06 | The Part Time Job

"So this is where you want to work?" Ryan looks at me suspiciously when we reach the Dream Bean Coffee Shop.

"I guess so. Obviously, if they are kind enough to hire me." I say with a lopsided grin.

I step out of the car, clutching my purse to my heart.

"Breathe Rose, breathe..." I self-motivate myself as I look at the other applicants sitting cross-legged in a row. I asked Ryan to stay back in the car and I instantly regret it now. Maybe he would have dragged me out if I pass out of nervousness. I take a seat and try to divert my mind.

Dream Bean Coffee Shop is a perfect place for caffeine lovers. It's matte green interiors are glistening with the golden rays of the sun making their way through the colored glass panels.

This cozy place stands in the hustling city with swarms of people passing by. Sometimes this is what life does to us, we fail to sit back and relax. This place is oozing with rich music, the aroma that will wake up your senses and peace even after a number of people coming in and going out every minute.

The walls are a darker shade of green with quotes written in beautiful calligraphy.

Stay caffeinated!

Life happens but coffee helps!

My birthstone is a coffee bean!

These quotes make me chuckle and grab the attention of people nearby me. After seventeen years of existence, I am used to not hope for a 'decent day'.

Now it's my turn for the interview, so I try to walk gracefully. With the mercy of God and my ancestors, I am able to reach on my two feet in the small cabin, labeled as 'Office'.

There is a woman in her mid-40s, I guess, with a welcoming smile on her face sitting on a big leathery chair.

"Welcome young lady! Please have a seat." She smiles at me.

I sit on the seat cross-legged and it's kind of making me uncomfortable already.

"Oh, dear! Please don't be so formal. Sit the way you like. By the way, I'm Maria."

I think I like her already for her frankness.

"So, let us begin with your introduction."

"I'm Rose Drew, a high school student at Fall High School...."

"Oh, that's great! My son enrolled there too." The proud smile on her face reminds me of Mom. I miss her so much. "So, do you have any experience regarding this job?"

I know I don't stand a chance. I have been a caffeine addict since time immemorial but the coffee I make isn't the kind to be served here.

"No..."

"That's great!" She claps her hand.

"What?" I look at her openmouthed.

"More than a Barista, I want a trainee. There is not much work to be done around for me so maybe I can train you."

This is the first time when I find odds in my favor. Under the table I pinch myself, just to be sure that I'm not dreaming. Without delaying any further, I gladly accept her offer.

After a brief talk and paperwork, I am hired.

I. Am. Hired.

"Here's a packet of some cookies I baked this morning. Take it with you."

"Thank you so much, Maria...."

"Duh... Don't get mislead by my age. I am still sixteen at heart." She laughs while I notice that familiarity in her, "Your shift starts tomorrow. We are going to be a great team, Rose!"

She gives me a high five. She's going to be the coolest boss to work with.

"I am looking forward to it too."

***

Ryan is sitting in his car, fidgeting with his phone. I thought he left already, but he was waiting for me all this while.

These little gestures fill my heart with awe and gratitude. I mean it's always easy to win over a girl's heart. Isn't it?

Okay, maybe there might be some exceptional cases but c'mon I fall in the category of girl who gets insanely happy at the smallest gestures!

I knock at the window with a sad face. Ryan looks at me and within a fraction he's out of the car, standing by my side.

"Did it go well?" Concern masks his beautiful face.

"No.." I drop my head, trying to hide my smirk.

"Oh, girl! Don't worry." He pulls me into his giant bear hug.

After Aaron, he's the first guy who is holding me in his arms and it's not intimidating. I rest my cheeks against his chest and then take a step back.

"Well, it didn't go well actually VERY WELL!" I shout out loud.

"Congratulations!" Ryan pulls me into another hug. This time it's tighter almost squeezing me.

His phone rings, pulling us apart. When he looks at the caller ID, all of the happiness is gone. Beads of sweat form at his head and his body stiffens.

"Hello, yes? Chloe!"

It's a girl...

"Yeah, hold on. I'll be there in a minute." He ends the call and turns to me. "I am sorry Rose. I need to leave. "

I simply nod and stand for several minutes after he's gone. With my purse in my hand and cookies in another, I walk clumsily all the way to Aaron's house.

I feel left out. First Aaron now Ryan. For once can I be made feel wanted? Desired? Craved? With clouds of questions, looming over my mind, I reach my destination.

To my utter surprise, the door is unlocked. I push it open and the view is enough to make me cringe.

A naked girl lies sprawled across Aaron's bare chest, tangled in a blanket on the sofa. I drop the cookies on the floor, grabbing their attention. The girl sits upright, clutching the blanket to her chest.

And guess what?

She's not any of the previous girls. She's a brand new fuck buddy of Aaron.

I don't care if my eyes give away my thoughts. I look into Aaron's eyes full of hatred and disgust. Once upon a time, we shared something special but if he's so keen to keep it this way, then game on, Aaron Abner, watch me!

I keep my purse at the table and then head to the main door.

"You are leaving ?" Aaron inquires in a low voice.

"Yes, I can't interfere with your personal space anymore. " I close the door and stand at the stairs.

I walk down the sidewalk to the nearby park and sit back thinking back and forth about what life does to me.

I watch the sky changing its hue as people do...