Are You Kidding Me?!

Chapter 1: A Good Day? (Part 1)

The ringtone to my alarm rang through my apartment. I woke up with a groan rolling over to grab my phone from my nightstand. I clicked off the alarm then got up allowing the blankets to fall off of me. I checked the time seeing I only had two hours before I left for my first day of work.

I dragged myself towards the bathroom throwing my clothes I stripped from myself into the hamper then I hopped in the shower. By the time I finished taking a shower, putting my wavy, black hair up, and applying light makeup, I was fully awake.

I was going through my training regimen while hurriedly putting a white, button-down blouse and black, knee-length skirt with black, 4-inch high heels on. I really wanted to make a good impression with my boss on my first day. I was, after all, working in the most popular bookstore/café in the town. I couldn't screw this up.

I grabbed a piece of buttered toast from the kitchen, along with my keys and blazer, as I ran out the doorway of my duplex to my car. The sleek green camaro awaited me as I slid in popping the rest of my toast into my mouth. I started the car hearing it come to life with a delightful purr as I buckled my seatbelt. I then drove away to my workplace.

The drive didn't take long as I parked my car. I, in fact, had 30 minutes left before I was late. I looked at myself in the mirror before walking inside the coffee smelling place.

As soon as I stepped inside I was met by the sound of loud pitched squealing. My boss came running around in heels so high they could break ankles with just one wrong step. Cherry Carlo, a.k.a C.C., gave me a tight hug as I moved my toes out of the way of her death machines.

"Oh, Aidyn." she cried. "It's so good to see you again. Are you ready for your first day?"

"Yes, Miss Cherry." I wheezed out. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"I know you'll do great. My gut never lies."

Meanwhile, my gut was getting crushed.

"C.C." an annoyed voice said. "Quiet down and let the poor girl go. You're strangling her."

Cherry gasped as she looked at me trying to find oxygen and let go instantly. I had never seen a woman stutter out apology after apology so fast in my life. Especially a middle-aged woman like her. I quickly forgave her as it looked like she was about to cry before I turned my gaze upon the owner of the voice.

There in front of me stood a man who looked to be in his mid-twenties. He was about maybe two heads taller than me without my high heels on with a lean figure. I guessed he was a barista here by the black and white checkered apron around his waist.

"Aidyn, this is Kohl Burns." Cherry stated. "He's been working here for a little bit so he can show you the ropes if you need help with anything."

I nodded my head towards Kohl to which he responded with barely a twitch. Cherry then clapped as she jumped up in down.

"Alright!" she squealed. "Time to get this show started. Aidyn your lunch break is in 5 hours."

"Thank you, Miss Cherry." I said heading towards my work station.

The first customer came in and I put on my best smile as the rest came filing in.

...

By the time my lunch break came around I had made it through two tidal waves of people. I was exhausted and starving. I went to the café looking up at the menu on the wall. Kohl gave me a glance while cleaning a cup he had used earlier.

"I'll have a cinnamon-raisin bagel with an iced caramel macchiato." I ordered watching as Kohl typed up my order with lithe fingers.

I had to admit he was good at his job. He knew exactly what to type in without having to look at the little manual that showed how to work it. I was quite jealous.

"That'll be $5.30." Kohl said snapping me out of my trance.

I hurriedly brought out the exact amount of change handing it to him. He took it without a word placing it in the cash register then went straight to work. I left him to do his thing looking for a place to sit.

"Aidyn!" a familiar voice called out making me turn my head.

There in a seat with a guy was my best friend Shin. I made my way over to her smiling brightly.

"Hi Shin." I said. "How've you been?"

"Never better." Shin responded. "I didn't know you worked here."

"I just started actually. I like it here and it really suits my taste when it comes to looking for a job."

"Not to mention you get to work with a cute guy."

"What?! Shin, I barely know him. If you hadn't heard I just started today."

"Whatever, Aidyn. Speaking of cute boys, this is Ron Spitzerfield, my boyfriend. He works at the Home Depot down the road from our house. I'm sure you remember him."

I took a look at the guy who was busy leafing through the newspaper in front of him. I had to admit Ron was good looking but not really my type. I guess Shin really found herself a perfect match.

I felt a nudge on my shoulder as I turned back to look at Shin. However, her facial expression scared me; in fact, it was the first time I've ever seen this expression. She held such a serious face I wondered what was wrong. I had a feeling, though, that I was about to find out.

"Hey, Aidyn." Shin muttered. "Have you heard the news?"

"The news?" I asked. "What news?"

"The recent deaths around your neighborhood have been the talk of the decade."

I felt my mouth drop.