Searching for a Moment

Chapter 1

I woke with a rush or blood to my head, my body groaned and I looked to my clock next to me and read '5:45 a.m'. I sat up and after five minutes before realizing that my apartment was shaking. I knew it was an earthquake, so I got up and walked in the middle of my doorframe. I read online that's the best place to reside during an earthquake, and I had no intention of dying this morning.

The earthquake was over at '6:03 a.m.' and the sun was barely peeking out over the Bay. I knew sleep was not an option anymore so I laid on the couch and turned the television onto the news, a split-second later my phone started ringing loudly. The screen of my phone showed a picture of my friend, Ted Roberts, with the background showing him in a play fight with Lego Darth Vader at LegoLand.

"Hey isn't it a little early to be calling, Ted" i asked.

"Its a little early to be dying also don't you think?"

i sarcastically laughed "Ha-Ha-Ha freaking hilarious, Ted! So is there something you need or do you just want to annoy me?"

He laughed and said,"Actually, there's something you need from me"

"Which is?"

"An invitation my friend, but not any invitation, it's the invitation of your life and the glorious end of one!"

I sighed and asked,"You're inviting me to another funeral ceremony, aren't you?"

"Maybe, and it's a party Allen, come by my place at eight o'clock no later, got it?"

"Ugh fine see you at nine"

"He-"

I hung up.

***

The news anchor reported the earthquake to have been a 5.5 on the Richter Scale causing slight damage to some buildings but besides that life in San Francisco could carry on, which included going back to work.

***Disclaimer***

*In case I forget to mention I should let you know work for me is making coffee at Starbucks, okay sorry continue*

I shut the television off and looked at my clock which read '6:45'.

"Time to get to work" I sighed.

Walking out the door with a satchel slung over my shoulder, Frock Coat with a flannel underneath and black skinny jeans is how I stand the winter ice cold air that allows my breath to be seen in the dim light from the sun.

As I walked down the stairs outside my apartment I could see my dew covered Red 1964 Mustang waiting for me. I began putting in the key and applying pressure on the gas as it roared and hummed the engine to life. The engine spoke loudly, telling me to let it heat up and after a minute it was ready for a drive. The drive to work is easy, because not only is work a few blocks down from my apartment, but the streets are always empty when I get to work which would be at '7:15'. I arrived 20 minutes late to work and saw my manager Steve Kyle was about to burst. My co-worker Samantha Chase, as usual was quiet in the corner setting the snacks up, while a customer was using his tablet as a mini laptop and glanced at me before quickly looking away.

"Hey, you're late, Allen" Steve said as I walked in.

"Yeah, earthquake moved some stuff in the place" I answered.

"Earthquake or not you know how it gets here i need you here by 7:15 be-"

I interrupted him.

"Yeah yeah I know because it gets busy and all don't worry I'm here, okay?" I asked.

"Sure whatever just don't be late again or I'm cutting your paycheck Allen, got it?"

I mumbled under my breath "Asshole" and nodded.

I put the apron on and washed my hands before I heard a slight mumble next to me and realized it was Samantha trying to tell me something.

"Sorry i couldn't hear you. Did you say something?" I asked.

She cleared her throat and spoke louder, "You um... you have a customer" she said.

I was so indulge in being pissed at my boss I forgot to check for customers. I quickly turned around and felt rude for making the customer wait.

"Hi, hello sorry about the wait would you..." I stopped myself because she held her finger up as if telling me to wait. I let out a heavy breath and then she looked up at me and removed her sunglasses.

"Ya hey, I'll get the Grande Carmel Frappuccino with extra whip cream and Carmel thank you!"

"Okay wh-"

"It's Jennifer, what's your name?"

"Allen... why do you ask?"

"Allen, I like getting to know people... even if they are behind a register"

I smiled and said,"I'll have your drink in a moment, Ma'am"

"Call me Jennifer" she smiled and left.

"Hey no time for friends get to work, Allen!" yelled Steve.

I took a deep breath and restrained myself from losing my shit and said, "Of course, Sir sorry for my actions."

He looked at me as if he just watched a confusing episode of 'Doctor Who' and still was trying to figure it out, then left without saying a word.

"Hey, what was that last order?" Squeaked Samantha.

"Don't worry I'll do it."

She looked a little dazed, "Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yeah, One Carmel Frappuccino coming up!"

***