"Coffee and Sun"

"Coffee and Sun"

 Samantha sat languidly on the café sofa, savoring her cappuccino in a theatrical fashion. She looked at her target with a grin on her face, watching his impatience increase. Samantha had mastered the technique of building suspense over the course of her career. Keeping someone under complete surveillance was impossible in any other way. It was an art form, and so demanded precision. The smallest stutter or misspoken word could completely derail the situation. One must be so subtle as to be formless, as Sun Tzu put it, but luckily for us, Samantha was the goddess of subtlety.

A man sat before her, growing increasingly restless in the awkward pauses. Nico, a man whose life was defined by his frustration and ambition, was a long-time friend of Samantha's. The subtle shaking in his leg was a warning. Now was the moment to act, so she started unraveling her story.

When she began, "It's about Bonnie," Sam's eyes narrowed in concentration.

There was one particular subject that Bonnibel Kim found irresistible.

"Elliott is going to pop the question."

She sat back and saw his mental breakdown in silence.

Sammy cracked a grin. This emotion. She had been searching for this comforting sensation. She was reminded of that initial sensation whenever she created a major scandal. All that drama and hyperbole. The power of the right words spoken into the wrong ears. Those were the remarks that catapulted her from being a relatively anonymous sixth grader to a high school social powerhouse. From the unwanted youngest child of an impoverished household to a monarch entitled to as many handouts as she wished from her subjects. She deserved it after being ignored for so long.

Nico sat up, sipping his espresso and soaking in the scenario before him. There was Bonnie, Samantha, and him. The top three world powers had once all been close buddies. Nico, head of the student government. The defending basketball champion is Bonnie. And there's Samantha—the notorious rumor monger. Nico was still cautious despite the passage of time. He should not have put his faith in her. 

If you're going to fool me again, how can I tell?

Six years have passed since that time. The past is the past, okay? The old me is gone.

Nico rolled his eyes and walked away from the table.

Samantha felt a flutter of fear rise in her chest. At first, all she sought was a diversion from her serious problems. It developed into something more as she went on. A longing to end her suffering once and for all motivated her to seize the moment when it presented itself. She saw this as her opportunity to reclaim her former glory.

"Bonnie added some more commentary."

Suddenly, he halted.

Throughout our conversation, she seemed...uneasy. She admitted that she was unsure about the plan as a whole. Who can say? Perhaps this is your chance.

As for now, "...I'll think about it."

After saying those final words, he left the room.

Samantha exhaled a breath of relief as she relaxed back in her chair. She was confident that, despite her shoddy performance, the plan would succeed. Now that the dominoes had started to fall, all she could do was watch. She finished her drink, turned, and left.

With a slam of the door so loud that Aarati nearly lost her filter coffee, Nico stormed into his office. This wasn't out of character for him, and Aarati had witnessed it many times before. However, the tone of this sounded intimate. For several years, Aarati served as Nico's business partner. Over the course of that time, they grew close, becoming trustworthy partners in any emergency. But she had never seen him so vulnerable before. Nico was a businessman whose sole motivation was to make money, so even casual conversation was a battleground for him. Nico was adamant on knowing everything about everyone, and making sure they knew nothing about him. He believed that if you know your enemy and you know yourself, the outcome of a hundred fights is nothing to worry about. 

Nico slumped into the chair opposite Aarati and gave up.

"Are you feeling okay?"

Nico moaned, a thousand horrible images of violence flashing through his head.

"Do you know about my ex-girlfriend?"

No, not really...

The jerk of a guy she has is planning to pop the question soon.

“...Huh.”

Nico told the story slowly. A tale of a weak outsider coming in and taking what was rightfully his. First, Nico's position as council president; next, his girlfriend, "My Bonnie..."; then, Nico's social standing; finally, Nico's future; and now, Nico's return to rub it in his face.

