OXYGEN

6 - Vienna

"Vienna?" I questioned. "I've never heard of this place."

"I'm not surprised," Forrest said. "Most people don't know about it, which is too bad for them, I guess. Now, come on." He got out of the car and I did the same, mulling over what he told me.

On the surface, Vienna didn't seem to be anything special. Merely structured with bricks, it appeared mundane and bare. Royal-blue, velvety curtains were hanging in the wide windows, obstructing outsiders from the scene within. On the glass doors, there was a simple Open sign. The overall structure was pretty large.

Like he could sense how skeptical I was, Forrest asked, "Are you coming?"

"Do I have a choice?" I muttered and then monotonously added, "Can't you see how excited I am?"

We made our way to the entrance and Forrest pulled it open for me. A coffee-fused gust fluttered against my face and I was actually stunned with the sight that greeted me.

"Oh," I murmured. It was - much to my surprise - fairly lovely. Beyond that, actually. "Wow."

A quiet, placid aura lingered in the warm air. I wasn't surprised to see that we were the only customers; the place must have just opened.

The first thing that intrigued me were the lights. Several fairy lights dangling, they twinkled in such a mesmerizing manner that I was left feeling strangely enchanted. With the ceiling painted burgundy, they effortlessly enhanced the room.

On the walls was faded, floral wallpaper with bursts of chalky jasmines, scarlet poppies and navy irises. The flooring seemed to be made of mahogany.

Scattered throughout the room were wooden, rounded tables with grey cushioned chairs. Off to one side was a large standing chalkboard. There was a quotation on it - in swirly, neat print.

"The two most important days in your life is the day you were born and the day you find out why." - Mark Twain

It faintly reminded me of the things that Forrest told me earlier. Undeniably, it was a brilliant quote.

On the other side of the café was a grey sofa with a rack of magazines and newspapers. And finally, in the center, it was the coffee bar with an employee, whose face lighted up the second he noticed our presence.

"Forrest! Hey!" he exclaimed wholeheartedly. "You're early today. And oh! Who is this?" The unfamiliar person, who appeared to be somewhere in his late twenties, exited the counter and strolled over to us. "And why . . . are you two drenched?"

Once he got closer, I was able to take a better look at him. With a tall and thin frame, untamed, jet-black curls, and almond-shaped eyes that corresponded, he managed to come off as endearing in his own way. His lips showed off a great, inviting grin and I - all of a sudden - felt terribly awkward. Mentally, I made myself get ready to walk back out. Who just showed up to a café dripping wet? I wouldn't be too surprised if he asked us to leave.

"Hey Perry," I heard Forrest say, "this is June." I offered a small, forced smile, but I was sure that I looked like I was cringing. "And I hope you don't mind . . . it's, ah, a long story."

"Oh, all right, it's cool. I needed to mop anyways," Perry joked, but all that did was make me feel even more uneasy. I slightly turned to Forrest, wondering if he could see what I was thinking. Have you completely lost your senses? But his lips merely curved in response. Perry nodded and gestured for us to come in some more. "Go right ahead and I'll be right back."

With that being said, he turned around and speed-walked away. I watched as he disappeared, entering a door that displayed Employees Only.