My Idiot Herb

January 2nd, 2022

Basil

4:00 am

Jan 2, 2022

I watch as my breath turns into a small cloud the moment the air leaves my lips. The small cloud rises up and dissipates into the wintry morning air. I fumble with my keys as a frigid gust of air shifts my scarf and causes a shiver to run up my spine. I finally get the door unlocked and listen as the familiar sound of the entry bell rings out when I swing the door open and enter the dark building.

Don

7:00 am

Jan 2, 2022

I let out a sleepy groan as the most annoying sound rings out The iPhone alarm tone. I feel around for the annoying little tech box. Eventually, I feel my hand land on the vibrating phone as I slowly squint my eyes to see the glowing screen and turn off the alarm. Just as I am about to drift back off to sleep I hear my ringtone go off. I finally decide to sit up and answer the phone, ignoring the flashing name on the screen.

Basil

7:30 am

Jan 2, 2022

"Thank you! Have a great day Mrs. Coble."

"You too, sonny."

I let out a sigh and open the register to put the tip in the jar.

"Hey there stranger.", I hear a familiar voice greet me.

"Hey yourself.", I grumble back.

"Wow what got shoved up your ass this morning?"

"Life."

"That sounds interesting and all but I have a conference in half an hour so I'm gonna need my usual and I'm gonna need it fast.", my best friend, Charlotte replies.

"Well Char I'm a very busy person and I might be able to get to your order in an hour or two..." I say pretending to check my watch.

"Wow did you see that? I think that was your tip just jumping out the window and running away."

"Alright then geez. One latte with milk extra steamed and one banana mango scone for Charlotte."

"That's what I thought. Now chop, chop."

I quickly head to the back and grab their premade order. As I return and hand them their order they mention their upcoming birthday.

"I hope you know I'm expecting both you and an amazing gift. But especially the amazing gift."

"I know. I know.", I hand her the cup and bag, "Break a leg."

"That's the wrong term."

"Hm?"

"Here in the normal world we say 'Good Luck' not 'Break a leg'. Cya!"

"Bye?"

Don

9:00 am

"Okay, so you want me to redraw this photo for you?", I ask the man in front of me.

"Yes, please. It's for our upcoming anniversary."

"When does it need to be finished?"

"Two days from now," he replies in all seriousness.

"That is not a lot of time for me," I reply scratching the back of my head.

"I'll pay extra," the man replied rapidly.

"I'll start right away," I quickly fire back.

I look back down at the picture I have been asked to draw. It's a picture of a man with, who I presume, is his wife. By the looks of it, when he proposed, they appear to be on a balcony overlooking an ocean, and in the background is a beautiful sunset. I look in awe at the way the colors of the sunset just seem to fade into another. I look at the man and he doesn't look all that different. His hairline has receded more yes but he still kept the twinkle in his eyes. the corners of his eyes had crinkled slightly with age and his skin had grayed more as he got older but his personality still seemed pretty youthful.

"I'll just need your number so I can update you," I mumbled without looking up.

"Oh yeah of course,", he says, then hands me a business card with what I assume is his number. 

"I'll call you if I have any troubles, you can leave now,"

"Oh-Okay", the man seems taken aback by my sudden attitude shift. He then stands up abruptly knocking over the chair, and without bothering to pick it up walks stiffly out the french door.

"He seemed nice," a feminine voice interrupts my thoughts.

I look up to see my best friend Eastyn. In most people's terms, Eastyn would be considered "hot". She has light brown skin, an hourglass build, shoulder-length black hair, and brown eyes that have a hint of red to them. Plus her outfit today leaves nothing to the imagination. Her red and black flannel lace-up waistband skirt matches perfectly with her top that's styled as a black bra that has tulle covering it. The tulle makes long sleeves then goes back up connecting to a buckle at the neck, leaving a good chunk of her collar bone showing. To match it she's wearing fishnet thigh-highs with garters and a pair of chunky black boots. 

"He was okay," I reply while looking her up and down.

"Forget about him, you've got to try this cafe I found. The banana mango scones there are to die for!", she says, sounding more enthusiastic with each word.

I shrug, "Sure why not. What's it called?"

She seems a surprised by my asking but continues, "Basil Confections,"

"Does that mean the stuff is made of Basil?"

"I don't know what it means but it's delicious. You know what? You should go with me tomorrow!"

"I don't think that's a gre-"

"Of course, it's a great idea. I'll pick you up tomorrow, 'kay?"

Unsure of how to reply I just nod along. What have I just agreed to?

Basil 

9:00pm

A sigh escapes my lips as  I finish putting together Charlotte's gift, then set it on the floor next to my desk. I like to keep my office clean and organized, much like my life. 

My office consists of a simple black office chair, with a simple black desk, two monitors, and simple black shelves that have books that are organized. Even the papers that are scattered on my desk are organized.  I enjoy a clean and organized place and life, which is why I run a bakery.

As I walk into the dark bakery to close up a see a familiar androgynous head of red hair flopped down on one of the tables near the window.

"I'm guessing the interview didn't go well?" I ask approaching my best friend.

"Worse," she replies holding up her phone for me to read.

Sylvie: Sorry we're not really working out.

You: Wdym??

Sylvie: I mean we're done. Don't even bother contacting me after this.

You: Wait Sylvie-

This number has blocked you

"Wow. What a dick move," I say, rubbing her back soothingly.

"I don't know what I did wrong," she says lifting her head. There's mascara running down her pale complexion as she sniffles.

"I never liked her. She always seemed too superficial," I said, wrapping my arms around my sobbing friend.

She remains silent as she quietly cries into my shoulder and we stay like this for hours into the dark night.