At The Coffee Shop

My day started normally. I woke up for the day around 9:30 a.m. and rolled out of bed. I changed from my pajamas and threw on a pair of black leggings with an off-white sweatshirt. I slipped on my tan, fuzzy boots to complete my outfit. I liked to enjoy my free time writing and sipping coffee at my favorite local coffee shop and that's what I planned to do.

I grabbed my over-the-shoulder laptop bag and slipped my laptop inside. I grabbed my charger from the wall plug-in and placed it in the bag too. I picked up my cross-body purse and put it on before I grabbed the laptop bag and tossed it over my shoulder. I grabbed my keys from the key hook and headed towards my car.

I had been single for a couple of months now. It was weird because I hadn't been single in four years and now I was learning how to love myself again. My ex wasn't a good person, though I tried to believe he was. I suffered emotional abuse and probably very close to physical abuse if I stayed any longer. They say that if someone can hit walls or throw things out of anger, even if not at you directly they will eventually hit you. I didn't want to find out. The emotional damage was already detrimental enough.

I started writing as a hobby and something about sitting in a coffee shop helped relax my mind. I hadn't seen or heard from my ex in about a month. I assumed he finally gave up on convincing me that he would do better this time. He must have realized I didn't believe him anymore.

I arrived at my favorite local coffee shop and parked my car in a free parking spot just a short walk away. If I parked out front I had to pay a parking meter, but I didn't have much money. I didn't mind the walk though.

I got out of my vehicle with my things and walked to the entrance of the coffee shop. Some days this place was packed with people and other days there were only a few inside. This day was a slower, calmer day. There was a slight breeze in the cool, fall air. Leaves were starting to turn colors and falling from trees. Fall was my favorite season.

I walked inside and noticed that it was a calm day. Several people were spread out at a few tables, but it wasn't overcrowded. I approached the barista to place my order.

"Hello," she greeted me.

"Hi, can I just get a large sugar cookie iced latte for here, please?" I asked her.

"Of course, is that it?" She asked with a warm smile.

"Yes, please," I returned a smile and pulled my wallet out of my bag. I handed her my money and placed a few dollars in the tip jar.

The barista handed me a table number and I walked into the next area to take a seat. I placed my table number down and set my laptop up to start writing. It had only taken a few moments before my coffee was brought to my table.

"Thank you!" I said before taking a drink of the sweet latte.

I started typing away at my story while sipping on my coffee. I would occasionally look out the window and look at my surroundings when I would be deep in thought.

I had been writing for about an hour. I was stuck on the part I was writing and didn't know how to carry it forward. I looked up and out the window as usual when I noticed a familiar face. It was my ex. He was walking towards the shop and he also noticed me. He was smiling brightly at me. I felt the fear welling up inside me.

It was weird that he was here and that he even knew I would be here. I immediately closed my laptop and shoved it into my bag. My coffee was close to being gone and I didn't want to waste it, so I gulped it down quickly.

I threw my bag over my shoulder and bolted to the bathroom. I didn't know what to do. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and could visibly see the panic in my face. I waited a few moments before stepping out. I knew he would be waiting and wondering where I went.

I clenched my bag out of fear and anxiety. I clicked on my phone to look at the time. It had been exactly three minutes since I entered the bathroom. I needed to try to make my escape.

I slowly creaked open the door while peering around for my ex. He was standing right by the doorway I needed to go through to make it to the exit. Shit.

His eyes met mine and I knew I had to come out. I quickly made my way out of the bathroom and towards the doorway he was standing in. I was hoping to push past him. He grabbed my arm before I could make it through. Shit.

"Hey, Morgan. It's been a minute," he said.

I just stared at him for a moment. I was terrified. I could feel my heart beating out of my chest. I didn't know what to do or say.

"Please let go of my arm. I'd like to leave," I instructed him. He seemed shocked by my words.

"I just got here," he started before letting go of my arm.

I immediately took off walking towards the door. I pushed my way out and walked as fast as my legs could carry me towards my car. My grip on my bag grew tighter. I was so terrified even in public when in his presence.

I turned around to see if he was following me and he was. I started walking even faster. I jumped into my car and hit the lock button as soon as I closed my door. He immediately tried to open my door and I was so relieved that I locked it so quickly.

He started shouting. I put my keys into my ignition and started my car. I put it in reverse and started slowly backing up as he was banging on my window and door shouting random things at me. I had never been so afraid in my life. I backed out of my spot and took off leaving him behind me.

I glanced in my rearview mirror to see him standing in the street throwing his arms up as I was moving farther away.

"Oh my god," I said while letting out a gasp of air. My grip on my steering wheel was tight. I felt like my ex was stalking me and the whole interaction we had made me fear for my life entirely. I was safe for now, but when would he show up unannounced again and scare me like he did this day?

I didn't know what to do. I just know I felt helpless and very afraid.