Appetite (18+)

Chapter 3: hard-core

I called the agency to let them know I would be taking a brief break to prepare for finals. My clients could always choose another one of the girls if they so desperately needed it. I enjoyed the extra money, but it could wait. School was always my priority and my work allowed me flexibility to focus on my goals.

The grocery store, on the other hand, was less forgiving. Today I had the pleasure of being one of two cashiers helping at the registers during this busy shift. It was understaffed but the managers refused to do any more hiring.

I rang up the next hoard of customers as my mind wondered to all the chapters I would have to re-read. Once I made my way home I would immerse myself in the cases that awaited me. Studying to become a social worker was intense at times. The future pay wouldn't be great but I aimed to make a difference. I wanted to do my part to improve a system that had failed me. Maybe I couldn't fix it all on my own but I would try my best to do better than those before me.

My childhood wasn't ideal and I had made my way through a number of foster homes. No one went as far as wanting to adopt me, so I stayed in the system until I reached legal age. Couples always chose the less damaged of the bunch or the ones that sparked their interest. I never seemed to be a good fit.

I'd never had parents, which is what I reminded myself to lessen the pain of rejection. Plus, the homes weren't always any better than the group homes where I spent the majority of the time. If anything some of us had experienced worse in newer settings.

I shook my head before I drowned in those sets of thoughts any deeper.

I brought my focus back to scanning the items moving on the conveyor belt. I entered a couple of codes for vegetables and other things.

Bringing me back to my task is a voice.

"I'm making pasta for my grandson. He's coming back from school tonight," the older woman in front of me decides to share. Her hair is a bright white, curled with no strands out of place. She is plainly dressed but gives off an elegant feel while still feelings very motherly.

"Oh how nice" I reply and give her a smile. She returns a warm grin back.

"Would you like to purchase some bags?" I ask her.

She shakes her head, "I've brought my own today actually." She hands two bags to me and I begin placing items inside.

"Your total will be $38.47" I tell her.

She digs in her purse for maybe her wallet or a checkbook. But then her head springs up with her big blue eyes widening.

"Garlic! Oh dear I've forgotten the garlic for the bread!"

"Oh-"

"I'll be right back dear!" She tells me before I can say anything. She hurriedly pushes her way out of the line and disappears to find her missing ingredient. This leaves me with a long line of customers waiting.

I turn my head to apologize and thank them for their patience, but I'm left startled.

Behind the next customer that is a teenage boy purchasing a party load's amount of chips, is a very familiar man. From the features visible from my viewpoint, they resemble those from that last shadowy night I had in the hotel. His eyes are hidden behind shades, and his business attire contrasts the casual atmosphere of the store. Yet, I know it has to be him.

His attention maintained on his phone, as he taps away. Same as the boy.

I purse my lips and push my bangs to frame my face. As much as I'd like another encounter with him, I don't want him to recognize me at this very moment. Not with my clammy skim from the lack of AC under the registers or in my baggy work clothes.