In Plain Sight

Chapter Two

Waves of customers continued to pour in moments after opening. Each person was eager for their first sip of that morning coffee. The shop hummed and buzzed as the crowd continued to talk or give orders. Seats filled without effort as the line began to stretch towards the door.

Luna stays busy at the register, each customer receiving a warm hello before she took their order. Harlow stood behind her, making each cup of coffee with care. She would then call out for the customer, giving a brief but heartfelt goodbye. The pair continued in sync, never once having a customer wait more than ten minutes for a large order.

As the sun began to set, fewer and fewer customers entered the store, allowing Luna and Harlow a moment's rest. Luna glanced at the clock as she finished bussing her last table, rejoicing as she read six o'clock. The clock continued to tick, nearing closing time.

"I would definitely like a drink tonight," Harlow announced taking off her apron.

Luna looked on at her friend, noticing the increasing darkness of the bags under her eyes. Being understaffed for four years was beginning to take its toll on Harlow, showing a bit too soon.

Luna could remember when Harlow would throw parties at the lake until dawn. Or how she would threaten men three times her size who had dared make a smart comment towards her. Although that may have been in high school, Harlow no longer retained her fire. Instead of going out, Harlow concerned herself with the responsibilities of the store.

"You and me both," Luna sighed, her feet beginning to throb.

Unable to hire any type of staff for the store the two-faced the responsibilities of the store alone. Although Humans may enter the shop, working there was out of the question. Their business was already illegal, exposing a Human to magic would only add to their charges. Hiring Witches was out of the question as well. Covens are still considered illegal as well. Any gathering of Witches, working or not was a direct violation of the authority of the Council.

In truth, running the small shop wasn't a hard task, but it was demanding. Having Luna's mother around made it easier. She would worry about bills, inventory and almost everything else. Luna and Harlow were able to run the front of the store with ease, opening and closing each day. But now, the two were lucky to get their inventory orders faxed in on time.

"If we didn't have to go the store I'd say go for it," Harlow said, stocking another bin of clean mugs.

Luna gave out a defeated groan. Luna was again reminded of how their lives were now dominated by nothing more than work. She shook her head, wondering how she had allowed the two to end up as nothing more than a pair of common workhorses.

The pair finished their shifts, locking down the store for the night. After finishing their routine clean up, they finally began their way to the store.

Stepping out in the frigid air of New York caused both Luna and Harlow to shiver. They hurried down to the bus stop, preparing themselves for the small journey ahead. Reaching their stop, they continued, making their way down a series of alleyways. They walked side by side, both being careful not to stay out of sight Humans.

"I don't see why you can't aren't growing half of this stuff," Harlow mumbled as another gust of cold wind swept around her.

"I do," Luna reminded her, "But someone said I was taking up too much space with my useless plants! So now I haven't planted anything new."

"They are stupid plants," Harlow shrugged, burying her face into her scarf.

The two slowed down in pace as neared the dead end. Although magic tools were not illegal, selling them out in the public, was. Not only did you give a Human access to magic, but you also revealed yourself to them. Two birds with one stone, as The Council put it.