The Runaway

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

We drove up to the small, tiny cafe. It was at the end of the street and had a beautiful ocean view. Mrs Cross parked the car a block away from the cafe. Alighting, we leisurely strolled towards the cafe.

The environment was rather calm. The cafe was more deserted than I had expected. When Mrs Cross said she had a cafe in the middle of nowhere, she had really meant it.

I tugged at my sweater. It was warm outside, certainly not a sweater weather.

As we reached the entrance, I opened the door for her. She signalled for me to follow her inside the kitchen and I did so. I noticed several old couples, groups of friends and a few individuals enjoying the quiet and comfort of the cafe. The exterior had made the cafe look small. As I stepped in, I realised how spacious the cafe really was. Indeed it was small. But the decoration and furniture gave off the illusion of big cafe.

It was themed back to the 1950s. The furnitures were all either made of wood or brown. They contrasted with the cream coloured walls. There were huge burgundy couches at each corner. They seemed so comfy that I could envision myself falling asleep on them. Along the right wall of the cafe was ceiling high shelves which had a variety of books. Mostly old and vintage.

There were probably 10 to 15 round wooden tables spread evenly and spaciously around the cafe. Some had two seat while others had four. My eyes roamed to the ceiling where I realised it had been painted to appear like the inner roof of a brick house. There were lamps hanging from the ceiling above every table, giving off the right amount of brightness.

I whistled in awe. This cafe definitely gave me the vibes of comfort.

As I stepped into the kitchen, I realised just how calm yet busy it was. Everyone seemed busy yet relaxed somehow. Some were keeping a careful eye on the roasted chickens and baked potatoes while others were chopping away at carrots and baby corns. I walked over to where Mrs Cross had stopped.

“How do you like the cafe?” She asked, a look of pride in her eyes.

“It’s amazing, really. Wish I had known this place earlier.” I replied truthfully.

 "Glad you’re like this place. That’s important. Afterall, you will be working here for the next few week or months even.”

I smiled as I took the black apron from her. On in was a pocket which had my name embroidered on it. Around the chest area was the name of the cafe - The Inner You.

I felt myself thinking about the name and realised how fitting it was. The cafe brought out the inner positivity in me and the other customers who wore smiles.

“I’ve decided to put you on counter duty. It’s simple really. Get the orders of our customers and later, you will serve it to them. You would have to make the drinks though. The kitchen is in charge of the food. Drinks like coffee, frappe etcetra etcetra would be done by you.”

I nodded and took the white towel from Mrs Cross. That would be easy. Hopefully.