality time to spend, be it alone or with someone else. Sure it seems like it is just another café among hundreds other in this concrete jungle.

However, I can’t help but feel there’s something special about this place, I couldn’t really put a finger on why that is though. Over and above all, I think you’ll have a memorable experience visiting it.

In my case, on why this café will become memorable to me is not for the reason you’d expect. Well, I suggest you stay with me here for a little bit so you can find out the reason why.

Anyway, we decided to sit down on one of the tables for two that is located in the corner.

“I’m starting to like this place already,” I said, with a little smile on my face.

“Yeah me too. It’s the opening week, so we’re one of the first to try it out.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep. Word on the street is that the coffee they served here is on another level!”

That’s a bold claim. But she seems to be speaking my language. As a caffeine fiend, I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

We’ve been visiting cafes together a lot more frequent this last few months or so. Since then, she seems to be starting a quest of finding the most delicious sweet treats like cakes, milkshakes, pastries, sundaes, breads, and parfaits that these cafes served and write a review about them.

And at the same time, I also joined in. But for the reason of finding the best cup of coffee in the whole city. Though, my love for coffee started long before that. And I also visit cafes and coffee shop by myself from time to time.

I always, without fail, order a hot coffee everytime I visited this cafes with her no matter the weather. It’s not that I hated iced coffee or anything, I just genuinely think it’s the best way to enjoy a coffee.

She seems to be aware of that. Confronting my weird preference, she shot a remark.

“I also heard their iced coffee options here are exquisite. So please, don’t order a hot one and give iced coffee a shot!”

Resting my left arm on the table and resting my head on my right hand, I met her confrontation head on.

“I didn’t say that I’m going to order a hot one.”

“Everytime you go to a cafe with me, you always order a hot coffee. So naturally I’d assume you’re gonna do the same,” she said, while leaning back on her chair.

“But... They tasted the best that way!”

“Let’s put it this way, it’s still summer, and you must’ve exhausted from playing basketball earlier. Wouldn’t iced coffee be more refreshing?”

I can’t go against that logic. You know what? I think she had a point. I sighed as I replied.

“Alright fine, I’ll take a look at their ice coffee options.”

Almost immediately after I said that, the waitress came to take our order.

“Sorry for the wait, here’s our menu!”

She said, while giving each one of us the menu book. Putting on a big smile, she continued.

“Take your time, I’ll take your orders whenever you’re ready!”

Thus, we browse on what they has to offer. We looked for a little bit as we’re indecisive on what to order.

“There’s a lot of good options here Blake, I can’t decide yet. What about you?”

She asked, while peeking over the menu to look at me.While also peeking over the menu to look back at her, I replied with a steady voice.

“I narrowed it down to 3 options. Currently doing the mental math on which out of the three that I’ll like the most.”

“Pause! You can assess how much enjoyment you’ll get with math calculations?”

She seems rather puzzled by my words. I then smirked as I reply to her.

“I’m joking. It was a joke Annie.”

After witnessing our playful conversation about us couldn’t decide on what to order, the waitress offered to help. Either that, or she ran out of patience watching these two idiots.

“You guys seems to be having a wee bit of trouble deciding. May I give you guys some recommendations?”

“Okay sure, let’s hear it!” she said eagerly.

“First of all, you guys seems to be a lovely couple. With valentine’s right around the corner, I’ll recommend you our ‘Valentine Special’!”

She suggested, while giving a persuasive body language. She then continued, explaining with a big smile on her face.

“It consists of a Coffee Milkshake, a Marocchino and a plate of 4 pieces of strawberry and blueberry Eclairs. What’s special about this one are the Eclairs, they’re homemade and we will no longer serve them once valentine is over!”

After she said that, both Annie and I just looked at each other. We’re not surprised of how delicious the foods sound, or recognised that the menu is limited edition. But rather at what’s the waitress’ assumption about and how they viewed the two of us.

“I see ahaha. Well... How do I say this, erm...,” she said, with a nervous laugh.

Noticing the sudden awkwardness, she muttered a question.

“Is something the matter?”

“Does the menu can only be ordered by couples?” she asked, beating around the bush.

There’s a visible confusion in the waitress’ face, as she realised that she may just goofed up. Noticing that Annie is indecisive whether to tell the truth or not, I decided to intervene. After all, she’s just a random waitress in a random café.

“Sorry to ruin your fantasy there miss waitress, but, we’re not dating.”

I said, trying to break the silence and giving Annie the body language to signal her that it’s okay to tell it. Annie then proceeds to add on to it.

“Yeah we’re actually siblings, step siblings to be exact.”

“Oh my, I’m so terribly sorry for making such assumptions.”

“It’s no big deal, seriously. We get those all the time,” I said, clearing things up.

“So, back to my previous question. Can we still order your ‘Valentine Special’?”

She asked, with a humble demeanor. I can already tell that she’s dying to eat those eclairs.

“Of course! There’s no such rule stating it’s only for couple. I was just recommending it because of the mood, you know? Hehe. So, one ‘Valentine Special’, anything else?” she said, while writing down the order.

“Can you make the Marocchino iced?” I asked.

“Sure! Any other order or requests?”

Annie then replied with a smile.

“That’ll be all!”

“Alright, one Valentine Special coming right up!” she said, while collecting back the menu books and walking back towards the counter.

Well, well, well. What do we have here? After hearing the fact blurted out during that conversations there, all of you must’ve experienced varying kinds of feelings.

Some of you might be shocked, some of you might’ve been weirded out, some of you might feel betrayed, some of you might’ve seen it coming already, some of you might be even more invested now, some of you might say it’s interesting, some of you might’ve thought it’s unique, and some of you might think that it’s not a big deal at all.

Ok I admit it that’s a lot of ‘mights’. But bear with me here as no matter what bare emotions you bear back there, I need to do the bare minimum and give you an explanation. So get comfy, sit back, and relax.

As I’m about to give you a lengthy exposition and tell you about myself a little bit in order for you to have an understanding of the situation. Let’s rewind the clock, and go back to when I was just a little 7 year old boy.

I was a diligent, cheerful, polite, sociable, and sympathetic child. Popular amongst my classmates. A prodigy with a promising and bright future. Someone that stands out, an individual that is known as Blake Malcolm.

I was an only child. My mother work as a pharmacist. From what I can remember, she’s a loving and caring person. Her sincere smile, dazzling eyes, and beautiful hair.

