It was Sunday, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again. I swept the floors, swiffered the corners that I usually ignored, did my laundry and I even tackled the dishes-well... I loaded them into the dishwasher, but still, that was progress. My life stayed busy, and paying for services to keep things running smoothly had always been my norm. But now that I've been working from home a couple of days a week, I found myself wanting to pour a little more intention into my space. I reached into my work bag for my laptop-not to work, but to order Harvest, Noir Lux Coffee's new medium roast. A coworker recently told her about the Artisan's Package, a luxurious at home coffee experience that includes new blends and recipes. To keep my vibe high, I slipped into a cozy autumn-toned pajama set. I even perfected my 5-minute little-to-no makeup look, just enough to look effortlessly pretty. I caught my reflection and felt proud. Who knew two work-from-home days would bring out a softer, more intentional version of me? I thought to myself. Then-the knock. Sudden, quick. When I opened the door, it was Chris from the coffee shop standing there with a pure white delivery box. "Wait-how did you get up here? I asked as I was both confused and impressed. "The concierge let me up. Noir Lux Coffee has a partnership with nearby condos. We personally deliver online orders," he said with a smile. I instantly thought luxury membership unlocked! As Chris handed me the box, he added, "I haven't seen you in a while at the shop. Hopefully I'll see you in there soon." I couldn't tell if he meant that personally or if it was just Noir Lux Coffee marketing magic. So, I lifted the box. shook it lightly and smiled. "I'll be there as soon as I run out of this." The moment Chris left, I unraveled the black silk ribbon from the box. "Now this is Noir Lux," I whispered. When I cracked open the box, a rich coffee aroma escaped into my apartment- a warm, earthy scent that felt like life in a cup. I pulled out the sleek black bag of Harvest, the matte finish, the weight, the luxury of it all...it felt like unboxing a classic Chanel quilted flap. But just before I could open the seal, I heard it. A faint knock. Then another. I immediately frowned. I looked through the peephole and couldn't believe the peephole or my eyes. Russel. Baby daddy of the year. It felt like my heart dropped into my fuzzy bear slippers. For a second- I hesitated. Long enough for him to speak. "September, I know you're home," he said. "I could smell your coffee." I cracked open the door just enough, leaving only a small gap between us. "Can I come in?" He asked. "No." I said without thinking twice. "Okay, that's fair", he said, running his hand over his beard. "I've been calling you." "I don't answer numbers I don't know," I shot back, folding my arms. Russel sighed and sat down on the floor outside my door, as if he was anchoring himself there. " I heard about the interaction you had with Sophia. And. I'm here to apologize for it all... I'm sorry for how distant I've been. I've just... I've been trying to process everything, and right now I need you." I didn't respond. I couldn't respond. "We submitted a DNA test," he continued quietly. "We're waiting on the results. And I know you don't want to hear anything from me right now but... I'm in love with you September. I just wanted you to know that. I'm not giving up on reaching out, but I will respect your time and leave these flowers here. I just hope one day you'll let me explain everything." He stood up slowly as if he didn't want to leave. "Bye for now, Ms. September Black. When his footsteps faded, I widen the door and brought the bouquet inside. Numb to it all, I finally sat on the couch with my dirty pumpkin spice latte, letting the spices warm my heart. I didn't realize the hurt until the first tear reached my lip. I'd been waiting for this. For him to chase me. To prove himself. To show up. To say the words that I've been praying he felt all along. And now that he had... It all just felt confusing. Heavy. Unsteady. The more I sipped my latte, the more I wondered if loving him would ever feel safe. I thought about the DNA test. About Sophia's belly. About all the unaswered questions. And for the first time, I've realized: waiting for the results of the test was'nt the test. Waiting to see what I choose to do from here until, was the real test. 



                                                                    To be Continued