The Damned Souls

Chapter-1

I tapped my fingers on the counter impatiently.  How long could it take to prepare a simple coffee? I’ve been waiting for it for more than fifteen minutes now, and everyone else around me seemed to be happy with their order. Glancing at the watch on my left wrist, I checked for the time; thing which made a low growl escape my mouth.

It was already 7:45AM, and there was no way I could reach school in time. It was my first day at the Silver Crest Highschool, and I was going to be late.  Why did I ever think that walking to school on the first day was a good idea?

It did seem quite tempting at the time, as I haven’t been in this town for longer than a week, and with all the unpacking to do on my own, I hadn’t had the time to go around and to get to know the place. So walking to school to inspection the area appeared to be a great idea at the time. What my brilliant brain hadn’t acknowledged was that I had no idea how to move around Silver Crest.

The first part of the trip wasn’t so hard, as my house was placed at the far end of a road in between the woods. I just followed that road into the main street and then continued my way along it towards the center of the town.

The walk through the main road was simple breathtaking; the million rows of pines and of other trees -which I didn’t know the name -placed along both sides of the road surrounded me in a warm, welcoming embrace. The heat of the sun prickling my skin, and the constant smell of woods in my nostrils made me enjoy every second of my fifteen-minute walk.

But as soon as I reached the town, I was utterly lost.  I walked unknowingly for another twenty minutes then, roaming through different streets, hoping that if I was lucky enough, I could find the school in this town.  But as I seem to be the worst jinx ever, wondering through the many streets- which most were the same ones- left me in the main plaza of Silver Crest. Admitting defeat, I shuffled to a coffee store that was in front of the plaza, in which I planned to think where to go next; or maybe what I should have done from the start- ask directions.

And here I was now-  in front of the counter waiting for my coffee; and I was about to arrive late to school if I didn’t figure out how to get there. My foot was stomping on the floor, following the rhythm of the song playing from the stereo, one which sounded quite familiar. I started humming then, not caring if anyone else could listen to me. I knew this song, but from where? The instruments, the lyrics, everything sounded so familiar. I’ve heard it before…

“Jade!” An exhausted voice called my name, driving me out of my thoughts. A woman in her late forties was standing in the other side of the counter, wearing a stained, red apron. Her hair was arranged in a messy bun, and beneath her eyes, dark circles and heavy bags were unsuccessfully covered by a cheap concealer. And in her right hand, she held the hot sweet substance that I’ve been waiting for too long.

I muttered a quick “thanks” before grabbing the coffee and placing it on the counter, proceeding to look for my wallet in my denim shoulder bag.

“It’s 3 dollars.” I heard her sigh “I apologize for the delay, but we were having some inconveniences with the coffee machine.”

I looked up and met her weary eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel a little bit sorry for her. The woman looked that she hadn’t had a break for days, and she seemed to be trying to do her best, even if she was completely restless.

“It’s okay.” I said with a warm smile. I grabbed the coffee, and after handing the woman the bill I headed to the exit.

“But Miss!” I heard her call for me from behind “You gave me a fifty dollar bill!”

“You can keep the change.”” I reply fondly, already stepping through the exit. Maybe I had lightened this woman’s day with this simple act, thought which plastered a big grin on my face. People would probably think that I was insane for smiling in this way all on my own in the street, but I didn’t care, as I had made someone’s day better.