Aster

Chapter 20

SAREN'S POV

I rolled over, turning my alarm off. It was Monday, the start of the week, and my first day back to work.

I told my boss I wanted to get back as soon as possible, getting my life back in order.

I crawled out of bed and headed straight towards the kitchen. I fed Louis, smiling when I heard his little tags jingling. I grabbed a glass out of the cup cabinet and filled it up with water, gulping it down.

I made an easy breakfast, cereal. After I finished eating I went into the bathroom to take a shower. I hopped in the shower, the warm water hitting my back. I got my hair wet and began washing it, massaging my scalp. I continued the routine of my shower and getting ready.

I was ready for work by 8am, my shift starting in thirty minutes. Since Louis was still a puppy, I arranged for him to stay in the play center at work. I grabbed my keys and bag, and hooked Louis to his leash.

Within a few minutes we were walking into the office.

"Good morning, Saren. Nice to see you back and working," the lady behind the desk spoke.

I didn't know her name, so I just smiled and waved.

I took Louis to the play area the went to my locker, putting my apron on. I took my spot at work, watching the clock tick by.

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"Excuse me miss, can you help me find something?" a voice asked, bringing me out of my thoughts.

It was now about ten, and it had been a very slow morning.

"Yes, what do you need help looking for?" I replied, taking in notice of who I was talking to.

He was a young man. He was somewhat tall, with tan skin, and dirty blonde hair. He had brown eyes, and a few freckles on his cheeks.

"Dog beds."

"Okay, let's see they're," I began, but stopped. To be honest, I didn't remember where we kept them.

I started to look around, trying to see if I could find them. To my luck I couldn't.

"Are you alright?" He asked me again.

"Um, I'm afraid I don't know where they are," I replied, my voice cracking at the end.

Gosh, I can't do anything! I can't do my job. I can't remember. What's the use in trying?

"It's alright, that can wait. Do you want to talk? You seemed stressed," he spoke softly.

I thought about his offer.

"Sure?" I answered, but more coming off as a question.

"When do you get off work?"

"Eleven," I replied. Since it was my first day back, they gave me short hours. Usually I'd work 6-8 hour shifts.

"I'll be back then to pick you up. We can do get coffee or something. Sound good?"

"Yes, that would be nice. Um, what's your name?"

"Jack. And you?"

"Saren."

"Well, I'll pick you up later for our date," Jack said with a smile.

"Date?"

"If that's alright with you?"

"Yeah, that's perfectly fine."

"Great, see you soon."

"Bye," I replied waving. He waved back and walked out of the store. Only then did I find the dog beds.