Would You Look At The Time (Book One)

What if we never said Hello?

     My three jobs took up a lot of time. I woke up at 4 o'clock every morning and headed to the cafe. Like any other day no one came in and I awkwardly sat at the cash register. The tv wasn't working and I was tired. The caffeinated tea I had wasn't working and I was dozing off. Finally, the only other employee, Fiona, took my place at the stool stationed in front of an old computer; the cash register. I headed out to the Bookshop after pulling off the green apron that read 'Rachel's cafe, come to stay," which was a stupid catch phrase logo thingy because it didn't even rhyme.

     Rafael's sad expression lifted as I approached him at the register.

     "Hey," I said smiling.

     "Hey. Thank god you're here. I was so bored," He said after hugging me. I waved to him as he left. I sat where he once was sipping at the coffee he had left partially full. I didn't mind drinking off of his cup, he was such a good friend that it didn't seem to matter.

     Only a few people stood in line today.  Three of them were asking for directions to somewhere in the huge bookstore with three floors. I would point, smile and explain how to get there. Even though, only two people actually purchased books out of the fifteen people who entered the store.

      After my shift was over I left and headed to the nightclub. Of course, being early didn't stop Mike from yelling at me. After he lectured me for fifteen minutes I headed to the bathroom and changed into the costume he made me wear. A tight tanktop with a short pencil skirt. It was more like I changed into a whore outfit.

      Groups of people started piling into the club and by 8 o'clock the huge dark room was filled with hot sweaty bodies grinding and talking together. I could feel the sweat trickle down my neck from the heat. I carried my tray around only to be interrupted by Mike who decided to yell at me again.

     "Some men want you personal assistance over there," He said pointing over to a few couches where four older men sat. "What are you looking at, go help them," He said. As I walked away from him I tripped, sending glasses of different mixtures of alcohol everywhere. "You klutz!" Mike yelled. People backed away, so they wouldn't get wet. Also, so they wouldn't get run over by Mike who was now heading towards me with the expression of an angry demented alligator.

     "I'm so sorry!" I said.

     "Save it! You're fired!" He said. My heart stopped. Fired. This job was what was keeping me going. Keeping me in my apartment and with food. Shit, I really screwed up this time. I headed out of the club and started walking. Since the bus wasn't at the stop until later I had to. The walk was only a few miles but by the time I got home I was exhausted and hating myself. I plopped down onto my couch and fell asleep to the late night news. I never knew that if I had stayed just a little longer. If I had just served those men. I would have fallen in love, found my true love. I would have fallen in love with Sebastian Stan. Too bad I didn't choose that fate, too bad I didn't know that I could be happy.