2. Utter Shock
Today's classes had been nothing short of informative for Libra and she had the biggest smile on her face as she walked out. Not only had she made two new acquaintances in class but had already learned a lot about writing Fiction and the short introduction to Non Fiction. Her new teacher, Mrs. Dunphy, seemed very knowledgeable about contemporary writing and Libra knew she would learn a lot from her.
Tired and pumped full of new information she walked with steady feet toward the Campus Café for her first day. With only minutes to spare she ripped open the door and slipped inside the warm and quaint café. A young man, with his long platinum blonde hair, was sweeping the counter when his head popped up and his attention was diverted to Libra.
"Oh my god where did you pick up those jeans, they look absolutely to die for on you," he walked over to her and spun around, "âand on me too." He finished off when Libra saw that they were wearing similar jeans.
She couldn't help but letting a giggle escape her lips but quickly covered them and hoped she hadn't offended him. Whoever he was he had made her feel relaxed in an instant and for that she was thankful.
"Don't cover that pretty mouth of yours; you'll smudge your lipstick. Now; from the lack of words I'm assuming you're a freshman and possibly even our new employee." He said happily.
To that Libra only nodded and reached for his hand to formally introduce herself, "My name is Libra and yes I'm your newest employee."
"Libra, huh? That's quite the name you've got there. My name is Jack and I'm a senior here and also the café's manager. How about we get you an apron and we'll get started on teaching you the basics."
After an hour of learning the different ways to make coffee and close and open the place Libra felt more exhausted than before. Fortunately for her she had worked summers at the diner in North Haven and was used to serving people, although Jack had explained that college students were in a league of their own.
"Serving college students is twice as hard as serving anyone else, trust me. Remember this: never give out anything for free, rumor will spread fast. I've had to learn that the hard way."
After serving a healthy amount of customers they had finally reached the end of the day. Libra had yet to meet any of the other employees but Jack had told her she would meet them all eventually. Apparently working at campus was popular amongst art students and the aspiring writers â Jack, a music major himself, had told her. Jack was quite the character and Libra could see herself getting along with him well â and not only at work, either!
While cleaning off the counter Jack took the opportunity to get to know Libra better, seeing as they will be seeing a lot of each other. His friendly nature was more than welcomed by her and she even found herself laughing uncontrollably with him. Perhaps he's someone to trust.
"Tell me Libra; are you and your roommate going to the welcome party tonight?" Jack asked as he peeled of his apron and put on a gold bomber jacket. Libra smiled at his colorful clothes and thought about how much it matched his personality.
Her mind hastily went to the party and to Sophia...and her promise. Libra really had no intentions of going regardless of Sophia but she wasn't sure she should tell Jack that. Of course she wanted to go to parties and put herself out there but there was Sophia and then her own fear â both of them had gone too far only to be chewed up and spit out, weaker.
"Oh the party, well tonight we sort of made plans already, but nextâ"Before she had the chance to finish her sentence the bell above the entrance door rang; signaling that someone had entered the café.
"Sorry, we're closed!" Jack shouted out without looking in the doors direction. He had probably had this problem many times, Libra figured. But since she hadn't, the curiosity of whom had walked through the door reached her and she turned her head to see for herself.
Two young men had entered the door and took Libra by surprise, so much that she almost lost her footing. The slight change in her stance had yet to be noticed by Jack but one of the students seemed to recognize her â because he was mirroring her body language.
Libra had thought that she could escape North Haven completely once she had gotten to Chicago. All her demons would only be noticeable by her and not by anyone else â boy had she been wrong. Dr. Fine had warned her of this moment; that she could run into someone from her old school but all she had done was laughed.
"Like I said guys; we are closed for the evening. Please come back tomorrow at opening time â the times are on the door." Jack said a little bit louder but to no avail. Once one of them had spotted Libra it was too late.
"Libra? Libra Jones from North Haven high?" And he had officially spoken to her. He was one of the people she had prayed to get away from and never see again. He was the person who had contributed to three years of absolute torment. Yes, Dillon Holden one of North Haven's most popular bad boys had just entered her new workplace.
She could run or simply pretend not to recognize him but it was too late for games now. Dillon had seen her react to him and Jack would most likely ask questions if she acted funny about this. Dr. Fine wasn't here to protect her and neither was Sophia â Libra was on her own.
With all the courage she had Libra put her chin out and crossed her arms, "What are you doing here?" She asked harshly.
Dillon didn't seem the least bit surprised over her choice of tone toward him, but instead of teasing her or give her a snarky retort he simply smiled. Libra had no idea why he was acting like he wasn't as shocked to see her and then her suspicious rose. The last she had even heard of Dillon Holden the rumors were that his grades were less than college acceptable, so seeing him here was a surprise for many reasons.
"I go to school here, just like you I'm assuming. Me and my new roommate Todd were only getting some late night coffee and he suggested weâ"Jack held up his hand for Dillon to stay silent.
"All of this is very sweet but Libra and I have worked long enough tonight. Perhaps you can have this reunion outside â after close up?" Jack sounded tired and slightly annoyed as he spoke and Libra took the opportunity of beating Dillon to the next sentence spoken.
"That's not necessary, Jack. It was nice to meet you Todd," Libra's eyes shifted over to Dillon who's eyes were fixated on her, "see you both around campus, I guess." And with that Jack ushered the two out of the café.
"An ex-boyfriend you have yet to tell me about or perhaps a future ex-boyfriend. Which one is it?" Jack said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Libra shook at the thought of Dillon as meaning anything to her at all. If Jack only knew what a horrible person Dillon was he wouldn't be joking about boyfriends and exes. In the far distance she could see a figure that looked like Sophia's, heading for the café and that was her excuse to leave this awkward interrogation.
"He is neither and never will be," Libra grabbed her bag and jacket over the counter before heading for the door, "I'll tell you about it someday. See you tomorrow, Jack."
Frantically running she met Sophia half way and spun her around, heading in the opposite direction.
"What's wrong?" Sophia said with a worried look plastered on her face. She didn't know how Dillon looked but she sure knew of him and the paleness that had reached her Puerto Rican tanned face had also reached Sophia's eyes. "It's Dillon isn't it?"
Seconds went by with Libra only panting and then slowing down her breathing gradually. Dillon Holden was here, at her college, and everything she had ever hoped she would be would now become so much harder. Because Dillon knew what had happened to her â and perhaps even who had caused it.