ambivalent | hes

1

My alarm clock startled me out of my sleep. I turned it off quickly, yawning as silence filled the room. Despite how comfortable and warm my bed was, I had to get ready for work. I stretched and checked the time. I realized that if I did not hurry, I was going to be late. Again.

I quickly showered, then threw on my bland, brown uniform that permanently smelled of coffee.

It was now 8:45, and my shift started at 9. I cursed myself for sleeping in too late. I grabbed my bag and hurried out the door, hoping I could make it to the metro in time. Fortunately, I arrived just as it pulled up. Climbing on, I searched for an empty spot.

I tapped my fingers on the plastic maroon seat, checking the time every now and then. Apprehension washed over me as I recalled every other time I had been late. 

I realized I had zoned out as the door opened, signaling so with a ding.
I hurried out of the station and into the busy street. The noisiness of the busy streets surrounding me couldn't seem to bother me as I hurried to work.

The small cafe resided on a street corner a few blocks away from the metro station. The walk seemed like it would never end until I finally arrived.

"You're late."

My manager, Amelia, was waiting in the break room as I walked in. Fuck.

"I'm sorry, I-"

"No more excuses. There's customers waiting. Hurry up." She eyed me before leaving the room.

I finally clocked in. Two people stood waiting at the counter. She couldn't handle two drinks?

"How can I help you?" I asked the first man in line, attempting to sound cheerful.

"Just a frappuccino." He replied.

I put one together, then handed it to him.

"That'll be 4.95." I stated, ringing up the drink.

"This isn't what I ordered." He told me.

"I'm so sorry about that sir, let me-"

"Just forget it." He slapped a five dollar bill down on the table and left.

I put the money in the register, realizing I was going to hear it from Amelia for having extra change in the drawer.

"Some people are so disrespectful." The next customer sympathized.

"He must've had a rough morning," I shrugged. "What can I get for you?"

"A vanilla latte, please." He smiled.

He handed me the money, watching as I put it in the register and handed him the change. I prepared his drink, struggling to get the lid to clasp onto the cup. He smirked, and I internally cringed at myself. I handed him his drink.

"Thank you, and keep the change. I hope you have a good day." He said as he paid.

"You too." I replied.

Once he left, I got to work on the inconvenient list of tasks Amelia assigned for me today.