"Bzzzzz" my alarm rang "zzzzz...it's 6 o'clock.."
I pulled the sheets over my head. I was having a good time in bed and didn't want to wake up. These are the moments someone ruins my sleep.
By someone I mean my alarm. Buzzy the bee. He buzzes when it's my time to wake up. Pretty obvious. I grabbed the pillow and used it to cover my ears. I seriously didn't want to wake up.
Silence filled the room. Phew! I can relax now.
"Bzzzzzz",my alarm rang again.
"Oh!", I whimpered.
"Why is it Monday already?",I sighed covering my ears even tighter.
My alarm must have snoozed and started ringing again after a minute. I set it to a minute. I know how annoying I can be when it comes to waking me up so I made buzzy more annoying so that I get up anyway.
"Prim!", my aunt Vanessa called my name while continuously thudding on my door.
"Get up prim....I know you can hear me, you'll be late for work... " she said and left. Aunt Vanessa,of course I can hear you..I just don't wanna wake up. I thought to myself.
I seriously need to get rid of this problem. I got up,reluctantly and went straight into the bathroom.I was fixing my face when I saw the time on my mirror. I had a clock it my bathroom to make sure I spend exactly the time I planned to spend in the bathroom on that particular time.6:30am twinkled my clock. It's a digital clock.
"Oh My God", I gasped. I was thirty minutes late already. I supposed to be at work by 7:00 am sharp.
Each and every morning am supposes to produce an income-outcome balanced sheet for the restaurant. I am supposed to check with the accountant if the prices and money were balancing.
I was supposed to do the same with the head brewer before giving it to my boss,at 7.
Luckily, I balanced everything last night, no wonder I slept late. I just have to check with the required personnel and am good to go. I am an in charge waitress at Tweetsz' and delights. A very well known coffee shop in town.
Mostly because of the coffee I make . I make very good coffee. Hold the applauses for later.
I took a quick bath. Streamed through my uniform;a red golf shirt with our logo on my left breast and a budge with my name on it ,I must have forgotten to take it off and a white skirt. I were my hair in a ponytail,as per the rules unless it's short.
My boss didn't like long hair. He didn't want customer complaints of hair strands in the coffee. He ordered us to cut it short but let us keep it after we promised to keep our hygiene. I can never imagine myself in short hair.
Seriously. I love my long white curls.
"Prim!", aunt Vanessa called from downstairs. We lived in an apartment. Houses had bad memories for me so we rented them out so that we have enough money to pay for our rent.
"Am coming ",I screamed. Quickly grabbed my bag and not forgetting my file ams a two minute spray of my favorite perfume Viva la Juicy with white rose extract. I have another with emerald rose extract.
Another with pink rose extract. I sure do love roses. I just find it amazing how they make each type of rose stand out to show us what it can do. Variety! and the beauty it spreads. I raced down the stairs into the kitchen were my aunt was.
"I'm here",I gave a delighted cheer. She narrowed her eyes at me and looked the direction of the door. I turned around and saw my boss's car.
"What is he doing here?", I asked full of fright. Why would my boss come to my house? He's never come before. I guess there's surely a time for everything.
"I'll see you aunt..",I walked toward her and gave her a peck on her soft cheeks. She had baby-butt soft cheeks and I loved pinching them.
"What about breakfast?", she asked "You still have five minutes before seven"
"I'll have it during lunch", I smiled as I opened the door and got out. Seriously, why would my boss come to my house? I nervously walked toward his car straight to the driver's side. One look at the driver gave me a total shock. It wasn't him. It was his driver Tony Martin.
"You scared me",I laughed.
"I know....I did the same to Lizzie last week", he said motioning me with his head to get in. I walked around and got in.
"You good?", he asked starting off.
"I guess...", I replied sinking in the fact that it wasn't my boss who came to pick me up. I never want to imagine what it'd be like if he came. I'd be professional talk all the way and probably a little awkward twitches too.
"I ruined your morning...",
"Oh yes", I laughed it off. "I didn't have my breakfast... "
"Shall we stop somewhere for a snack before we proceed? Maybe.....FOODIES???", he asked. That was the famous French restaurant it town. Nowadays, the government has really loosened up. A lot of infiltrators and foreigners had taken a lot of our space already and are building a lot of developmental foundations here in the city. They have taken the upper hand over us the initial residents and are now acting as though they own the country. This is slave trade in broad daylight. Unfortunately, the have already fed the superiors and there's really nothing someone of us can do. Being the voiceless sometimes sucks. All times to be precise.
"I didn't know you can be a gentleman too", I teased him trying to bring in a conversation and forgetting about the current affair crisis.
"Being a gentleman is more than opening the door for a lady you know...more than holding the umbrella for her when it's raining...",he said the last part looking at me. For some reason I was also looking back at him.
When you hear a gentleman taking about gentlemanness. I know that's a word I just made up but I know you know what I mean. There's really more to being a gentleman than what we assume. Tony was right. So right....
"So much more than giving her a lift to work....",I added trying to bring a twist making him to question if at all he was a gentleman. I felt awkward somehow and pretended to cough.
