Strawberry Island (girlxgirl)

Melted Milk

"Don't forget, today's your shift at The Scoop. Don't be late, Evangeline will need help setting up." Ophelia called out while adjusting her necklace in front of the mirror.  "How could I forget." Florence sat at the kitchen counter and sipped her spinach smoothie with a tired look on her face.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the island's ice cream shop was up and running. Each willing person on the island was assigned a week out of the summer to work the ice cream shop, this week was the Ainsworth's turn. The eldest nieces had the task of working the shop from 9 in the morning through the evening which was the only labor they participated in year round. The Scoop was right next to the lighthouse which was graced with foot traffic from the ferry dock. Due to the tight schedule of the shop only being open twice a week, many residents of the island enjoyed stopping by and enjoying some homemade ice cream.  

Florence arrived at the the pink and white stripped small store with her curly hair up in a messy bun. "Finally you're here, did you bring the key for the freezer?" Evangeline popped her head up from the napkins she was stacking. Florence waved the shinny key before walking towards the back of the shop to retrieve the ice cream that had been prepared the day before. Once she unlocked the freezer, she was immediately scolded by the low temperature within, "Shit" she mumbled as her exposed arms were covered with goosebumps. She began analyzing the shelf with the metal tins of ice cream before realizing that she didn't have the inventory list to check off the flavors of ice cream to add to the menu sign. 

Florence swiftly turned back towards the front of the shop, to her surprise becoming face to face with the outsider, who unbeknownst to Florence was at The Scoop to offer her assistance. "Shit, sorry. Uh, here's the flavor list." Clara handed her the piece of paper, both girls awkwardly keeping their gazes from meeting. Florence accepted it, but before returning back to the freezer she blurted out, "Read them off to me." Florence handed the list back to Clara who had an uncertain expression. "Oh, sure." Clara answered even though she knew Florence wasn't asking, but rather instructing her. 

Florence tugged on a pair of plastic gloves and let Clara read off the week's flavors, as she made sure they were present and ready to be served. "Blue moon?" "Yes." "Chocolate?" "Yes." "Cookie dough?" "Yes." "Black licorice? Ew-wait, is that a real flavor?" Clara double checked the list, letting out a small laugh. "Yeah, apparently old people here really like it." Florence shrugged as she opened the lid, revealing the inky colored block of ice cream. "Gross." Clara scrunched her nose and continued down the list. 

It didn't take long for the girls to finish inventory, they made their way back to the front where Evangeline was organizing the display sizing cones and bowls. "Everything's there, I'll put up the 'specials' sign out front." Florence stated, grabbing a few dry erase markers and the white board.  "Okay, then Clara can you unpack the plastic silverware?" Evangeline pointed to the cardboard box in the corner. Shortly, the Ice cream shop was open and ready for business, Clara put on her gloves and tied her apron, watching as Florence plugged the bright 'open' sign in the window.  

Business was slow but that was expected since it was still morning. Throughout the day there were around fifty customers that were served, everything ran smoothly and they only ran out of two flavors. Clara sat on the counter watching the clock, business had come to a halt for the day so now the girls found themselves waiting until their shift was officially over. "Here, try some." Florence walked up and handed Clara a small plastic bowl of black licorice ice cream. "You're joking." She shot Florence a skeptical look, "Fine we'll both try it." She offered, eventually leading Clara to accept. Florence scooped a spoonful from the bowl and put it to the blonde's lips and another spoonful to her own. This time, both of the girl's gazes lingered for a second as they bit into the ice cream. Disgust fell over both of their faces as they tried to keep themselves from gagging. "Oh, I didnt think it would be that bad." Florence tossed the spoon into the trash and took a swig from her water bottle trying to get the bitter taste out of her mouth, Florence and Clara each let out a faint chuckle.

 "Is this your attempt at redeeming yourself for the other night?" Clara tilted her head curiously. "Nope." Florence countered with an expression Clara couldn't read. She didn't know why Florence was suddenly being tolerable of her, this only made her more suspicious of her intentions. Evangeline burst in, "It's quitting time" she squeaked before skipping to her Jeep that was parked embarrassingly crooked.   

Clara flashed a small smile at Florence, following Evangeline to the car. Florence locked the door of the shop and began driving home, she wondered if this small act of kindness made up for the previous night. Florence didn't exactly need the reassurance on whether or not some random girl liked her or not, she had shifted her primary focus on not letting some random girl get between her and her summer escape.