Prompt 13 (Sweet Treats) : There’s no shortage of holiday themed popup shops and specials at your local places, and after a long day there’s nothing better than a nice treat for yourself. Maybe you decided to try something new, maybe it was a gift, maybe you got one of the coupons in the mail to try the place out–however you wound up with this drink, you’re in for a good time. No matter what your preferences are, the drink is delicious. Hot, cold, sweet, bitter–there’s a version of it for everyone. But, the flavor isn’t what makes the drink so special–it’s how good it makes you feel. There’s no alcohol in it, but drinking it can leave someone feeling tipsy, warm, and in a general good mood. Inhibitions aren’t lowered and there’s no negative repercussions for having the drink; it might make children more hyper, but the drink just has the ability to put someone in a pleasant mood.
This time of year was often busy for Selena.
Typically extended family came over to visit for their winter breaks while school was out, and this year was no different. Aunts and uncles from their mother's side stayed at the house in the spare room while her father's brother hunkered down at a hotel nearby.
Even her sister came by for a short time while their father was at work to spend time with their cousins. For as much as Selena missed her, she couldn't fault her for being cautious when coming over. For a while, it had been out of fear of their father's violent spells after he'd been drinking too much. But now, it was because she knew she'd retaliate against him and didn't want to cause an issue during the holidays.
Unfortunately, because of all the chaos around her home, Selena hadn't been able to find time to go harass her friend until after the New Year. "So, my cousin told me about this hole-in-the-wall shop he visited last week. He said the drinks are better than any Starbucks or Tully's he'd been at." Granted most family-owned or individual ran coffee stands were better than large corporate chains with their sugar-saturated drinks that left you lethargic after the initial hit of caffee got you through that last exam.
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:16 pm
It was good to get out of the house again, even if it was for a little while. The holidays were never her favorite time of year, now it just brought up bad memories and times long gone.
This little establishment had been Selena's suggestion. Bryia thought it was having a bit of an identity crisis, the walls seemed to be decorated like it was trying to be mistaken for a steak house but with more modern stables and chairs.
It might be a steak house with the number of people sitting down waiting to have their orders taken. Bryia was in line at what appeared to be a "to go" order station. Once the customer in front of her had gotten their drink she stepped forward.
"Could I get the largest Caramel Frappuccino you have." She asked while offering her card to the women behind the counter. "I like a little coffee with my sugar" she said to Selena
Brycia
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Shanyume
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:29 pm
Selena tried to hide her grimace knowing that caramel didn't always sit well with Bryia, but if that's what her friend wanted then she wouldn't object since they weren't far from home anyway and Bryia brought her bag just in case.
Shrugging, she turned to the cashier and smiled. "Can I have a venti peppermint mocha with only one pump of peppermint, please?" For one reason or another, anything more than that would have an odd aftertaste to it, probably because it was artificial flavoring.
"No problem," with a smile the cashier entered the order. "Your total is $11.84"
"I'm surprised you went with something cold," Selena directed the comment towards her friend as she pulled out her credit card to pay then moved to the side where others were congregating, waiting for their names to be called. "Honestly, I expected it to be more expensive with how popular this place seems to be."
Brycia
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:45 pm
Bryia just shrugged. "Maybe the low price on coffee and drinks is to draw people in and the food costs more, like a less happy, happy hour."
"I don't get as cold as some people," shooting her friend a coy smile. "What can I say I'm just hot enough for the two of us."
Hot drinks weren't really something Bryia cared for. Sure a nice hot chocolate at the time of year could really hit the spot, best when snowing. Outside of those rare times she lived for more ice.
She's survived the holidays, which was about the best thing she could say about them now. Ever sense the accident she'd found herself channeling her own inner Scrooge or Grinch. Her aunt would would try to best to get into the holiday season, which she could respect the attempt even if it was doomed to failure.
"Any plans now that the holidays are over?" She turned to Selena.
Brycia
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Shanyume
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Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 1:59 pm
Selena rolled her eyes in an exaggerated fashion and even added a little 'humph' sound for dramatic flare. "Whatever," she commented under her breath.
Let Bryia believe she was the hotter one out of the two of them. Some people might find her choice of attire to be attractive, but most would take it as a warning sign to steer clear and leave her alone. The way Bryia often carried herself only emphasized that even more especially since, at a glance, she looked like she might punch someone in the face if they smiled at her strangely.
"I don't really have anything planned until maybe summer time." Once school was out she was going to go on a road trip with her sister just to get away from Destiny City for a few weeks. Plans were still being formed and a destination hadn't been set yet but it would be nice to have some one on one time with her older sibling. "I just need to make it through this next semester with school. Maybe find a job that can work with my gymnastics schedule." She shrugged since it was less of a concern because her scholarship was covering the cost of classes, books, and transportation. It would have also included housing but her home was close enough that she didn't need that portion.
"Order for Brooks," the barista shouted over the crowd.
"Ah, that's us, one second, and I"ll grab it." Selena broke away from her friend and shouldered her way towards the counter after several 'pardon me' and 'excuse me, please'. After a moment she returned and passed the trenta sized cup to Bryia. "Here you go."
Brycia
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 2:12 pm
Taking her cup Bryia turned to start making her way out of the building toward the exit. This place was busy for this time of day. Must be the coffee, or maybe the food, the price maybe? Maybe all of the above. Bryia thought it might be a nice place to take her aunt if she was in a giving mood. Sometimes just getting out for a few hours was worth it.
"Same," she answered. A little more side money wouldn't be bad. Though finding a job she'd found... challenging. Not that she could blame anyone for passing her over for someone else, Bryia figured most places would have a large number of applications coming in now that the holidays were over.
As they made they're way outside Bryia pushed the straw into her drink and look a large sip. The caramel hit her tongue like an old friend saying hi. The sweet caramel mixed with the cold coffee was out of this world. Sighing after taking the first drink it was like a weight being taken off her shoulders. She wasn't sure why but this caramel frap just seemed to hit the spot better then any others she'd had. Without much hesitation she took another sip, "I think i'll be coming back here again."