"...so shall we stop?..", he asked restoring peace to the kingdom and of course pretended to not have heard me. I bet he sensed the awkwardness I felt after the eye contact and the silence that followed and how I broke it by asking a question that questioned his morals.
"No, it's okay ",I jumped in quickly "I do have some.... work to do....when I get to work", I patted my file.
"Oh....work...", he sighed in agreement.
"I know",I agreed leaning back on the chair.
When I was a little girl I always fancied work when I saw my sister's passion for what she was doing. Now that am there, I've realised its all about devotion, dedication and passion. It really needed a taste for all these for work to be fun and beautiful.
Just like how my sister made it see.
She made it seem as though you don't struggle at all....just a ride on a wide open sleigh on a snowy Christmas eve. I took in a deep breath and repositioned myself on the passenger's seat. It usually takes me less than thirty minutes to get to work but it feels longer today...
"So....I heard you got a promotion last week?", she asked. Bringing into discussion another topic. He didn't seem like a fan of silence. One after another stories popped out of his mind. As if he's always had them and he's found an opportunity to finally pour it out.
"Yeah...",I replied "Am the waitress in charge now" I explained closing the door so that questions don't creep in.
"Y'know what, you should visit my place and make me coffee some other time", he suggested looking at me again. I didn't look at him but saw him do it from the corner of my eye.
"Umm....you can come to my place for coffee if you'd like...",I chuckled.
I don't like visiting people at their places. Let alone males. Worst of all Tony,my boss's driver. He wasn't bad but yeish....just out of my league. This is the first ever clear conversation we've had; if at all its even a clear conversation and he's already inviting me for coffee. I just hope he's not cooking up anything mischievous. I don't trust men. It takes a lot for a man to earn my trust. A lot. That's why I always prefer they visit my place since aunt Vanessa is there and she never let's me go to my room with any random guy even if I call him friend. Unless it's something serious that would require us both to go there.
"No...you should come to my place", he insisted "have you ever been to the Virginians? That side of the town?",he asked making a sharp turn to our work place.
"Er...", I began cooking up a lie in my head and looked at him. He raised an eyebrow and lowered the other with this I-know-you-havent smile on his lips and as though he had defects or lesions on his facial nerve.
"No I haven't..... ",I cluttered. I was relived when he stopped in the parking lot and stopped the engine. Relief run through my veins. I quickly unfastened the seatbelt and twisted the nob opening the door.
"Great...then it could be a chance for you to come check it out and make me some coffee",he smiled convincingly. I wasn't falling for it though. I opened the door about to leave but he grabbed my hand "Please Prim...a cup won't hurt", he muttered bringing my whole body to total surrender and yet seconds ago I was in this 'no retreat, no surrender' attitude.
"Um...okay ",I gave up." I will some time",I said taking his hand off of mine and going out of the car. OhMyGod! I can't believe that happened. Good thing we're here now. Who knows what that ravenous beast would have done to me with it's words tearing me apart fibre by fibre? I climbed the stairs into the shop and opened the door. Quickly rushed to the accountant's office and placed the file on her table opening on the right page.
"Am so sorry am late", I quickly said putting the file on her desk "Am so sorry"
She gave me a sharp look that left me confused on whether it was just me being late or something else was up. "Yeah,you better be sorry",she growled. Natasha and I never really got along. For some reason she just hated me. She always shut me out. I know am the good one here. Am not trying to escape the responsibility but I know very well...she's the one with beef.
"Am so sorry I slept in....it won't happen again", I assured her. Trying to fake a smile too. This is totally not me. She logged onto her computer,confirmed everything and gave her signature.
" I am a lady Primrose.... I have my tricks too. We both know it was more than sleeping in that made you late for work..",she gave me this weird smile which I didn't know what it meant at the same time gazing outside the window. I had no idea what she meant. I couldn't help but look outside the window like she did. I wanted to understand. I saw Tony getting out of the car. That's when it hit me. She thinks me and Tony are a thing. She must have seen me getting out of the car. OhMyGod! this is bad. I know Natasha and her schemes. She turned a normal story into a big odd fat joke. She smiled and folded her arms around her chest. Typical. I got angry. How could she think that?
"For a smart lady....", I began taking the file from the table so that by the time I release the bomb I'll be gone with the effect still in this place.
"..... You have quite a dirty mind", I smirked and left her office. I didn't even look back to see the expression on her fase. I knew I had killed her. I am a nice person but once someone takes advantage of my virtues,I show them that sometimes I can be a full load of dynamite so they better be careful.
I went to the in charge brewer, did the same and left the file with my boss's secretary. He usually comes later during the day. I went and turned the cardboard on the door from CLOSED to OPEN to show that we are open. I went into the kitchen ,put on my apron and started arranging everything so that work gets easier. Nowadays we're getting a lot of customers since it's sorta pre-winter and you can already feel the chills. Work gets so demanding all at once and it is so exhausting. So preparing in advance is really very important and it helps counteract the pressure...well somehow.
"Hey girl", Lizzie greeted from behind me. She's one of the people I work with and also my good friend. My bestfriend, my girlfriend... all those words.
