Vanilla Cocoa

Chapter 5

I wanted a drink. No, I needed a drink. Aster had been keeping an annoyingly close eye on me all week, going so far as to take me to and from work. It was probably for the best, but that didn't silence the agony inside me. Sure, I'd probably wake up in another ditch or in someone's bed regretting everything, but at least for a few hours I'd be able to forget that damned reaper.

I pressed my palms against my eyes, rubbing my face until I saw spots. Today was an especially tedious day at work. If Janet sent me one more ticket about her fucking printer, I was going to make her eat an ink cartridge.

"At least it's only fifteen minutes to the weekend," Bera offered with a gentle smile when she noticed I was back from my misadventure.

If there was such a thing as an anti-stereotype, Bera would be that for dwarves everywhere. She'd been working IT at this godforsaken place long before I got here, and she'd probably be here long after I left. I'd never met someone so unapologetically kind and caring towards everyone, and I'd never even once seen her get so much as annoyed with anyone.

"Is your sister going to pick you up again?"

"Probably," I sighed.

"Could you give these to her then? I wanted to thank her for taking care of you this week."

Bera handed me a small white box. At my questioning look, she continued.

"They're just some cookies I made. I've been practicing a new recipe, and I think I've nailed it. Besides, you've had a rough week. I'm sure it's been hard for her to see you like this."

I stared at the box of cookies, not sure what to say in response.

"Oh, and here's some more tea for you. I know it's not exactly the best substitute for alcohol, but I'd feel better knowing you're not drinking yourself under the table this weekend."

She pressed more gifts into my hands. My vision blurred with unexpected tears, and I quickly set the gifts down to wipe them away. "I'm so sorry for making you worry about me."

"Don't be sorry. Come here."

She stood up, only coming to just above my waist, and gently pulled my hand. I got down on my knees to accept the hug, letting some of the tears fall down her back.

"Thank you," I managed.

"Of course." She patted my back, then pulled away to put her hands on my shoulders and look me in the eyes. "I don't know what you're going through, but I know you're a good person. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

I laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Why does everyone think that?"

"Because it's true." She glanced at the clock, then back at me. "We should probably pretend to work for a few more minutes in case Lamipise decides to check on us."

I nodded, scrubbing the tears from my face, and went back to my desk with Bera's cookies and tea. Maybe I could make it through the weekend sober.

***

Lillie shot me a very worried look when I walked up to the bar. "Does Aster know you're here?"

"I'm not a child!" I protested. "I just want to take the edge off. Just one. Please?"

"You can't drink your problems away, Seth."

"I know that. I just want one drink. Just one."

"No."

I growled in frustration but gave up trying to persuade her. Lillie would probably text Aster soon too. I turned away, intending to walk right back out of the bar and find someone who wouldn't argue with me about my alcohol consumption, but then I caught sight of that phoenix again.