"...WHEN HEMMING the fabric, ensure to be very gentle as it is fragile at this state..."
Scarlett tapped me, drawing me out of focus from the lecture.
"Let's get tacos after this," she whispered. I smiled, "Girl, are you living in my head? That's just what I had in mind."
I turned back to the lady speaking.
"...And with that, you have a perfect bishop sleeve. Any other questions?" She asked, yet the lecture hall chose to remain dead silent.
"Fine, then. But next two weeks when we start practicals, you better keep this same energy. My time is up, right?"
Oh, now she realizes.
"The class representative should see me," she picked up her book from the lectern and walked out of the hall.
Almost all the undergraduates immediately filed out as soon as they saw Mrs. Jones leave.
I walked out with Scarlett, heading to one of the taco stands usually a few meters away from the lecture hall.
A familiar light brown hair caught my eye. I stopped, staring at the individual some meters away as he backed me and spoke to two other guys with him.
Is that... Adrian?
"What happened?" Scarlett turned back from afar as she noticed I wasn't beside her anymore.
"Nothing. I was just lost in thought," I walked over to where she stood and we continued our journey.
It can't be. He said he was done with college.
{~~^~~}
"So you love him too?" "Of course," I laughed.
"Did you hear of his proceeding concert?" "Why won't I? I've got two tickets." "Holy shit! How did you get that? I've been trying to get just one but it sold out on the exact day it started selling. And I didn't know!"
I laughed again, "It seems a lot of people love Nathan."
"How about you sell me a ticket? You can't use both of them yourself. I'll even pay double." I rolled my eyes, "Sorry, I've already given the second to my boyfriend."
I heard his chair creak from the receiver end as he sighed, "Fine, but do bring me a souvenir." "Will do."
"I need to go now, more work just came in for me." "Alright then, bye."
Devin ended the call and I placed my phone on the bed. I stared at the clock.
3:47 PM.
I just can't ever get some peace and quiet, can I?
I bounced off the bed and drew out the folded white shirt in my wardrobe. Pulling it on, I tucked it into the black fitted skirt I had already worn and slipped into my black flats. I hung the hand of my white bag on my right shoulder and walked over to the foot of the bed. I stared into the long-length mirror.
I slid my gaze to the skincare products on my dresser and sighed before heading out.
I'd better throw them out and get the other brand.
{~~^~~}
I met the two young girls who worked the afternoon shift handing their things into their lockers as I entered the back room. They, in turn, walked out of the room bickering.
I shook my head.
It's not new.
I could not deny, even as it was a norm for me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of pain.
I pulled out my phone and stared and myself, picking the stubborn pimple that refused to leave.
And the product promised to clear it off in seven days.
"It's been twelve days, Cetafe. I believed in you!" I said aloud.
I rubbed my palms together and walked over to the lockers to get my things. Just as I got back to the counter, I met Adrian attending to the customers.
He was already here before his shift time?
"Just tell me the orders, and I'll mix them up," I gently tapped his shoulder with my index finger. "Thanks," he responded, not even turning to look at me.
The rush died down after a while and we both finally got the chance to breathe. We sat on the stools adjacent to each other and I stared at the door, not wanting to cross eyes with him.
The bell jingled as Clara strutted in, holding a cup of boba.
"Hey, y'all," she smiled at both of us before walking into the back room.
Clara took a seat and nudged at me, "Why are you looking at me like that? Am I late?"
We laughed at each other and I rolled my eyes, taking a quick glance at Adrian. He now backed us, staring at a group of ladies who were enjoying their pastries.
They do have the same hair.
I winced through my glasses as Adrian stood up to go attend to a customer.
"That your friend- uhm, Annabel. She's a model, right?" "Yeah. Anything?"
Clara smiled, "Not at all. I just recognized her from one brand's new clothing line." "Oh."
It'll be nice to have her do something like that for me one day.
I forced on a smile and pulled out my phone, scrolling through my photos.
How can she do that when I haven't even figured out myself? Just some messed up outfits.
I stared at this particular fitted dress on my phone, designed with strips on its bust.
I can't even wear my own clothes. What a shame
Clara popped her head in, "What's this?" I swiftly switched off my phone, "It's nothing."
"Let me see!" Clara was about to reach for my phone when we noticed Adrian approach us.
"The customer is asking for you," he said to me before walking off to the back room.
Me?
I turned to the counter.
Oh.
"That same guy?" Clara asked. I got up and adjusted my skirt, "Yeah. We're kind of friends now." "Alright, then. I'll agree to your friendship. Just because he's cute tho, nothing else."
I giggled and walked over to the counter to meet up with Devin.
. . .
After my shift was over, I miraculously found my way into my hostel even as my weight felt too heavy on my legs.
I sank into the bed and shut my eye.
Like it was an assassin sent to kill me, my phone dinged and forced my eyelids to separate.
Chatapp
Beanie's Cafe Staff Group
Mr. Lenin:
Tomorrow's work schedule has been reshuffled as there is an occasion coming up around the area on this date. The heads have decided to include an extra hour to the working hours and close by 9 PM instead, so as to earn the establishment more profit.
The new shift hours are listed down below:
Morning Shift: 8.00 am-12.20 pm.
Afternoon Shift: 12.20 pm-4.40 pm
Evening Shift: 4.40 pm-9.00 pm
Note that an additional sum of 5% of your payment will be added to your paycheck this month as you comply with this new adjustment.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Your Manager,
Mr. Peter Lenin.
I groaned and rolled my eyes.
Why did it have to be on Thursday? Of all days!
I heaved a sigh of confidence and scrolled over to Thomas's direct message:
Me:
I'm sorry, Tom. Overtime tomorrow.
I'll make it up to you, I swear.
I watched as my text double-ticked and turned blue. I waited.
I looked away from my phone, wondering if it was because I was staring that the message didn't come in.
I slid my gaze back to my phone screen.
Still no response.
I felt my chest hurt and tried so hard not to let the tears forming in my eyes escape.
I turned to the black dress hanging in my open wardrobe.
At least I'm not worried about wearing you anymore for now.
...
..
.