"Hey you ",I smiled back after putting on my oven proof gloves. I put the butter into the baking trays and placed it in. I needed it to melt for my cappuccino special.Espresso in hot cocoa and butter toping. I've never tried it. I just thought of it.
" Smells delicious already",Lizzie said boosting my confidence. "I was thinking about a Hazel macchiato..", she added. I gasped in delight. I quickly looked at her "Macchiato with hazelnut ....that's dangerous" "dangerous enough to strike their stomachs...", she winked at me.
Cattelatte is my favorite. Most especially when it's got a flavour of cinnamon not forgetting a ginger scent. That blows my mind. "When are you going to work on it?",I asked removing the tray from the oven and slowly poured the butter in a pitcher. I added my favorite Nesçafe hot espresso into the butter. The espresso is denser and sunk to the bottom bringing forth the butter to the top and spreading a sweet espresso-butter aroma. I added milk heated at exactly 20°. I brought the pitcher close to the cup and poured half of the espresso and the same time bringing the pitcher with milk above the surface of the espresso. I saw the microfoam from in the espresso and I knew it was time to make my design. I loved designing. My mother taught me how to do it. I kept pouring milk into the white form forming circles in the espresso until the cup got filled. I poured the milk through the white circles toward the other side of the cup shaping the circles into hearts.
".... At your service my lady", I offered her. She took a sip and took another sip...and another...and another...until my cup was empty
"We are so releasing this special next week",she declared "can I have another?"
I laughed in delight. I got so proud of myself. I can't believe the world will be drinking my espresso special all over again. It's been a while since I gave an espresso special. I was out of ideas lately so I let it all to the others. "You know Mr McGregg has to taste it first before it's officially a Tweetsz and delights special.", I explained putting the cup away "and yes....you can get another one..."
Just then,the kitchen door opened...
".....you got some customers", Marvin pointed out and left. He's the one that takes the orders and we do the kitchen business at the same time deliver the orders. I peeped through the kitchen window to the restaurant. "Four", I said fastening my apron . "I'll handle table four and seven and you handle six and thirteen" I told Lizzie giving her an apron.
"Rodger that", she smiled and left. Lizzie and I were like the best coffee makers around here. The others were good too but couldn't beat me and Lizzie. They mostly came up with ideas and we would bring them to life. We are the life givers around here. Totally. Not to brag but without us, the restaurant will be as equal as dead.
I took the orders from Marvin. Table four wanted a traditional macchiato with steamed foam while table seven wanted a latte macchiato cortado. Easy. I quickly made the drinks with my secret ingredient included. Love. Everything I make,I make out of love. Not because I work to get money but I work to impress the people with my talent. Sometimes it's good to recognise fun in all the things we do unlike doing them as a competition or as a way to express the pride in our hearts. Let's just have fun....competitions delete the whole concept of fun and you see yourselves striving to beat someone at their own fame only to realise it was actually your game. How paradoxical. I quickly put the drinks on trays and went over to the restaurant.
"Your order.....",I said to the woman on table number four. "Enjoy", I smiled as I left toward the other table at the corner of the restaurant. It was a man who was facing the wall. Seriously? Firstly he's sitting in the corner and is then facing the wall. What is he hiding? The big crazy ex maybe.
"... Your order...", I said placing the tray right in front of him on the table while trying my best to make sure I get a glimpse of who this was. I got so determined to look at his face. The weird man who faces the wall and sits at the corner. I didn't notice my hair pin getting crouched against the picture flame in the wall behind me. I bent my head a little lower breaking my pin letting my hair go loose right straight into my customer's cup. Some of it ran over my face covering me a bit.
"Oh my God!", he gasped. What on earth did I just do?
"Am so sorry....",I quickly said raising my head. Some espresso leaked from my hair and fell on his wristwatch. Another mistake Prim! You are so dead. Say bye bye to that long hair of yours. I told myself.
"I didn't know am that attractive....", he said getting up. What? I was expecting him to yell at me or something to express his anger but no. I must say am happy but what he said simply blew me off. Geez! He thinks he's attractive enough to catch my attention? What a genesis this was....I thought I'd land in trouble but actually it came in handy!
His voice is sorta familiar though. I tried to look at his face but I couldn't since I still had strands of hair covering my face and I couldn't push them away because I was busy drying the tips of my hair that got into his espresso.I felt his hand pushing the strands off my face to right behind my ear. His touch was sensational and soothing that it left my skin cells confused. They couldn't figure out if it was just a normal human touch or an electric contact making them stuck in between flight or calm. This was a moment of total confusion to what was the right response to the stimulus so I just stood there waiting for my brain to decide.
"So.....which way to the manager?",he asked smiling. For some reason I didn't take him seriously. I raised my eyes and looked at him.
I've seen this man before. I just couldn't completely make out where exactly. Oooh! The Graduation at Washington's Palace. We were together on the balcony when he asked if this was my natural hair colour. Pretty odd for a cocky question. When I looked at him he just sorta left without even waiting for a reply to his question. More like ran away; as if I chased him. Maybe I wore a scary expression.
He started laughing and I followed his lead.
