The next day was packed with customers at the Twin Tree Cafe, which was actually a blessing in disguise, I later realized, because I had hardly enough time to check my watch. Every time I did, it seemed that hours passed by faster and faster. However, the busier work load was a lot to take in at first, and as I worked, I cursed,
"Of course there are more customers today. Of course."
"What was that, deary? I canna hear ye, with my poor ears and such." I grinned as Maggie strode in front of me, and lied,
"Oh, I was just talking to myself. I said, 'Wow! There are more customers today...'"
"Yes, isn't it great? We'll be finally gettin' some business 'round here."
"Hehe, yeah I guess so!" I chuckled nervously as she strode back to the break room, and sighed. I hummed as I washed mugs stained with memories of espressos and mochas. I now understood why Asher wore his headphones, and I longed for some of my own. Humming quietly, I soon finished the dishes and began to sweep the floor. I didn't mind all the cleaning; in my mind, I thought of Jesse and the concert tonight. I had never been to a concert, and although Jesse had told me that tonight's was a symphonic one, I had no idea what she had meant. I only hoped that it was worth the wait, and as I swept, I anxiously pondered the possibilities in my head. Just then, I heard a familiar jingle and saw a hooded figure trudge in through the door.
"Good afternoon, Asher." He nodded once in my direction before shuffling to the back, and I sighed relieved. Maybe I would be able to get off work early and talk to Jesse beforehand. Beaming at the thought, I swept faster, and was soon joined by Asher, who swept alongside me. Trying to pass time, I exclaimed,
"Hey Asher. How are you?"
"Fine." He grumbled, and I looked away, disappointed. I moved away quickly, and served several customers before returning,
"Sounds like someone needs a cup of coffee. Want me to fire one up for you?"
"Sure, but just espresso please." I remembered Jesse then, how she magically made me one, just the way I liked it. I smiled, then shaking my head, grabbed a mug, and whistled.
As we drank our respective drinks in the break room, we chatted idly, and every so often, I would check my watch. Now that the time was nearing, it flew by, and I was practically bouncing in my seat.
"Busy day, huh?" Asher murmured, and I had to ask him to speak up before understanding him.
"Yeah! We had like, 20 customers today... It was insane, but I managed." I shrugged easily but my thoughts said otherwise.
"So, busy night last night? You came in late." I chuckled, and secretly hoped he had slept in and not purposefully come late.
"Nope, but I did have some friends over. We hung out, played a couple tunes, and got totally wasted. I woke up all messed up, and I'm still queasy." I looked at him, checking his story. He didn't look sick, in fact, he looked better than usual. His cheeks were rosier, and his skin was slightly tanner. I shook it off, and checked my watch. It was 4:30, and I broke out into an uncontrollable grin. I opened my eyes to see a confused stare directed at me, and I laughed before explaining,
"I'm meeting a friend tonight, and going to hear a symphony for the first time! Isn't it great?" Hearing a mumble of words from Asher, I shrugged then tore off my apron, grabbed my belongings and headed out the door.
I didn't know why, but before I went to the orchard, I first went home. I ran, hoping I had time. I ran up several flights of stairs, then collapsed on my bed, before realizing my mission. I pulled at my closet door, willing it to open, and it wobbled and slammed against the wall before stopping. I sifted the through various outfits, looking for anything fancy at all. I flipped through shirts hopelessly, until my eyes landed on a cozy green sweater with light brown sleeves, and jeans that didn't have holes in them. I still wore my red Converse tennis shoes, and as I examined myself in the mirror, I heard a faint scratching noise, and I grinned. Tying my shoe laces quickly, I bolted out the door, eager for the evening's delights.
YOU ARE READING
Worlds Apart
RomansaJesse Anderson is like any other typical girl, struggling at an internship, desperately hoping to become an international author one day. But one night, as she begins to write, she meets a character named Sam, inside of her own book! As they grow cl...