Earl Gray

Sipping on a hot liquid infused with the smells of England and the noisy streets outside

A girl sits, biting her lip about the adventure that has yet to unfold, like the napkin

Placed delicately beside her. She ventures out into the chilled air. Watching the cars stream

By. She continues across the stream, there to meet a boy. They talk for a moment

Then together, venture off into the darkening night over into the Building glowing like a jack-o’-lantern in the night sky. They walk down the crowded corridors, the girl still sipping the hot liquid that she has yet to let go. As they pass through a corridor, a familiar smell surrounds them. The fresh potpourri of tea from around the world envelops the boys senses

As they stand for a moment. The young girl, lifted up on the wings of these smells

Ventures into the store, the boy trailing behind. She smells fruits blended together to make exotic

Bouquet as Jasmine dragons dance around her nostrils. They depart. Heading

Into the pizza parlor down the corridor, they’re destination. They sit, waiting, as the

Waitress dressed in an apron comes to take their order. The girl ponders for a moment,

She decides on an icy beverage, permeated with the taste of the Scottish and

Freshly picked strawberries. The boy orders the same. They sit for a moment. Bonding over

Their similar tastes. Moments later, they have their beverages. One sip, sending them both

Whirling into a frenzy of flavors. They hardly focus on their warm, pizzas sitting in front

Of them. They focus on their tea, and each other. Without saying a word, they both

Depart the parlor. The walk back to their meeting place, with a quick kiss, and a gaze

That clandestinely exclaims “this will not be the last”, they depart. The girl, holding

Onto the last cup of hot liquid, mixed with the smells of England, and the kindness

And memories of the boy.