September, 2018
Fourteen days had gone by since my arrival in Runswick and my first day at Pine Hill. To sum it up, nothing eventful has occurred, unless you include reviewing lesson plans and the fact that I had three tests next week.
Six months ago, I would've been grateful for the alone time and the lack of challenge. It differed from my busy life in California. However, now all I could think of was how badly I wanted to escape the deafening silence of my house.
Out of all the people I had met on the first day, Kaden and Kate were the only two I stayed on speaking terms with. Kaden and I talked in the halls and at lunch. From what I can tell, we have a lot in common, and talking to him was easy, I didn't feel like I had to watch my words or carry on a dry conversation.
On the other hand, with Kate a majority of the reason we hadn't stopped talking by now was because she was in three of my classes. Nearly all of our conversations were centered around schoolwork.
Nonetheless, I was thankful to have two people to actually talk to this early in the school year.
Even though living in a small town was refreshing, it also tended to be boring. After school, I made the impulsive decision to apply for jobs downtown.
The warmth of my car contrasted with the cold air. I wasn't used to the cold yet, my still thin blood could barely handle sixty degrees, let alone fifty. While most people wore jeans or sweats, paired with a long sleeve shirt or thin sweater, I was wearing a winter coat paired with thick sweatpants.
Downtown Runswick looked as if it was out of your typical, angsty teen movie. There was a small movie theater, little boutiques, a grocery store and a coffee shop which had a wooden sign, the words "Mugs Coffee" carved craftily into it.
My initial plan was to apply at the movie theatre first, but the strong smell of coffee and my sudden craving for it changed my mind. As I approached the small shop, I smiled slightly. Through the glass windows, I could see that it was full. Many sat in the various booths and tables, whether it was to enjoy a pastry with a friend, or to bury their head in a laptop while typing profusely.
To my luck, there was a little "help wanted" sign in the window. Taking a much needed deep breath, I stepped inside, only to see a older woman smiling widely at me.
"I'm guessing you're not a local." She spoke referring to my jacket. I laughed, removing the coat and setting it between my arms.
"Not particularly. I just moved here a few weeks back. I've lived all over California, Arizona, Florida and spent a late spring in Washington State. Most recently, San Francisco. I guess it's safe to say I'm not quite used to the cold yet."
"Ah. Well good luck in January when it gets down to the tens and twenties."
I cringed, which was obviously noticeable since it brought about another laugh from the woman.
"So, how may I help you?" She asked with a chuckle.
"I was actually hoping to apply for a job."
"Oh, that's great! The others will be thrilled to have another hand around here, it's gotten so much busier in the last year. Here's an application, you can fill it out here if you want!" She spoke gleefully. Her enthusiasm was admirable.
"Sure, thank you." I answered politely. I ordered a mocha to drink while I filled out the application, then found a seat at one of the few empty booths.
The interior of the shop was beautiful. It had several big windows and the floors and walls were a made of warm wood. The decor was warm, festive colors. Mugs really did match the town.
The application wasn't difficult to complete. It read simple questions like, "Why do you want to work at Mugs Coffee?", "What hours would be best for you?" and "What are three reasons that you feel like you'd be fit for the job?" Along with my personal information of course. After finishing my drink, I handed back the application filled out.
"Thank you..." She took a quick look at my application than finished her sentence.
"Avery."
"No problem..." The woman quickly added in "Helen" before I could attempt to cover up the fact that I didn't know her name.
"Right, Helen." I smiled.
Helen waved goodbye as I left Mugs and got back into my car. Seeing I had nothing more to do today, I decided to explore more of the small town.
Bulb lights strung around restaurants, litter was almost non existent, everyone seemed to have a smile on their face. I had left my coat in the car, leaving only a sweatshirt on. Even if I froze to death, at least I wouldn't die in embarrassment.
I walked into the shops and greeted those in them. Somehow, it was one hundred times easier for me to talk to random adults than it was for me to talk to the people at my school.
By the end of the day, I had met almost everyone of the shop owners, and most of them had been pleasant, except the owner of Mables Mattresses, who wouldn't stop talking about her cat.
Runswick was almost as different from San Francisco as it could be, but I already found myself growing attached.
And if I can talk to a ton of random thirty to sixty year olds, I should be able to handle some teenagers.
⦠psychotic â¦
"How was your weekend?" Kaden asked, sliding next to me in the halls.
"Pretty good, I mean my parents were gone so fairly uneventful, but I was able to explore Runswick, so that was a plus."
Kaden frowned. "Are they gone a lot?"
I hesitated, but still replied in honesty, "yes."
"I get it. My parents are gone a lot too." He paused for a moment and I turned to face him.
"Things have been like that all my life, so I've gotten used to it, but I still miss them." His answer was unexpected, which must've shown on my face because it brought Kaden to laugh.
"What do your parents do?" I asked, hoping to shift the conversation.
