hotel ceiling ✔ randy

chapter three

buzz. buzz.

My eyes slowly flickered open. I squinted my eyes at the bright light that came from my phone. I checked the notifications.

rye.beaumxnt: were did u learn 2 do that?

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Learn to do what?

andy_fowler: learn to do what?
rye.beaumxnt: kick me in the place.

I rolled my eyes.

andy_fowler: It's not exactly difficult. You liftyour knee up 😒
rye.beaumxnt: yeh but u did it liek u've done it 500 times
andy_fowler is typing...

I hesitated and I deleted what I was going to say. I started something new instead.

andy_fowler: why the fuck are you texting me at 1 in the morning?
rye.beaumxnt: bcuz i can.

I rolled my eyes.

rye.beaumxnt: btw im gonna kill u for that. it wasnt v cool.
andy_fowler: oh please, you can't kill what's already gone.
rye.beaumxnt: tf is that supposed 2 mean?
andy_fowler: of course you wouldn't understand. you have everything. you'll find out one day.

I then put my phone on silent and fall back asleep.
•••
I woke up again at 6am, got changed and made my way quietly down stairs. I opened the front door and gently closed it, then made my way to work.

I heaved open the glass doors and walked inside. I nodded a 'hello' to my co-workers and grabbed my apron. Tying it around my waist, I walked over to the counter as the first customer walked in.

The day went rather slow, the café was quite quiet today. I was looking at the clock when the bell rang, signalling that someone had walked in. I turned to face the door and saw Rye walk in; alone.

"Make me a tea." He demanded, slamming the money on the table. I jumped, a little shocked at his tone. He's not usually this aggressive. But I complied and started making his tea.

I could feel his eyes watching me as I made his drink. I tried my best to focus on the job in hand but it wasn't easy when someone was judging your every move.

"Can I help you?" I asked, coming off ruder than I meant. Rye blinked a few times and shook his head. He wasn't himself. I could tell. There was clearly something wrong. I finished up his tea and brought it over to him.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I pushed the drink over to him Rye looked up at me with confusion.

"What's it to you?" He snapped. I raised my hands in defence.

"Chill. You're just... a lot quieter than usual. You haven't insulted me at all." Rye shrugged.

"Why do you even care? You hate me. You shouldn't care how I am." I rolled my eyes at his ignorance.

"Just because I strongly dislike you; doesn't mean I can't worry about you." I stated. Rye just looked me in the eyes. He picked up his tea and left. I sighed and continued with my job.

As I finished the last customers order, my phone buzzed. I handed over the drink with a smile then went to check my phone. It was instagram.

rye.beaumxnt: hey...
andy_fowler: hello?
rye.beaumxnt is typing...