"I totally got you", he said taking in some air.
"You sure did",I said out of breath too. It's as if I already knew him and yet I literally had no idea who he was. I didn't even know his name. I didn't have a chance to ask for it last time since he ran away from me. He stood from his chair and smiled at me while wiping his wristwatch . It was a really cool one. A roman numeral numbered watch with an M and J logo in the background. That must be Mark 'n' Jean. The most famous expensive shop in town.
His outfit was very smart. From the look of it you'd tell it was expensive. He was wearing a black T-shirt with a leather brown jacket on top. Black jeans and a white vans to finish it off. He looked really cool. His hair was sparkly and shiny. I wonder what hair lotion he uses. He had brown eyes and well shaped eye brows like those of a woman. Gosh! I have never been so impressed.
I heard his fingers snap. I got scared and almost dropped my tray.
"Still mesmerized?", he asked "..... Don't worry,you'll see more of me now. I'll make sure I come like twenty four-seven".
"Thanks...Look,am so very sorry... ",I said quickly wiping the table after I saw more people getting into the shop. I didn't even realise I said thanks making it seem I'll be happy to see him twenty four-seven. Poor me. I was about to leave when I saw him about to take a sip of his coffee when I quickly stopped him.
"Don't!",I squeaked "....don't drink from that cup...."
"Wow...that was quick....you already care about me", he smirked. I got angry. What was his problem? I am trying to be a good person and all he does is to play around. I showed him a face and he swallowed hard and out his hands in suspense. Now that's more like a good boy.
"Will you make me another cup of coffee?", he asked with a seriously grumpy look now. He must have had problems with his moods. Seriously, people have issues. He acts all black and white but expects me to be grey! Really?! He's been playing around with me lately. Because he's good looking I've decided to swallow my pride but otherwise, he'd have been a flying jatt in less than a second and poof off. So since he's playing childish, I decided to play along.
".....as long as you don't take me to the manager.....", I smirked back and walked to the kitchen feeling like elasta girl while he sat down. Marvin brought in a few more orders and I didn't have enough time to make espresso for my special customer. I looked around the kitchen. Everyone else was busy and I wouldn't refer my other orders to someone else. I had to get done with him and do my other work. I noticed the pot on the microwave. My special espresso. There was still enough left for a cup. I reheated it and quickly put it in a serving cup and rushed to give it to my special customer.
"This looks different",he said putting me off . "Are the hearts for me?". He asked smiling. Giving me life again. Well...somehow....
"Yes",I smiled back about to leave when I felt his grip on my wrist. I stopped and looked back.
"You forgot your tip", he said giving me a paper.
I took it and read it. "Cleopatra, section 4B", I got confused."Your home address?",when did this fashion of giving home addresses as tips begin? I think am really becoming off track and out of fashion...clearly!
"Yeah", he replied taking a sip. "This is good",he complimented. "And who knows....maybe you'd want to stop by and make me some sweet.....Esprêsso",he finished with the last part in Spanish accent. I shrugged my lips making sense of what he just said before I replied.
'Maybe I'd want to stop by and make him some espresso??', Gosh! More of maybe he wanted me to stop by and make him some espresso. I found my way to the kitchen and of course nodding too.
I smiled and left. I handled all the other orders and sat to relax for a bit. Lizzie came and sat besides me. She must have been as weak as I was. I just came like two hours ago but oh my Goodness such work getting to my neck.
"What a way to start the morning",she signed. I totally felt her pain...
"I know...I forgot to take breakfast and am hungry",I sighed after I heard my stomach rumble asking me to feed it. Good thing it was only a few hours before lunch. More like three more of this torture. However, something like that didn't quiet exist here somehow. We always had to work and not to close the shop. Even if it means customers at lunch hour, we weren't supposed to leave them. Our boss was so hungry for money and didn't want to lose even a cent. A complete replica of Mr Krabs.
"Let me make you my new special", Lizzie said leaving for the kitchen. I closed my eyes to relax a bit when suddenly it felt like I was being engulfed by a strong wind coming from the mouth of a gigantic sea monster.
"Primrose!",she started already in an angry tone. I opened my eyes to look at her. She seemed to be ready for another fight. I bet she got some guts after I blasted a bomb in her office this morning.
"We know you have very beautiful hair ...", she began with her hands folded across her chest as usual. Thanks for being honest. That is something you wouldn't' get on silver platter and worst of all from Natasha. "You're not in a fashion contest or a saloon. You're at work. Tie up those curls", she said making a dramatic exit . I was annoyed but glad. Who knows what that boss of mine would do when he saw my hair down. Some blessings come in disguise indeed. I realised I must have forgotten to tie my hair after it fell into my special customer's cup. I made my way to the lady's lavatory to fix it.
I looked at my face in the mirror. Then I smiled
"Why do you have a different glow on your face, Primrose?",I asked myself.
"I don't know..", I replied back. "Maybe it's because I saw some prince charming", I giggled as I imitated how he pushed the strands of hair behind my ear. I can't believe this is totally happening. Am going crazy...I quickly tied my hair and got out to avoid the weird getting weirder.