However, this time he was the one hesitated, but answered anyways. "They're business partners. CFO's for Glaze Inc."
I had to stop my jaw from falling to the floor once Kaden's words digested. Glaze ruled the world of technology, owning a piece of every company that could rival it while dominating in its field throughout the world.
Noticing I had been quite for too long, I coughed. "Wait, Glaze as in the technology company?"
"The one and only." Kaden spoke unenthusiastically.
My eyes widened. "Why the hell do you live in Runswick, Maine?" I replied slightly too loud.
"Well I've lived here my whole life, even before they got the job. They thought it would be best if I didn't switch schools all the time. So they just go wherever Glaze wants them." He shrugged.
"Hah. Wish my parents had the same mindset."
"I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault, or even theirs. They're just doing what they think they have too." Kaden gave me a small smile just as the bell rang for first period.
"Well, we're both late." I sighed
"Nothing we can do now." He replied lightheartedly, unknowingly bringing a smile to my face.
"Yeah, except get to class. Go! Yours is further than mine." I laughed, motioning him to leave.
"Ok, ok. See you in second!" He exclaimed as he began to walk to his class.
"Yep." I called back.
I assumed Mr. Sloane wouldn't scold me too much for being late, but I couldn't be too sure, so once I got my stuff out of my locker, I basically sprinted to AP lit.
I didn't have much of a problem with the class, it was a easy for me and the content usually had me engaged enough to not wanna blow my brains out.
"How was your weekend?" Kate asked while I took a seat next to her.
"Pretty good. I applied for a job." I really hoped that didn't sound as boring as I thought I did.
"Thats great! Where?" Kate responded, her voice laced with enthusiasm.
"Mugs Coffee, downtown. The manager there is really nice from what I could tell, and it's a way to pass the time."
"Mugs? I think Cole Jennings works there. The coffees good, and it's a cute shop." She smiled. I didn't know Cole Jennings, but I had no desire to ask about him.
"I'm excited, if it works out I'll be relieved. My house is extremely boring."
We talker a bit more before the bell rang, than Kate and I gave each other small goodbyes and headed to our next classes. Calculus was definitely not a favorite of mine, but at least now I could suffer with the company of Kaden.
Thanks to God himself, I was exactly on time. Our teacher hadn't arrived yet, so I just took a seat quietly by Laura. She was on the phone laughing about something.
Finally, Miss. Willis walked through the door, for a teacher who's super uptight about being her students being late, she was tardy a lot.
As we did the assignments she passed around, I turned me head to see Kaden obviously annoyed with the guy next to him.
I was trying not to laugh, but his attempts to be nice while the guy was obviously cheating on him were too priceless.
Laura and I don't talk really at all, only if she has a question. It certainly came as a suprise to me when she invited me to a party.
"Hey.. Avery is it?" She asked in a whisper.
"Yeah, it's Avery." I replied in a friendly tone.
She smiled. "So my friends and I are throwing a party tonight, you're welcome to come if you want."
"On a Monday?"
"That's the plan."
It's not that I have a problem with Laura, really. I just really didn't feel ready to go to a party tonight. I'm not antisocial, and I like parties with people I know, but with strangers less than two weeks into school? The thought just wasn't super appealing to me.
"Sorry, I have to take my dog to the vet and my parents won't be home to pick him up instead, but I really appreciate the offer!" I didn't even have a dog. Although I felt bad for lying, I didn't want to make Laura feel bad. Her invitation was really nice, especially since she doesn't really know me.
"Alright, if you change your mind just let me know." I nodded, focusing my attention back on the board.
Thankfully the class went by fairly quickly, and the bell rang before I knew it.
Kaden waited for me at the door, bringing a smile to my face.
"You seemed to be enjoying yourself back there." I laughed, he rolled his eyes playfully.
"Yeah, for sure. I don't know what was more fun, doing calculus worksheets or trying to get Mike to stop copying me."
"Sounds like a blast. What class do you have now?"
"Physics."
I huffed. "I'd rather go back to Calculus."
"Seriously? I mean, Physics is a pain but not nearly as hard as calculus."
My eyes widened, followed by a laugh. "Anything having to do with science is a no from me."
"Understandable."
We continued to talk until I got to the art room. His class was right by mine so him walking with me wasn't a problem.
"Have fun in Psychics!" I say sarcastically.
"Thanks." He replies in the same tone I had.
As the day continued on, I got a text from Helen, informing me that I had gotten the job. She asked if I could start my training today, and since she offered me a position without barely an interview, I happily replied with a yes.
In fifth period, I had World Religion with Kaden, which made me dread the class less. There was no seating plan, so typically us two sat together, but of course there was the occasional times I'd sit by Kate.
I felt myself slowly adjusting to how the school worked, and the faces in the halls growing more familiar. It was a relief, not only being able to make friends without the the voice in the back of my head telling me not to get to attached. My parents assured me we'd be here until I graduated.
