ESL Blogs

Early morning at the coffee shop.

Someone coughed at the side where I was relaxing and well sit, crossed legs and totally captivated and enthusiastic to what I’m doing to my laptop, I didn’t bother to look who’s that as I know that the coffee shop has so many customers, and there were available seats so I’m sure nobody will interrupt me..Then suddenly he coughed again, oh! Maybe it’s the waiter wanted to asked me if I have something in mind to order, I chinned up and faced the person, I’m right, the waiter…

Stranger waiter: “Excuse me, Ma’am, do you need anything, or you want to order something?” he asked with hesitation.

I stared at him, a blank stare. I shook my head.

Me: “I’m still waiting for someone, but I think I want some hot chocolate.” I said.

Stranger waiter: “You want with milk or whipped cream, Ma’am?” he said and smiled at me.

Me: “ Milk.” I nodded.

Stranger waiter: “Right away, Ma’am”

At the back of my mind, I would like to cut that “Ma’am” term but neglected the idea, I’m so lazy to open my mouth, I’m so engrossed to what I’m doing.

A few minutes later, somebody coughed at my back, I checked the temperature, is it very cold that people having that weird cough? I’m afraid I’ll be next to them sounding like that. I didn’t bother to look behind anyway.

Somebody coughed again and saw someone with my peripheral vision took the seat in front of me, I was amazed somebody had the guts to interrupt me, I looked up to see, another guy! Well, I even thought the waiter came back, but this one is different.

Stranger guy: “I think we met before.” He said with the expression of thinking so deep.

I shrugged my shoulders.

Stranger guy: “Are you working somewhere here?” he asked trying to pursue the talk.

I shook my head.

Stranger guy: “Did you eat your tongue?” He said sarcastically.

The nerve of this guy!

Me: “I have enough means to feed myself and no need to eat my tongue, plus I think that would be a waste to eat my tongue as I want to eat many sweets. Mind if you could go, I don’t know you.” I said straight to his face.

Stranger guy: “wow, I would go once you tell me your name and number because I think those belongs to me, would you mind to give it back.” He started to sound like teasing.

Immediately, I closed my laptop, gathered my things, went to the counter, got my chocolate and left without a word and without a single glance to that guy. The nerve!

I just texted my boss, I had a terrible “cough” and went home.

Geez, if talking to someone personally will be my only avenue to learn English, there’s no way or chance for me to improve. I’ll try to remember something funny and unusual conversation with a stranger, I’ll try again next time Onee. Haha!