Bright Eyes

Chapter 1?

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The alarm on my bed side table wakes me up with a shrill noise. I hate waking up at four AM but how else am I supposed to get work in before school. I stumble my way out of bed and quickly change into my Sturbucks uniform. I run to the kitchen and grab an over-sized muffin I bought at Salemart and head out the door, grabbing my backpack which hangs on the useless coat rack. I sprint across the street to Sturbucks and enter into the familiar smells of roasting coffee beans and  caramel.

"G'morning Alex!"says Bella with a grin on her face that make her hazel eyes sparkle from behind the counter, restocking the cookies. I've known Bella for the longest time. We met in high school and we've been like glue since then. We were both so happy when we got our acceptance letters from the art school that we wanted. She's always been so supportive when it comes to my art and vise versa.

"Hey Bella. Cute hair." I say. Her brilliant bright hair is pulled back into a ponytail with a small braid. Bella's hair compliment her flawless tan skin nicely. I doubt that was intentional though. Bella is thin from not eating much, which I chastise her for. She is really smart and studies hard for grades that she deserves, but often forgets to eat.

"Thanks. It's supposed to be hot today... like always."

"That's Louisiana for you!" We both laugh as the first customers walks in, and after them, another employ. We then begin to take orders and assemble the coffees, smoothies, and tea.

As I wrap up my last order before my next class, Bella pulls me aside behind a coffee machine.

"How is she?" she asks. I look at the floor and try not to cry. Bella is talking about my mom. A few years ago we go the news that she has terminal pancreatic cancer. She has been responding to chemo better than expected, but I know that doesn't matter. The worse part about it is that my mom thinks she'll get better and everything will go back to normal. I do the best I can to keep her happy and visit as often as I can, but it never feels like enough.

"She's okay I guess. The same as always" I say trying not to show signs of weakness.

"Hey, look at me," Bella raises my head by the chin,"it'll be okay, I promise. try not to think about." 

I hate when people lie like that. I don't want to get into a fight with her so I hide how I feel. The thing is that I can't stand it when people are to arrogant to give others false hope. I know it won't be okay. It hasn't been for over two years. 

I hold my tongue and nod. I grab my backpack and head out the door. I'm too distracted thinking about the conversation with Bella that I trip. I close my eyes and prepare myself to hit the hard floor, but instead, I land into the arms of someone. I open my eyes and see a muscular fore arm. I look up to see the face of my savior and see a handsome chiseled face with pale green eyes and a pointed nose. Male. Great.