Everything Has Changed.

"Love, can I get a refill on my tea?" an older gentleman asked me as I cleared away his plate with just a few muffin crumbs left on it.

I smiled sweetly and nodded before I went back behind the counter and grabbed the tea kettle to refill the man's mug. Just as I was walking back to the counter, again, the bell over the door chimed, causing my attention to gravitate toward the costumer. I felt almost nervous when I saw who it was.

"Good morning, Johannah. What can I do for you today?" I asked her politely.

She walked over the counter and looked over all of the sweets that were freshly made that morning. "Hello, Sutton. I'll take two blueberry muffins and some coffee to go." she ordered.

I began to get her order for her when she spoke again, and what she said caught me off gaurd.

"Are you excited for Louis to be coming home?"

I looked over my shoulder as I poured her coffee into her travel cup. I was so focused on what she just said that I poured so much coffee in the cup that it spilled over the top and burned my hand. I snapped back around and set the pot on the counter.

"Shit." I muttered under my breath and grabbed a towel to wipe up the coffee.

Once the mess was cleaned up I put the lid on her cup and turned around to give it to her.

"I haven't spoken to your son in a while. How is everything?" I asked, trying to change the subject. I was still surprised that he was actually coming home.

Johannah smiled with simpathy and replied, "I thought you two had something special. I figured that Louis just kept in touch with you while he was in the U.S."

I shook my head and placed her muffins in a small white bag.

"Well, we are having a big dinner for him when he gets back, you should come." she invited.

I looked up at her through the strands of hair that were falling out of my messy bun and shrugged, "I don't know..."

She interrupted, "I insist. Plus the girls really miss you. You used to be over everyday and now we hardly get to see you."

I sighed and felt rather guilty. Louis' sisters and I got along great. I loved them like they were my own sisters, but my selfishness made me realize that I abandoned them just like Louis abandoned me.

"What do you say?" Johannah asked taking a sip of her coffee.

I nodded slowly. "Alright. What time do you want me to be there?"

Johannah grinned widely and stated, "Saturday night at six."

"Alright," I agreed as I handed her her bag, "These are on the house. I will see you and the girls on Saturday."

She shook her head and placed a few pounds into the "tip" jar before taking the bag from my hand. "Don't forget about Louis, Birdie." she said as she called me by the nickname her own son had given me a few years back.

I smiled and then watched her as she walked out of the cafe. And when she was out of site I got back to work. The old man that was still the only customer called me over to the table.

"Sutton," he began, "I have been coming here everyday for ten years and I remember you and that Louis lad sitting over there laughing and talking for hours. I remember when he left and you didn't come into work for days. I remember how much you missed him. I just want you to give the boy a chance. My wife gave me a second chance and he have been married for over 50 years. Those people that say "young love never lasts" are wrong. Ellie and I are as happy as we can be. Don't ever forget that."