One who never forgot to smile, one who taught me what or what not to do, one who would hug me when I’m sad or happy, and one that’ll always be there for me. She spoiled me rotten, she’s my number one, the best person in the world.

I can still remember it. I was just enjoying my time in the living room during one morning, on the first week of autumn break early in April, playing with my toys that my father bought me.

Right after breakfast, when my mom and dad is preparing to commute and go to work, I saw an ad on the tv. It’s an ad about a cool RC toy car. Of course being the childish child that I was, I decided to be selfish and ask my parent to buy me it.

“Didn’t I just bought you those robots? It’s not even a week yet!”

Said my father, hesitant to grant my wish. I couldn’t really appeal to him, as I myself aware that I might be too demanding.

I was ready to give up right then and there. However, an angel decided to reach out to me, and be willing to fulfill my desire.

“Well, if he doesn’t want to buy it for you then I will! Because I’ll pass the toy store when I go home, so I’ll look for it there!” She said, with a smile.

I was delighted to hear that, I was ecstatic and felt so happy.

“Treat it as a prize, I heard from your teacher that you got another perfect mark. That’s amazing, and I think it’s a cause for celebrations.” She said, joyously.

I can’t help but confirm the fact and nod in acknowledgement, because I did get a perfect score. She then extended her right pinky out.

“But promise me that you’ll keep getting the perfect score from now on. Okay honey?”

Of course I accepted it, and link my pinky to her’s. With that gesture, I have a promise to fulfill.

After that, both of them left the house to be an upstanding citizens and dependable parents and go to work. So there I was, left to my own devices. I spend most of my time leisurely, lazying around with not much to do.

I probably spend it by laying on the couch watching the TV, or read some books, maybe eating some snacks from the drawers, or taking a short nap even. Sometimes my friends would visit me and play with me for awhile. If not, I would just play and entertain myself.

That’s how I’ve been spending my autumn break. The trend should continue up until it’s 5:30 pm. Because at that time, my mom would probably be at home already. So by then, I should have someone to keep me company.

However, the time is already showing that it’s 6:20 pm. By now I’ve figured out that she’s working overtime. It’s pretty normal really, sometimes she would not go home until almost 9pm.

She’s a hard working individual alright. So is my father, he would come home late at night also, almost everyday even. Well, can’t really blame him, he’s working a very important job and has a lot of responsibilities.

So it’s also pretty normal for me to spend most of my day at home, alone. It’s pretty normal for dual income family like mine. I guess that’s why I much preferred to stay inside and only go outside whenever it’s necessary.

Do I ever felt lonely you might ask? Of course, that’s also pretty normal for me. But knowing that they’re working to keep the lights on, to put food on the table, and securing my future, I feel assured.

So now I just have to do my part, be a good child and keep studying to achieve said future. So right after having dinner, I went to my room and study my favourite subject. That’s right, it is mathematics, I’ve promised her that I would only get the perfect score on math from now on after all.

That might sound impossible but I guess I’ll keep on trying no matter what. After studying for a bit, I take a look at my alarm clock and noticed that it’s almost my bedtime. None of my parents are home yet. Well, I guess it’s time to sleep.

They’ll be back home anyway and I can meet them again tomorrow morning when I wake up. Can’t wait to play with the RC car! I thought to myself. I turned off the light, jump on my bed, put on the blanket and count the sheep until I fell asleep.

Unfortunately, the one who would eventually wake me up the next morning is not the alarm clock, It was my father. I do overslept sometimes, and whenever it happens, my mom would be the one to wake me up.

So I was wondering why’s dad the one to do it today? I looked at my alarm clock and noticed something’s a bit off, I didn’t overslept. In fact, he woke me up a bit before the time I set it to go off. However, that’s not my concern for now. What I’m concerned about is my mother’s whereabout.

So I ask my father about it, with an innocent and sincere tone. He then answered my question with a lengthy explanation. While listening to his answer, I’ve come to realised that this is not the answer that I was hoping for, or even the thing I want to listen to the moment I’m awake from my sleep.

He broke the news to me about the heart breaking truth that’ll eventually break me and make me realised that I live in a broken imperfect world.

My memory from here on out is a bit blurry. But, the next thing I know is that I’m attending my Mother’s funeral. She did come home after all, not in a beautiful dress that she wore when she left the home that morning, but in a wooden and cold casket.

When my father told me about this, he didn’t even try to sugar coat it. He didn’t say something cliché like ‘Your mother’s only going for a really long sleep’, or tried to avert the truth by making up lies. He just told me straight up.

“Sorry Blake, I'm so sorry. She’s no longer with us, I’m sorry but this is the truth son. Your mother’s dead, I’m SORRY!” he said, while giving me a hug in an effort of trying to comfort me as the both of us cry our eyes out.

You might think that’s a cruel thing to do and the type of things that should only be said when I’m older and can understand it. However, my father is not that type of person.

He’s quite straightforward, you could even say he’s quite blunt sometime. He’s quite rational as a human being, but deep down, I know he’s quite sensible.

Did I wish that he would just lie to me? No, I’ll inevitably find out about it and will only get more hurt and angry that he tried to hide it. He probably realised it as well that it’s useless to lie.

Later on, I then found out that she’s a victim of hit and run. The perpetrator was never caught due to insufficient information and evidence.

The days and weeks after this tragic event happened had caused me a great deal of mental trauma and psychological pain as I deal with the loss and grief of losing someone that’s dear to me. It certainly evoke feelings that I didn’t know I had.

I’ve become less enthusiastic about my studies, all of my smiles has been replaced with a stoic look, becoming a rude person was only natural, I don’t feel the need to flirt or to chit-chat with anyone, and I couldn’t care less about what’s happening around me.

All is left is a gloomy child with a subtle overbearing nature that tends to avoid people. When I’m alone, I would blame myself for making such a selfish request.

“If only she just go back home immediately and not take a detour to buy a stupid RC car she would still be here,” I thought to myself.

Then, I would imagine the other possibilities of what could’ve been and couldn’t move on as I try to reject reality. Even though it felt like I’m the one who’s hurt the most at the loss of a loving mother, there’s also a person who lost a wife.

I know I blamed myself for what happened, I’m sure he’s also feel the same way if not worse. As his job is the one who’s responsible to keep the city safe and make sure that people abide the law. That’s right, he’s a policeman.

He would even sometimes helped to crack big criminal cases and prevent serious crimes. However, this one is not the crime that he’s able to prevent or the one case that he can solve, and that is the death of his wife.

