what we needed.

| one |

Elena

The cool air of the morning breeze runs through my clothes while on my way to my early shift. A feel a slight shiver but pull my jacket tighter to my chest with my free hand, the other grasping my coffee cup.

I pass other students rushing off either to their classes or maybe even grabbing some breakfast from the campus shops. A light grey cloudless sky sets the tone for what may seem like a gloomy day, but it's days like this that i love the most. I look forward to the days where i watch the rain with a nice cup of coffee. Basic i know.

Running into the cafe, i quickly make my way to the back. I chug the rest of my drink and put on my apron. I tie my hair back into a tight ponytail and reach into my bag to grab my hat. I fish around the bottom of the bag, still no luck with my hat.

"Looking for this?"

I look over to see Theo, slouched on the door frame, twirling my cap in his hand. Theo was my co worker and someone i considered a very good friend. He helped me get a job here when i was in need of a little extra cash after meeting him in my Sociology class. He was a goofy, curly brown haired boy with a lanky stature and had a big thing for retro style. We got along right away and have been pretty much inseparable my entire freshman year of college. He was always smiley and having a good time, which i think is why i like him so much. I need a little fun in what i thought was going to be my miserable life.

I playfully roll my eyes making my way over to him, snatching my hat out of his grasp with lots of sass.

"You're going to make me punch in late!"

I whine while pulling on my hat. He smiles and stands up straight, standing over me.

"Please, the boss loves you. I'm sure being two minutes late won't cost you your job El."

He teases, always making me out to be some goody two shoes that's yearning for my boss' approval. Okay i guess it might be somewhat true. I mock him with a fake laugh while i go to punch in my card.
Theo waits for me at the door before heading out to what we call "the front lines" together. There were more empty tables today, which wasn't surprising considering people were in a rush to try and beat the rain.

"Hey El, can you get that table over there? some people don't know about a garbage can apparently."

Theo pointed out the messy table scrambled with muffins wrappers and spilt coffee. I frown shaking my head at the disregard people have for good manners now a days. I grab one of the towels hanging from a hook above the sink and some cleaning spray, heading over towards the mess. I pick up the muffins wrappers and stuff them into my apron pocket for the mean while. i spray the table and start to wipe it down.

I suddenly feel as though i'm being watched and look up to the table in front of me. A man sits alone with a small cup of coffee in both palms. He stares outside the window, his cup reaching up to his lips as he takes a slow sip from the mug. He looks well kept with a black sherpa jean jacket over top of a dark grey turtle neck. His dirty blond hair is a kept mess and frames his strong facial features.

I catch myself staring for a little too long and shake off my wondering thoughts. I walk over to the garbage bin and throw the muffin wrappers into the bag. I get back around the counter, washing my hands and getting back to completing orders.
I notice after an hour or two the man i thought had been watching me still sat at the same table, with his drink finished but was now reading the news paper. I felt a jab to my shoulder and look over to see Theo smirking at me with a tray of cups in arms. I bump my hip into his side with a small smile. He laughs off toward the sinks to clean the mugs.

I look back over to the strange mans table to only see the mug and paper left. The front door swings open and my eyes look over to see the man walk off, his hands in his pockets and an unamused look on his face. He disappears out of sight i go back to my work, slowly forgetting about it as my shift went on. I leave the cafe and head to my classes, finishing the day fatigued. My last class ended around 7:45 and i head out the door of the building to walk home. It had rained all day and it wasn't stopping now. I pulled my hood up and rushed my speed to avoid being totally soaked. It was somewhat dark out now but i was use to walking home late and was usually always pretty safe. I feel my phone buzz in the pocket of my jacket, pulling it out and placing my hand over the screen to shield it from the rain. A text from Kora, my roommate.

Kora: Hey i made some stir fry for din din, i left you some it's just in the fridge! see ya in a few babes.

I smile at the sweet message. Kora was always taking care of me. She always made sure I never went to bed hungry, even when i had late classes. I always called her the sister i never had and that's what she was. I introduced her to Theo a couple months ago, and we became a pretty tight trio.

Me: You know you don't need to do that! But i can't say no to your cooking. Be there soon.

I hit send and pushed my phone back into my pocket. It suddenly started to down pour which caused me to have to start running toward my residence building. I reach the door, swiping my card in the slot, the door beeps and i get the green light to enter the warm heated building. I turn to look out the glass doors to see the rain pouring down without mercy.
I smile to myself but start to notice something. I squint my eyes to try and look past the blur of the water droplets on the glass. I swear i saw someone standing a little ways a way from the building in the distance. I shrugged it off, feeling a little creeped out but decided to move on to getting something to eat.

I run up the stairs, reaching my floor and opening up my room door. I close and lock it behind me heading toward the kitchen. Kora comes out of her room sitting at our dinning table filling me in on her day as i heat up my food. We chat while i finish my meal and I curl up in her bed, starting to watch some episodes of The Vampire Diaries.
I wasn't sold on it at first but Kora convinced me to give it a chance. She said that I have to watch it because "the main character has the same name as you" which apparently means i should like it. We watch a couple episodes and Kora falls asleep. I shut off the TV and crawl out of bed, getting into the shower. I have a quick rinse, brush my teeth and change into one of my favourite baggy hoodies. I plop down instantly onto my pillow. I feel myself start to dose off and let sleep consume me. The last thing i thought of was the strange man the cafe, wondering who he was. I didn't get too deep into thought before i was completely out.

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that was chapter one!! chapter 2 and 3 are in the works and will be out soon xoxo!
-jewels