Remember Me | J.M.R.F

2

Taylor's P.O.V

As I stepped out of the bathroom, I already knew I was late. The shower alone had taken up twenty minutes. Getting ready and going to the cafe would take another twenty; ten minutes per task. I wasn't too bothered by this though. I was rarely late, and Kathy knew that. Besides, the cafe would be empty except for a few old dears chatting quietly in a corner. 

After I put on my outfit for the day, I rooted through my makeup bag, searching for the perfect palette to compliment the look. After a minute or two of digging, I found one that satisfied me enough. Then I began my normal makeup routine. 

A few minutes later...

I blotted my lipstick with a tissue before staring at myself in the mirror. My red lips curved into a smirk as I fluffed my hair. I wasn't quite sure what caused me to feel the need to pamper myself this morning, but I should do it more often. I pushed a black lock of hair out of my face, revealing my deep brown irises. My mom always said I was pretty until I opened my mouth. I guess she was implying that I tend to be rude, which is true. 

Shrugging the matter off, I grab my phone and keys. I quickly check the time and decide to skip the nice stroll I take to the cafe and drive over there instead. I walk out of my room, nearly stepping on Willow who was standing in the doorway. She begins whimpering at the sight of me getting ready to leave. She hates beginning alone and I hate leaving her, but you do what you've got to do. I've been considering getting another puppy to keep her company while I'm at work. 

I kiss her wet little nose and say goodbye. I sprint down the hall and get into the elevator, destroying the lobby button. The elevator takes it's sweet time, as I tap my foot impatiently. When it finally stops in the lobby I rush out, nearly causing Mrs. Nelson from the third floor to topple over. Not that I would mind if she did, considering she caused a nasty dent in my new car two weeks ago. I wave at her, running out of the building and into the parking lot. 

I immediately find my car, a black Lexus. The same car Mrs. Nelson rammed into. I shake my head, remembering the note I found on the windshield the next morning. I realize standing there staring at the spot where the dent used to be wasn't going to get me to the cafe any faster. I unlock the doors and get in, shoving my key into the lock cylinder. I didn't wait for the car to warm up, just stepped on the gas pedal. 

I arrived at the cafe ten minutes later, as I had predicted. It was pretty much empty, as the majority of our costumers come in during the morning rush. Parking my car in the faculty lot, I stride inside the quaint space. The new girl was nervously prodding the coffee machine. She looks up and notices me. "H-hi Taylor.", she says, chewing her lower lip. I sigh, "What are you doing?" "Since Sadie can't come in today, Kathy wants me to take her place.", the girl explained. Sadie was the barista. Sometimes we would switch jobs, meaning she would hang out by the register while I make the coffee. 

There are two other girls, Miranda and Paisley. They're in charge of making the pastries, which turn out delicious. "Listen...um what's your name again?", I ask, feeling the tiniest bit of guilt. "Jasmine." Oh "Listen Jasmine, why don't you take over the register and I'll prepare the coffee?", I say. Jasmine breathes a sigh of relief, "Thank you so much." I nod, amused. 

We switch places, but it's not long before she taps me on the shoulder. "How do you unlock it?", she asks. "Unlock what?", I ask. "The cash register's drawer thingy." I mentally facepalm myself. I forgot to give her the key. "One second..."; I fish through my purse before pulling out a silver key attached to a piece of string. "Here you are.", I say, handing it to her. She thanks me, taking the key and bouncing back to the register. 

After I set everything up, Kathy walks out of the kitchen. "Oh Taylor! Good morning dear.", she says when she sees me. "Morning Kath." Kathy raises an eyebrow, "Why aren't you at the register?" "I offered to switch with Jasmine since she was having a little trouble earlier.", I tell her. Jasmine flinches at this. Kathy's smile widens, "That was nice of you." 

Finally, morning rush hour came. The cafe was buzzing with life, which was bad news for Jasmine. I could tell she wasn't good at interacting with people. She was too meek when she should've been firm. Over the years, I had learn to deal with bothersome costumers and developed a tough outer layer. When I wasn't making coffee, I helped her handle the costumers. At one point, I had to step in when a man was trying to convince her to give him her number.

This was at nine o'clock, when I was wiping down the counters. Kathy doesn't like us to be out after ten o'clock, so we close fifteen minutes after nine. All the girls live nearby, so it isn't a hassle for us. I had heard Jasmine speaking to someone, but I figured it was just a last minute costumer. When the tone of the voice had become more aggressive, I turned around and saw a burly man with his face nearly touching Jasmine's. 

Putting down my towel, I walked over to him. "Excuse me sir, but we're closing in less than fifteen minutes so if you want anything, please hurry up and order.", I said calmly. I had dealt with these types of men before, after all it was New York City. A rapist could be a high profiled business man here. The man stared at me blankly, "Her. I want her." His voice was rough and deep, and I could faintly smell alcohol in his breath. I kept my poker face, "If you would not like anything on the menu, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." The man laughed, "I can take you two chicks and no one would know." I didn't bother to tell him about the security cameras, knowing this was an empty threat. 

"Sir, please remove yourself from the premises." The man scoffs, "Fine. I'll see you another time doll." He meant Jasmine, who was shaking with fear. I watch him walk away before turning to Jasmine, "You're not from here are you?", I ask, softly. "No...I moved here from Idaho. I wanna go back now." I sigh, "Today was kinda scary huh?" Jasmine nods. "But it isn't always like this. You just gotta get the hang of things." Now it's Jasmine's turn to sigh. "Tell you what, tomorrow I'll teach you a few tricks.", I offer. "I'd like that a lot." I smile and hug her. 

"Let me walk you out to your car." Jasmine allows me to. I stare after her blue Nissan Sentra before turning back to the cafe, ready to lock up. Kathy was waiting for me when I got back. "I heard everything.", she whispers. I shrug, "You know how some men are." Kathy shakes her head, "Absolutely disgusting." Her facial expression changes, "But Taylor...what you did for Jasmine, she'll never forget. You've changed." I raise an eyebrow, "How?" "You've become a nicer person. Even Miranda and Paisley look up to you.", Kathy replies. 

At this, I smile slightly. "You deserve a lot Taylor Brown.", Kathy says. With this, she gets up and grabs her bag, walking out of the cafe. I run my fingers through my hair, thinking about what she just said. Had I changed?