So I’m sure he’s probably dealing with a gargantuan feeling of guilt. But, just like I described before the person that is my dad, he’s able to move on before I do.

After a month and a half after my mother passed away, he decided to remarried with a single mother. Before long, I have a new mother and a younger sister.

And that’s when Annie entered the picture. That’s right. Just in case you haven't realised already, back then when she was knocking on my door, it was actually my bedroom door and hers is right next to mine.

That’s all you need to know for now. Sorry, I didn’t mean to drastically change the atmosphere of the room like that. I hope by now you have a decent understanding of our situation.

It does left a scar. But I managed to heal with the helps from the people around me. And with them, I’m currently in a journey to become a better person.

Anywho, let’s go back to the present and continue where we left off.

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Part 4: Tactful Intervention

“Seems like we got the whole café to ourselves!”

She said, while typing something in her phone. But, not long after she said that, a pair of customers enter the premise.

“Congrats, you jinxed it!”

Followed by the ringing of the cowbell as they open the door.

“Haha, it’s kind of a good thing that I jinxed it don’t you think? I don’t want the cafe to close down due to lack of customers.”

She is still typing on her phone. So I tried to spark a conversation.

“I wonder why they named the cafe ‘Greenie Beanie’?”

But she just ignores me, and kept on typing away on her phone. I wait for a few minutes but she won’t budge, so I try to fool her and get a reaction.

“Oh look! The food is here,” I said, lying through my teeth.

“Huh? Already? Where?”

She completely fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

“Dumbass! What have you been typing anyway?”

“Oh, I was just preparing the draft of my review for this place, that’s all. What’s your question again?”

She said, while putting down her phone on the table. I crossed my arms and looked outside the window.

“Nevermind, forget it.”

“I’m sorry, okay? It’s about the cafe’s name right? What about it?”

“Why do you think they named it that?” I asked, finally starting the conversation I was trying to start minutes ago.

“Hmmm. I know that Beanies are the brimless cap that people usually wear. For Greenie, I’m not so sure.”

While tapping her right cheek with her index finger, she paused for a bit. Then continued by giving her answer.

“But I once heard a senior of mine in the basketball club uses it to refer to the new recruits. If I have to guess, maybe the guy who named it wears a beanie and a beginner at something. But I don’t know what that something is.”

“Interesting, but the barista is not wearing a beanie,” I said, while turning my gaze towards him.

She leaned forward on her chair.

“That’s true, perhaps the barista is not the owner. How about you? How do you think they came up with it?”

“I do agree that the ‘beanie’ part is referring to none other than the beanie hat that people wears”

I then continued.

“But I’m stuck about the ‘Greenie’ part, as the word itself has multiple definitions!”

Curious about the word, she giddily asked me to explain. Like a child who wants to know the secret behind a magic trick.

“And they are?”

“Among the stack of books that I read that my late mother left behind from back when she was studying in uni, it can be used to refer to an amphetamine pill,”

“Uh-huh. But they’re not selling medicines aren’t they?” she retorted.

“Exactly, which brings me to the second definition.”

I changed my sitting position to figure four as I explain further.

“Greenie can also be defined as someone who care about the environment, an environmentalist.”

“Oh ok I get it now! So does that mean the owner is an environmentalist who wears a beanie?” she asked, with a smile. As she starting to figure out the puzzle.

“Could be. But as we previously discussed, we haven’t found anyone from the staffs who wore a beanie. And even if there is, we can’t prove that they are an environmentalist.”

“Hmm, that’s true. But judging from the cafe’s decorations and interior designs, it does suggest that the person who does it, who’s in this case is the owner, might be someone who loves nature.” She explained, building off of what I previously said.

“Maybe if you put it like that, it does kinda make sense. But between the waitress and the barista, it doesn’t seems like they’re the one who owns the place. It’d be nice if we can see or talk to the manager or the owner to confirm our theories.”

“Ughhhh, so we’re back to square one huh?” she muttered, while faceplanting on to the table.

With a smirk, I replied.

“Not quite, I do have one last theory though, and I think this is the most likely theory and the closest to the answer!”

“Hoooo. Spit it out Blake!” She said, impatient to know the answer.

“Naturally, the colour of coffee beans are green. They’re usually roasted first before being brewed to make a cup of coffee, the ones that we all know and love.”

I then continued, and revealed the answer that I’ve been thinking of for the last 10 minutes.

“However, there’s another type of coffee brew called the green bean coffee. In which we skip the roasting process and just take the raw coffee beans and go straight to brewing it!”

“Aaaaaah I see now. That makes a lot more sense and more on theme. But, what about the suffix ‘-ie’ on each word?”

“Well that’s easy, it’s probably just an inside joke between the staffs and the owner. Just like how we sometimes call eachother ‘Blakey-Blake’ and ‘Annie-Whiny’, a joke that only us can understand.”

I then noticed on my peripheral that the waitress is putting our orders on the tray and getting ready to deliver it to our table.

“I see, it’s kinda lame to be honest. But I do agree with that theory, at least until we found a better one,” She said, while leaning back on her chair.

“Let’s worry about that later. Look, the food is here, this time is for real!”

Just mere seconds after that, the waitress arrived at our table.

“Sorry for the wait! Here’s your order guys, the ‘Valentine Special’!” she said, with a charming smile.

“Your iced Marocchino,” she said, as she’s putting it in front of me, “The coffee milkshake,” as she set it down in front of Annie, “And the blueberry and strawberry eclairs!” while setting it down in the middle of our table.

“Enjoy your food! Call out to me if you need anything else yeah?”

She said, while hugging the circular tray and giving us a gentle smile as she walks away to serve the other customers.

Without wasting a single moment, both Annie and I starts to feast on the food in front of us. As soon as I take a sip of my Marocchino, I instantly knew that the barista knows his stuff.

The bitterness of the espresso that is having a tug of war with the sweetness of the milk is perfectly balanced with the hot chocolate and mixed into perfection.

I may regret ordering it iced, but it’s still tasted amazing. I then take another sip before giving my comment.

“Not bad, I think I might become a regular here.”

“Same here! This is my first time drinking a coffee milkshake and I’m quite surprised and amazed by it!”

Judging from the looks on her face, she’s really enjoying it. However, it seems like the pastries on the center of our table finally caught her attention.

“Let’s try the Eclairs, I’ve been eyeing it since it appears in front of me,” she said, unable to hide her excitement any longer. Well I guess I’m wrong then.

