I Am Where You Are | Mystical Flowers#1 (Ongoing)

Chapter Four

I opened my eyes to warm sunlight falling softly through the window, the rays playing across the room. The twins were sound asleep, looking angelic in the sunlight with their blonde hair and soft features, that made them look younger as they slept peacefully.
I got out of bed carefully, so as not to wake them and walked out of the room, shutting the door softly.

I got dressed in my work clothes, which were quite untidy from having worn it for so long. I only had two of these, because there wasn't enough money to buy more. I looked at myself in the mirror. My dark hair was tied up in a top knot. It should've looked sophisticated, but it just wasn't the sort of look that worked for me. I had on a white blouse that had a few stains here and there from serving customers all day, but it didn't look too bad. My skirt was black and stopped just above my knees. I also had these black shoes and white socks on. I turned this way and that, deciding that I looked presentable enough and walked out the door.
The cafe was just a few blocks away from our cottage, and I walked briskly, trying to ignore the attention I was getting. Passers by were looking at me curiously, taking in my clothes and messy hairstyle. I was used to this kind of attention by now. Not everyone around here opted for the job of a waitress, but I had gladly taken it when the manager had told me that he would pay me well if I worked hard. The cafe was small and cozy, just the sort of atmosphere I liked. There were tables outside as well as inside, and the bustle of busy customers filled my ears.

I walked into the cafe though the back door and was greeted by nods and smiles, which I returned. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to find my best friend grinning at me.
"Hey. How are the twins doing? They're alone at home aren't they?", she asked, concerned. I nodded, putting on my apron from the table next to me. "They're fine. I wish I could keep an eye on them at all times, but I have my job to do. They'll be fine at home, don't worry", I said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Lisa, they're just kids. They're not even old enough to take care of themselves. How can you just leave them alone at home like that?." I smiled at her. Heidi loved the twins, and they loved her just as much as she loved them. She'd come over to our cottage a few times, and was delighted to have met them.

"The twins are stronger than you think, Heidi. No harm can come to them. I know what I'm doing, trust me." I looked at her when she didn't reply, and saw her tucking her red hair behind her ears nervously. I looked more closely, and realised that she was avoiding looking in my direction. I turned toward her, and held her shoulders tightly.

"Heidi? What is it? Is everything alright?", I asked. She looked at me, her blue eyes shining.
"Yes, everything is alright. It's just....there's a new employee joining today. The manager said that he would be working here as a waiter from now on. We were all so eager to meet him. The manager called him over yesterday, to introduce him to us. He walked in and oh my god, Lisa, he's gorgeous. He looked almost otherworldly. I wish you'd met him."

I tried to pay attention to what she was saying, but my thoughts automatically drifted towards the boy I'd seen in the woods yesterday. Just thinking about him made my heart race, and I placed a hand on my chest and closed my eyes. Just then, Heidi tugged at my blouse and whispered, "He's here."
My eyes fluttered open and I stood still. I could hear voices around me, everyone talking about the unusual boy who had just entered the cafe. I looked at Heidi, who was staring at the door with a dreamy look in her face. "I'll just be a second", I said to no one in particular, and walked to the back door to open it.
Just as I put my hand on the cool metal handle to open the door, I felt the metal twist from the other side. The door opened and I almost fell backwards, but someone grabbed my hand before I could fall, pulling me towards them.

I looked up to see his face. Those green eyes pierced into mine, expressionless. They were filled with life yesterday, but today they were just empty. His hand was cool against mine. We looked at each other, and I felt that same strong connection from yesterday pulling me towards him as if he were a magnet. His eyes gave nothing away. His hands stayed on mine but he looked away. "Are you alright?", someone asked. I blinked and realised that the voice was coming from him. He looked at me blankly. I didn't know what to say, so I nodded, looking down at his hands on mine. He followed my gaze and seemed to realise that he was still holding onto me, and hastily released his grip on me.
Heidi rushed towards me, concerned. I noticed that he had quietly slipped away into the sea of workers in the kitchen. "Lisa, are you alright? Thank god he caught you", she said, hugging me. I looked at him from afar, taking in his strong yet slim body and white hair. No flowers today. He didn't look back. I tried not to think about him, and walked to the kitchen door that lead to the counter. I placed my hand on the handle and before opening the door, looked at him once more. He was talking to the cook, trying to learn about everything that he should be doing. I turned away and pulled the door open.