Violet in Red

Chapter II

The next Monday morning came faster than expected. Before the sun was rizesed ,Jasper was very motivated for today. He know a lot about restaurants and how to treat people. For Jasper it was important to built a career first. He didn't want to start a family yet, it was way too stressful and his last relationship was in 11th grade, so he didn't have much experience when it came to love. What is love anyway? [The term love defines a feeling of strong affection and connection between two people. It's even stronger than friendship. Mostly it means the love of a couple. Lovers love to caress and kiss, and sex often ensues.] At least that's what the internet says. But Jasper didn't want to think about it any further, it was completely meaningless what love felt like. Because he has no one to share this feeling with, but that only led to more sad thoughts.

After breakfast he immediately searched for the cafe. Because he was new to Manhattan he took a little longer. Even so early in the morning many people already were on their way to work. But the cafe seemed to be still closed. The house was red and looked like it was build at the end of the 90's. The outside of the shop was decorated with many plants. The chairs were still leaning against each other and the parasols haven't been opened yet. ,,The cafe is still closed. We'll open up at 11am.''A pretty red head walked past him. She opened the front door and before she was able to close it again Jasper stopped her. ,,What the hell- you wanna start a fight or something. I told you we're closed. Get lost!'' she snapped at him. ,,I'm sorry but I'm working here from today'' Jasper said. The woman raised her eye brow and watched him skeptically. Than she closed the door in front of his face. Jasper was now standing in front of the closed door and froze. He sighed and knocked at the door with a bit of hope.

He waited patiently. After some time the door opened slowly with a silent squeak. An old but still good looking man stood now in front of Jasper. ,,Please excuse me, you must be Mister Lind. Come in.'' He had a strong russian accent and styled hair. His wide shoulders matched with his trained body. When he asked Jasper to come in his voice was calm and didn't really match the rest of his appearance. But when Jasper saw the red head from some minutes ago he immediately looked into the other direction. He could feel how she tried to kill him with her gaze. Mister Zashchitnik, the owner of the café, showed him around.

He was than able to change in a cornor at the back. The uniform was a little tight do you could see how slender Jasper was, although he wasn't really fond of that. Nevertheless he still came back with a friendly smile on his face. When he looked at the clock it was 10:35 am so they still had time to prepare the tables and chairs for the guests. Just when they finished with the patio, the huge door was opened again. ,,And than she just disappeared with the kids and the keys- '' The man whi just walked trough the door sighed. >> Oh my- and she really just left? I feel so sorry for you Tommy!'' the young woman with him said and put down her bag. Both of them were so distracted they didn't even notice Jasper and Natya.
,,Try to get used to these chatterboxes. This will continue the whole time they're here.'' Than Natya got back to work. Jasper watched as she left and just when he put down his broom, someone tapped at his shoulder. ,,Hey, you're really cute you know? Do you have a girlfriend?'' the blond woman from before asked him. Jasper just stood there frozen in place until he regained his composure. ,,No but I'm really not interested. Sorry.''
,,I understand. You're one of the shy sort. I'm sure we'll become great colleges. Oh btw my name is Sofia.'' The girl giggled and put a strand of hair behind her ear. ,,Sofia stop bothering people. You'll just scare him away with your intrusive personality.'' Natya moaned and pushed her towards the coffee machine. ,,Thomas would you please be so kind and help Jasper on his first day. '' Mister Zashchitnik now asked friendly. ,,Ofcourse Sir!'' the asked one answered euphorically.

Pov. Jasper

I watched Thomas as he now walked into my direction. ,,Hey I haven't introduced myself yet. Thomas Wheeler, but you can just call me Tommy. You seem to not talk much but if you have questions you can always come and ask me. Don't be shy.''
He tapped me on the shoulder and than got behind the counter. ,,You're serving the people today. You said you already know your way around? So do you think you can do that?'' Natya asked from a dark cornor. ,,Yeah, I think I can do that'', I answered.
,,Good, than it's time to finally open the Cafe.'' And with that Mister Zashchitnik turned around the shield and opened the Cafe.

After two hours every seet was already taken. Everyone was busy but I still managed to control my nerves and not loose it completely. For someone who grew up in the quiet countryside, like me, this was pure stress. But it still was kinda exciting. At the afternoon it started to rain, some got inside so they didn't get wet and others tried to get home as fast as possible.

When it started to get dark it got more calm. So I thought at least. Well I was wrong. ,,JASPER!'' suddenly someone screamed and than there were broken dishes and lemonade all over the floor. ,,Shit! I'm so sorry I totally didn't see you there!'' Thomas ran into me and all the dishes fell on the floor. First I didn't even realize what just happened but than I noticed that my uniform was showered in Coke and everything waa stuck to my body. It felt disgusting.

He immediately got something to clean up the mess with he caused and tried to make his mistake unhappen. Natya wasn't happy at all and if it were up to her Tommy would be fired by now but Mister Zashchitnik tried to loose up the situation and xalmed her down.

22:30

Mister Zashchitnik wanted to talk to me in his office since it was my first day here. I was a little nervous. But who wouldn't be if your boss wanted to talk with you about your performance.

,,I'm glad you applied to this job. You already were a big help today! I'm proud to have someone like you working in my Café.'' I was really happy to hear I didn't do anything wrong ,,But-''
Shit I messed up after all. ,,Maybe it would be better if you were a little more open towards the others. Don't get me wrong. I most definitely don't know you well enough to say you're a bad guy but I think it would help you if you would talk a little more. Communication is an important thing between waiter and cook. Just think about it.''
With a smile he sent me away.

It had started to rain again. The dim streets of Manhattan were enlightened by Traffic lights and street lamps. However, I didn't feel quite safe here. It was scary not knowing who's walking trough these streets.

A meow pulled me out of my thoughts. I listened carefully again and indeed, tormented meows were coming from a box, sitting on the side of the pavement. Carefully I got closer to the carton and than a small smile made it's way onto my face when I saw what was laying in front of me. A drenched little kitten was looking at me with it's big doll eyes. I didn't had to think for long and took the kitten into my arms. It was freezing and smelt awfully. Whoever did this to the poor kitten, was just heartless. And so I decided to took it home with me.

After I arrived at my apartment I noticed that Jackson wasn't there or maybe he was asleep. But with his preferences you never knew.

I took the kitten out of my coat and wrapped it into a soft blanket. Like that I carried the red furball into the kitchen and gave him a bowl filled with milk.
,,It seems like it's just us now little one.''
When I finished eating the young cat had already fallen asleep in my lap.
,,Sandy likes cats. She will definitely love you and than you can live with me here.''
And not long after that my eyes fell shut too.