There are 2 blueberry and 2 strawberry eclairs totaling to four. So we both pick one each.

“Mmmmmmmm, it’s so good!”

Talking while chowing down on food might be considered rude and impolite. But when she does it, I can’t help but think it’s kind of cute.

That’s Annie for you, she just can’t help herself when there’s a food that contains high amount of sugar in front of her, especially if there’s a refreshing beverage to complement it. A walking definition of someone who has a sweet tooth.

Which is the polar opposite of me, who generally dislike sugary foods and drinks. Perhaps, that’s why I love coffee so much. Definitely not because I’m addicted to caffeine or anything. However, I can still appreciate them sugary treats for what they are, a guilty pleasure.

But, when I’m eating this eclair, something kept bugging me. No, the eclairs themselves are fine. I can tell they’re well prepared and baked into perfection as whenever I bite into it, the soft doughy texture and it’s tasty filling makes me want to take another.

What’s been bugging me is the topping. No i don’t mean it like that, the topping itself gave these eclairs it’s unique identity.

The melted strawberry cream and slices of strawberry on top of the eclair makes it all the more appetizing. The same can also be said about the other topping.

The tasty blueberry cream and multiple blueberries that are neatly placed on top of the eclair makes it stand out even more.

Ok, let me be more specific. It’s about the main ingredient of the topping. Not the strawberry one, but the blueberry one. I’m pretty sure that I’m not colourblind, but this blueberry cream’s colour is definitely purple.

So it makes me wonder, why did they name it blueberry?

Just take a moment and observe the blueberry berries themselves, aren’t they’re more purple then they are blue? I think it’s a lot better if they named it purpleberry instead!

I think it has the same naming problem as red panda. You can clearly tell that red panda’s fur colour is more brown or orangish than it is red. The same can also be said about blueberries, they’re more purple and dark purple than they’re blue!

So I just sat there wondering, why the hell did they do that as I munched the last bit of the eclair. But I shove those questions and thoughts to the back of my mind for now, as I take another sip of coffee.

“Holy shit, these eclairs are amazing!” she said, delighted and surprised.

“You can say that again.”

I don’t really like pastries that much, but god damn does these tasted amazing. While leaning back on her chair somewhat feeling disappointed, she muttered.

“Now I feel kinda sad that these won’t stay permanently in the menu.”

“Yeah, I know. But, it does makes it feel more special don’t you think?” I asked, trying to find the silver lining.

“Maybe you’re right, but I will visit again regardless!”

I go for another sip as I’ve drink half of the cup by now. I also noticed something out of the ordinary is happening, something about the customers who sat on the opposite side of the café. But it’s a bit too far away for me to fully make out what happened, and also hoping that I’m just seeing things.

“By the way, did you see what Aaron posted on his blog earlier today?” she asked.

“Hmmm? No, what did he post?”

By now I don’t really pay much attention to what she’s saying, as the thing I noticed earlier is becoming more apparent.

“Oh you haven’t? Lemme sho—“

But, before she’s able to finish what she’s about to say, she’s interrupted by a loud thud coming from the opposite side of the café.

One of the customer who are sitting there had in fact fell over to the floor. Both Annie and I turned our attention there to see what happened. However, since I noticed something’s a bit off before it happened, I can somewhat guess what is happening.

As my body decided to move before my mind can formulate a thought. I quickly head towards the customer who fell over and try to attend to her.

I carefully turned over her body and lie her on her back. Her friend is panicking still in shock of what just happened, at a loss of what to do.

“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my GOD! What happened? Hey, are you okay?”

She’s hyperventilating and sweating, worried about her friend’s wellbeing.

I don’t know why she felt the need to ask that, is she blind or something? You can clearly tell that she’s NOT okay. Her skin is pale, she just threw up moments ago, and her vomit is still there on the floor not even cleaned yet.

“I’ve called the ambulance Blake, they’ll be here soon!”

Annie assured me. I continued my observation on the person who’s lying on the ground in front of me.

She seems to be wheezing and having trouble to breathe, let alone answer the stupid question of ‘Are you okay?’. She’s also losing consciousness by the minutes.

The waitress then came onto the scene carrying cleaning apparatus.

“Oh my god, Jane? What happened?”

And it seems like what had just transpired finally caught the Barista’s attention as he’s walking over.

“I don’t know, you tell me. Between the three of you, one of you guys might know the answer!” I said, acting somewhat cynical.

The barista asked, seems to feel accused by what I just said.

“What? Did you suspect me putting something in her drink or something?”

The thing is, I didn’t accuse anyone. But after what he just said, I can’t help but feel there might be foul play.

There’s still sometimes before the ambulance arrive, and she’s still having difficulties to breath. So I try to help her out by giving her CPR.

“Please excuse me.”

I performed CPR to help her until they arrive. Thankfully, it only took a couple minutes until I hear the sirens of an ambulance is approaching fast.

Annie quickly ran to the front of the café, signaling the ambulance that the person who’s in need of medical attention is inside. Two medical workers quickly went inside the café with a stretcher.

While she’s being brought to the inside of the ambulance, I gave a brief explanation to them of what’s happening to her. They gave me a nod and assured me everything is under control, as the back door of the ambulance closes and they hurry over to the hospital.

While I was still standing in front of the cafe and was ready to head back inside to talk to the other three person, in the corner of my eye, I saw someone is running towards me.

The person is a middle age man who’s wearing a beanie, with a polo shirt, a pair of jeans, and a pair of snazzy sneakers, carrying bags of groceries.

“Why is there an ambulance here just now?"

However, when I saw the person’s face, I instantly recognised him. It’s been a long time since I last saw this person, but his facial features are easily recognisable. And that is the two moles that are under his left eye.

“Uncle Jason?” I asked, in disbelief of the kind of reunion this is.

“Blake? You seems to gotten taller a bit, how are you?”

Speaking in a serious tone, I replied.

“I’m doing fine, I’d love to talk with you more. But right now, there’s something more important that we need to discuss!”

It seems that Annie also noticed his arrival, and ran outside to meet the familiar face.

“Wait, uncle Jason? Holy shit, how are you?”

There goes all the tension out the window.

“I’m doing fine. Right, let’s cut to the chase. So what happened Blake? Tell me everything!”

He asked, with a concerned voice and a serious tone. Oh thank god, the tense atmosphere is back now.

“To put it simply, a customer of yours almost die after eating something from your cafe!”