*****
" Bzzzzzz",buzzy the bee did her job again. This time I was already awake. I was happy that the week had already gone by in a blink. It was Thursday already. The week had accelerated so fast it feels like Monday yesterday. Work has been so good lately, the fights with Natasha as usual. Lizzie and her special. I liked it but it still needed an ingredient to suppress the hazelnut scent and give it a cool macchiato finisher. We still haven't found it yet but we sure will soon. I got ready as early so that I get to work on time. I was getting a half day's leave today since I had to attend my hair tinting class. I got the job so that I'd pay for my part-time class. I never had any dreams like being a manager of a huge company or a doctor,an engineer that wasn't me. All my dreams got shattered and I don't think I'll live that long anyway. I just feel like I'll die soon. This may sound awkward but am just being real. So I want to live my life to the fullest before.....y'know the teriffic macabre show down.
I raced downstairs got my breakfast, kissed aunt Vanessa goodbye and left. I usually walked to work everyday. That's why I leave exactly thirty minutes before seven. I got to work, did my everyday morning routines and waited for customers as usual. Sometimes working in a restaurant is boring. You only get to work when customers are present. If not. You sit around all day. Some days are so tiring and some are so weakening. You get tired of sitting around and start thinking of picking a fight with Natasha.
A customer showed up. Relieved I quickly asked Marvin his order.
"He wants Espresso in hot cocoa with butter toping", he asked confused and looking at the menu to verify if we served that here. "Okay",I replied getting to work. I knew who the customer was. I just knew it. A week gone by and I'd already forgotten about him. Who knew that it wouldn't be me going to his address for to make him some coffee and he'd actually be the one coming back to mine beforehand??
I quickly carried the tray to the targeted table
"Hie", I began driving his attention from his phone to me. He smiled and put it away. Is that an iPhone X? The latest phone on the market? The most expensive phone that cost enough to feed me for years? What a God we have in heaven! Besides, a single crack would cost more than a fortune to repair.
"Hello.....",he replied driving his eyes to my badge. He probably was checking my name."Primrose",He raised his eyebrows. "I really liked your espresso yesterday."
"Thank you very much", I smiled. I love compliments. Like a lot. I mean who doesn't? "It's not out on the market yet...",I explained "It's a special we're putting out next week if my boss likes it"
"He sure will", he assured me. "Take a sit" he offered. I took a sit with no regret at the same time forgetting to keeping it in mind that I was on duty.
"Am Omar....Omarion", he introduced himself. Omar. It echoed in my mind. Omar. Omar. Omar.
"Cool name. I think I should get used to calling you Omar before we both become like little munchkins in Munchkinland, don't you think?",I complimented not knowing what else to say.
"I suppose",He laughed. What else do we say when someone introduces themselves? I had no idea and I got so blank as if I've never been through this before. I tried to keep the conversation going by saying a few nonsensical things although he didn't make it seem so.
"So....Omar.....why did you run away the other day?", I asked leaning my head against my chin on my palm as I rested it on the table.
"We'll talk about that when you come to my place for coffee",he said taking another sip.
"Oh wow", I gasped. "What makes you think am going to come? It's been a week already and I didn't even attempt to", I said looking at my nails and giving them so much importance. Such is life when you're a woman. Such is life.
"Don't sweat it, am a patient man", he smiled exposing his white teeth. I definitely knew it. He was a hydrogen peroxide user. Most definitely. There's no way someone would have natural white teeth like those. Or maybe I was just being modest and jealous? Oh No. Prim is never jealous.
"We'll see about that", I gave him an acid look with a smile on my face to act as a base that neutralizes it. I didn't know why he so badly wanted me to go to his place just like Tony. Speaking of Tony, I saw him walk toward were I was. Oh My God what now? I pretended I didn't see him and kept my eyes on Omar to show him how attentive I was.
"Hie Prim", Tony began leaning on the table with both hands. " So.. When are you coming to make us coffee?"
OhMyGosh Tony! I raised an eyebrow at him. Is that something you ask me when am with someone? Where are your manners young man?
"I ....haven't decided yet", I tried to chase him away.
"C'mon it doesn't have to be an official date-"
"My goodness Tony", I cut him "It's not a date okay...you just forced me to come to your place for coffee",I made it sound bad so he'll leave.
"How about tomorrow?", Omar suggested flaring me up. Seriously what on earth is wrong with men? Doesn't he have a clue that I literally don't wanna be here right now?
"Oh!No-",I denied. "Tomorrow's busy..."
Omar raised an eyebrow at me as if he knew I was lying. "....but I can space", I said scratching the back of my head in total dismay.
"Hear that buddy",Tony shook Omar's shoulder to get his attention "Tomorrow night. Make sure you throw a bouquet because it was as hard for me as you can see to get this persuasive". He told Tony who only smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, I'll see you then;youcanleavenow" I quickly said the last part "Ooh-", Tony put his hand on his forehead "It totally slipped my mind.... Prim,sir wants to meet you in his office",he said while making his exit delighting me as well as putting me off on the boss issue.
