Plugged In

Chapter 1

Warmth surrounded me as I poured coffee into a paper cup. I put a lid on the cup and shouted the order for the owner to retrieve. A woman walked up and silently took it from the counter.

It was a slow day at work. Working at a coffee shop wasn't so bad. The Hidden Muse Cafe was one of the best coffee shops in my opinion. Once a week we held music night, where local musicians were able to play in front of a crowded coffee shop of fans. We had a game night where they would play board games or card games. Our walls were filled with local art of different styles, brilliantly supporting the artists' creations. From paintings to sculptures mounted in the wall the Hidden Muse Cafe was the perfect place to gather inspiration.

Plus our beverages and pastries weren't half bad. The music we played at all times was decent considering the staff was allowed to play from their own playlist. Our small library of books was mostly up to date with classic and new bestsellers.

It was a cozy local coffee shop that was all about artistic expression and motivation.

This was my part time job, where I spent a third of my time. The other two thirds were spent at home or college. I didn't do much more with my time than focus on work and school.

I cleaned water from the pick up counter with a clean rag.

"Hey, Allison?" I turned to look at my co-worker, Mitchell.

"Yeah?" I answered with a raised brow.

He leaned on the counter I just cleaned. "So, you have any plans this weekend?"

"Studying." I answered simply while I walked away.

He shook his head and followed me to the coffee machine I was planning on cleaning.

"I don't get how someone who's major is ' undecided ' can study as hard as you do."

I shrugged my shoulders. "I might need these classes when I decide."

He shook his head and headed to the register to help a customer that just walked in.

I wasn't really going to study that's just what I usually tell him to steer him off my path. Surprisingly he still tries to plan a hang out, regardless of the countless rejections he's received from me.

The female customer he was talking to giggled at something he said.

I rolled my eyes knowing he probably said one of his cheesy pick up lines.

He repeated her order for me to fill and I immediately got on it. He continued flirting as I finished and handed her the freshly made beverage.

"Have a nice day." I smiled politely.

"Thanks."she responded absentmindedly as she listened to whatever Mitchell was telling her.

I got out from behind the counter and started wiping down the tables. Minutes passed as I found things to keep busy. Mitchell flirted and exchanged numbers with the girl before announcing he was heading on his break.

I went and stood behind the counter daydreaming in the nice silence.

I was pulled out of my daydreams as the bell from the front door rang signaling the entrance of a customer.

I got to the register at the same time as them.

"Good evening. How can I help you?"

"Hi, can I just get a regular cup of coffee, please?" The boy asked.

I nodded, "No problem, sir."

I got to work. The boy sat down at the table with his headphones in his ears waiting patiently. From the corner of my eye I saw him look around, slowly taking every detail in. I've never seen him in here before. I wondered if he was new here to attend the college

I finished his coffee and took it to his table. Something I only ever do when the flow of business allows. I looked at the boy and noticed his eyes were fixed on a flyer that had been posted on our pin board for as long as I've known. It was the flyer for our music night.

"What is that?" He asked, pointing at said flyer.

"That is a flyer for a music event held once a week here."

"Hmm." He sipped his coffee slowly, completely intrigued by the flyer.

"Where do I sign up?" He finally asked.