“What? Why? And also, how do you know that I’m the owner?”

“How? We can discuss that later. On why that happened, the answer lies between the three persons who are inside!”

“I see, I somewhat understand now.”

“I may be able to resolve the situation, but since you’re the owner, I can’t just butt in as I have no authority here,” I said, while putting my hands in my pockets.

“Alright then, I’ll give you the go ahead and help me out here since I wasn’t there when it happened.”

With that, we proceeded with the investigation. Uncle Jason order the one customer who came in with the victim, the waitress who serve them, and the Barista who made their order to not leave the place and be cooperative.

I finished the last of what’s left of my coffee. Then head over and proceeded to interrogate the suspects one by one. Starting with the victim’s friend.

“So tell me what happened from the moment you guys arrived, up until she collapsed!” I asked, as I crossed my arms and readying myself to hear her alibi.

“To start, this is our first time visiting. We quickly decided to sit here and wait for the waitress. We looked through the menus and decided to order.”

She grabbed her left wrist while looking down and continue on.

“After that, we wait for a while for the drinks to arrive. We only ordered two things but it seems to take a bit longer than comfort. I ordered a Cappuccino with extra cinnamon shavings and she ordered a ‘light milkshake’. After she took a sip, I asked her opinion about the milkshake. It might not be verbatim but she said something along the line of ‘It’s a okay, but tasted a bit different than the milkshakes I previously had’.”

She said, her gaze turns to the half-full glass of milkshake that Jane drank. Noticing the potential to get a clue, i asked her to be more specific.

“Tasted different? Did she goes into detail on why that’s the case?”

“She didn’t elaborate on why that is, so I reply by joking that it’s probably just her taste buds that changed.”

Sweats seems to be forming on her forehead. Though, I don’t know if it’s caused by the hot summer weather or the tense atmosphere inside the cafe.

“We chatted for a while until I noticed something’s about her is off, she said that she started to feel sick before she inevitably throw up. She then try to clean herself up in the bathroom. But as you can see, she collapsed just after taking a few steps.”

“I see. Lastly, what’s your relationship with Jane? Is she your coworker? Or is she just a friend you usually go out with? Also tell me what kind of person you think she is!”

“She’s my colleague, she and I worked for a printing company. She’s a bit annoying and secretive at times. But I know she’s a good person. Perhaps she just has a competitive nature hahaha.” She answered, while laughing nervously.

I didn’t get as much as i was hoping to get, at least I know there might be a motive. But, drawing a conclusion this early is a bad idea.

“I see. Well then, let’s move on to you, miss waitress!” I said, as my attention turns toward her.

The eyes of the others are also turned to focus on her as she becomes the next center of attention. The atmosphere of the café is getting more tense by the minute. Completely different to what it was when I entered it at first.

“Y-yes I’m here!”

She said nervously, while swallowing the saliva that’s building up in her throat.

“Please, ask me whatever you want to know.”

Her composure is completely different than to how it was back when she was serving us. Perhaps she’s not used to this kind of situation. Or maybe she was intimidated by my aura, but I don’t think that’s it. I crossed my legs and ask her to recount what happened.

“So tell me in detail what happened from your perspective!” I said, with a steady voice.

“After taking your guys’ order, I quickly head to their table and take their order. And then um... I remember waiting for quite awhile until Jane order her drink.”

Despite the nervous appearance, she spoke rather calmly. Noticing another clue that I can get, I try to dig out some info.

“Just like now, I recalled you also call her by her name when you came back to clean the ‘mess’. Did you know the victim?”

“Oh yeah almost forgot, we were friends back in highschool. She and I exchange a few words but that’s about it.” She said, while scratching her neck.

I don’t know why, but it seems like unexpected reunion seems to be the main theme for today. Before I can ask a follow-up question, the first suspect swoop in to give a comment.

“I recalled that the conversation between you two are quite awkward, why’s that? Did you hold a grudge against her?”

I didn’t stop her from intervening, as I too would like to know more.

“Um... we uh... had a bit of a fight before we graduated. We never made up and never contacted eachother ever since.” She answered, unearthing her past memories with the victim.

There may or may not be a motive here, I then continued to interrogate.

“You said they took a long time before they decided what to order, how long exactly?”

This may seem like an unimportant question, but trust me, I need it in order to know.

“It’s definitely a lot longer than when I was taking your order. The other one decided her order rather quickly than Jane.” She said, while turning her gaze towards her.

“I remember that Jane was flipping the menu pages back and forth for quite awhile. Well I can’t really blame her, since I remembered that she’s a picky eater.” She explained, as she look at me and we made eye contact.

Picky eater huh? I can somewhat relate to that. I do become picky at times. Especially when it comes to coffee.

“I see, please continue miss waitress.”

“After that, I tell the barista their order. When the orders are ready, I wasted no time and quickly deliver it.”

Before she continue, I quickly ask a question regarding the orders on the tray.

“Tell me, does the milkshake looks weird to you?”

While clenching her fists, and with a quizzical look on her face, she replied.

“Weird? The way I see it, it’s just a normal milkshake. The rich white color of the milk is clearly visible.”

“I see, please continue!” I said, as I move my hands to rest it on my thighs.

“When I delivered it, she’s the only one present at the table, Jane wasn’t there. I think she went into the bathroom.”

It seems like some information is purposely kept hidden from me. So I confronted the first suspect.

“Interesting, why you didn’t tell me that when I was interrogating you earlier?”

“I...I just simply forget, okay?” She answered, starting to get nervous again.

“Well, could you at least tell me how long her trip to the bathroom was?” I asked, while raising an eyebrow.

“It’s not too long, I don’t remember exactly cause I was checking work emails on my phone, but it probably just took a couple minutes.”

A couple minutes huh? A minute is all it took for her if she did infact the one who did it.

“Ok, you may continue to recount your point of view miss waitress!” I said, turning my gaze back at her.

“Well after that, I quickly went back to my station.” She said, while scratching the back of her left hand.

“I was just talking with the barista, then when I look back to check on the customers I noticed that Jane was in distress and suddenly throw up. I didn’t fuss about on why she threw up, but I just quickly go to the back to grab cleaning tools.”

She continued.

“And when I’m back, she’s already on the floor with you attending to her.”

I don’t want to play this card but, I’m afraid that I might have to. Trying to fish for a reaction, I asked her a question that came out of left field.

“Is the reason you didn’t wanna find out, is because you expected her to throw up eventually?”

