The love we take and give

Cap 1

Cap 1

06:37

Twenty minutes until I walk into my death. The hectic streets of Los Angeles, not even the sunrise could make people happy or less stressfree. I looked out the bus window. The sky baby blue and yellow, people making it work. Inside the bus, there were all kinds of people. Everyone from students to women and men in suits. No one bothered anybody else, everyone was in their own little world. Either reading something on their tablet or being on their phone. I, on the other hand, looked outside the window and enjoyed the calm before the storm. Working in a coffee shop wasn't what I wanted to do with my life, but we must make a living. Having the morning shift wasn't fun and I had them almost every time. The bus rides made things a little bit easier and sitting closest to the window was the best.

- Down Town

That was my stop and a lot of people wearing suits. Down Town, the economic district of Angels. The buildings so tall you can't even see the top. The reflection from the large windows, the concrete white so that it's cooler. And it's where I work an eight-hour shift, from 7-15.

When I neared the coffee shop I could already see that it would be a hectic morning. People in suits everywhere with reusable coffee mugs and to go food wrapped in beeswax paper. When I stepped in all I saw was three lines and people on their phones talking. The aroma of coffee was nice, but not well enough for me to relax. I heard my name from a distance and when I looked to the right I saw my very good friend Carolina. She was my co-worker too and the opener of the day. That was the worst, you had to get things sorted and done. The rush hour had only begun but it seemed as if she was about to give up. She held mugs and plates, trying to clean up for the other customers. I greeted her with a side hug and hurriedly made my way to the staffroom, where I put my apron on and tied my hair up to a ponytail. After washing my hands I went to the counter. Carolina was just done with a customer when I told her to take a break, she thanked me and went to the staff room. I looked at the time,

06.58

I would officially start in two minutes, I took a deep breath and glanced to the side. The queue wasn't as long, but still, it was rush hour. I greeted the next customer and made their order.

For the last two hours, all I had done was work. No brakes, my manager was both strict and easy going with us. At times she would let us leave earlier, but the pauses were not that long. I was sitting in the staff room, drinking a glass of water and reading my history book. Even if I didn't go to school I was planning to finish my exams and getting my diploma. My studies got interrupted by Carolina putting her phone on the textbook I was reading. She pointed at it and it read:

"Our young Prince Charles has yet again made headlines, but take a second guess. It's not for the reasons that you believe. News coming from the Royal Palace this morning, the reliable sources said that they (royal family) would be hosting a selection. For those how are not aware of the selection, it was a way for the monarch to find a wife or husband. We haven't had one in generations. So this came as a surprise, according to the sources the government has accepted this move made by the royal house.

But now, for the part, all of you have been waiting for ( I'm talking to you girls). The selection will take place in a couple of weeks, but the entering will already start today. You might get a mail in the mailbox or an electronic mail to your phones. So all the young women at the ages of 18-22 this might be your lucky day, so pamper yourself up and sign in to the selection held by our handsome Prince Charles.

P.s
There will only be 35 available slots, so good luck and Au revoir, till we see you next time"

I looked up at Carolina and she was smiling and jumping up and down. If it weren't for the situation I have would have smiled a long. She noticed my lack of enthusiasm and asked me what was wrong.

"Nothing, it's just that this is pointless. They could spend their money on something good. It's not like they do much, I mean the government does all the work. Them having a selection it's just useless. If they want to tame their spoiled son then just cut the funds off. That guy literally is only on the news when he is drunk and that's every weekend." I said with a sight and continued reading my textbook.

I saw from the corner of my eye that Caro sat down. I glanced at her and she still wore a smile but it was more content.

" You could enter Kat, you're gorgeous, smart and kind. Any guy would be happy to be called yours. And this is a one in a lifetime thing. We haven't had one in like almost 100 years or something." She got interrupted by me when I closed my book.

" You know I can't just do that right. I got my family to think about not chase after some guy who I don't even know. " This time it was my turn to get shushed.

" Well, Kat darling" she joked " If you would let me finish I hadn't told you what the benefits were. Starters you would get a big fat check from them, then you could also finish your exams there. And last but not least the experience. Even if you don't win you would be able to change your life and your families' lives forever. "

After her long speech on why I should go, I realized that she was right. I would probably get more money by participating than working here. But I was getting ahead of my self. The chances of me even entering were so low that this whole conversation was just a far fetched dream. Then I asked her the question that was lingering in the back of my head.

" Why don't you enter, why do you want me to enter?" She laughed at my question and simply just answered with " Kat, you are so oblivious at times. I'm putting my feelings on you. I have Ricardo, I won't leave my boyfriend of two years for this. But you, my friend, you can take my place instead. " she ended with a triumphant smile. I, on the other hand, was just chuckling to her behaviour.
" So my dear friend, could you do this favour for moi? Por favor?" She pleaded. She gave me the innocent dog eyes.
"Fine, I will enter," I said with a sight. Caro wet back to the cafe because our boss called out for her. On her way out I said under my breath " As if I will even be accepted".
To my surprise, Caro responded with " I heard that"
I chuckled and gathered my things and put them in my bag. With that being done I went back to work at the register.