Unknown (Diego Hargreeves x Reader)

10

The day dragged on, each hour clutching onto the clock as if it didn't want to pass. Y/N stared at the clock willing the hands to spin forward suddenly and propel her to the end of her shift. Unfortunately, her wish wasn't granted and she was forced to wait out the rest of her shift.

Fortunately, she had Alex with her to get her through the rest of the day. They stacked the shelves, served customers, watched their hard work get ruined and then did it all again. Over and over again, they ran throughout the store cleaning up messes all over the place.

"Y/N do you ever get sick and tired of just stacking books?" Alex broke the silence.
"Often. But usually I have a song stuck in my head so I'm always distracted." Y/N explained.
"Ahhh yes, constantly singing something. Sarah, without fail, complains about it on our shift."
"Always talking about me behind my back... If only she'd say it to my face. Then I'd give her something to complain about." Y/N chuckled.
"I'm sure you would. But it would probably also get you fired." Alex agreed.
"What would get Y/N fired?" Xavier interupted as he came out from his office.
"If I punched Sarah in the face." Y/N smiled as her boss widened his eyes.
"Yes, I believe that would have to be the last straw."

A nearby customer gave Y/N a harsh look as they walked past the bookshelf. The trio held in their laughs as she left the store. As soon as the door closed they burst into a fit of laughter.

"I honestly don't know how I managed to get a job in retail. With the amount of stupid things I have said to customers, and some of the things they've heard-" Y/N was cut off.
"I know I'm surprised there aren't more complaints." Xavier joked.
"Hey I manage to bite my tongue."
"Most of the time." Alex cut in, putting the extra change in the register.
"You've had your fair share of complaints too mate." Y/N said pointedly.
"Nobody needs to know." Alex hushed her colleague.
"Both of you are a pain in the ass." Xavier spoke over them.

The trio separated and all resumed their posts, Xavier directing customers to different parts of the store, Alex manning the cashier and Y/N being left with the mundane task of stacking bookshelves. Crowds ebbed and flowed throughout the store, coming and going as they pleased, the employees doing their best to answer every question, carefully selecting every recommendation and accepting every donation that came their way.

Sunshine dwindled and morale dropped as the clocked ticked on. Employees had gone home, leaving the shop almost desolate as it prepared to close for the day.

"Another day, another awful shift." Alex smiled, wiping down the tables for the last time.
"You sound like a cliché worker in one of these books." Y/N said as she placed the final book back in its place.
"I know."
"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait Y/N can I ask you to do something for me?"
"You aren't going to ask me to hide a body are you?" Y/N joked, grabbing her things.
"No." Alex laughed, "I was wondering if you could look after Frankie tomorrow. Jem and I are looking at apartments and we don't want them to know. Plus they love you so it would be great."
"Sure I love Frankie."
"It'd just be after school. They'll come here and then when your shift ends you can take them wherever." Alex told Y/N.
"Alex, I already said yes. I'll probably just take them to my flat anyway."
"I'll give you the money for the food-"
"You don't need to." Y/N cut her off, "We'll be just fine. I'll see you tomorrow night then."
"Yeah. Okay, see you then." Alex said as Y/N walked out the door.

Now came the dreaded trek to Y/N's flat.

She had taught herself to evict the memories from her mind throughout the day but now she was forced to face them head on. However, as her final attempt she texted the man she'd been talking to on and off during her shift.

No response. Perfect.

Being left alone with her thoughts was a dangerous thing, especially after everything that happened earlier. At least tomorrow she'd have a distraction to well... distract her. But for now, she was left wandering back to her flat, alone.

The acid in her stomach smashed into its walls as she got closer and closer, each step becoming more and more hesitant. It felt as though the streetlamps flickered as she drew closer to her apartment building.

Turning the corner, Y/N paused for a second. She stared up at the building and diverted her path towards the small coffee shop just next to it.

"Hi, what can I get you?"
"I'll have a hot chocolate." Y/N smiled.
"Ok that'll be $2." the employee said blankly.
"There you go"
"I'll get that done for you now." the employee said through a fake smile.

For a fleeting moment, Y/N had something to focus on. The buzzing of the machines, the bubbling noise of the other customers, the sighs of the workers. All of these things to try and fixate on and yet nothing worked.

Just as her name was called to collect her drink, Y/N received a text.

'You okay?'

No. No she is not.

A/N- Hey! Sorry for the late publish I had loads of homework and had to try and do that. But hey it's here and i'll do my best to stay on track. See you Saturday!
- Dani