Chapter One, Nightly Life
Life lined the walls of An Enjoyable Instance Of Space-Time, a set of aqueducts that sat orderly to the side of the bar, glistening vaguely. A light sourced from street lamps streamed through the window from a higher-up opening, floating down on the room, bits of light strewn on the well-polished yet presentably old tables with their neat matching chairs, still in remarkable condition.
In this bar, a man independently operated the establishment. His name was Jeff. He stood behind the unpretentious bar, a jar of pieces of eight glimmering on the surface. The man was shining an understated, quality glass with a level of diligence that would be regarded as strange if one had not known him prior. He cut an interesting silhouette, his hair was short, maybe an inch in length on top, and a light brown.
It seemed as though he was growing his beard out. His eyes were blue standing out from his pale skin, rectangular frames resting on his nose. He wore a suit Jacket with slacks and a somewhat informally unbuttoned white dress shirt with utilitarian boots and a survivalist watch.
The typically thriving bar was empty this particular night. It could have been because the late crowd had not filtered in. Either way, Jeff didn't mind the silence. Instead, he welcomed it. The crowd began to shuffle in, murmuring in hushed tones before receiving drinks, finding tables, and becoming lighter, gleeful cheers bouncing off the walls as camaraderie blew through the establishment like a playful breeze.
This nightly environment was yet another part of the job Jeff enjoyed. The respectable patrons and quality drink made running the JIST well worth his while. The bar wound down, and the patrons flowed out in drunken pairs. The streetlights danced over their bright faces and pungent breath that outlined the air. Jeff cleaned everything down and closed the bar. He made his way to his room, pausing at the open window. Peeking outside, he noticed Atlas, who had created a tent beneath the crevice she had situated herself under as she lay with her little sister.
Athens was sleeping in the crook of her arm, the two having a pale shine from the moon and few lights inside the home. Jeff had decided to let this go, clearly not finding it harmful enough to correct.
A faint smile etched his face, which had become tattered with age in the past few years. He finally entered his room and slipped into sleep clothes before closing his eyes. Jeff would rise quite early despite when the bar opened - he liked to have a head start, considering he would be working on a separate venture long before the regulars arrived.
Now, there was a certain irregularity, although there hadn't been an unsightliness about them, which hung over the Jefferson children.
Atlas was a mousy girl with short, choppy, unspectacular brown hair, almost as if she had done it herself, and Her face was not unlike a lemur. The choppy layers and wide eyes made for an intriguing combination, nothing betraying her age. Along with her square olive face and blunt bangs, she had a boxy frame that was strong and perfect for her daily mischief. But of course, there were two children, and her sister was, as the stereotype went, Athens was opposite to Atlas. She was soft in face and body, similar to most young children. She had porcelain skin and basil eyes. Her hair was long and warm blonde.
The girls were a large span apart in age. Despite this, they only had each other for company, so they made due. This morning, the girls slept with the rest of the world. Jeff was awake, of course, and Calliope made her way to the JIST long before the earliest worker had risen and prepared their morning drink. Calliope sat on the middle stool of the bar, admiring Jeff's handiwork as he shined the aqueducts a final time. They made eye contact and nodded mutually. "Good morning, Calliope." She smiled, swiveling on her seat.
"Good morning, Jeff." He finished his work up, walking past Calliope and behind the bar. "Would you like some coffee?" he asked, opening a dated cabinet door. Her eyes widened and then narrowed inexplicably. "But you don't like coffee," she countered curiously. Jeff blinked, turning to Calliope. "But you do." A smile tugged at her lips. "Yes, I do, but..." He took her silence as an opportunity. "And besides, patrons have been ordering coffee. Additionally, there are more drinks I can create now, plus," he paused, pointing to the machine across from the coffee pot.
"There is a gourmet hot chocolate machine now." Calliope giggled. "Fair point," she agreed. Jeff turned back to the cabinet, pulling out a cute mug obscured by his height. "So, I am assuming you would like some coffee?" He asked, putting water into the top of the appliance. She nodded.
"Yes, please."
Gurgling began to fill the room, along with the aroma of fresh coffee. When the pot was full, Jeff poured Calliope a cup, placed down a coaster, and then the mug. A comfortable silence filled the room as the sun rose, light dancing through the many windows in the building that created a glow in Calliope's brown skin and whiskey eyes, her dark, puffy hair shining with the morning kiss that fell around her, a gift to all early risers. After a long moment, she spoke. "Am I taking the girls today?" Calliope asked, looking up to the balcony railing, trying to glimpse one of the daughters. Jeff shrugged, walking from behind the counter to face her. "If you'd like." He said as Calliope stood up, gazing slightly upward to make eye contact with Jeff. "I'll have them come over, it's been a while," she admitted. "Alright," Jeff said, looking towards the stairs.
"Atlas should be awake soon, and she'll probably take a moment because she and Athens had a sleepover." Calliope nodded. "And she hates waking Athena," she added. They settled into a quiet conversation, the sun now prominent. The tiniest squeak of the stairs was detectable when Atlas descended, carrying her sister. "Good morning, Mr. Jefferson, Good morning, Ms. Santos," the girl whispered, so as not to wake the child. Her nose scrunched as she noticed the coffee cup and the thick scent that hung in the air. "I detest the fact that you got that coffee machine, Mr. Jefferson, it smells deplorable."
She said softly, shaking her head. She was a mouse with the tact and subtleness of a bull.
Jeff chuckled and nodded. "It is a strong smell, as you get older it will be less noticeable, child, plus I got a gourmet hot chocolate machine, so all is right in the world."
She groaned, rolling her eyes as Calliope laughed. "I sincerely doubt it, but…" Atlas paused, deliberating her next words. Maintaining a quiet yet less somber tone, she finally replied. "Hot chocolate is fantastic… So yes, I have decided to be less contrary about the matter, Mr. Jefferson, most everything is right in the world." Grinning, she took her sister back up the stairs and placed her in bed before returning to her guardians to grab some hot chocolate. "Atlas, you and Athens will be going with Calliope today. Gather what you want to bring."
Atlas nodded, gently handing Athens to Calliope and rushing up the stairs. She slid into her hideout, scooping up any books she'd left there. After this, Atlas walked to her room, setting the collection in a bag that already contained objects she traveled everywhere with.
Sliding on a long, high-necked black cami, she added a thick white tank top which was long enough and baggy enough to be a dress. Finally, she wore dark gray jeans and practical boots. Slinging the weighty bag over her shoulder, Atlas moved down the stairs, her feet making a solid thump as she walked. "I'm ready," she breathed, her gaze drifting from person to person. Calliope had just finished her coffee And stood up. Her posture never wavered from the weight of Athens.
"I will see you tomorrow," Jeff said, patting Atlas on the head, repeating the action with Athens. He put a hand on Calliope's shoulder and smiled. "Goodbye," he said, walking to the back.
"Goodbye," Calliope and Atlas replied, walking out the door.