Nico's voice was calmly angry, a slow but violent rhythm that sent chills down Aarati's spine. Aarati saw herself as a moderator or peacemaker. Nico, on the other hand, was a contentious man by nature. From infancy on, he had been taught to take what was his by any means necessary. Aarati was a terrific ally since she was able to keep Nico's aggressive nature in check in front of customers. But now that it was free, she was at a loss. Suddenly, Aarati realised something was off.

You did say, Bonnie, didn't you? "Bonnibel Kim,"

All of a sudden, Nico froze. His eyes beamed with intense interest. According to Aarati, Bonnie was a college classmate of hers. They were close, and were close, friends.

Nico's mind began to formulate an idea. Aarati was an eloquent speaker. Maybe he could pull it off if he pointed her in the proper direction. He calmly sat down and inhaled deeply.

All I can say is that I'm concerned. The sixth grade is when I first met Bonnie. She's a sweetheart, and even if our relationship didn't work out, I hope she finds happiness in the future. That's not something she's going to get from Elliott. He is a liar, a manipulator, and a lazy bum. I won't get into specifics, but suffice it to say that he didn't become president due to his own abilities alone.

This made Nico scoff.

I wouldn't put it past him to cheat on her, either. I've heard rumours that she's starting to have second thoughts about him.

A cold shiver ran down Aarati's spine at that. The accusation of infidelity cut deep into her spirit. Nico checked the time on his wrist.

The store is closing, so you had better leave. Okay, I'll do the dishes.

Okay, that's OK. So long, Nico.

“Adios.”

Aarati's mind was racing with ideas as she entered the room. She was completely at a loss.

Aarati was seated at the dinner table, nibbling on some peas. Her face looked hazy and confused. Asha had developed a scientific method for determining her wife's emotional state. This, indeed, was a worried expression.

“Hon.”

Asha's outburst jolted Aarati out of her trance.

“Huh?”

To ask if everything is fine: "Everything alright?"

"I don't know, I feel stupid saying that."

“Alright. I think we could all use a coffee break.

While Aarati sat in her chair and gathered her thoughts, Asha got up and headed for the coffee maker. It was a routine they had gone through dozens of times before, a pause before having important talks to make sure both of them were ready to focus. Because coffee helped them concentrate. Indian filter coffee with sugar, or Aarati. Asha prefers a bitter black color. 

"Bonnie is the focus. Elliott is planning to pop the question.

Waited long enough, I say. Well done, I guess. So, tell me, "What gives?"

"So, I was chatting with Nico..." He informed me that Elliott has been cheating on her.

Asha's eyebrows knitted together in thought. She went to get a cup of coffee and then went back to the table. 

Something about that just "doesn't sound like him."

I'm aware, but... Both he and Nico attended the same high school. Elliott committed some heinous acts, so it seems. Theft, fraud, and dishonesty... Even thinking about it made Nico angry.

I know Bonnie will make the best decision because she's so bright.

"...Nico said Bonnie was having second thoughts as well. I really hope it doesn't end up as my parents' marriage did.

Aarati's childhood was marked by the constant bickering between her parents over issues she was too young to fully understand. What she did grasp, however, was the terror and strain brought on by the never-ending shouting and wreckage. The second thing she saw was that whenever she entered the room, the fighting stopped, but she couldn't tell if it was to preserve her innocence or to defend their reputation in the eyes of their daughter. From that moment on, Aarati was dedicated to learning the highest art of war: how to defeat an opponent without firing a shot. Aarati was always there to diffuse tensions and, later, to mediate conflicts and broker agreements when she was of age. It was successful up until the day Aarati and her mum learned the truth.

Asha had only heard the story once, but she was determined not to forget it. Her wife owes much of who she is today to the struggle they endured together. A friend to everyone; a pacifist. But it also made her hyper-vigilant for bad news, leading her to assume the worst.

Is it absolutely certain that Elliott is dishonest?

It's not clear to me. But Nico appeared to be quite sure, and we can't deny the possibilities! We don't have a close familiarity with him.

“...Alright. I have made up my mind.

Incredulous: "Wait, what?"