“No? Um... I was just you know, thinking that maybe she uh... just not feeling well.”

Well, looks like I did get a reaction.

“Okay then, finally let’s move on to you!” I said, while redirecting my attention towards the barista.

“Please, tell me what happened from your point of view!”

“Well, after I receive their order I quickly noted their request so that I won’t make a mistake later on,” he said, while crossing his arms.

“So after I made your guys’ order, I continued to make theirs. I think that should explain why the order takes a bit longer.”

I noticed that he’s avoiding eye contact. This could only mean two things. One, it’s just a habit of his. Or two...

“Are you hiding something from me? You seems rather uncooperative, tell me what you know!” I said, with a serious and a higher tone.

Seeing that I’m suspicious of him, he click his tongue before answering my question.

“Well, I unfortunately remember who she was.”

Everyone’s attention is directed at him now.

“In the previous café I worked at, I recall her being an unbearable person as she kept complaining that I didn’t made her order correctly. Even though I did it just like how she wanted it.”

There maybe a motive for him to do it, but I can’t say for sure yet. However, that make two things clear.

First of all, I know now why my coffee tasted so good. I expect that he at the very least has 5 years of experience as a barista. Secondly, the order complaints could support my current theory.

“The reason I didn’t wanna say that, is because you would be suspicious towards me.”

He said, with an attitude. Well to be fair, I would definitely be suspicious of him. But trying to hide that info during an investigation, makes you even more suspicious.

It seems like he’s not a talkative person. Knowing that I didn’t get much info from him, I try to push my luck.

“You mind if I take a look to the back of the counter? I want to see what you’re working with.” I asked nicely.

“I don’t mind but, Jason, are you sure about this brat snooping around?”

Brat? You know what, he’s not wrong. I guess he just felt uneasy having a teenager pries around his workspace. I mean, who doesn’t?

“Yeah, let him do his thing! Trust me, he’s no ordinary Brat.”

With that, I immediately take a gander to the back counter. When I was inspecting it, nothing seems to be out of place. Just the type of scenery you would see in any other cafés.

The espresso machine seems to be that of the latest models. Bags of coffee beans from various blends and kinds that’s right beside the coffee grinder, seems to be indicating that they made their own ground.

I can’t help but act geeked out after seeing all of this. As a coffee enthusiast, this is very intriguing to see up close. Seeing other fancy equipments such as frother and ice machine makes this even more grand.

It’s that same feeling when they allowed you to hop on the firetruck when you’re a kid. Or when they give you a tour of a big laboratory and you just happened to be an upcoming chemist. Truly an unforgettable experience.

What did you say? I’m acting childish? You’re wrong! This is what I called passion. So what’s all this got to do with solving a mystery that’s possibly a criminal case?

Well, a lot actually. I’m just simply... you know, acting like I’m the barista. You see, detectives usually adopts the criminal’s perspective to understand how they think and act. But of course, at the same time, I won’t let the chance to see these beautiful machineries that are used to make a cup of coffee slip away from my fingers.

Ok, all serious now. I then continued by inspecting the main equipment of this puzzle, and that is the blender that is used to make the milkshake. Unfortunately, it seems like it has been cleaned.

I do feel suspicious, but at the same time I understand that they just want to keep things hygiene. At the very least it’s glad to know that they clean it after one use. I personally don’t want my frappe to be mixed with other milkshake.

I then continued by searching the drawers at the top and the bottom. However, I found no suspicious substances, poisons or alike. All that I found are; bags of sugars, cinnamons, packs of cocoa powder, nutmegs, sprinkles and other food ingredients.

I also check the trash bin just in case, but to no avail. And then I checked the freezer, no bueno. The main takeaway at the very least is that, I found the ice cream that is presumably included to make the milkshake.

With that, there’s only one place left to check. And that, is the fridge. I walk over to it and open it with my right hand.

To be honest, I don’t really need to open it to see the content. It’s because of the transparent glass door, since it’s a see-through fridge after all. But I just don’t want to leave a stone unturned.

A lot is stored here. Various cheeses, kinds of yogurts, butters from different brands, as well as heavy cream and half-and-half cream.

But the main thing that caught my attention is of course, the main ingredient to make a milkshake. They had a whole shelf dedicated for milks.

Almost all kinds of milk is here. Cartons of whole, flavoured, skim, condensed, and evaporated milk are here. Interestingly they also has plant based options as well, such as oat, almond, and soy milk.

I don’t have time to check all of them, but I can check the ones that has been resealed. As it means that it is the one that has been used or opened, as indicated with the lighter weight and less volume.

I’ve checked them, and the expiration date is still far off. There’s also no strange odor emanating from them. I put them back to where they are and close the fridge’s door.

After thoroughly inspecting all of the above, I have gathered all the puzzle pieces. I give it some thoughts as I walk back to the group.

I’m thinking of all of the possibilities that could lead to this outcome. Using all of the information I received and figuring out what could possibly caused it and who’s at fault or to blame for this incident, I’ve came up with a few theories.

Of course, no deduction is correct or wrong until it’s proven to be so. So there’s only one thing left to do. The final piece that’ll end the case as well as solve the mystery once and for all.

“So, do you find anything useful?” Annie asked me, her eyes filled with curiosity as she raised an eyebrow.

While putting my hands in my pocket, I answered.

“I can’t say that I’ve found something. But I wouldn’t say that I came back empty-handed either!”

“We could check the CCTV cameras if you want.” Uncle Jason said, while pointing at one of the cameras.

“Hmm? Oh, we don’t need to do all of that!” I replied, with a smirk on my face.

“I just have one last request. And that is for the barista to give us a demonstration, by recreating the order!”

“So you think he’s the one who did it?” the customer asked, somewhat relieved that she’s no longer the main suspect.

“Not really, all 3 of you are equally suspicious!”

“I swear, I didn’t do it, I’m innocent!”, the waitress pleaded.

“I can’t prove that you’re innocent nor guilty. Unless, the barista want to do something about that.” I replied, as I averted my attention towards him.

“All I need to do is recreate the order right?”

“Yup!”

“After that, the mystery will be solved right?”

“Correct!”

“And it’ll prove that I’m innocent right?”

“Yes!” I answered, with a smile on my face.

Thus, all of us proceeded to observe how he make the milkshake. He quickly gathered the ingredients, and readying the equipments. Without wasting no time, he worked up his magic.

