Crimson hearts

Six: Want a ride?

~Celeste~

I woke up feeling pain all over my body, and felt like I couldn't move. I forced myself out of bed and tended to my new scars and bruises and got ready for a new day of work.

I rushed out of my house carefully not to wake my overdosed father lying on the floor.

Papá always overdoses, so it's normal for him.

I skipped down the three steps in front of the door and looked up at my car, today was going to be just a normal day in my li--

Oh, fuck no.

I looked at my car in disbelief. seriously?

Two flat tires.

Of course.

It had to happen to me.

I looked around then checked the time. I did the one thing I didn't think I would have to.

I ran.

•••

I arrived at the coffee shop after running for 34 minutes, and 48 seconds.

Yes, I counted.

"Woah, what happened to you?" I looked up and found Cameron looking right back at me with a confused expression etched on his face.

"Hey, Cam, guess what."

"You ran?"

"I did, actually."

"No fucking way!"

"Shut up, it's not that deep."

"I'm so telling the others."

"Yeah, whatever. My car got two flat tires, and I can't afford being late to work."

"Yikes, safe to say running didn't work, then."

"What do you mean?"

"You are 10 minutes late, Cel, sorry bout that."

Oh, for fuck's sake.

"Don't worry about it, I'll cover for you." Cameron smirked my way as he continued to mop the floor.

"You would do that for me? Really Cameron?"

"I would do anything for you."

Okay, weird.

•••

It's been about three hours since I ran here, if you remember that. Yes, I ran.

I got too hot so I removed my sweater and stayed in my short sleeve tight black shirt.

Ding.

Someone walked in.

I looked towards the door to find a specific pair of dark brown eyes, and smiled like an idiot as soon as I locked eyes with him, as his expression softened.

I waddled back behind the counter not breaking eye contact with him.

"Hello, what can I get you?"

"I would like the. . . what do you recommend, dear?"

"Oh, definitely the grilled cheese sandwich! It's an all time favorite actu--"

"Okay, okay I did not asking," The old lady started coughing hysterically, which ended up with her wheezing loudly, "I will have the Cesar salad."

So much for a recommendation.

I typed in the old lady's order and she paid.

"Hello, what can I get you?"