The Silver Six

Part 4

"Oh, sorry!" a baritone voice exclaimed. "I wasn't paying attention."

"No worries," Cassie said lightly, stepping back.

Allen looked the man over curiously, noting the brown apron he wore and his lean, athletic build. Upon glancing at the man's features, he was taken aback by a bright shock of orange curls that nested on the man's head, accompanied by a smattering of freckles and bright eyes.

"Allen, this is Jamie, the new worker I was telling you about," Cassie said quickly, motioning to her new co-worker.

Jamie flushed at the scrutiny and shoved his hands into his apron pockets.

"Hi," he said with a pretty smile.

"Uh, hello," Allen replied, raising a few tired fingers off the counter in greeting.

"Anyway," Cassie said, clearing her throat, "I need to get Allen's order done so..."

With that she slid into the kitchenette, leaving Jamie and Allen awkwardly behind.

"So," Jamie began, stepping forward, his amber eyes bright. "Is she always super talkative or am I just special?"

Allen blinked, slightly wishing that the dashing redhead would target someone else for questioning.

"Cassie is a bit of a chatter-chest, and up until now she has been doing work alone, so she's probably taking her energy out on you," he said slowly, pressing his knees against the side of the counter.

Jamie cocked his head, a few stray curls bouncing across his forehead.

"Chatter-chest? You mean chatterbox?" he asked.

"Yeah, that," Allen nodded, slightly embarrassed at the small mistake. "I'm starting to think English isn't my main language."

Jamie let out a small chuckle, easing Allen's nerves.

"I feel that."

At that moment, Cassie returned with a warm bacon and egg sandwich nestled next to a glazed donut. At Allen's expression, she chuckled as she set the plate down.

"We bought the donuts from Krispy Kreme," she whispered, a mischievous grin on her face.

"Oh my god, Cassie!" Allen exclaimed in surprise. "Does Ben know?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. "So keep quiet about it."

"Got it," Allen replied as he took a bite of the pastry.

"Lemme get your drink," she said, spinning towards the back counter and the rows of coffee makers. 

Jamie watched intently as if trying to memorize every motion that she made during the process of pressing buttons on one of the machines, even though it was a simple coffee. When she finished, she set the mug down next to Allen and hurried off to serve another customer, motioning to Jamie to get in the kitchen and do something. With the two gone, Allen quickly finished his supper and swallowed down his coffee, grateful for the boost of energy that the meal gave him. Giving Cassie a quick wave on his way out, Allen returned to his car and drove home, his thoughts occupied with Cassie's new coworker. 

He wasn't sure what to think about Jamie. He was handsome, that was for sure, and friendly. But Allen didn't want any more friends than he already had. Cassie was enough, and that was only because she was too extroverted and stubborn to let him be friendless. That and she didn't mind him coming in after a long week and forgetting every conversation they had had that week. She was cool like that. But Jamie... He wasn't too sure. 

After all, what would happen if they did become friends and then he came to the coffee shop with no memory of Jamie? It had happened twice with Cassie, and she had been angry the first time and freaked out the second. Even after he had explained things she had still been disturbed and a bit offended. He wasn't about to risk getting close to someone else after everything he had to go through to be friends with Cassie. 

I'll just have to make sure I don't talk to him too much so he doesn't think anything of it if I show up for breakfast confused as to who he is.

His mind made up, Allen continued on home, now occupied with thoughts of how wonderful a shower and sleep would be. When he finally got back to his apartment and parked his car, the boost from supper had already worn off, and he yawned as he unlocked his door. Making his way back inside, he kicked off his shoes and threw his dirty clothes in the hamper before taking a quick shower, surprised at how much grime was still on his hands. After drying himself with a towel and brushing his teeth, he threw on a pair on pajama pants and collapsed into bed, exhausted. 

Maybe tonight I'll sleep well. He hoped, curling up in his blankets.

***********************************

"Don't flinch so much Allen," a gruff voice was saying. "It's just a needle."

His hands shook as he saw the line of needles and vials on the table nearby and clenched his jaw. Ten down, thirty more to go. At least it was less than last time. It wasn't fair. No one else had to get as many shots as he did. 

"Relax," the voice ordered, closer this time.

Looking over, Allen saw the white coat and gray hair. He shuddered. 

"I said, RELAX! This is harder with you flinching! If it misses your muscle and it hits an artery I have to start over!"

Allen bit his lip. It was ok. Luna would fix him. Luc would help him forget. It was ok. He wouldn't have to do this forever. Soon he would be just like the others and he wouldn't need to do this anymore. It was ok. Another needle pierced his skin. He sucked in a breath. It was ok.