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I open the door to the shop, causing the tiny bell above the door to ring, signalling the barista, and I walk in. The place is booming, customers trying to get their morning coffee before work. The shop is filled with business people in matching suits carrying briefcases. Anyone who wants a coffee at this time in the morning is here.
I spotted the help wanted sign in the window as I shut the door behind me. This would be a great place to work! I walk towards the counter. I squeeze through the crowds of people standing and gossiping about their plans for the upcoming weekend. A small, dark-haired girl who couldn’t be more than nineteen wipes down the countertop. She looks up and notices me walking towards her.
“Good morning. What can I get for you today?” she says with a smile.
I look over at her name tag pinned on her coffee-stained shirt. Alana.
“Good morning, Alana. Could I get a cappuccino please?” I ask, while rooting through my bag for my wallet.
“Sure thing, ma’am. Anything else? We have a special for the muffins if any of that peaks your fancy,” she says, signalling towards the display case.
I follow her motion to the case and looks inside. Sure enough, about ten different muffins are laid out with tiny labels stating what they are. My mouth waters at the sight of them. They do look delicious.
I turn my head to look back at her.
“No, thank you. I was just wondering about the help wanted sign in your window. The one I saw as I came in?” I point over my shoulder towards the window.
She looks me up and down, as if judging me by the way I look. I find myself following her gaze, making sure I look okay. Okay, are you going to say something?
“Yes, we are looking to hire somebody immediately! We could use the help.” Alana says with a smile.
“Can I get the job? I need the money, and it can help you out as well. I don’t have much experience in this sector, but I am willing to learn on the spot and do the best I can!” I say enthusiastically.
“Sure thing, honey. I have no problem hiring you if you have what it takes. I will get the job application form for you, and you can fill it out over there along with your coffee.” She points to a table in the corner. “You start in one hour.” Holy shit, that’s fast.
“Thank you,” I give her a wry smile and approach the table.
I sit at the table and wait for Alana to bring my form and coffee. People nearby start to look at me. I can feel their judgement, just like everyone else’s. I get it, people. I have weird hair and weird eyes. I can’t fucking change it!
I lean my head on my hand and let out a huff. At least getting the job was easy. I didn’t think she would offer me the job on the spot like that! Now, I can finally make a plan to escape the hellhole I call home.
Alana suddenly appears, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Okay. Here is your coffee and the application. Oh, and here is the apron. We will get you a name tag during our lunch break. If you have any questions about the form, please don’t hesitate to speak to me. If you can’t get my attention, leave the question blank, and we will figure it out later.” She places everything on the table.
I look at her with wide eyes but smile. “No problem. And thank you again.” I say.
She raps her knuckles on the table. “Don’t forget you start in an hour. That is when the breakfast rush starts, and I need all the help I can get during that time, especially because it’s Friday.” Alana rolls her eyes. She claps her hands. This is going to be fun!”
She gives me one last smile and then walks back to the barista bar to serve the gentleman patiently waiting at the front of the line.
Okay. Filling out an application form should be easy; I’ll answer it as best I can.
Application form.
Name - Calliope Matthews
Age - Nineteen
Address - 1361 Lakeside View
Date Of Birth - 18th July
I continue scribbling down the rest of the form, filling out as much information as possible. I put the pen down and take a sip of my coffee. Mmm, hazelnut. My taste buds dance a little happy when the coffee hits them; it’s almost as if they anticipate its arrival. I should cut down on the coffee, though. I heard that caffeine can cause sleep problems, and I don’t need any more problems with sleep. I have had enough of that as it is.
As I reach the end of the application form, Alana made her way back over to me. Oh god, has she changed her mind about hiring me? I hope not. I need this job. I sigh and wait anxiously for her to approach me.
“I managed to grab ten minutes, so I thought I would come here and ask for your name. I forgot to ask you for it, so I can go and make the name tag now if you’d like.” Alana laughs.
