Buttercup

Chapter 1: Introduction

A/N: Hey there! Thank you for checking out my story, I hope you enjoy!

Please leave a vote and/or a comment, I would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism.

Warning: this story has a shit ton of swearing and strong themes.

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Finally, my masterpiece is finished. I threw away the toothpick and stared at the brown design on the white froth. Intricate brown curves formed an elaborate depiction of an elephant, ornamented with small flowers bordering the cup.

"Katherine? Can you take this for me? That woman has already complained to Finn twice and he's just left for his break"

I looked over at the pastry counter. Her strong athletic body hunched over small pastry shells seemed almost comical; but Katherine's skills were the best in town and was most likely the reason this café was as popular as it is. Her cropped bob framed her sharp features, twisted in concentration.

She shook her blond head, "I need to finish the pastry dough and I can't let it dry up, George isn't here today so we're behind on tarts and Carl will kill me. I'm sorry, I promise that'll I'll take the next ones."

"I am so bad at serving, I've only ever done this once and you know how that went." I tried my best at puppy dog eyes.

Katherine gave a soft laugh, "You can do it, don't worry."

Intensifying my puppy dog face I whined, "I thought you were my friend... "

"Oh fuck off, you look like constipated troll. Trust me, it's not as bad as you think."

"Fine" I huffed, the last time I tried to serve I ended up with a crying baby covered in miniature cream scones and two angry parents.

Okay, you can do this Adelaide. I believe in you.

I take one step forward, my hands shaking slightly. The delicately designed froth on top of the latte began wobbling horrendously, my eyes opened slightly.

I'm not going to make it.

Why did she have to be sitting so goddamn far?

I took another step.

Warm brown liquid seeped from the rim of the cup running down the side of the mug, droplets began sliding on to the floor.

Oh God, I probably should've taken a tray.

In that moment, a chunk of hair that I had tucked behind my ear previously began to droop in front of my eyes. Long strands of blonde hair came loose and covered half of my face, blinding my right eye. I squinted, the bright blue jacket belonging to the woman was hanging on the back of a chair not too far away.

Huh, I might make it.

Suddenly my foot caught onto the leg of one of the cafe's chairs and hot liquid was burning my hand.

"Shit!" I dropped the mug, the harsh piercing noise of ceramic shards scattering the marble floor mimicked my soul splintering into hundreds of pieces, conversation faded away and the whole café was silent.

I swirled around, my eyes wide with horror and everyone's bewildered faces looking back at me. I could feel the heat emanating from my face from the embarrassment. I might as well had thrown the scorching latte straight onto my face instead of all over the floor. Turning my head to meet the expression of the woman with the blue jacket, her perfect make up creased into a horrifying scowl, my gaze turned to her jacket, the blue jacket with an artsy brown stain.