My Mate, Charlie

F I V E

Charlie

I stare myself in the mirror, checking out every angle of my body. I frowned slightly at the shirt. The black pants weren't a problem, actually I was surprised Waverley was able to find a size to fit me in the store across the street. The only problem I had was my shirt. It was a simple black shirt with a cute little button up collar with 'Waverley's Corner' in cursive right over my heart. It was cute if all my buttons on my shirt actually stayed buttoned and if Waverley's shirt weren't so tight.

I was always the one to be the slightest bit of insecure. I always have been since the day during gym back in Junior High school when I was changing and some girls started making fun of the stretch marks on my chest. It wasn't my fault I had gone from a small A cup in 5th grade to perky C cups in 6th grade. The dramatic change brought along stretch marks, the same marks I bare today due to my larger than normal chest. I remember crying the whole day until both my brothers found me after school crying my eyes out. At the time my brothers were in the 8th grade. Lets just say it was very awkward for them to cheer me up, not even dad knew what to say at the time.

Even as I stand here in the mirror I can see those light stretch marks peeking behind the open slit in the front showing off my cleavage. They were no long a problem, in fact I adored them. They were my marks, my tiger marks. But even though I may not have a problem with stretch marks anymore doesn't mean I don't have a problem with anything else. Which leads me to why I truly feel uncomfortable in this work shirt. It was tight and clinging to my skin ever so tightly.

Reaching down I gently pinch at the extra fat on my side and poke at my stomach were it bulged out. I could never get that 'perfectly' flat stomach. I've come close but it was never enough. I had lost a lot of weight from when I was younger, but my short and tiny frame made it seem like I haven't lost but 5 pounds in all my life. Yes I was healthy and sure I had more meat than some, but it was still hard to come to terms with my body and fully love myself without feeling just the tiniest bit uncomfortable.

Sighing, I decide to suck it up, put my big girl panties on, and just decide to flaunt it. This is the body I was given and I promised myself I'd stop hating it. I guess it's time I start living up to that promise. Walking out the bathroom I walk around the corner and quickly enter behind the counter.

"Ah, there you are Charlie." My new co-worker greets me. Her cheery blonde hair pulled back in a pony tail. She quickly returns to the customer in front of her and takes her money. The girl's name was Daisy and even around my age, 23. Both Waverley and Daisy were quite surprised I was that old. They both said I looked younger, which I didn't blame them, my height tends to stir people the other direction and I don't usually wear make-up making my round face appear younger.

When Daisy finishes talking to the customer she turns back to me to show me the ropes on how to make the coffee the lady ordered. It wasn't hard to figure out how to make coffee I knew I'd be able to quickly pick up on making the drinks. I was pretty good on the learning part. For the remainder of lunch everything was going smoothly. Waverley wasn't kidding when she said it was a hot spot. People literally will just enter get a drink then sit and talk with whoever for hours. I thought it was nice, especially when you can also order something to eat here. I think I'm falling in love with Waverley's little cafe.

Finally the rush hour started to die down and it seemed like people had other places to be. I was grateful for a little break which I spent eating this delicious sandwich. God, even the food was good! Too bad I'm not a caffeine person or I would totally have something to drink. But out of experience I think it was best I refrain from the tempting coffee until my co-workers get to know me a little better. It'd be awkward if I just started stuttering and getting all hyper out of no where. Ah, the things coffee does to my body. Such a shame.