Reckless Love

Chaper Ten Part III* Different Ways

Hey hey, hello!

I snap out of my daydream, realizing I've been staring off into space. Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am, what would you like? I ask, plastering on a customer service smile.

Took you long enough, she mutters, her tone sharp, eyes rolling as if I've just committed some unforgivable crime. My patience thins, but I force a smile, reminding myself that I'm here to work, not argue.

I take her order slowly, almost deliberately. She's got that attitude that's impossible to ignore, and I can't help but drag my feet as I prepare her drink. As I hand it over, I watch her scoff under her breath, the disgust in her eyes like I've somehow ruined her day. She grabs the cup with an exaggerated huff, and stomps toward the door, and I feel a sharp sting of annoyance as it slams behind her.

I roll my eyes when no one's looking, but I'm not in the mood for this crap today.

The minutes drag by as I keep taking orders, my mind drifting between the constant stream of customers. Glancing at the clock when I can, I'm counting the seconds until I can leave this place behind. I don't even care about being polite anymore I just want to be out of here.

Finally, the end of my shift rolls around. I head to the back to clock out, feeling the tension ease a little as I grab my bag from the locker. Winter is always a pain, and I hate it with a passion. The cold air outside cuts through my clothes like a blade, and with the heat barely working inside, it's been a constant battle against the chill.

I zip up my big, bulky winter coat and step outside, grateful for the silence. At least there's no snow to deal with today, but the bitter cold still hits hard.

Just another day of being poor.
By the time I make it home, the sun's already dipped below the horizon. I push open the door to our apartment, but the place feels oddly quiet. The lights are off, as usual. I kick off my boots by the door, the cold still nipping at my toes.

I stumble my way through the darkness, feeling my way along the walls. The silence in the apartment is suffocating, like everything's been frozen in time. I don't mind the quiet, though. At least here, no one's ordering me around, and no one's rolling their eyes at me.

I make my way to my room, the one I share with Damian. The door creaks open, and I step in, The room is a mess, as always. Damian's clothes are scattered across the floor, The faint glow of his phone screen lights up the dark corner of the room, and I know he's probably still awake, scrolling through whatever nonsense he watches late at night.

Yo, you still up? I ask, my voice low and a little tired as I toss my bag onto the bed.

Damian's voice floats back from the shadows. Yeah, just scrolling through stuff. What's up?

I don't feel like talking much, so I just drop down onto my bed, the mattress creaking under my weight. I rub my eyes, wishing for a break from the constant cold and the stress of work.

Damian's a good guy, but sometimes I just need to be alone with my thoughts for a bit.

You got the heat on yet? I ask though I know the answer. We're too broke for that luxury.

Nah, still waiting for payday, Damian responds, a little too casually. I'll probably just grab some blankets in a bit.

I pull my jacket tighter around myself, sitting in the semi-darkness. The cold always seems worse at night. The walls are thin, and sometimes I can hear the neighbors arguing or blasting music through the thin plaster.

I close my eyes for a moment, wishing I could escape this and just disappear from all the frustration. But that's not really an option, is it? Reality always finds a way to pull you back in.