Eigengrau

Chapter Six

Kris and I decided to bunk all our classes for the day. Soon our first destination was decided. We were going to the café Plaisir. I opened those rustic-looking doors and as I entered the room, all my senses were filled with the smell of freshly grounded coffee beans. The café was moderately full but finding space for two was not so difficult. Kris and I managed to find a space in front of this oval window. Our table was tiny and it had two chairs. Not too much room but just enough room to enjoy our coffee and macaroons. I moved towards the food display section that was right beside the billing counter. I bent down to see the beautiful mouth-watering displays of desserts. There were mini cupcakes, tiramisu, some double chocolate fudge brownies, sandwiches, donuts, wraps, and then the macaroons. The moment I saw them, my face lit up. How can anyone look at them and not be happy? I personally felt delighted. I waited in the line for my number to come and then, I heard his voice, "Excuse me, Ma'am, what would you like to order today? Why don't I recommend some specialties?"

"I want to order 2 rose, 2 caramel, 1 Oreo, 1 double chocolate and 1 blueberry cheesecake macaroons and 1 cappuccino. Oh, wait, Ummm... can you make that 1 Mocha café frappe and 1 cappuccino? And... I'm so sorry, can you make that 3 rose macaroons instead of 2? " The speed that I said that was really fast and the happiness that my face exuded, was almost childlike. I looked at his face and saw him smiling at me. I thought to myself about how cute the cashier was but then I focused on my food.

"Sure, ma'am. That will be $26.50. Please get back to your seat. I will bring your order to you shortly."

I went back and sat in front of Kris. She looked at the bill in my hand and in a very sarcastic tone, asked me, "Who is planning to eat all those sweets? You will become fat! Wow... you also spent a lot."

"Oh come on... Don't be such a spoilt sport. I only eat this once upon a time. It's okay."

Soon the cashier brought our order and said, "Here you go. I hope you enjoy your desserts."

Looking at Kris, he said, "Hi Kris. Listen, can I ask you for a favor? Can you please, please, please... help me with those box plots and T distribution sums? I have a practice set due in Mr. Patel's class and I am really stuck on a few questions."

Immediately Kris replied, "Marcus I really don't have time. I have this submission paper due the day after tomorrow. I really don't have time."

I was very surprised. Kris knew him... How?

Then looking at me she said, "Hope why don't you help him out? He is our junior. Same department. Oh wait, he is technically your classmate as you are also my junior."

I was a bit surprised. How could this cute guy study in my department and work at café Plaisir, and I not be aware of it? Also, how did Kris drag me into this conversation with me?

Kris asked me, "Hope... aren't you also taking Mr. Patel's class?"

"Oh really! Are we in the same class?" Marcus exclaimed.

I replied, "I am in the Tue/Thu batch. What about you?"

"That makes sense. I am in the Mon/Wed batch. I know this is our first time meeting but can you please help me? Any friend of Kris is my friend. I really need to get that practice set done. I can give you some free macaroons if you like. But please don't burden yourself. If I am asking of too much or if you are busy, I completely understand."

This was a bit annoying. I knew that this would lead to me finishing my homework days before it is actually due and that I would also get some free macaroons. But should I really help him? I really wanted to chill the whole day with Kris but now I would have to help this stranger with Maths. I thought about it practically and then made my decision. He was Kris's friend and me helping him out would be like helping Kris out. Plus, getting free macaroons is already a good enough reason. So I agreed.