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Word count: 2887
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Payton
I take a deep breath in to calm myself as I chew my nails. I know it's a rather disgusting habit, but I can't help it. I suffer from claustrophobia and being surrounded by others on the subway doesn't help my anxiety in any way.
I stop chewing and reach into my woven shoulder bag, pulling my phone out. It's handmade, I made it and my phone? Is hardly expensive.
It's touch-screen, but other than that, it doesn't do much. You only read need the basics which is the ability to text and call. I've never really wanted anything more in a phone except for taking a half decent photo or selfie should the occasion arise (which it never does) and if the mood to listen to music, strikes me? An Ipod Nano will do, I have that in my bag too. As my hand is resting in my bag, I feel my phone buzz so I pull it out, trying not to drop it as the train-car jolts around slightly and so do the other passengers, bumping into me slightly.
Ah, don't touch me, please! Just hands off of me! But I'm far too polite to kick up a fuss out of a situation that can't be helped though. My phone buzzes again. I see two messages from the same number and open it. It's my boss, he is a really nice old gentleman, due to turn at-least 64 this year. His not far off retiring. He runs one of the franchise coffee stores chain in my city, but his not the boss of the whole operation.
I bet he wish he did though!
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Morning, Payton
It's Carl, how are you? Are you on your way?
Just checking in with you as we're due to open in around 45 minutes. Kathy, Grace, Miranda and Ben have already arrived here. Don't feel like I'm rushing you, but I just want to know that you're on your way.
Love, 'Grandfather', Carl
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I lower my phone and stifle a laugh. H is such a sweet old man, really cares about us all. His not any of us's, grandfather, but when you become old, everyone's your child as far as you're concerned. We all love him even if he can be an old fart, sometimes... I shoot a message back.
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Morning, Carl
I'm on my way, just stuck on the subway.
- Payton
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I see his typing back.
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Okay, thanks for letting me know. Are you okay? I know how you have such horrible anxiety. Remember, I have some of your spare meds in the first-aid kit so if you need them, they're here for you.
Did you take your average dose this morning, though?
- Carl
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I message back.
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I took them and I think I'm okay. Thanks.
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He's sending me yet another message.
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Okay, okay. I just worry though about all of you, you're all like my kids, you know? My stinking kids don't visit me and neither do my grandchildren as they 'don't have the time.'
YOU ARE READING
The Last Performance (Hybrid Chronicles Spin-off)
RomanceA city named, Sully has teamed up, forging an urgent alliance with another city. Crescent-Port, close by with each-other and both closed their gates, not allowing anyone outside access to either of them as there has been conflicting and distressing...
