yapatoots

Not too long ago, I discovered a new haven: a safe place free from bitter memories served up with cookie-spattered-blended coffee in a place I once loved. A place that was soon muddied with painful memories of someone I fell for so deeply, it hurt to walk in and see the familiar sights of when we dated.

Walking through the glass-etched doors of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was a welcome refuge from the noise and bustle of the outside world, an escape from the sadness filling my heart. With the endearing smell of fresh coffee roasting, the quiet hum of blenders mixing, and the gentle rhythm of music wafting in the air, CBTL soon became a sanctuary I could run to when angry, bitter and painful memories would abound.  Inside that haven, sipping heaven from a cup with purple straws, the loneliness of love lost became a distant memory.

Perhaps adding to the charm and novelty of CBTL is the fact that it’s not everywhere…thus, every trip was always something special; a delightful treat to life’s unpleasantries. Many a tear and a laugh did I share with friends, reminiscing over cups of warm Chai Tea Latte’s and turtle pies. Days were also spent in silence, with just myself sipping an Ice Blended Black Forest, tapping away in front of my laptop relishing the time I had with myself.

My mom asked me once how I could sit for hours on end in a coffee shop alone, doing nothing. I answered with a quiet smile: I was never alone. With a cup of coffee or a bit of tea, I was with me. Just the way I liked it to be.

Inspired by Jonel's entry, I decided to write my own Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Story. I may have a collection from the other coffee shop, but Coffee Bean...that's a whole other story.