"Adiós amigo", I waved at Omar and left. I didn't know what language that was not even what it mean. I was just sure it had something to do with 'goodbye'
Why would Mr McGregg wanna meet me? I hope Natasha didn't spoil the beans. If she did, I was so gonna get her for this. I walked toward the office and fixed myself before getting in. Unfortunately, I was standing outside Natasha's office which is right next to Mr McGregg's.
"He's not gonna ask you on a date",she said while faking a cough. I know that trick but I chose to ignore her and continued what I was doing. I rang the doorbell and I heard a 'come in' from inside. I slowly opened the door and got it.
"Take a sit please",he said kindly making sure I was comfortable.
"How's work?",he asked looking on his computer and typed something. He must have been doing this to make sure am not nervous. I wasn't nervous anyway.
"It's all good",I replied. It was really good. Everything was all good now let's get down to business.
".... how's work after the promotion?", he asked again.
"Like I said...it's alright ",I chuckled. Something was up. Am pretty sure
"It's not too much work? Too much pressure? Nothing of the sort?",he asked giving me all the attention
"No", I replied. I know he was just being considerate but I was getting nervous.
"I've received news that you've been coming to work late",he began.
"From Natasha right?", I asked with an attitude. I knew it. Totally. That woman really always has something up her sleeve.
"What is it between you two?",he asked as if he wanted to know more and help.
"It's nothing really", I excused us. " just these regular lady fights". I answered while looking at my fingers avoiding eye contact.
"Well-Make sure your lady fights don't get in the way of my business.", he explained to me. Mr McGregg is a serious business man. Where there's money there also is his heart. He can't afford to loose any peny. Like Mr Krabbs from spongebob. " I mainly called you to inform you of the conference being held this Saturday. Restaurant owners from across the town are to attend. It's been organized by the National Catering and Food Service. They're the company each year that is responsible to appoint and strike a contract with a business man so that his services can provide food that the NCFS centre"
"Wow", I was amazed. How cool would that be. Working at national level. Getting knows as the best coffee shop nationwide.I loved it but what did it have to do with me? "So. ...what does it have to do with me?", I asked completely loosing it.
"I would like you to come with me", he said folding his hands on his desk and sharply looking at me. At first I thought it was his way of trying to get the response from me but I realised that's just him making me think like a business person.
"Well....me? Why?", I asked.
"I've seen your passion young lady. I've seen your dreams and everything. It's inspiring. And I trust you with my business now. I would like you to be my writing secretary for Saturday. write a schedule for me and we'll go by that on Saturday. I'll send you a sheet of the program so that you plan it based on the program itself. Plus, carry a notepad ..who knows we might learn ideas from others..." he explained. I listened attentively. This is another huge responsibility. My boss's trusting me nowadays and it makes me more proud of myself. He continued to talk for the next five to ten minutes and asked me to resume my work. He told me he'd pick me up from my house at 6pm on Saturday night since it was starting at 7pm exactly. It was for exactly three hours meaning by ten we will be done. I walked out of his office feeling proud. Of all the people he chose me. I was so happy. I wore a smile on my face as I matched out. I was really happy. Really. I served a few more customers and checked in with Marvin and left. Nothing feels good than a half day.
I went straight to my school to attend my tinting class and sorta loved it today.
"When tinting hair, you don't dip the strands onto the tint,what would damage it", my teacher Mrs Morgan began. I paid much attention. Very close attention. I don't really learn for business or anything. I learn so that I dye my hair some other time. My hair is originally reddish brown. I don't like it. It reminds me of my sister Daisy who died years ago so I decided to dye it white so that memories of her are lost to me. I killed them all. I never wanted to have anything to do with them anymore. Me clinging to them would weigh me down and I'd fail to progress to the next level. Constantly thinking of her filled me with fear. I thought I'd become like her and die. Of course we all had to die someday but I've always wanted to die an honourable death not like my sister's. He's was a painful death....one which you wouldn't want to experience. I got teary while thinking about it. She was with me five minutes and lost in the next. I couldn't manage to keep up with that. I just couldn't. It was too much for me..and later it was followed my my mom's death. Hurt after hurt I was. I had become deaths customer. He was used to seeing me escort my beloved to him and he gave me a bonus for that. He said that next time...he'll come carry me himself. No one really needs to escort me lest they become the next target. Hurt after hurt really does bring change in you sometimes. I changed! I didn't view things the way I used to do before. I used to be a timid, naive and innocent little girl. I loved whom I became. I really loved it. It might hurt to change but to not change may hurt even more and I didn't want that happening to me. I had enough pain as it was and didn't want any more. Lost in my thoughts I completely missed half the class.
I asked to be excused so I left and went for a stroll in town. Window shopping often helped me get everything off my mind and refresh for a while. It brought another topic of discussion in my thoughts and I was delighted... Someone's thinking hard. Relationships were meant to be broken. That's what everybody says. But then why do they still feel fresh even if you aren't close enough with those that have left? Because their memories are still fresh right? So I got rid of them. To make sure the relationship completely breaks. Life is surely what you make. I don't want to make my life on memories or anything of my past. I know that the only thing you can never change about yourself is your past ,that's why I don't want my present to choke because of my past pain. Aunt Vanessa is all I have. All I have. Losing her would be losing my life. We've lived together for three years now. I got used to having her around. So very much. She's always been there for me and was almost like my other mother and with her around, I became superior. I walked down the alley getting toward the snack bar.