When the final bell rang, I immediately dropped my stuff of in my locker and drove home to change for my first shift. I replaced my sweats for jeans and wore a simple black t-shirt, tying my brown hair into a ponytail. After five minutes, I returned back to where I started, my car.
The drive to Mugs was scenic and short with the green trees towering above the road, along with the shorter ones with splotches of orange and red.
I parked in the same spot I did before, taking out my keys and setting them in my purse. As I opened the door, the warm air and strong but pleasant smell of coffee hit me.
"Avery! It's so nice to see you again!" Helen exclaimed. I returned her warm smile as she handed me an apron with the Mugs logo on it.
"So you'll have to wear this when you're working. I hope its not a burden, we ask all employees to wear them during hours." I didn't know why she would think I thought of wearing a uniform as a burden, I expected to wear one anyways.
"No, it's not a burden at all. Thank you Helen." She smiled back at me and turned around as if she was looking for someone. Her eyes brighten as a guy with brown hair walked out from behind the counter, back first. As soon as he turned around I recognized his face.
How cliché.
"Hey Kaden? When you're done with that order do you think you could train Avery, I'll ask Molly to cover your shift when she arrives." She asked politely. Kaden turned to me and smiled before replying.
"Yeah of course."
I put my apron on and headed over to the counter, where I saw two workers including Kaden. He was a little shorter than Kaden, maybe 5'10 or so and had short, slightly wavy, dirty blonde hair.
Possibly Cole Jennings?
"Hey Avery, I didn't know you got a job here." Kaden stated, a warm expression covering his face.
"I mean, I spend most of time at home by myself. I didn't know you worked here."
"Yeah I have since I was almost sixteen, Helen didn't like that I was alone all day, so she pulled some strings."
I smiled. "Are you two close?"
"You could say that, she's lived next door since I was born, up until I was eleven or twelve she'd be the one to watch me when my parents left." He sounded so casual, as if what he was saying wasn't the least bit upsetting.
"Oh." I murmured. Biting the side of my lip, I thought of something to say that could break the awkward silence. "So... Is working an espresso machine the same as working a coffee machine?"
"Well thats to be learned. Here, just a second." He pauses his sentence and turns to the blonde guy.
"Hey Cole, do you think you could cover me for about ten minutes until Molly shows up?" He asked.
Alright, so this is the guy Kate was talking about.
"Yeah of course." He replied causally, than returned to working.
Kaden showed me how to work the espresso machine, how to make frappes, how to make hot chocolate and the proportions of syrup to add when someone asks for a shot of flavor.
Soon enough, the girl who I presumed to be Molly arrived, she was roughly twenty minutes late. I immediately noticed her striking grey eyes, which contrasted perfectly with her grey eyes. My guess was that she was our age, possibly a little younger.
"I'm so sorry I'm late Cole, I completely lost track of time." She exclaimed, immediately throwing on her apron. Luckily for her and Cole, the crowd was small compared to the last time I came in.
"It's all good, I just need to go right away. Bye guys, nice to meet you Avery!" He spoke with a smile as he rushed out the door. Molly's expression fell slightly when she looked in my direction. Although it wasn't clear, her eyes dimmed slightly and her small smile twitched. Noticing that she was staring, Molly snapped out of it and gave me a large, artificial grin.
"Oh my god, hi! I'm Molly." She gushed, rushing over to where Kaden and I were standing.
I quickly shook off my previous unease, and returned Molly's expression. "Hey! I'm Avery."
"What a pretty name! Ok well I have to get to work, but it's really great to have you working here!" Her words were uneven, and flaky. Though she wasn't rude, not even a little.
I shrugged it off with a smile. "It's good to be here." I
By the time Mugs shut down, it was roughly 9:00PM. Molly, Kaden and I gave the small amount of customers a polite goodbye before beginning to clean all the machines, tables etc.
"So, how was your first day?" Kaden asks as we finally leave the shop.
"It was good, a little overwhelming but a healthy distraction is always good."
"You'll like it, it's obvious you'll fit in great." He reassured and I gave him a sarcastic smile.
"Thank you for everything, I mean it." I said and he raised an eyebrow.
"I mean you put up with me at school and work, doesn't that get exhausting?"
"Well, you're a lot more tolerable than the rest of the people we go to school with, and I don't mind seeing you at work either, so technically I should be thanking you." He replies over dramatically, as if he was mocking me.
"Your thank you is appreciated, I mean you are very lucky to be graced with my presence, I've been told I'm great to be around." I laughed sarcastically. He returned it, and we parted ways to get to our cars.
Who could've known what that would be the start of.
Authors Note:
sorry it took a while for me to update, i hate writing fillers and i try to make them as interesting as possible but i still feel like my writing is boring.
anyways! i hope you enjoyed this chapter and i know it's not super thrilling right now but i promise after the first few chapters you'll start to see a change.
merry christmas eye and i hope you have a great day and a happy holidays!!