Constellations & Cactuses

chapter 2

i always hated the sound of glass breaking. the piercing fracture of the fragile crystal as it collided and disintegrated into countless shards resting unsettlingly on the surface. it brings back memories, and not the good kind. sleepless nights spent confined up in my bedroom, only to still be able to hear the harsh and demonic voices emerging from downstairs. i knew for sure when i heard the horrid spine-chilling noise it was over, for tonight anyhow.

i peeked over at my new co-worker who indubitably was the cause of the commotion. clumsy wouldn't even begin to describe the petite brunette in front of me. i knew this wasn't a good idea.

"i've hired a new employee!" my mother enthused earlier that morning.

i struggle to speak, chocking on a spoon full of cereal glancing up at her.

youthful woman she was, barely looking a day over 30. she had full dark brown curls, which i had unfortunately inherited, and huge, warm, coffee brown eyes that always looked welcoming and full of love.

"w-what?" I stuttered in confusion.

we hadn't had a new employee since julian, and i knew for sure the topic was still too delicate for her.

"her names millie, she's really sweet and seems good with people. she's also very pretty," my mother continues on, taking a glimpse at me, hoping she had sparked an interest.

great she was trying to play match maker again.

"but mom, you already have me to work in the shop. i can pick up some more hours, you should have just asked if you needed some extra help, you know i love working in the shop. and i know money's a little tight at the moment, right now doesn't seem to be the best time to hire a new employee does it?" i ramble trying to convince my mother to rethink her decision.

she walks over from the sink before putting both hands on the table in front of me.

"parker alexander hamilton, i will not hear such negativity in my household. i think it's a great idea and i'm sure business will be booming in no time. plus you might make yourself a new friend or, you know, more," my mother states with a stern look but I couldn't help but catch the playfulness behind her eyes.

"mom!" i groan in annoyance.

to say i was anti-social would be an understatement. i will do just about anything to avoid human interaction, unless it's for work of course. it's not that i hate people, well.. i'm not a huge fan, but it's the fact i can be extremely awkward when i'm around certain people and always find at least ten ways to embarrass myself in any social interaction.

this leaves me with basically no friends, unless you count my pet turtle elijah and my mother is currently very aware of this, which makes her think it's up to her to help me make friends. this usually never ends up succeeding.

it's not her fault though. i mean not many people want to be friends with the kid who is always wearing black and always has a scowl on their face, as cliché as it sounds. i'm not exactly the most approachable some may say.

it's okay though, i don't want anyone's pity because in all honesty I like being alone, it's easier that way.

this way i can't get hurt

"come on, hurry up you're going to be late for school," she smirks kissing my forehead before ruffling my hair and taking my empty bowl back over to the sink.

i walk over to millie, sighing at the perfectly healthy flower that was once happily in the safety of it's pot which is now in pieces scattered across the ground among a pile of fresh soil.