I need to have a chat with Elliott.

When Elliott got the text, he was getting ready for bed. Kumar-Raphael Asha. There's a lot to say in just those four words: "We need to talk." That name was vaguely familiar to him. A classmate of Bonnie's in university. They had swapped numbers after meeting each other once or twice. But why did she desire something? A new communication arrived mere seconds later. The question "Can you call?"

Asha knew she was being direct, but she wanted to get this done as quickly as possible so she could have another cup of coffee. She wholeheartedly agreed with the general's statement that no country has ever benefited from a protracted war. Before the civil war broke out and the destruction caused them to leave, Asha and her family had been living in Somalia. She spent the next decade watching from afar while her former home was further destroyed by fighting. She longed for it all to be over. She began to see every argument through that prism, and she would often rush to conclusions and then be the one responsible for cleaning up the aftermath. Thankfully, she heard back from them rather shortly.

Without knowing what would happen, Elliott dialled the number. Even though he was tired, he didn't want to be impolite and tell Bonnie's buddy that he was going to bed. And he couldn't take back the instant coffee that was pumping through his veins; there was more of it in the cup next to him. The call started since he had nothing planned for tomorrow.

“Hey! Howdy, folks!

"I'm sorry to bother you so late, but I have a question."

“Oh. Okay, what's the deal?

Asking, "Are you cheating on Bonnie?"

Elliott leaped up from his seat. Elliott was typically a laid-back sort. He was content to wait things out and take action only when absolutely necessary. However, this triggered an internal reaction.

"No way, no how!" How ridiculous! That's the question you have for me when you phone me at midnight? Who the hell came up with that?

It's "Nico Perez."

Nico.

In a word, yes. You heard from Perez that I cheated on Bonnie, huh?

As for the second part, "He told my wife, but yes."

Elliott let out a long sigh.

Asha thought about what had happened. Elliott appeared sincere, but that wasn't good enough for her. There was still a long way to go. She was missing some crucial information.

To paraphrase Coco Chanel: "If I may ask, what is the history between you three?"

"Will it convince you that I'm not a cheater?"

"Sure."

"Gladly."

Elliott hadn't given much consideration to what happened all those years ago. The incident had been on his mind off and on, but he had never given it much attention until now. Four individuals formed the core. He, Samantha, Nico, and Bonnie are all in on it. Elliott was a foreign exchange student who had recently arrived from Germany. He had no friends and no idea how to function in the new culture he had stumbled onto. But three people stood out to him right away. Smart and well-liked Samantha Anderson. The outspoken and driven Nico Perez. Then she came along. While he adjusted to the new school, Bonnibel was appointed to be his mentor. This led to their becoming friends, close friends even, but not more than that. Someone had noticed the couple and was developing jealous feelings. Nico and Bonnie were dating at the time, and they were the most popular pair in school. The addition of Elliott tipped the scales in one direction.

Elliott had resisted moving to the United States. He was the type to wait for his chance rather than go out of his way to seize it. But he was there at the moment, and he planned to make the most of it. Elliott swiftly established himself thanks to Bonnie's ties, and a group of supporters formed around him. He ran for student president by capitalizing on his standing in the student body. As vice president, all he did was sit back and relax, much to the chagrin of the newly elected president. Then an event occurred. Elliott had only ever been given the gist of the narrative. After hearing rumors from Samantha that Bonnie was cheating on him with Elliott, Nico lost it and confronted her violently. Even though it turned out that the rumors were false, Bonnie saw through Nico's facade after that and decided to leave. Afterward, Nico made sure to include Samantha among the people he had exposed as liars. Elliott and Bonnie would eventually become a relationship, and everything had been going along smoothly until now.

Elliott's response satiated Asha's curiosity.

"All right, I appreciate your patience. Well, that's good news.

“Wait. If you have a question, I have a question for you. Why did Nico make this statement? Who informed him?

