AGAIN (Underground Flames)

Chapter Seventeen

Flashback

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Clock ticks.

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"Fuck this mess." I was about to say something else but when I turned around, I didn't know Ellie was standing too close from me.

I bumped onto her, sending her body away from mine in a second; but I caught it, just in time. Without a thought, I wrapped my arms around her waist, scared that she would fall down, and pulled it towards me.

She gasped at the proximity.

As I felt the soft, delicate curves of her body, she uttered my name in the sweetest sound I'd ever heard. She, then, closed her eyes, and I--

Well, of course, I kissed her.

********** 

-=Dale's POV=-

Just before finals, I managed to land a part-time job at a coffee shop. Gas was ridiculously expensive, and I felt like a terrible mom to Herbie. I couldn't even buy my car premium gas with my allowance! I had to get a job.

So, I started applying for part-time gigs left and right. Finally, this tiny coffee shop across from the university called Chibi Café hired me.

The owner, Wilhelm -- though he insisted on being called William because apparently, people butchered "Wilhelm" like it was their day job -- said I matched his shop's aesthetic.

I didn't ask what that meant. I just wanted to get paid.

I lasted two weeks.

It turned out, making coffee was hard. I had thought it was just, you know, pour and stir. But noooo.

There was an entire science to it like, what even was a Spanish latte? Or a Vietnamese coffee? Why did people have so many options?

In 4 hours, I made about 20 cups of coffee, and only two of them were drinkable. Two.

I love you Americano drinkers.

Eventually, William fired me. He said something about how "passion couldn't replace precision" or whatever. My heart broke.

Melinda noticed something was up when I stopped bringing her croissants from the shop (they were the rejects, but still delicious). When I spilled the beans about getting fired, she swooped in like my fairy godmother.

She introduced me to her boss, and guess what? I got hired at their diner!

Melinda and I served up the best burgers and fries in the world.

Herbie approved. And so did my wallet.

--

The phone buzzed. So did my chest. 

I fought the urge to look away, but it was hypnotizing me. 

I could clearly read the name on the screen: Kyle. Kyle. Kyle. Kyle.

Melinda moved around in the staff room and picked up her phone.

"Hi,"

Her voice snapped me back to reality. 

Before I could catch more of their conversation, I quickly stood up and headed back to the kitchen.

My shift was almost over, and I was just finishing the last of the morning chores.