I got in and sat on one of the chairs.
"One ice cream sundae please", I gave my order. It's been a while since I had one. The waiter brought it and I dipped in while thinking of what else to do. Tony!! I told him I'll visit his place tomorrow....all because of Omar! I was gonna get mad at him but nxah! I'll let it pass. I just had it. I wasn't letting my wild side chase him away. I get crazy when someone annoys me and gets on my nerves. I get wild. The sweet little kitten turns into a tigress. A tigress that's protecting her children in which this case would be my dignity. As angry as a lioness providing shield for her cubs. I only had one problem to eliminate. Tony. I had a feeling he was cooking up something nasty. Something big! Whatever it was ,I was sure gonna get to the bottom of it.
FRIDAY NIGHT
I was in my peplum dark blue dress in front of my mirror fixing my hair. I was finally wearing it down after it's been in a pony tail for the whole week. I decided to straighten it. It's been in curls for quiet a long time. I wore my black boots since it was beginning to snow. I grabbed my jacket and waited for Tony to call while fixing my room. I really felt awkward about all this. My boss's driver? Eww. Nothing can ever get awkwarder. Tony isn't bad. He's young too. He's only 27 and I am 22. Five years difference isn't bad but I feel it deep down my heart that he's not the one.
When two hearts meet, the cosmic moment around them creates sparks which later grow into a fierce fire of love. That has never happened between me and Tony. Besides,we barely talk. Moreover,I feel like he's a flirt. Last week he picked up Lizzie to work. This week it's my turn? Wow..who knows who he'll pick next week? But what the heck? It's just coffee anyway. I'll Pay my dept and hey...we're done. You go your way and I'll go mine.
My aunt Vanessa wasn't around so I had to go downstairs in case Tony comes and no one will be there to welcome him. I quickly locked my room and went downstairs. The living room was a bit messy so I spared sometime to fix everything.
"Ding-Dong", the doorbell rang. I definitely knew who I was. I grabbed my jacket from the hanger and went to the door.
"Hello.....pretty",Tony began smiling with all his teeth out. He was in a tuxedo. I hope he doesn't keep it in mind that we're going on a date because we certainly are not.
"You look good", he began showing me the way out.
"Why are you in a tux?",I asked ignoring his compliment.
"Umm....I just wanted to look professional", he replied innocently. I shrugged my eye brows and followed him after closing the door behind. He opened the car's door for me.
"Tony you don't have to do all this", I let it out. This whole thing was complicated.
" Give it a break,am just being a gentleman",he smirked closing my door and rushing to the driver's to take us out of here. I remembered he told me being a gentleman was more than opening the door for the lady and I wanted to tell him that in order to make him stop this weirdness but I held it in. I didn't want to bring tantrums as first impressions matter. We drove for sometime with him asking question trying to pick a conversation and me going "yeah"," okay" and "uh-huh".
" Am I boring you?",he asked. I think he noticed I was being obnoxious.
"Er.....",I started not knowing what to say and pushing away the conscious that was within me.
"I feel like you think am being a baloney",he continued taking a sharp turn into the Virginia's Colony. The part of the town that is solely owned by the clan of the Virginia. They took up like a large part of the city because their clan was on going and definitely growing too. Tony was one of them. His great granny was a Virginia. I don't know which generation he was from but you can tell from the design of the buildings that this is quiet a thing of the past. Some of the relatives withdrew themselves and lived with their families else where and where considered as rebels by their fellow conservative relatives hence the penalty was to denounce the name. The weak hearted came back but the strong stony hearted stood their ground. I think I would too. Living with family is supposed to be freely done and not after scaring you or trying to sue you for a murder case which you never even attempted to commit.
"Am just uncomfortable with whatever that's happening", I explained honestly. I was really uncomfortable. Besides,I didn't even want to be here.
"Am sorry",he apologized "I'll make sure no one freaks you out at home and you can be your comfortable self"
"Thanks", I smiled after the car stopped in a parking lot which for me was too big for a family but I recommended it after I remembered it was an extra extended family. He rushed to open the door for me. Thanks Tony. I said while smiling at him after he bid me to get out.
"I just want to have some coffee",he said leading me into his house. "Who knows....I might get coffee in bed one day when you become my future missus", he winked at me.
"So that's why you asked me to come for coffee..?",I roared.
"Easy, I was joking", he said opening the door. I was certainly gonna leave if that was the case.
Everyone was sitting in the living room as if something great was gonna happen. The house seemed rather way too full to me. They were almost ten people. Oh No,more than that. And their eyes where all on me as if I was some fairy distributing free wishes. Everyone looked at me with focus and concentration like unto a model walking through judges in some beauty contest. Instantly,my legs felt like pounds of weight where tied to them and I couldn't walk anymore. I prayed I wouldn't fall down for that would just be an awkward situation.
