Breathe Into Me

Piping Hot Tea

My alarm blares and I have zero desire to get out of bed. I've savored the last two days in solitude with nothing and no one to answer to. Except for my cat Milo, occasionally meowing because he's hungry. I barely know how to take care of myself, I'm not sure why this guy showed up on my doorstep and chooses to stay.

I turn my alarm off and just like clockwork my coworker Jess calls me.

"Hello." I say with sleep still evident in my voice.

"Good you're up! Now get your ass out of bed, can you bring coffee? I'll provide those good breakfast quesadillas from that place you like, and some piping hot work tea." She pleads.

"You know I can't say no to any of those things." I chuckle lightly.

"I'm very aware that those are your favorite words."

"Alright, give me an hour and I'll meet you at the station and you can tell me all of the tea on the way into work." I tell her just before hanging up.

I peel the covers back and brace myself for the cold floor beneath me. I shiver once my feet touch, now I'm good and awake.

I get ready for the day, giving Milo some love before heading out. I make my way to the coffee shop on the corner, holding up my end of the bargain.

"Two americanos please."

Once I have the coffees in hand, I meet up with Jess and so proceeds to spill some work tea about how one of our interns is having an affair with her dad, kinda gross but whatever.

Then I spot something and I tune everything else out. It's the girl from last night, her hair up in cute little buns, massive headphones on as she drowns put the world. I wonder what she's listening to. I wonder where she's going...

I'm startled by Jess waving her hand in front of me. "Earth to Addie. Anybody there?"

I chuckle as my cheeks flush red. "Sorry I kinda zoned out for a bit. Didn't sleep well last night." I say hoping she buys it.

"Felt that, we're basically fueled on coffee and air. So... do we hate the trashy new intern or no?" She asks before sipping her coffee.

"I mean, do you care that your dad is having a mid life crisis and sleeping with a woman who is barely out of high school?" I raise my brow.

"Crisis? No, not really. Him sleeping with someone who is younger than his daughter? It's a little cringe Addie." She says fake gagging.

"It's a lot cringe J. What are the chances we get stuck doing discharges all day?" I sigh.

"Very very high. The sheriff is on duty today." She jokes about our boss.

"I swear he needs to get laid... that's why he's so uptight and degrading."

"Says the girl who hasn't had any kind of action since we started." She nudges my shoulder.

"Well, I kind of hate everyone I work with." I shrug my shoulders.

"Even me?" She pretends to be offended.

"Especially you J. You're the worst." I roll my eyes, and give her a playful smirk. "No, I love you to death. I just haven't met anyone that's been worth my time. I kind of hate talking about work when I'm off... and dating someone at work, would just piss me off because I'd have to hear about their day on top of reliving my own day. I just don't wanna do that." I explain.

"I get it. Hate you too by the way." She jokes back with me.

"Mmm pretty sure you only love me because I get you coffee." I glare.