He started by pouring a glass of almond milk into the blender, then he put in a dollop of maple syrup, and finally drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Next, he blend all of the ingredients together until it’s just combined. He stopped for a second to add some ice and blend it again for the second time.

And then he poured the contain of the blender into a milkshake glass. He finishes it off by putting whipped cream on top, sprinkle some sprinkles, and put the straw.

With that, a simple yet delicious milkshake has been served. I now understand why they named it ‘Light Milkshake’. He set it down on the table, and everyone’s attention is directed to the milkshake.

“So, anyone wants to go for a taste test?” I said, with a smirk on my face.

Funnily, no one wants to take a swig of the delicious milkshake. Even the barista seems hesitant to drink it even though he’s the one who made it.

However, there’s only one soul who’s brave enough to drink this milkshake. And that is none other than Annie herself, the local sweet tooth degenerate.

“Well then, I guess I’ll be the sacrificial lamb!”

She took a few steps forward approaching the milkshake. Sacrificial lamb? Well I guess that’s one way to dramatised it.

I don’t know if she’s being bold or just outright foolish. Perhaps the thought of the enjoyment from drinking the milkshake clouded her judgement.

“But before that, lemme ask you something Blake!.” She said, as she picked up the milkshake.

“It is just an ordinary milkshake right?”

“Of course, you’ve seen how he made it yourself right?”

Without any further ado, she drinks it without hesitation. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation of everyone waiting for what’s going to happen to her, as she set the milkshake back on the table after drinking a hefty amount of it.

“And now we wait!” I said, as I set a 2 minute timer on my phone.

“So, what do you think of the milkshake Annie?” I asked, breaking the silence. She answered with a smile.

“It’s quite tasty! I might even finish it off, unless anyone else wants to try?”

But just like before, everyone’s rather hesitant to do so. Meanwhile uncle Jason is beside me, staring off into space trying to figure out the mystery.

But as the timer approaching closer and closer to zero, he came up with nothing as my phone’s vibration told me that 2 minutes has passed. The mystery has been solved once and for all.

“With that! We have found the reason why Jane collapsed even though both her and Annie drank the same milkshake!” I said, ready to unfold the answer to the mystery.

“The reason being is that the milkshake contains an allergen in the form of almond milk. I know for a fact that Annie does not have a nut allergy, but it seems like the opposite is true for Ms. Jane!” I continued.

“This is because of her symptoms is seems to be that of an allergic reaction. And after seeing that the milkshake uses almond milk instead of dairy milk, I can now tell for sure that she was having an anaphylactic reaction.”

“So it’s not because someone put poison in her milkshake?” Uncle jason asked.

“Affirmative sir!”

He exhale a huge sigh of relief, and the suspects are also relieved that the accusations are lifted.

I’m somewhat confused on why they feel so relieved all of a sudden. Sure, I’ve determined that the cause was an allergic reaction. But that doesn’t mean there is no one’s at fault.

“I wouldn’t celebrate just yet if I were one of you guys!” I said, frowning.

“You ain’t of the hook just yet. That includes you too uncle Jason!”

The room suddenly becomes tense once again. It seems that all of them realised that they’re somewhat responsible to what happened to Jane. Time to be deliberate and deliberately give them several deliberations.

“It’s true that none of you guys are none the wiser about her allergies. But all 3 of you could’ve prevented this from happening!” I declared, as i crossed my arms.

“Let’s start with the victim’s friend,” I continued, as I gaze at her.

“Jane may be a secretive person and didn’t tell you that she has allergies. But when a friend of yours suddenly collapsed on the floor, you should try ask for help or call the ambulance ASAP once you realised something’s wrong. You could’ve prevented things to went from bad to worse!”

She kept silent as she doesn’t seems to be in the mood to argue.

“Now for the waitress,” I continued.

“Even if your customer is your biggest enemy, you should stay professional. You said she was indecisive when ordering right? Why not try ask her preferences and give her a recommendation just like you did with us. That way, you’ll know what their likes and dislikes. Or you could just straight up ask if they have allergy or not and go from there.” I suggested.

She nodded a few times. But just like the person before, she doesn’t say anything back. She probably understood what I said and acknowledged her mistake.

“Next up for the barista,” I said, as I look over to him.

“I don’t know if you’re the one or the manager who come up with these menu. But whoever it is, you should put a short description under the food or drink name in the menu. You can’t always count on the waitress to remember all of the menu and what it contained or made of.” I advised,

“For now let’s pray that Ms. Jane got her treatment before it’s too late.”

As everyone reflected on their feelings and actions. Someone seems to be unfazed by all of this.

As she planned to fulfill her promise of finishing the milkshake. She grabbed it, and started to joyously drink it. Annie, sometimes I wonder why you’re so carefree.

“Hmm? What’s wrong? Oh you wanna taste?” She asked me, as she noticed that I was glaring at her.

“No thank you! Oh yeah, I almost forgot. If she unfortunately passed away, you may be guilty of involuntary manslaughter!”

My gaze turned towards uncle Jason. He then sighed before giving a response.

“Yeah you’re right Blake, I’m ready to take responsibility if that were to happen.”

With that, my job here is done. The victim’s friend left immediately right after and headed to the hospital to check on her. The barista and the waitress continues their work despite what just happened. And uncle Jason pulls us aside and we have a small chat.

“Thanks for the help Blake, you helped me out a ton there.”

“I’m just doing what was right.” I replied, as I lean back on my chair.

“How long has it been again? 4 years right?” she asked.

“Yeah sounds about right. So you guys are high schooler now huh?”

“Correct, what about you? Still working as the boys in blue? I asked.

“That’s right, I was transferred back here again last month.”

“Huh, weird? Dad didn’t say anything about you’re back in town!” she replied, with a puzzled look.

“Well uh... you know, me and him haven’t talked much with eachother since then.” He said, trying to find a roundabout way to explain the situation between them.

“And I’m also stationed at a different station so uh... I haven’t really had the chance to.”

Knowing what happened between the two of them, I changed the subject in order to avoid the awkwardness. Noticing the accessory on his finger, I shot a question at him.

“I know that it’s been quite a while but, you changed quite a bit haven’t you uncle Jason?”

“Hmm? Changed? What are you implying by that?”

“Ignoring the fact that you wears a beanie now, It seems that you found someone! If I have to guess, that person is the manager right?”

I asked, with a smirk. His face was rather surprised and impressed after I said that.

