Not So Different

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: things going south

I launched out of bed with wide eyes, taking in my alarm that was indicating a time way pass when I was supposed to wake up.

Dammit, I knew that sleep was too good to be true. It was already fifteen minutes later!

I had the most fabulous dream where I had all my favourite food in the world in front of me like a feast fit for a king. All of it was in an infinite amount as far as the eye could see, and it was all mine! It stretched far and wide, heaps after heaps of delicacies and dishes, all for my ultimate consumption....and I woke up.

It was the worst of killjoys! I absolutely hated it when people messed with my food.

Pushing the duvet to the side with a groan, I threw my legs over the edge of the bed and hissed when my feet touched the cold floor, but I had no time to complain and zoomed towards the bathroom. For that morning, I decided to skip the shower as I was already late and brushed my teeth while combing my hair, doing this as it saved me some time and proved to my mom that I can damn well multitask if I put myself to it.

Back in my room, I sighed a breath of relief when I saw the clothes I put aside for school before I slept yesterday. This saved me loads of time. Usually I was too lazy to make decisions at night but thankfully I did last night or else there'd be another headache today.

Speedily, I pulled on my ripped pair of black jeans and a spaghetti strap tank top, tucking it into my pants messily. Then I slipped my arms into my light washed denim jacket and wore my strappy flats to finish the look.

Taking a brief glance at the mirror, I grabbed my bag and flew out of the door. On my way, I took a quick stop to the kitchen and picked up a container of strawberries from the fridge, and off I went.

I took a swift left turn that would bring me further away from the school, deciding that I needed coffee if I wanted to function properly after a bad morning. After another turn, I found a parking spot and got out of my car, opening the doors for a small modest café that sold the best ice almond milk latte. Thankfully, there was no queue and I placed my order, before taking a seat at one of the empty tables to wait.

"Rae!" a voice chirped from behind me and I smiled when I recognised the voice. The little boy that ran up to me and snuggled into my embrace was none other than the grandson of the lovely woman that ran this establishment. "I haven't seen you in ages!"

I giggled and ruffled his hair, "nonsense, Ricky. I just came two days ago and I saw you then."

"Two days too long," he huffed, crossing his arms and blowing a puff of air that caused his fringe to fly up. "Besides, I missed you."

Ricky was four and still in elementary, which had a slightly later time for first period compared to high school. So usually, he would wait in the store until it was time and his grandmother, Elaine would bring him there. His parents mostly worked so Elaine took up the responsibility of a parent and raised him.

He was one of the joys of coming to this place, as he was always able to brighten my dull mood with a whiff or two of his childish charm, and those warm hugs. A toothy grin was presented to me. "Awh, I missed you too Rick."

"Now Ricky dear, are you harassing my customers again," came another familiar voice and I smiled a bigger smile. "What have I told you about behaving- Oh Rae, it's you, how are you dear?"

"I'm good Elaine. This little rascal here was just keeping me company," I said to which Ricky giggled to, hiding in my shirt. My order was called and I reluctantly pulled him away, "sorry kid, I have to go," I mumbled sadly when he gave me those beady eyes, "I'm already late but I promise I'll came to visit again soon."