Aurora (#1)

t w e n t y - n i n e

The time between Christmas and New Year's day went by too slowly. I spent most of my days either working or studying for my exams. I cut myself off from my school friends, whose constant barrage of messages I ignored. By the time New Year's Eve came round I was tired and all I wanted to do is put my feet up with a nice of cup of cocoa.

"Rori, we're having our New Year's Party tonight at the café, are you up for it?" Enrique asked, as I worked an extra shift

"You want me to work right." I smirked.

"Yes please. I'm taking my girlfriend out for our first New Year's together." He said sheepishly.

"Okay fine. But you owe me."

"Thank Ror. I owe you big time." He grinned at me and kissed my cheek before rushing off to pick up his girlfriend. I laughed, shaking my head before helping Rosa to organise the café for the party. At around six, guests started arriving and the drinks began flowing. Sure it wasn't as big as a bar, but the crowd were quite well mannered and respectful of the café property. Half an hour before midnight the café had suddenly become busier with couples making their New Year's special. I was just placing more pastries in the display cupboard when the bell on th counter rang.

"How can I hel..." I stopped dead.

"Hi Rori." Christian grinned at me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked fiercely.

"I ran away from the New Year's party my parents were holding. It was kind of intense. I don't deal with rich people very well." He said.

"You thought I was another rich bitch a few weeks ago. What changed?"

"I did. But that still doesn't mean I can stand the hawk like eyes of a rich cougar, and their snobbish daughters." He shuddered. I laughed at the mental image he had planted in my head. I continued to place the cupcakes on the shelf.

"So how are things with your father?" I asked, not stopping my work.

"Good actually. I showed him my apartment."

"What did he say?"

"He was surprised I could get an apartment under a different name. But he was impressed with my work. We spent the afternoon talking and I cooked him some food and then he was called into work." He sighed.

"Hey don't be sad. It was progress. He hasn't exactly quit his job yet, but at least he's trying." I said.

"I know, but I wish he tried more."

"Baby steps Christian, baby steps." I grinned. "Was there anything you wanted or did you just come and find me to annoy me?"

"Oh I just wanted to see you."

"Well you've seen me now can you go? You're kind of in the line." I smirked.

"Well they can bloody well wait in the line." He said.

"Sir are you going to order something because there is a line building up and we don't want to pass the last minutes in a line." Some customer demanded.

"I'll have a large triple chocolate hot chocolate topped with hazelnuts and caramel drizzle with white chocolate chips and brownie crumbles with a raspberry swirl." He ordered.

"One mocha coming right up." I smirked as I typed his order into the till.

"But that's not what I ordered," Christian whined.

"You don't have a choice." I slammed the coffee on the counter.

"Thanks for the tip babe." I winked as I took the ten dollar note from his hand. "Next customer. Hi what would you like."