“Wow, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree huh? Your guess was right Blake. I proposed to her last year. We also been planning to open a café for quite awhile now. Well to be honest, it was her Idea.”

“So you’re engaged now? I’m so happy for you! Can we meet her? I wonder what kind of person she is.” She said, as she lean forward in excitement.

“Knowing uncle Jason, I was doubtful that he can even have a girlfriend!”

“Real funny Blake. I’d like to introduce her to you guys too. However, she’s currently in europe for a business trip. Thats’s why I’m here today to fill in for her. She’ll be back for Valentine.”

“Either way, congrats.” I said, with a smile.

“Don’t forget to invite us to your wedding!” She said jokingly.

“There’s no way I’ll forget. I’ll visit you guys later with her, so I’ll introduce her there.”

I then got up from my chair.

“That’s good to hear! It’s nice catching up with you uncle Jason, but we better get going before it gets dark.”

“Oh you’re right!”

“Anything you want to say to dad? I’ll tell him for you!” I said, as we’re walking to the front of the cafe.

“Umm... just tell him to not push himself too hard!”

“Haha you’re right. Well then, thanks for the treat.”

“Buh bye! We’ll definitely visit again, don’t worry!” She said, as we’re walking away.

We then walked to the nearest bus stop to catch a ride home. We waited for a bit and before long, the bus has arrived. While we’re on our ride home, we continued to discuss what went down at the cafe.

“Wait a minute! That means you should be able to tell that she was having an allergic reaction right away correct?” She asked, sitting beside me while checking her phone.

“Yes, that was my first speculation. I also told the medical workers that she might be having an allergic reaction.” I answered, as I looked outside the window to see the moving scenery.

I put my hands in my pockets, then continued to explain.

“But there’s also other substance that if it were to enter your body, it’s effect is similar to that of an anaphylactic reaction.”

While that might be true, I cannot tell her that I overthought the case a little bit.

“I see, honestly same here. I initially thought she’s experiencing food poisoning or digestive reactions due to lactose intolerance, not because she was poisoned.”

She said, as she turned off her phone and looks at me. Turning my gaze towards her as I make eye contact, I replied with a smile.

“I don’t think someone who’s lactose intolerant will order a milkshake willy-nilly.”

She rolled her eyes as she leans back.

“To be fair, I wasn’t made aware that she drank a milkshake. So at that point when all my theories are debunked, I counted on you to solve it by yourself.”

“But you did help me nonetheless. Had you not call the ambulance earlier, it might be too late.”

“Yeah you’re right. Say Blake, had you not have any prior knowledge about allergies, will you still be able to solve the mystery?”

She stared me down, eyes filled to the brim with curiosity. I stroke my chin, as I thought for a minute before I answered her.

“Hmm... I think I’ll figure it out regardless. At the very least I’ll know that she wasn’t poisoned.”

It seems that my answer made her all the more curious, as she sits upright and asked me another question.

“But how? You said there’s a poison that can produce similar effects right?”

“Thats’s true! However, after talking with the suspects and seeing the milkshake itself, even if I don’t know how it was made or what the ingredients was, I can prove that all three of them are innocents! Let’s start with the friend. She won’t be able to put the substance in, as it’s top layer is covered with whipped cream and sprinkles. So the victim will notice that there’s something wrong with her drink if she tries to forcibly put the poison in.” I explained.

“Next is the waitress. You heard her yourself right? She didn’t know that she’s visiting the cafe, and I don’t think someone will carry a poison around in their pocket, waiting to one day use it when they finally meet their target. And even if she did, what proved the friend’s innocent is also applicable to her.”

I pulled out my hands from my pockets, and then I crossed it.

“Finally for the barista. Their table isn’t visible from where he’s working, he only noticed who she was when he came over to see what happened. And even if he knew, there’s no place to hide or dispose the evidence as I checked everywhere. Even if he did put something suspicious in, I’ll be able to notice it since I can see what he’s doing from where I was sitting. Either that or the substance will cause a discoloration in the drink.”

With that I’ve laid everything on the table. In a joking manner, she gave a reply.”

“I see now. It’s amazing that you’re able to solve it, you look like a real detective there for a second haha!”

“Sure, but I don’t have any intention to be one though.” I replied as I looked outside the window.

“And yet, you voluntarily put yourself in that position and intermediate it by acting like one!”

I have to say though, that’s a very clever response. Scrambling for an excuse, I replied with a half-assed answer.

“Well I was just you know... doing the right thing. What? You’re blaming for being righteous?”

“Say that to the you 2 years ago and he’ll laugh at you. I’m pretty sure he’ll just sit idly and watch everything unfolds!”

“People can change okay? No one can stay as a dreary middle schooler forever.”

“Well then, you shouldn’t be surprised to see uncle Jason wears a beanie now.”

“Speaking of him, the other reason I wanted to help is so that he’d pay for our foods as a reward for helping.”

“Huh? You’re trying to exploit him? Don’t tell me, are you reverting to your old self?”

That words sent chills down my spine, and it’s accompanied by a pinch of nervousness. I’ve realised that the words I chosed, made it sound like I’m backing out of our deal.

I then replied by saying what I actually meant to say, rather than going the roundabout way of admitting you goofed up.

“No it’s not like that, I was just uh... forgot to brought my wallet hehe.”

Yup, that weird feeling that I felt back there was because I forgot to brought my wallet.

“Seriously? And here you are scolding me for forgetting to bring my basketball.”

She said, frowning at me. I can’t help but just laugh it off. Well Annie, it turns out we’re both forgetful persons after all.

With that, it ends our little Sunday afternoon trip. From discussing a bunch of nonsense, to playing basketball, and finally solving what could potentially be a criminal case.

Sometimes later, we heard that Ms. Jane was okay and she recovered quickly. Uncle jason covered her hospital bills as a way of saying sorry. The café also updated their menu book so that it includes a description under the foods’ and drinks’ name.

Last but not least, we also found out the real origin of the café’s name after asking uncle Jason when we visited the place again. Amongst police officers, the word greenie is a jargon that means a traffic ticket or a citation.

The first time around uncle Jason met his fiancée, is when he caught her speeding above the speed limit. And back then she was wearing beanie, with that we also know why he also decided to wear one now. So that’s how they came up with ‘Greenie Beanie’.

Kind of disappointed since i truly believed my guess was correct. See? I knew it, it’s an inside joke between the two of them! Well at the very least, that part of my theory is correct. After that incident, the café continues to thrive and now has a lot of regulars, that includes us of course.