“...I wouldn't put it past him to harbor resentment, but that's just a guess. Maybe his intention was to cause strife amongst you, just like the old rumor suggested. Perhaps he has plans to reunite with her.

Again, a snap. After their last talk, he decided it was too risky to continue dating Bonnie. Elliott's existence boiled down to nothing more than waiting for the proper moment to strike, like the graceful dive of a falcon. It was now or never for him.

OK, Asha, I appreciate it. Until then, take care.

“Goodnight.”

Before Asha could even hang up, Elliott was already racing out of the house. What he had to do was obvious to him.

Bonnie waited nervously in the café. Maybe it was the Ristretto she chugged this morning, or maybe it was the fear that her plan would backfire that kept her up so early. A large shadow sat down next to her while she ran through the words in her brain.

To Bonnie: "Hey! "Hey, how are you doing?

Bonnibel cracked a grin.

'Hey, Sam! Where have you been?

Sam was placing an order for coffee as she and her long-lost friend caught up on each other's life. To college, to work, to family, to life. Something to help Samantha feel comfortable enough to carry out her plan. Bonnie could only pray that Sam hadn't changed too much since the catastrophe that drove them apart. To defeat an enemy, one must first understand oneself. One thousand fights, one thousand triumphs. She always took the time beforehand to assess her competition. All hinged on whether or not her assumptions about Sam were correct.

Bonnie excelled at sports. Her mother had taught her the importance of a healthy lifestyle and implanted in her a passion for the outdoors. Their many outdoor adventures together sparked Bonnie's interest in sports, and she eventually decided to follow her high school passion and train for a career as a professional basketball player. Meanwhile, her father emphasized the importance of rivalry and strategy. Bonnie learned about her guide and the Art of War from him. 

Years of reading Sun Tzu and putting his advice into practice during her matches in high school, college, and the pros had left an indelible mark on Bonnie's mind. This was the true proving ground for her training. 

Sam breathed a sigh of relief.

It was great to see you again, Bonnie.

Bonnibel cracked a grin.

Yes, it has, as in "it really has."

“So… you mentioned that you wanted to share something with me. Please explain.

Bonnie's countenance changed as uncertainty and worry crept into her features. A mixture of natural and practiced.

You must have been in a number of relationships by now. I was hoping to get your opinion on something quickly.

Samantha's interest peaked, and she leaned in closer.

“Go on…”

I have to admit that I have my suspicions about Elliott.

“No…”

We've been together for a while, and just last week I broached the subject of marriage and a permanent home with him. However, he has shown reluctance; perhaps he fears commitment. Also, I'm not sure. I care deeply about him, yet if our priorities are different, we may be better off apart.

Samantha smiled, her mind working quickly. Bonnie has witnessed that look often enough to understand its significance. She put down her cup of coffee and got to her feet.

"I need to get going; I have some errands to run. Have a good day, Sam!

The final words were, "Bye, Bonnie."

Samantha reached for her cell phone. Who to contact, she had no doubt.

Bonnie was observing her television from her couch. Maybe talking to Sam wasn't the best idea after all, she thought. Nonetheless, at this point, all she could do was wait. Things were starting to fall like dominoes. How long that would take is anyone's guess.

Then the doorbell rang abruptly.

Elliott couldn't remember ever running so quickly. How Bonnie could make a life doing that baffled him. Before he could even gather his breath, the door flung open to see his bewildered lover. After one minute of gasping, he finally said four words:

"Let's have a chat."

“...Okay?”

Remember what we talked about last Sunday? The verdict is in. I'm all set.

Incredulous: "Wait, really?"

We'll leave it at that for now. Bonnie, you mean a lot to me. Never let me lose you. I'm prepared to take things slowly, though.

Elliott dropped to one knee, sweat beading on his grin, and he looked up.

Asking, "Will you marry me?"

Minds were whirling in Bonnie's head. The speed at which it occurred surprised her. Here she was nevertheless. As her master plan came to an end, euphoria and adrenaline flooded her system. In all her years, she'd never experienced a sensation like this.