Pain of Love - Tom Kaulitz

Don't Panic

A/N: THIS CHAPTER IS HELLA LONG SO I APOLOGISE IN ADVANCE 😇😇

Three days later

"Come on, please? Just give me another chance and—"

My boss raises a hand, rendering me to silence. I press my lips into a thin line, mentally preparing myself for what she has to say.

"Honey, you've been absent from work for almost a month. No heads up, no calls, no nothin' and you expect me to tolerate that?" Kate deadpans whilst simultaneously dealing with the cash in the register.

I clear my throat and prepare to defend myself, desperate to try and rekindle this job—the last glimpse of normality in my life. Even if it's simply handing out coffee to rude customers and wiping countertops.

I'd convinced Tom to drive me to my old workplace and park outside. He told me I was delusional if I believed they'd keep me on after my absence. Nonetheless, he agreed after I claimed that regardless of whether I lived with him now, I still wanted to resume my old life outside of the mafia.

A life that feels like nothing but a distant memory now.

"I know, okay? I messed up. But these past few weeks have been a lot and I really don't want to lose this job."

Kate raises a brow. "I understand that. But this is business. If I can't count on you to pull your weight then—"

"I'll do whatever I can. I'll come in early, work overtime, you name it. Just let me make it up to you." I bite my lip, waiting with trepidation for her answer.

There's a moment where she seems to process my words, nothing heard except the bustle of the coffee shop around us.

"Look—Lily darlin', I like you, I really do. But this ain't gonna cut it, and it's not what I expect from my employees. I just can't take you on no more."

I bite my lip in frustration, the temptation of pulling Tom in here to force her to reemploy me encircling in my mind like an incessant melody. I'm almost positive he has enough power to do that.

Some sort of threat would do the trick.

Hold on, what?

I shut down the thought, now disliking the idea of using his fear amongst others for personal gain. That's selfish and ridiculous.

Almost as ridiculous as my fantasy coming to life, Kate's horrified expression enough to confirm that this is in fact real, and not in my head.

The door to the cafe has suddenly opened. Tom enters the room and everything seems to pause.

Conversations cut to a whispered silence, leaving only the faint hum of the espresso machine. People's eyes quickly dart away, keeping their heads down to avoid any direct eye contact with him.

Tom pays no heed to the sudden shift of the atmosphere as he moves over to me, my mouth open in shock that he's in here.

I specifically told him to stay in the car, assuming it's not typically the norm for someone of his ilk to causally be out in daylight in search for a morning coffee. I look out the windows, noticing that he's got the place surrounded.

My boss stands frozen in place behind the countertop, clearly fully aware of who he is and unsure of what to do. Much like me.

"We need to leave. Right now." The urgency in his voice to me is unmistakable, and it's only then do I notice his distressed features.

Kate lets out a frightened gasp, clearly assuming the worst. Tom turns his head to her as her hand flies out to grab the phone on her left.