I groaned in annoyance rolling over in my bed. Stupid fucking alarm. I yanked my phone from where it sat, the alarm going off with ungodly screeches. The lock screen stared back at my tired expression, daring me to go back to sleep. Finally deciding that I need my job and can't be late, I stood and stumbled to the bathroom. My dark rimmed eyes glared back at my as I spit the remains of toothpaste and mouthwash into the sink.
Shut the fuck up! He wasn't worth it anyways. I pulled off my worn sleep shirt and quickly replaced it with the closest one to me. The ripped black jeans were on as soon as I buttoned the shirt. The time read 6:45 when I tapped my phone.
"This is fine. I should make it to work on time, probably..." Pulling on a black pair of converse my phone buzzed with a text notification.
From: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
r u gonna leave me alone for this morning shift 2?
u better not ignore my texts like u have for the past 3 days
To: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
do i have to?
From: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
YES!!!
To: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
fine, i'll be there soon. give me time to get there, mari.
My phone slipped easily into my pocket as I grabbed the keys next to the door. The door swung shut behind me and I walked to my car. Time to go, I guess. The keys turned in the ignition and the radio played one of the top hits that I didn't care for. I let everything fade in the background, watching the road and making sure that I didn't drive right past the cafe like last time. I turned my car off and looked over at my phone, noticing a new notification.
From: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
HEY!! I HEARD WE HAVE A NEW WORKER JOINING US 2DAY! U EXCITED??
R U??
I BET U R, UNDER ALL UR LAYERS OF SALT AND TEARS!
To: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
ugh, we'll talk about this more when im inside, ok mari?
From: Marie ｡ ◕‿◕｡
alright! but u need 2 hurry up salt child
I groaned switching off my phone. A new worker. She would be excited at this, that's probably why she wanted me to come today. My car beeped signaling that it locked and I sighed heading towards the door. Two steps into the shop, I was tackled by the small but deadly force of the only other human in here.
"Mari, why did you need me to come in if you're getting a new worker today?"
"Well 1) you need to get out of the house, it's not good for you to be so closed off. 2) You're a lot better of a teacher than I am, even if you do get fed up easily while teaching-"
"I do not get fed up!"
"Sure. Lastly, what if we get busy? I can't teach our poor little protege and help customers at the same time, you know!"
"Ugh. Fine. I can stay. Not like I had anything better to do..." I muttered to myself.
"That's the spirit! Now, you should come help your love set up everything before the day starts!" I grumbled quietly but stepped behind the counter to find my apron. A huff of annoyance escaped my lips and Marie looks up from where she's already perfectly tied her apron. "Need help, love?" A small grumble and a nod was all she needed before she stepped behind me and tied the apron strings in a neat bow.
"Thanks.." I stepped back to turn on two of the machines and began to sort out some of the toppings. A small knock at the door caused me to look up and Marie to rush over to the door looking elated. My lips turned up in a slight smile seeing her so excited that was quickly washed away seeing how nervous the small newcomer looked. The whipped cream was placed back in front of the cooler and I stepped out from behind the counter to take my place next to Marie.
"Mari, what's her name?"
"Robin, why?"
"I need to know for nametags, remember?"
"Oh! I knew there was something I forgot!"
"Like your sexuality." I mumbled walking back over to the coffee machines.
"HEY! I HEARD THAT LOTTIE! Ignore her Robin, she's always like this. I'm Marie and that one, the overlord of sass, is Charlotte. We call her Char though. Have you worked in a coffee shop before? Because it's really fun."
"N-no... I haven't had much job experience... I got fired from my last one for..." Robin trailed off and I glanced up noticing Mari had brought her behind the counter next to the aprons.
"You don't need that much experience to work here, but why'd you get fired from your last one I couldn't hear you?" Robin moved closer to Mari and I frowned slightly moving back to finish preparing the coffee machines for the day of work. "Oh! Well you don't need to worry about that here. I'll let you in on one of our little secrets, our big boss is trans! You don't need to worry about getting fired for that here. If anything does happen or you need help, just come to us we'll help you. Won't we Lottie?!" I turned hearing my name and my body reached out to catch her automatically seeing her jump towards me in a tackle hug. Her soft laughter bubbled up bringing a slight smile to my face, that I will deny if she asks but she clings onto the apron she so carefully tied earlier.
"If you don't get off your gonna untie the apron Mari."
"Whoops you'll have to fix it yourself then, love." She said untying it before jumping off and taking Robin to the back to show her where everything is.
"That little shit..." I mumbled to myself before turning on the machine and starting to make her favorite drink. We don't open for like 15 minutes so I have time to do this. Maybe if I do she'll retie my apron for me. I smiled looking at cup for a second thinking about what art to put on the coffee. 'What did she say she liked last time...? Oh yeah! It was the little dragon.' I pulled out the milk and began to pour it into the cup making sure that it would turn out perfect as always. When I finished I set it in the counter gently putting the milk away. The cup was still warm in my hands as I walked to go get Marie from the backroom.
"Mari?"
"Yes Lottie?" I walked over to her lowering the coffee so the design was in view to her.
"Since I made you coffee with your favorite design, will you fix my apron which you so kindly untied?"
"Hmm, let me try it first." She took a small experimental sip and I watched for any different reaction. "It's amazing, as usual, so I suppose I could fix your apron."
"Thank you." I glanced over at Robin who looked away from us immediately after seeing me look. "Do you know how to work the register, Robi?"
"W-well yeah... I guess..."
"Mari, you want to stay at the counter with her?"
"Of course! Isn't the counter your least favorite place to be?"
"I'd much make the coffee rather than talk to someone who's only concern is getting 7 shots of caffeine in their body while talking on the phone." Marie giggled softly walking behind me and trying the apron back in it's bow.
"That only happened to you once though."
"And I'd enjoy it to only being that once. Do you need any coffee Robi? We're opening in five, so speak now or you'll have to wait."
"No.. I'm fine. T-thanks though..." I shrugged and walked back to the coffee machines as Marie went out front to open the shop.
