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“Where are you going? It’s 7:30 in the morning,” she says, pointing at the clock on the wall.
I look at her and shrug. “I’m going to work. I told you yesterday that I got a job,” I state, folding my arms. Please don’t fucking argue with me this morning.
She looks at me with daggers in her eyes. “Well, whatever. If you must leave and go to ‘work’, then go. I won’t be held responsible for the repercussions when you get back.” She waves me off with her hand.
I nod my head and walk towards the toaster. I grab two slices of bread from the bin beside it, plop them in, and push the lever down. This shit better hurry up. I walk over to the fridge and grab the butter. I look towards the clock on the wall. It’s 7:45 a.m. I’m going to be late!
The toaster finally pops up, and I grab my toast. Holding a knife from the drawer, I open the butter and lather it on the toast. I quickly toss the knife into the sink and put the butter back into the fridge. Placing the toast between my lips, I quickly head for the door. Hopefully, I make it before Amy starts in on me again.
I let the door slam behind me as I rush through it, not caring that Amy hates it when I do that. I shove my toast the rest of the way into my mouth and semi-run down the street towards town.
As I round the corner of the street the coffee shop sits on, the sky opens up, and it starts to pour. I should have brought my umbrella when the weather said it would rain today. Phew! I made it just in time. The clock on the wall shows exactly 8 a.m. as I walk through the door.
The bell above the door chimes, announcing someone walking through it, and the sound brings me joy. I’ll never get tired of hearing that. It makes me feel wanted. Like I have a purpose in life now. I spot Alana over by the coffee machine, fiddling with the top of it. She must be putting a new filter in. She did show me how to do that yesterday, but she must have a spare five minutes before the shift starts.
I walk towards her, getting ready to apologise for being late, and she looks up and notices me. Oh no, here we go. Did I mess this up already? Have I lost my job? Alana shuts the lid down on the coffee machine before grabbing the rag next to her and wiping her hands clean.
“Hey, Callie! Are you okay? You look a little under the weather.” she says, walking towards me with a smile.
Can she hear my thoughts? Maybe she can see the sweat dripping down my forehead. Perhaps she can hear how fast my heartbeat is going. It is beating so fast that it might explode out of my chest any minute now.
“I’m fine. I was just worried I was going to be late.” I say, noticing the clock on the wall: 8 a.m..
I sigh as my head falls into my hands.
Alana looks at me, concerned, “You’re not late, Callie. Your shift doesn’t start until 8.30 a.m., remember? It’s Saturday. It’s not as busy today, so you start a little later than usual.”
I raise my head at her, and she smiles. I pull out my phone and check the date. Sure enough, it’s Saturday. Phew, I was worried for no reason. I let out the breath I didn’t realise I was holding.
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I’m sorry, all my days are merging into one.” I sigh with defeat. I should take it easy.
Alana smiles and puts her hand on my shoulder, comforting me.
“I think you just need a good night’s sleep tonight, but for now, it’s almost 8:30. Which means the work shift is about to start, so let’s get to it. Maybe it will help keep your mind preoccupied?” she says.
You have no idea of the struggles I have deep within me. Suffocating me.
“Okay, let’s get started,” I say enthusiastically.
The bell on the door rings, letting me know that the first customer has walked in. He approaches the counter and gives me his order: a large, white espresso with milk. I get straight to it. It may only be my second day, but I know what I am doing. This day will fly through—there is no doubt about it.
I head to the coffee machine, grab the appropriate-sized to-go cup, and place it under the nozzle. I find the button that says White Espresso and start it. As I wait for that to finish, I return to the customer.
“Is there anything else you would like today, sir?” I ask sweetly.
He looks at the muffins and cakes showcase, debating whether to get one.
“No, thank you, darling. Just the coffee is fine,” he replies.
“Okay, no problem,” I say, typing his order into the register. “That will be £2.50, please, sir. Whenever you’re ready,” I added.
He reach into his pocket, pulls out two £1 coins and a 50p coin, and hands them to me. I take it and press the button on the till, and the drawer opens. I put the money in and shut the drawer again.
“One moment, sir. I’ll grab that for you now.” I say as I head back to the machine.
I grab the coffee and head back to the counter.
“Here you go. Have a great day!” I smile at him.
