Love's Complex

Chapter 15

The café I worked at was a cute little place, nothing special really. If I'm being honest it just reminded me of a regular Starbucks but I always loved the treats my coworker Ada made. She was born and raised in Germany and went to a high school near the university which she planned to attend when she graduated. At the end of the day, all of the treats and things that weren't sold would be split between us and a few other coworkers or given to this homeless shelter a couple blocks away.

I entered the small store through the back and am greeted by the scent of coffee and some soft R and B music playing through the speakers coming from the front. One of the things I love about my boss, Amelia is that she allows us to wear whatever we like as long as we wear the apron and we get to choose the music. From the song selection I know that Ada is here as she loves American R&B. Her music choices reminded me vaguely of home, helping calm my nerves just a bit. I put my things away near the door and tie up my apron as I head to the front, greeting my coworker as I move past.

As usual, most of the tables are full from all the students that come here to study or grab something quick before classes. As lazy as I was, it was nice to have some form of structure and work to keep my mind off of things temporarily. Getting into the rhythm of taking orders from people and having to translate things in my mind from the two languages I continuously get orders from, to making complex drinks for those who are able to talk so fast theyre running circles around my mind it's almost soothing.

It's nice to see old and new faces. I have a goal to memorize at least 20 of our regulars orders before the end of the year. If I'm being honest, I'm not doing too well just yet but Ill get there.hopefully.

Working for a couple of hours, I notice a big group of people approaching. I elbow Ada, and point them out, bracing her for the wave. Putting on my retail smile, I stand in front of the register, waiting for the onslaught. Exchanging a couple of words with Ada as they decide, not wanting to make them uncomfortable, it takes a couple of seconds before someone approaches and I direct my gaze to them, only to realize it's Eliza with her normal bubbly grin. Shaking myself of the surprise, I smile back and look behind her. Standing behind her are the rest of the five, who still look like they're choosing something, along with some people I recognise from around campus, some of my own classmates, and Marcie and Charlie who are looking at the glass case filled with sweets and savouries.

"Hallo! Wie kann ich dir helfen? How can I help you?" I immediately reverted to my bilingual server talk, attempting to indicate that I didnt have much time to talk. The look on Eliza, as well as Marcie and Charlie, who were close enough to hear my extreme professionalism, seemed understanding of the situation but it wasnt really them I was worried about.

"Hey, can I get a small latte macchiato, bitte?" She responded with a smile, toning down her usual hyperactivity, looking a little worriedly at her group mates.

"Of course," I punched the order into the register. "Anything else I can get for you?"

"Guys, do you know what you want?" She asked the group who seemed to get progressively louder.

I clenched my teeth through my forced smile. They honestly had to intrude on ever part of my day. Not that I was annoyed by them but I wanted my time to not have to think or be reminded of my apparent ignorance.

"Ok so, two espressos, one london fog, a green tea all medium, and.. I think that's it?" Mako counted off. "Oh hi Naila!!"

At this point, a small headache had formed but I pushed through a good server smile.

"Hello Mako, will that be all for you guys?"

"Yes, thatll be all," Eliza interjected quickly and paid the sum, pushing the Five away from the group announcing they'd find seating as the rest stepped up to order.

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I had made their drinks and handled their snacks while Ada manned the register for a bit and then we switched off for her to bring them their order as a favour to me. I was grateful that she didnt question it, merely let me off with a curious glance.

Ada was one of the people in my life who knew that I'd talk if I needed it and I knew she would be there if I ever needed it but outside of work, we were just acquaintances. I suppose we were just work friends not that thats a bad thing.

A few hours had gone by and on my break I took a minute to chat with Charlie and Marcila which reminded me that I should probably visit Fayre and Orion sometime soon. Thankfully the large group had left with just a couple goodbyes thrown at me.

It was my turn to close up the shop while Ada had left a bit ago, having to get home since it was a school night.

Wiping down the counters and table tops, and putting things away, I grabbed my hoodie and bag and locked up.

Exiting the cafe, it was dark out, and started to get a bit colder. Moving quickly I ran, albeit a slow run, to the bus stop which was just a block away thankfully. I met up with some people from campus who took the night classes and stood at the stop, listening to music and feeling the wind across my face till the bus arrived.

Truthfully, the ride was uneventful and so was the walk back to my new place (which was filled with people who I wasnt sure I could entirely look in the eye).

Okay, plan. I get to the house, take my shoes off as fast as possible, grab something from the kitchen to eat, I remember there being some cheese and meats in the fridge that I brought from my old place, I could probably make a small charcuterie board for myself, and book it to my room. If I get stopped, say that I have a project paper to work on.

Foolproof, right?

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.

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Dead wrong -_-

So heres how it actually went....

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A/N: Hi again guys!! Not my best, nor my favourite chapter by far but the next couple of ones are definitely up there so please be a lil' patient (Not that you guys aren't. Y'all have been very kind about my updates thus far, so thanks!!). I hope you guys enjoyed at least bit lol.

Also, my LORD!! 1.2k VIEWS MY GUYS!! Wherever you're are coming from, I'd like to know who sent you and what your intentions are with my baby Nai

ANYWAYS!! Please tell me if there are anything I should change in order to improve my writing and I sincerely hope you enjoyed!!

Have a good day/night!!