"Prim...",Tony began bringing my soul back to the surrounding. "This is nanny Vanel,my grandmother's mom,and that's granny Pop,her husband" I smiled. Is this a museum or what? The previous fifth generation still lives in here. I began to feel like I was surrounded by ancient artifacts. Besides, the lifespan of our country is sixty ,yet it seems some who are above it are still alive. Impressive.
"This is granny Rotte and these are her children;Roui,Virdel and Shabby.." He said referring to two women and a man sitting on a couch together.I smiled again. "These are my mother's sisters; Tabello, Gazelle and Tristine". I smiled again. I don't think I'll remember all these names by the end of this phase.I failed to memorize my notes in high school and this whole experience took me back. Back to those good old days. He continued by introducing me to the other remaining relatives and we sat and had a chat for a while. Everyone talked about their experiences in life and shared their grieves too. It was really pleasant. Getting to know both reds and greens of life especially from family like now. A family meeting. A family time together. Learning from the elderly who store their wisdom and pour it out when you decide to go draw a cup from their fountain. I miss those moments....the moments I never really had. I got emotional all of a sudden. Tears gathered in my eyes as I remembered how I never really knew who my grand parents where. After my dad passed away,my mother had to return to her home where she raised me and my sister by herself. Whenever I asked her about her parents,she just gave me a cold reply that kept weakening my emotions each time and I just stopped.
"So...when will this pretty girl make us the coffee?",the great granny asked. I forgot her name though I was happy she asked. I'd go to the kitchen and cry all alone.
"Yes-yes", someone agreed. "Let's taste what she's got".
Tony lead me to the kitchen. It was a gigantic room covered in red and white. It felt more like a rose garden full of red and white roses. It was beautiful. Everything was red and white. Literally everything! It actually had translucent flower prints on the walls that sparkled when light passed through them. It was totally to die for. "Whoa", I paused. " this is very beautiful"
"You might rule it one day...", Tony commented.
"Do you have some hazelnuts?",I asked ignoring him again. We just couldn't start this now. Just not now! He was beginning to spoil my mood and I had to control myself before I end up turning this paradise into hell.
"Sure, we have a garden outside"
"Get me some please", I ordered him . I looked into the drawers to see what they have so that I'd be sure of what to make exactly. I wore an apron and started gathering what I needed. Espresso,Milk, sugar and those little accessories. Tony brought the nuts and I pounded them. I mixed them with the espresso and poured it in the pitcher. Added warm water and let it boil at low heat to allow the flavours to blend. I heated the cheese milk and added a bit sugar. I see this place is full of elderly so a bit sugar would do for their health.
A few minutes later ,I took the pitcher and poured it into the coffee cups in the cupboard. I took the milk and filled each cup until it formed form . I couldn't design it because macchiato has to have foam on top. I called Tony and asked him to help me serve it. We carried the cups on a serving tray, went into the living room and distributed the macchiato. I made a cup for myself and sat down to enjoy it. It was good. Really good. I took sip after sip analysing the drink, noticing any mistakes or any room for improvements.I do that each time to make sure I make it better next time. I blended the flavour in my mouth and rolled it on my tongue to reach all angles and make sure am satisfied before I swallow it. I took a deep breath and swallowed it. I loved it. Hazel macchiato! That's when it hit me. I think cheese milk will do. I needed to tell Lizzie that we had come to the end of our search. Her new special was gonna be on the market soon.
"This is good",granny complimented. "A hazel macchiato"
"Thanks", I replied.
"I think you should marry Tony. We'll have tons of these everyday",she continued.
"I don't think so",I quickly replied. I didn't like extended families and obviously Tony did so that was already reason number one why we couldn't be together. I wouldn't in such a huge house with no room for privacy. I just couldn't. I needed a small house with me and my husband, whoever he'll be...and far away from the city.
"When are you gonna marry anyway?", she asked again
" Er.....that's for me to know and for you to stick your nose out of",I replied rudely. She was beginning to get on my nerves.
"Ooh,she has good sense of humor", granny commented again and everyone burst into a fierce laughter. I got bored.
"Granny please stop",Tony told her looking at me. He knew I was mad. He promised to make me comfortable and he noticed he didn't do anything about it. They continued talking and I stayed quiet. I just wanted to leave. I had enough of this place already and these people. Marrying Tony would definitely mean am giving myself away as a living sacrifice to this horrific wonderland. I went to the kitchen to drop my cup when Tony followed me
"Am so sorry Prim", he began
"It's okay",I told him "I think I have to leave. It's getting late"
"Okay,I'll drop you", he agreed with no hesitation and left the cup too "Thanks for the coffee"
"Anytime", I smiled a bit and made my way out.
Tony told the people that I was leaving. They seemed sad as it was sudden but I insisted I had to go. We said goodbyes and asked me to come again some other day.
" I sure will",I smiled. I certainly am not coming back.
Tony dropped me off at my home. I waved at him as he left my hand full of relief that I was finally home. I was tired. I had quiet a night. I just hoped I was dreaming. I just hoped all this wasn't real. I just wished I was in a deep sleep and I opened the door waiting for the time I'll wake up.