What's In An Order (Open)

[Samantha Emerson]

The first time Samantha had heard of Bubblebeam Tea Shop was towards the end of the school year, when her senior friend had positively insisted that they meet up there for one last hangout. It was just the kind of place that Sam liked; it was a wonder that she hadn't known of it sooner. And now she was back, by herself this time.

She stood off to the side, looking at the menu without getting in line yet. She blinked and drummed her fingers on her leg. She took a quick cursory glance around the room, trying to discern what flavors or combinations seemed to be the most popular. That was another thing: before this place, Samantha had never even heard of bubble tea, let alone try and order something she would like. She shrugged and decided to go the direct route.

Sam turned to the person who had just gotten in line, and asked, "Hey, uh, excuse me? Have you been here often?" Hopefully this person wasn't as new to it all as Sam was. Although that could be a fun experience as well. "You see, I don't have much experience with bubble tea so I was wondering if you had any recommendations." She explained.

[Alice Halifax]

Bubble tea had become quite the favorite with Alice some years ago. She did so love tea so it felt only natural to fall in love with bubble tea. She frequented the shop often, finding the atmosphere to her liking. Everyone here was just so...unguarded, ripe for the picking. Alice was always studying others, picking them apart mentally. She had this habit of trying to figure out what made those around her tick. It was borderline obsessive really. Just another fault in a long line of faults.

A young man opened the door for Alice with a smile and as Alice entered the shop, she stole a sideways glance causing the man to blush a little. Alice was used to having others stare at her and fall all over themselves to steal a glance of her. Alice considered herself quite the beauty and always dressed the part. Sure, her outfits might have been overly fancy for some of the places she visited but that was just her. Alice liked to stand out and be the center of attention. Today was no different. She wore a long red skirt which flowed every so loosely around her slender smooth legs and stopped just short of her ankles. A white blouse brought some simplicity to the look, matching her white high heels. Around her neck was a silver rope necklace with a silver cat charm with blue eyes hanging from it. She left her hair down today, letting her blond locks bounce around her shoulders. Her fingernails were painted red and seemed to glisten a bit. Alice certainly stood out.

She took her place in line, looking the large menu above the bar over carefully. So many choices and all of them delicious. She played with the cat charm on her necklace as she tried to decide her choice. Fruit.....Today would consist of fruit. Alice smiled as she came to a decision but the joy in her head was interrupted by a small but sweet voice. Alice snapped back to the reality and smiled to the young woman in front of her. The woman was sort of cute and her personality bubbled. Alice's rather "odd" nature was triggered and the game of cat and mouse had begun.

"Boba tea with honeydew. It's one of my favorites", Alice said with a smile. This was the choice Alice had decided upon and seeing how this young pretty thing was new to all of this, Alice decided to treat the girl to something really delicious. "Tell you what little bird, since you are clearly new to all this, allow me to treat you. Give me a chance to teach you a bit about all this?," Alice asked, still smiling as she took a breath, trying to calm herself and the emotions inside of her.

[Samantha Emerson]

What Samantha didn't expect when she first turned around was this woman, easily the most dressed-up person in the whole store. Not that it really bothered or otherwise affected Sam; she asked anyway. But it didn't go completely ignored either. Admiration flashed in her eyes at the stylish outfit, especially for the silver cat.

When the woman answered, Samantha nodded in acknowledgement. "Boba tea with honeydew." She repeated with a slight shrug. Why not? She drew breath to say a quick 'thank you' when the woman spoke again. Sam blinked, caught off guard by the offer. But she couldn't see any harm in it, not from this nice adult. "I certainly would not refuse a guide to... all this." She said with a bright smile, wiggling her fingers as she gestured vaguely towards the counter. "But I do know how to pay for things." She added, as if she took offense at the woman's offer to treat her. Her eyes were grinning, though, and it wasn't long before her mouth followed suit. 

"I'm Samantha, by the way." She said with another smile. "And I like your cat necklace."

[Alice Halifax]

Those who knew Alice or knew of her would expect the blonde to take offense at Sam's remark, but Alice found the rejection sporting. Sam's tone was firm but not disrespectful and Alice could deal with that. It was disrespect which irked her, not the rejection. Alice expected to be treated respectfully, she came from a distinguished family after all. Besides, Sam's cute little face sort of softened the blow.

Alice smiled and nodded to Samantha slightly, "Very well, just trying to be nice," Alice said in response to the rejection, "I'm Alice" she said, offering her hand to Samantha. Alice sort of liked the name, although people had a tendency to shorten it to the masculine form of Sam. It was nice to see this young woman choosing to keep the femininity of her name. That put Sam in a more positive light with Alice, which would make this meeting move so much more smoothly. Alice was raised to believe that woman should be as feminine as possible. This didn't mean they were to be weak and flighty, but just elegant and put together well. Alice's mother had made sure that Alice knew who the stronger sex was.

"After we get our drinks I would enjoy your company. I do so love meeting new people," Alice added with that crafty smile of hers. Alice was a social butterfly and loved sitting around chatting with people. Samantha was new and thus Alice was very intrigued. It was like watching a cat play with its prey just before pouncing on it.