YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 10: I apologised, didn't I?

As Averyn settled into her routine at the cafe, the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling morning rush surrounded her, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity. Greeting her boss, Adaline, with a warm smile, she wasted no time in getting to work, eager to start her day with purpose and determination.

After changing into her uniform and fixing her hat with practiced ease, Averyn made her way to the kitchen to retrieve the new bag of coffee, her movements swift and efficient as she prepared for the morning brew. The rich aroma of freshly ground beans filled the air, invigorating her senses as she focused on her task with single-minded determination.

As her colleagues began to arrive, Averyn greeted them cheerfully, her friendly demeanor brightening the atmosphere of the bustling cafe. With each interaction, she radiated warmth and positivity, fostering a sense of camaraderie among her coworkers as they worked together to serve their customers with care and dedication.

Later, as the morning rush subsided, Averyn turned her attention to cleaning the brewing coffee machine, her movements methodical and thorough as she meticulously scrubbed away any traces of residue or buildup. With each swipe of the cloth, she took pride in maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and hygiene that were the hallmark of the cafe.

As she worked, Averyn couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing that she was contributing to the smooth operation of the cafe and providing a welcoming environment for its patrons. And as she looked ahead to the rest of her day, she did so with a sense of purpose and determination, ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead with grace and resilience.

As the soldiers entered the cafe, the familiar sound of the bell ringing signaled their arrival, prompting Averyn to spring into action behind the counter. Despite her best efforts to maintain her professionalism, she couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at the sight of Colonel Calliax among them. His cold and stoic demeanor grated on her nerves, a constant reminder of their contentious first encounter.

Suppressing her frustration, Averyn forced a smile onto her lips as she greeted the colonel and his comrades, her voice tinged with forced cheerfulness. "Good morning, sir," she said, her tone polite yet tinged with underlying tension.

As Calliax placed his usual order with a casual indifference that only served to irk her further, Averyn felt a surge of resentment rising within her. The mere mention of his "usual" order brought back memories of their first meeting, where his arrogant attitude had left a sour taste in her mouth.

"Please take a seat, it'll be done in no time," she said with a forced smile.

Forcing herself to push aside her personal feelings, Averyn set about preparing Calliax's order with practiced efficiency, her movements swift and precise as she worked behind the counter. But beneath her composed exterior, she couldn't shake the sense of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach at the sight of the man who seemed to take pleasure in getting under her skin.

As she handed Calliax his order with a forced smile, Averyn couldn't help but wonder how she would endure the encounter without letting her emotions get the best of her. Little did she know, this encounter would be just the beginning of a series of interactions that would test her patience and resilience in ways she never imagined.

As the other soldiers departed, leaving only Averyn and Calliax in the cafe, the air seemed to thicken with tension, a palpable sense of unease settling between them. Averyn braced herself for another round of Calliax's mocking remarks, steeling herself against the wave of frustration and anger that threatened to consume her.