Coffee Stains * Gerard Way

Chapter 1

Coffee Stains - Chapter 1

I filled out the fourth and final job application form, now that's one for a burger joint, two for a waitress and one for a coffee joint.

Oh, coffee joint. How I despised those two words.

Why did I of all people, have to be born with a literal coffee stain as my soulmate stain? The normal person has a stained hand, waiting for that life-changing handshake, or that handprint along the side of their face or arm, waiting for the embarrassing time when their soulmate slaps them, and it bursts into colour. But for me? I have a coffee stain on the inside of my wrist.

When I was 12, I was convinced that coffee was my soulmate, that is until I tried it and I discovered my hating for coffee.

I guess I've hit rock bottom, having to fill out a job application form for a coffee shop. At least the boss would not have to worry about me stealing to coffee; they'd just have to worry about me throwing it out.

Part of me hoped I get the coffee shop job, it's closer to my apartment, so I'll be able to sleep in more, but if the pay is bad, then no more apartment for me. I sighed and stood up, beginning the walk to hand in my applications. 

Both of the restaurants I visited to drop off my applications were nice, small but homey. The burger place was covered in overly hormonal teens, eating fried food and discussing the latest gossip of who liked who. I hoped I didn't get accepted here, heck even this would be worse than the coffee shop and that's saying something. 

The wind tousled my hair as I crossed the street to the little shop on the corner, 'did someone say coffee?'  What a weird name for a coffee shop. Of course, someone said coffee if you're at a freaking coffee shop, you wouldn't go to a coffee shop for tea.

As I opened the door, a bell alerting everyone to my existence, causing me to cringe. A man hurried over to me, "hi! Welcome to Did someone say coffee?  What can I do for you today?"

"Yeah hi, can I talk to someone about handing in my resume application?" I held up the forms, "I heard you guys are hiring."

The guy beamed, god how can someone smile so much? "Sure thing! Just follow me, and we can talk in my office!"

Oh far out, this guy is the manager. Go me.

The office was located right at the back of the shop; it was small and cluttered with picture frames and pieces of paper that were thrown around. Right in the centre was a small desk, containing only a phone, computer and a picture of two guys. One appeared to be the manager and the other appeared to be a relative or a friend. They looked to be close. Happy.

The manager motioned to the chair located in front of the desk. I slowly sat down, buying my time to talk and interact. "So my name is Gerard Way, and I am the manager here as you could probably tell. What is your name?" Gerard asked, extending a hand for me to shake. I hesitantly took his hand, making sure to turn my wrist inwards so he doesn't see my stain -  as far as he should be concerned it's under my many layers of clothing. 

"Chandler Smith," I introduced myself. 

I saw Gerard's face pass an expression of recognition, "is that from Friends?" He asked, excitement laced in his voice.

I sighed and smiled slightly, "you bet it is, my mother loves Friends. She even named my brother Ross after Ross Geller."

"I have a question for you. Are you named after Chandler Bing or Frank Jr's baby girl?" 

I was silent. "I, um, actually have no clue. I think Chandler Bing?"

"He's my favourite character! He and Monica are adorable."

"I've always liked Joey because Joey doesn't share food," I quoted while smiling slightly. 

Gerard smiled back, drowning us into silence. He coughed, "anyway, you're here to apply for a job?"

"Yup," I responded, bringing back my attention to the manager.

"Could I please have your resume and application?" He asked, gesturing to the papers in my lap. I handed them over, and Gerard quickly scanned over them, "why do you want the job?" He asked suddenly, bringing his eyes up to meet mine.

"Er, could be cool? I'm good with people most of the time, and I live close by so I can fill in any emergency shifts, and I can make a mean cup of coffee." I answered. Believe it or not, that last point was true. Yes, I hate coffee but when I first thought coffee was my soul mate I tried making every single type of coffee concoction to try and please my taste buds. No such thing happened, I still hate coffee. 

"A mean cup of coffee hey? Well, come show me then!" Gerard abruptly stood up and darted out the door and into the main section of the shop. I sat in the chair dumbfounded, then quickly followed him out the door to find him standing by a coffee machine, a cup in hand. "Here's the cup, now go! Make me a coffee!" 

I set about making the coffee, screwing my nose up at the horrid smell that arose from the cup. "Here's the coffee," I handed Gerard back the cup and watched as he quickly downed the coffee. 

"That," he started, "was a pretty good coffee. I'm impressed. Alright, I have another question. Why did you apply here if you hate coffee?" 

What? How did he know that? "What makes you think I hate coffee?" I asked sceptically. 

"It's obvious, your nose is screwed up, and you're acting like it's poison. So why did you apply here if you hate coffee so much?" 

I sighed, "fine you got me; I hate coffee. I applied here because the location is convenient. At least you don't have to worry about me stealing the coffee right?"

Gerard chuckled a little at my last remark, "true that. Alright, I have your contact details on your resume. I'll call you tomorrow to let you know if you have the job."

"Wait, what about an interview?" I asked, surely I need an interview, right?"

"Chandler, that was your interview, surprise! I do it to all our employees; it's so they don't get nervous and be themselves if they think it's a simple meeting the manager thing." 

Smart move Gerard, smart move. 

"Alright, I best be going. Bye, it was nice meeting you," I hurried out the door and back to my apartment. I flopped down onto my bed, pressing down on my answering machine to let the messages run.

'Hey sweetie, it's your mum. I am just reminding you that Ross' school play is on tonight at  6. He can't wait to see you! Bye, sweetie!"

"Crap!" I shouted out. I checked the clock, it just turned 5, and the play was at least half an hour away. I quickly got ready and rushed out the door, boarding the bus to Ross' school.

The school was moderately big, donning 600 students in just the primary level. It was expensive, but it was the only nearby school that could help with Ross' condition. 

I hurried into the gym just as the lights dimmed and the play began. 

---

"Hi Ross, sweetie you did great!" I said to him as he came barreling into my arms. He nodded in response, burying his head into my shoulder. I held him at arm's length and smiled "Did you have fun?" I signed to him.

Ross nodded energetically in response, bringing his golden brown curls to bounce on his head. "Did you see my big part? Where I was the dragon and blew flames everywhere? But don't worry Chandler, they weren't real flames, it was cellophane!" He signed back, practically jumping up and down.

I nodded my head and smiled, "you did amazing Ross." 

A/N

Lmao here is the first crappy chapter. What do you all think so far?

Cheerio!