On The Surface | An OCTale Sequel

26) Band Practise

26th January

I awake to the buzz of my phone. Groaning, I grab it from the side, putting my glasses on to see past the morning brightness of the screen. I squint slightly, ignoring the sleep in my eyes whilst trying to read.

Voicemail: 2 new messages

Sighing in relief, I put my glasses back on the side, allowing the messages to play.

"Hey Tyler! Are you free after lunch? Cassie's coming over later to practise the rest of our song, and I don't want to leave you out! See you!"

"TYLER, HI! I'M GOING TO CRIMSON'S FOR BAND PRACTISE LATER, DO YOU WANT TO COME TOO? WE COULD EVEN HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO PLAY YOUR PAN FLUTE!"

I giggle, and start getting dressed. It's a bit too early for it, but I head downstairs to make myself breakfast. Since it's a Saturday, Gúidea won't be awake for at least another hour. Browsing through the cupboards, I decide to make myself some corn flakes.

Looking in the fridge, I frown. There isn't enough milk left for a bowl of cereal. Sighing, I carefully pour my cereal back into the box. Scratching my head, I suddenly grin.

"I know! I can get breakfast at Puffet's!" I chirp to myself, giggling as I run back upstairs to grab my wallet.

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As I enter the tea room, I instantly smell the oven cooking up something delicious. A few monsters have already sat down, waiting for their morning tea. I smile, and walk up to the counter, ringing the bell. Eventaully, Puffet makes her way to the counter.

"Oh! Hello Tyler dear! It's been a while since you last visited! What can I get you?" She smiles, as one of her many arms pours some tea for a customer.

"Two croissants, one donut, and a cup of tea, please!" I chirp, listing the items on my hands.

"Would you like butter or jam on the croissants? What do you want in the donut? How many sugars? Want any milk?" She asks quickly, taking note with another pair of arms.

"Butter, strawberry jam, two, yes please." I giggle. Running the kitchen and front of house by yourself must be hardwork. Although, I guess having three sets of arms makes it easier.

Puffet goes back into the kitchen, and I vacantly look for a seat. However, I spot a familiar face in the corner near the window, sitting behind his own booth. I sigh, and walk over.

"What are you doing Impact?" I smirk, and Impact looks up at me from behind the small counter, grinning.

"Can't you read the sign?" He says, pointing towards the wall, where a piece of paper is pinned, "This is Impact's Totally Legal Business of Buying and Reselling Pokémon Cards. Can I interest you in anything?"

I raise my eyebrows at the exceedingly long name. Staring at the 'sign', I notice some small print underneath the name.

"For Double the Original Price, it says here. Impact, is that true? You know that's a scam, right? This shop isn't legal at all!" I grin, putting my hand on my hip playfully.

"It's the only way I stay in business, kid. 'Sides, Puffet says I can stay...as long as she gets at least a quarter of the revenue." He winks, making me chuckle slightly.

"I was just passing by to say hi, by the way. Maybe when you stop stealing people's money I'll think about it." I wink back. Impact grins wider.

"Aw, c'mon kid, don't guilt trip me! Anyway, do you even have any Pokémon cards?" He asks, bringing me to silence while I think. Then, I sigh.