The Peregrine Passage

Chapter Two: Hazel

 I wake up to the sound of my alarm beeping and roll out of bed. Folding down my baby blue comforter, I press play on my phone and start my morning with a solid mix of Dave Matthews and Taylor Swift. In five minutes my teeth are brushed, my face is washed, my hair swept back, and my outfit is picked out. I open my blinds to reveal a quiet town; my favorite thing in the whole world, next to pumpkin pancakes and hot coffee. I know people tend to like bustling streets and sleeping in, but I can't help it—I love feeling as though I'm the only one here and that this is my own little secret place.

Almost all of my classmates complain constantly about how they want to leave for something bigger but I just don't get it. Who would ever want to leave Maple Ridge? We have everything right here and honestly, I'm dreading leaving for college. I still have another couple of years before that happens, though.

I throw on a plum sweater, black leggings, and some combat boots. After a quick swipe of mascara, I grab my backpack and keys then head out, locking the door of my apartment behind me.

I walk down the gloriously empty street a for few blocks until I find myself in front of the Boxcar, and pull open its heavy door. The sweet smell of syrup, coffee, and pancakes hits me in a deliciously warm wave as I enter. I look around and see Adam sitting at a booth in the back corner, slouched up against a leather seat. His head is deep in a menu and he doesn't see me. I'm surprised he's on time, he definitely didn't strike me as a morning person. I've seen him quite a bit in here, though, so I guess it makes sense.

"Hazel! Over here!" He shouts across the diner gesturing at me, blissfully unaware of how loud his voice is.

I walk over and slide into the seat across from him. Upon closer inspection, he's reading a newspaper, not a menu. I'm about to start a conversation when one of the waitresses comes up to us. She's wearing thick eyeliner and has a row of silver piercings lining one ear.

"What can I get for you two?" Her voice has a slight rasp and is a little lower than expected. She sounds older than she looks.

Adam looks at me expectantly.

"I'll just have the pumpkin pancakes with a cup of hazelnut coffee."

"Cream and sugar?" She begins jotting in her notepad.

"One sugar would be perfect, thanks."

"And for you, Adam?"

"I'll have a burger with a side of onion rings." Who orders a burger at seven in the morning? The waitress doesn't seem surprised, although she does let out a sigh.

"Okay, I'll get that right out for you." She smooths down her white apron and hurries to the back.

Adam repositions himself, sitting up a little straighter.

"Huh. I've never had the pumpkin pancakes before. Are they any good?" I'm aghast.

"I see you in here all the time, and you've never once ordered the best thing on the menu? And instead you order onion rings?"

"What are you, stalking me and my menu habits? I'll have you know that a burger and onion rings have never once let me down. Why would I change from that?" I roll my eyes at him.

"Because it's first thing in the morning, and pumpkin pancakes are the best thing to grace the Earth."

Our waitress comes back with my coffee in a dark red mug, and I smile at her graciously.

"Next to coffee, that is."

By the time I'm finished slurping the coffee down, a plate of fresh pancakes sits in front of me—and a burger in front of Adam.