Only One Cup of Coffee

Chapter 3

I picked up my book bag after the last class of the day and walked off to the lockers in the hallway.

After getting mine, I dumped most of the unimportant books in my bag but I took my chemistry and history to carry in my backpack home so I could finish some essays.

After hauling all my required items and closing up my locker, I walked towards the school gates. The bus had left a while ago and I was going to have to walk back home.

I began to walk, the chilly air brushed against my skin and I shivered.

The air had started to become colder, indicating the arrival of a cold autumn.

My feet crunched through some old leaves scattered on the floor as I took in the scenery.

When I was younger and my dad took care of me rather than my brother, we would spend a lot of time in Autumn amongst the tees. We would play in the colourful leaves together.

I'm not sure what had changed for us. We used to be really close.

With my mind wrapped around in thoughts, I reached my house in no time.

As soon as I threw the door open, my mom walked up to me and shoved a list full of grocery items in my hand and began to walk off.

"You've got to be joking mom. I just came back from school and I have graded essays and assignments to finish!" I shouted after her retreating figure.

"Keep quiet Caroun. If I do not see the groceries in the kitchen by seven, you aren't going to get dinner for a week." She replied.

I huffed. What the heck? Why can't she just treat me like every parent treats their daughter?

I grabbed a cloth bag from the utility next to the kitchen and threw the list in there. I took the bag and walked out of the house, but not before grabbing cash from my mom's purse.

If she was going to be like this, she was going to have to give me money. I was not going to pay for this when I've been saving up for other things!

I threw on my turtle neck sweater over my plain shirt and started to walk towards the grocery store.

I plugged my earplugs into my phone and hummed to the music.

--

"Okay so, beans, cheese, pasta, white sauce jar, ham and turkey." I read off my list.

What could mom possibly make with these dishes?

I rounded up all the requirements and shoved them into a cart. Before I left I made a grab for some naked orange juice.

I mean, I could use some refreshments.

After paying at the billing counter I threw all the items in my cloth bag and began the process of hauling it out of the store.

While I concentrated on my task at hand I didn't see the skateboard that rolled out in front of me.

I tried to balance and stand straight after I tripped on the board but I couldn't. I rammed straight into a tall dude wearing a beanie.

"I'm sor-" I looked up in surprise after taking a glance at the face of the guy.

"Harper?" I asked.

"Oh! You're the girl who I sat with in the bus." He chuckled.

"Right. So I have to head home with my groceries so I'm going to leave. Thanks for helping me. It was nice to meet you." I said hurriedly as I tried to walk away.