Bondi Mile

Chapter 13 - My New Job & Jasper

Iggy wasn't home, surprise surprise. I felt like I hadn't seen her in years, although it had only really been two days.

I dragged myself into my room and put on some suitable clothing for work, I had about half an hour to kill as I dawdled on the way back from the bus stop and wasted some time walking along the prom of Bondi in tears, unfortunately I didn't bump into Barnet, but at the same time I just wanted to be alone.

Dressed in all black and hair nearly in a bun I looked myself up and down in the mirror. I sighed and looked away. I sat down on the edge of the bed and twiddled my fingers and pulled at the skin around my nails in silence, I felt so helpless, I started to think off all the stupid nicknames the people at my high school used to call me.

'Baldy' ,'naked mole rat', 'cancer girl' the list goes on. Tears started to dribble down my cheeks as I rested my elbows on my knees and out my hands to my face, I fell apart there and then. The only things I had to live for we're Barnet and Iggy.

My own mother hadn't spoken to me for a year, and when she did speak to me all she could tell me was how much she hated me. My own family don't even want me and I'm sat here with cancer, and with little people to show me they care for me and love me.

I was alone. And I sure as hell felt it. 5 to 12. I sat up in bed and pulled myself together. Not completely, but I had time to calm myself on the walk to the cafe.

I dried my eyes, leaving my phone on the side not wanting to speak to anyone, picking up my keys and leaving the apartment with a slam. I was looking forward to seeing Barnet tonight, and drinking my weight in alcohol.

***********************************

"Right darling, here's your apron, I knew you'd dress appropriately, I've taken you through all the easy steps and the do's and don't's, you'll be fine my love! Oh and finally I need to introduce you to your co worker for today!" Julie beamed as she led me out of the kitchen into the open cafe area.

My first shift was already going pretty well but I could tell this was all going to go downhill. Stood behind the counter was a fairly tall boy, brown curly hair, broad shoulders, black shirt and skinny jeans. Shit. I prayed in my mind it wasn't the same boy I'd ran into and nearly knocked over the other day, but just my luck, it was.

"Jasper! I'd like you to meet Melody, Melody, Jasper. Jasper, Melody" Julie introduced us to each other and the look on his face when he turned around to face me looked like he'd seen a ghost. I hope he wasn't going to be an asshole because it was one of those many days to come where I had something to say about it.

"Ah, I believe we've met" I said as he stared at me, knowing how rude he'd been the other day I bet he felt awkward, but then his facial expression changed. I held my hand out and he gladly shook it.

"I believe we have, you can stick to washing up and clearing tables today, first shift and all" he immediately turned his back to me after and continued with whatever he was doing with the till.

"He's a shy boy" Julie stated before smiling and walking away into the kitchen. Yeah I'm sure he is, especially when he's cursing and swearing about me after pushing me over when I was trying to help him.

"So, Jasper" I piped up, trying to make conversation. Nothing, he didn't even flinch or look at me. "I, uh, I'm sorry for nearly knocking you out the other day" I scratched the back of my neck and looked away from him. He looked up and me and leant against the counter.

"You should really look where you're going. Its fine though I accept your apology, but while you work here sweet pea, you work under my rules, understand? This cafe has had 5 stars for service for 2 years because of me and I will not let some silly daydreaming female ruin it, comprende?" He had his little yellow pen he had I his hand pointing at me, startled I took a step back.

"Uh, understood" I stuttered, god what was it with people today? He was like Vanessa but slightly softer. I recon I could soften him right up eventually.

"Good" he turned his back to me once again and carried on with whatever he was doing

"Are you always this rude?" I asked laughing.

"Yes" I could tell this was going to be a long shift, bring on 6, I was excited for my Mexican, and a  bit of Barnet too.

EDITED 28/3/20