Arisen (On Hold)

Chapter 2

I currently reside in a rustic but modestly chic apartment; with an open plan living room and dining area built upon warm antique wooden floorboards, with large sweeping windows looking out over the town and a large wooden bookcase in the far corner of the room, a basic but bright and spacious kitchen area with central breakfast bar, and my bedroom is the perfect shape and size for space and comfort with a view overlooking the park.

I thought it was going to be different, it felt special and like it was meant to be with my last family, Vera and Blake, but alas it was obviously not as they left me by myself at the hospital after my incident and I haven't seen them since. I started remembering less and less about them after the accident; as with the memories of my many other past families, they have faded to vague details and experiences now. So, I decided then and there that I wouldn't rely on anyone else but myself again. I have been on my own ever since, I ran away and took care of myself so as not to get hurt again, or maybe I deserved it, perhaps I was just a terrible child and no one wanted me, maybe I had this coming and should've been better, but there is no point living in the past, I have gotten myself where I am today and I'm proud of what I have accomplished. I am now an independent 24 year old with a Degree in Anthropology and working in different placement positions towards a Masters, whilst working at a local café round the corner in between for a little extra money.

I head to work like any other day, the ground is moist with the previous night's shower but today is clear and fresh with a promising hint of it turning into a beautiful day. The bird's chirping sends a feeling of well wishes while the local cats look on with hunger and curiosity. A few streets away, there on the corner lies a quaint little rustic café, that is far bigger and more open inside than it appears on the outside. For a small one-off family run business it is very popular and busy, many of the locals are regulars here and the place never has a seat free. The layout of the café is very quirky and unique; it opens into a small shop with a old fashioned glass counter, behind the counter top is a tall antique wooden apothecary used for leaf and herb storage paired with a similar bookcase with a similar usage, to the left of the counter there is a modern coffee machine and hot water boiler. If you then follow this counter around the corner to the left and through an exposed brick archway, you will find distinctive bookcases of different sizes filled with various reading material for customer use. And finally, that leads on to randomly spread out tables and seating areas that comprises of the serving café area.

"Morning Nyah!" I hear repeatedly throughout from many of the customers and even the owner, my friend's mum. "Good morning everyone!" I respond cheerfully as I make the rounds with our friendly regulars.

"Oh Nyah dear, how is that paper of yours coming along?" Asks Mrs Browne.

"It's taking time but I'm getting there, thank you for asking. How're the grandchildren?"

"Oh they're growing up so fast. Henry is starting school next week."

"Aaawww that's wonderful! I'm sure he'll have a wonderful time." I say as I smile warmly at her and give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "And how is your new hip working for you Mr Miles?"

"Well it's not my own and makes me feel older than I am but I'll get used to it I suppose." He states while scowling to himself. "Of course, you will, and it'll work better than ever." I offer reassuringly with a hand on his arm as I pass by. "Thank you dear."

"Hi Emelia, how're the sketches coming along?"

"Argh as painfully slow and terrible as ever." She chunters out with disappointment filling her eyes.

"Are you kidding me?! These are all so amazing and creative! Where do you even get these ideas? You're just too much of a perfectionist, that's your problem!" I chuckle while I admire her work. Emilia is an aspiring cartoonist and she's been working terribly hard on a comic strip she's entering into a competition for the chance to win an internship at the most popular and modern studio in the city. Emilia is a very intense young girl, polite and friendly but oblivious to other people's emotions at times, she is very focussed and controlling but fiercely loyal. She wears shoulder length dark auburn hair as unruly as the perfectionist in her, but with deep calming almond coloured eyes that care about everything they see.

The rest of the day passes uneventfully for the most part, except from there being more stray cats and dogs hanging around outside than usual and an old gentleman that was here all alone my entire shift solely drinking tea and occasionally watching the customers and staff. My shift passes by quickly and uneventfully, every week there is around one or two new customers that discover the café and later become regulars, but this week there are far more than usual.    

Picture from hallofhomes.com