Forgotten Phoenix (New Purpose Sequel)

Chapter 2- An Eventful Day

(~Your POV~)

"Ma'am, can I get this heated up?" A previous customer came up to my register as I was taking an order for another. The cafe is bustling with noise and laughter. As soon as the doors open, the work never stops. Most days, I can sell out before noon. Still, it doesn't make the work less stressful.

"Give me one moment." I say respectfully. I grab their pastry from over the counter. Once the pastry was set in the microwave oven, I continue helping the other customer in line with their order. "I'll take the pumpkin spice frappe along with a cinnamon roll please." "Of c-course! Great choice by the way. T-T-Those are two o-of the menu favorites." I say to them while putting the order into my electronic register. "Cash or card?" The customer pulled out a card. I almost sigh a breath of relief.

'That gives me time.'

I turn the digital screen to them and run off to make their drink. I get the drink started and pull out a cinnamon roll from the glass case. I put the cinnamon roll in a brown paper bag and hand it to the customer. I open the microwave oven and grab the pastry out, giving it back to the previous customer waiting.

'Frappe, frappe, frappe-'

I finish off the drink with a layer of cinnamon and my homemade pumpkin spice. I snap the lid over it and hand it to the customer. "Thank you for coming!" I chirp happily. Even with the two people out of the way, the line is still through the building and out in the street. I mentally prepare myself for the next customer.

'It would be nice if Blue hadn't taken off.'

I always need the extra hand on days like this. Still, I hope he's enjoying his day off. He definitely deserves them. The next customer says their order, "I think I'll take- Oh!" I see her gaze is fixed behind me. I turn around. The door to the kitchen is cracked open, with Serif peeking behind it.

I give him a small smile, "H-Hi there." "Are they your's?" The woman asks. I turn back to her and nod, "Mhm, t-the o-other one is at school." "So are mine, all three of them. That's the only way I'm able to enjoy your sweets for myself!" Both of us laugh together.

'Yep! Being a mom takes work and lots of sharing.'

Well, Honey used to take all my snacks too. Maybe I'm just used to it. "Mama.." I hear Serif's whisper. I turn back to him, "Mama's v-very busy." He shrinks back, closing the door a little more. I take a deep breath.

'It could be important.'

I turn back to the crowd of people, raising my voice, "Please g-give me o-one moment! Thank you for your patience!" I quickly turn around and head into the kitchen, closing the door behind me. Serif is looking down at the floor with his arms crossed self consciously. I bend down on one knee and cup a hand around his cheek, "W-What is it, s-sweetheart?" "You need a break, Mama." He whispers.

I pause, staring at him. "You w-wanted m-me to take a b-break?" He nods whilst his cheeks turn a tint of (s/c). I sigh through a smile, "If o-only it were that easy. B-B-Breakfast r-rush is always this busy. Customers need to be s-served. I-I know it seems hectic right now but it'll s-slow down s-soon. Then, I'll take a break."

Serif messes with his hands, "And then you can tell me another story about Dad?" I feel my soul freeze, even though it's just for a second. Serif continues to stare at the floor instead of making eye contact with me. I lean forward and press my forehead against his. "I'll tell you as many as you like." I whisper.

His eyes seemed to light up as he glances to me finally. That's exactly what I'm looking for. I smile and he smiles in return. "N-Now, can M-Mama go back to work?" "Can I read your recipe book?" He asks excitedly. I hum for a few seconds, playing with his emotions as I draw it out. He watches me with full anticipation. Finally, I kiss his skull. "Have at it. J-Just r-r-remember to put it back where y-you found it, 'mkay?" "Mhm! Mhm! I will!" Serif ran towards the back and I laughed softly.

'Honey, if only you could meet them both. Things are perfect.'

I open the door and step back into the cafe.

(~Roman's POV~)

"Dirty human!" I wince as a group of monster kids throw me into the dirt. I got onto my knees and wipe the dirt off of my face. "I'm a monster just like you. Please leave me alone." It makes no sense why they make fun of me. Both I and my brother are skeletons. The only difference between us and other monster kids are that the our souls are upright like Mama's (or like a human soul).

"Your mom is human. Therefore, that makes you human!" The bullies fussed. They have already told me this. Every day they come back for me and only me. My family doesn't know. I won't worry them. Mama has enough on her plate already with work and Serif. Besides, I'm already accustomed to handling this treatment. It doesn't bother me. None of their words do.

'My family is perfect just the way it is.'

"Not to mention that your dad is dead. We heard the teachers talking. Your brother will be dead soon too." They scoffed. Suddenly, I felt both of my eye sockets spark with orange magic. They'd never made that comment before. I almost wished the teachers wouldn't talk about me so much. It only made things worse, like now.

"Don't talk about my dad or my brother." I state firmly, my back facing them. "Or what? You're going to get your dad to crawl out of the grave to save you?" One taunted. The others laughed, "Ew, that's sICk!" A growl escaped my throat, something that had never happened before.

I turn around, white bones encased in orange fire manifest midair at my side. My wings of fire also appear, spread out as I glare them down. They're not intimidated though. If they were, it was only for a second. Each one summoned their own magic, snickering. My eyes scanned each one of them, anticipating movement. This is now turning more serious than I expected. Still, I won't let them walk away without a fight.

'NO ONE talks about my brother..'