The Dark Path: Stygian Days

Dropping That Bass

- Dropping That Bass –

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER…

[Archer’s POV]

I sat at one of the tables of the library café as I read a book on Nikola Telsa. I had just finished my work shift and decided to relax here for a while. Sierra wasn’t done with her work shift yet. Ever since she decided to start a new life here, things have been a bit rough. Most of the jobs here didn’t suit Sierra well. In the end, I had to get her a job at the library’s café and I have to admit she’s doing a really good job. Back then, there used to be long lines at the counter but now it rarely happens. Sure, she’s got an upper advantage over the other human employees by quickly heating up food with her heat abilities but at least it gets the job done.

It’s also better if I have Sierra under my watchful eye. I don’t want the humans to know about Sierra being an elemental. I’m worried they might perform all sorts of experiments on her. I already had to keep my own secret. It’s not hard being an elemental under cover among humans but it isn’t a piece of cake either. Sometimes I can’t help but feel inferior being among them. This must have been previous elementals’ way of thought so I tried my best to fight it.

“Here’s the orange juice you ordered,” Sierra said as she placed a plastic cup of orange juice on my table.

“Am I the last customer?” I said before taking a sip of my drink.

“Yeah, thank goodness.”

I chuckled. “Busy day today, huh? I noticed the lines today were longer than they usually are.”

Sierra sat in the chair opposite me. “The length of the line were the least of my problems. Some of the customers were so damn fussy today. One lady wouldn’t eat her hot dog just because one side of her sausage was less cooked than the other. “

“Did she get her hot dog in the end?”

Sierra sunk her face in on her arms on the table. “No. She got so pissed off after the third time that she threw the hot dog on the floor and stepped on it.”

I shook my head. “I guess you just can’t please some people.”

“Huh. That was just one person. I haven’t told you about the other few…”

“It’s okay, you don’t have to. They probably won’t come back and that’s a good thing, in my opinion.  I’d rather not have my time wasted with people like that.”

Sierra sat back and sighed. “I guess so. Anyway, are we going to eat out or at your place?”

“I’m not sure yet. We’ll just see how it goes though we could eat at home if you’re really tired. I could go out and grab something.”

Sierra packed up her things and we headed to the exit. We stopped by the librarian’s desk to wish Mrs Caramel goodnight.

“We’re going home, Mrs Caramel. See you tomorrow morning.” I said.

“Tomorrow? I thought you wanted to take the day off tomorrow?” Mrs Caramel asked me.

I bit my lip. Darn, I’ve been trying to forget what I had to do tomorrow. I’ve been doing my best to forget about it and now I was reminded of it all over again. Grinding my teeth, I just shook my head.

“So, is that a yes to the day off?”

I sighed loudly. “Yes, yes. It’s a day off.”

“You too, Sierra?”

“Uh-huh.” Sierra said slightly tired.

“Alright, kids. See you when you get back. Good night!”