More Than A Game

Chapter 3

Standing behind the counter of the local cafe, I watched as rowdy costumers scattered in and out of the fairly large building. I sighed as yesterdays events swept through my mind as I began to tamper with the bow of my apron.

I felt guilty, because I knew I keep pushing away Brayden, the one person who I was closest with, maybe even closer than my own mother and maybe my tantrum yesterday proved how selfish I could really be. I have always believed that I would be over my insecurities and emotional outbursts since the night of the attack but for some reason, it has only been now that those awful memories have affected me in ways I never thought it would. I'm thankful that he has always been by my side but there are times when I deeply worry for him and his sanity.

Ever since the attack, I always seem to be pouring out my emotions even though I was a witness in the terrifying night. So how does Brayden seem to be coping when he was thrown into a vicious game of life and death a couple of years ago.

I could hear noises growing louder as I began to get more fidgety with the bow on my apron. I wasn't sure what I would have expected from it or what the outcome would have been from the action. My thoughts suddenly began distracted as loudly footsteps come across from the front of the counter. I looked up and examined the costumer. Then it suddenly hit me; the costumer who was handsomely tanned man was no stranger to me, it was actually Chad. I could feel my cheeks warming up as I tried to think of something smart to say.

"Good morning sir. Welcome to Cafe Crystal... Hey. Aren't you Chad Wingard?" I nervously asked. 

"Good morning dear, yes I am..." He paused as he examined my face. For reason I felt stupid, what if he didn't remember me. A smile formed on his face as I could feel my hands beginning to sweat. He quickly looked at my name tag and then at face once again.

"Carmen? I remember you from the other day when I bumped into you at the football ground. How's Brayden?" 

Brayden. These words made my heart beat heavily as I remembered the argument I caused yesterday but forced a smile to my face.

"Yeah, Brayden's doing fine. Still recovering from his win yesterday but is doing great, thank you for asking."

"And how are you doing dear?" 

How am I doing? I am torn and damaged inside. I am suffering more than the actual victim of an attack. Just recently, I have various amounts of emotional outbursts and am concerned about how Brayden is mentally.

"Yeah, I'm good thank you." I sighed. "So how may I take your order Chad."

I glanced over Chad's shoulder to see a women with short, red hair staring suspiciously at me. I quickly glanced back at Chad who began explaining his order to me. As he handed me the money, he walked over to the table that was at the back of the cafe. I smiled knowing that somehow by luck I crossed paths with him once again. The woman with the short, red hair walked closer towards the counter.

"where is my damn coffee" the woman hissed at me.

"Good morning ma'am, welcome to the crystal cafe. How may I take your order today?" 

"where is my damn coffee woman? I TOLD you my order about a couple minutes ago and STILL you're standing around pestering everyone with your lazy attitude." she hissed at me. The smile off my face disappeared. Who was this lady to question about my work ethics. Sighing, the woman angrily explained her order to me.

"No, sorry ma'am. I haven't got that order today. Are you sure that you didn't ask one of the other workers?"

Again. the women just stared blankly at me as if I was the one being confusing towards her. I was becoming impatient and wondered if I should call the manager or one of the other workers. I ignored that thought because I didn't want others to be involved in my own problems. I moved a little closer towards the counter as I stared the women into the eyes.

"Listen. I don't know if you realize, but this is a public place. I don't think anyone including myself has time for your pathetic games. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?" At this point, I was beginning to yell as I could feel dozens of pairs of eyes staring at me.

Without the warning, the women sharply slid her arm over the counter pushing various items towards me. I gasped as the women tightly grasped my arm. The items smashed onto the ground. People began rising up off their seats staring at the situation in concern.

She looked at arm which featured a scar which is a permanent reminder of the night of the attack. The women then looked up at my face with a look of fear. What was happening? I kept pushing away from the woman's grasp but she wouldn't seem to let go. My arm was beginning to feel numb and I wasn't sure if that was because I was fearing for my life or memories of the attack on Brayden rambled through my mind.

Suddenly, I could see Chad rushing over. The woman turned around and looked at Chad then slowly brushed her fingers off my arm. I let a deep breath out as I looked at my hands which were shaking uncontrollably. Looking up, I found myself staring into Chad's eyes. 

"Carmen, are you alright? Do you want me to get or do you need me to get you something?"  he was sincere and that was kind of nice but right now I felt confused, really confused. I couldn't speak and even if I tried the words wouldn't come out. 

Chad explained to the costumers that there was an emergency and the cafe was going to be closed for a while. I don't even know if the manager would be alright with but I shouldn't care. What was up with that lady with the red hair. I sighed.

"Chad, what about your..."

"Hey, it's alright. Let's just get our mind off coffee. Come, sit with me. I'm feeling a bit lonely." He let out a sincere smile.

"Alright." I anxiously mumbled back.

I sat on the chair as I watched Chad take a seat. I felt bad. I knew he had better things to do then to worry about how I was. He probably had training to get on with. I relaxed my hands the table hoping it would make me feel better. 

"Listen. You don't need to worry about that lady. People are sometimes bizarre. I understand how you feel. I just want to ask you one thing, are you sure you're alright Carmen?"

Chad placed his hands over mine. I looked up at him and stared into his wide, brown eyes. My heart began to race. Somehow, all those anxious feelings I had suddenly disappeared. I wanted to move, but for some reason my body wouldn't allow me to move a muscle. I guess Chad must have realized what was happening as he glanced at my our hands meeting. I quickly pulled them back.

"Oh. I... I'm really sorry. I shouldn't...I maybe...I think I should go and get that coffee for you." 

I pushed back the chair and began to make my way to the counter. What just happened. Chad was just trying to help me and see if I okay yet here I was making myself look like an idiot. I tried to make the coffee as quick as possible and then made my way towards Chad, who seemed to be a little annoyed. 

"I'm sorry the coffee took a while. There was an issue with the coffee machine."

I stood there, wondering if he was mad at me or mad at our awkward encounter before. I wanted to say something but thought it might make matters worse.

"Sorry Carmen, I really have to go. Ollie keeps texting me about an important training session. Wish I could stay longer but the he doesn't sound too happy."

I handed him his coffee as our hands met once again. My heart beat rapidly, why did this keep happening?

"Are you sure you're alright? I can get someone to give you a lift or something?"

"No. You go do what you need to do. It was nice to meet you again, good luck with training."

He gave me a sympathetic smile before thanking me for the coffee and then walking out the door. I sat on a chair. The shop was empty but I could still feel the costumers presence around me. Why did I get this kind of anxious feeling around Chad? Maybe, I should just stop complicating things or maybe I should stop approaching everything so simply?