I guess I’ll unpack then. Going to my bare room, I grab a box and start to unpack some of my clothes, the quietness deafening.
Romeo
Back in my apartment, I stand in the kitchen looking around. It’s quiet as hell in here without Luna. Sighing, I head to my room and find a piece of paper on my made bed. Picking it up, it’s a sketch of a sunflower, only this one is not dead, it’s very much alive. The stalk fully erects, and the head displaying an abundance of petals. It’s beautiful. Luna must have left it here for me to find.
Climbing on the bed, I hold it in my hand, staring at it. I don’t feel the want to watch TV, go for a walk or even eat. I just want to lay in bed and smell the scent of Luna left on my sheets. My back against the headboard, I open my nightstand and pull out a cigar instead of a cigarette. Putting it in the corner of my mouth, I taste the sweet tobacco and think about the time Luna and I shared a cigarette in this very bed. I don’t think I can be Luna’s friend, her fucking buddy. I long for her in a way that hurts, my chest feels hollow without her here. I am either going to have to have her, or not at all. It’s the only way.
20
Luna
“So you want a double shot of espresso?” I ask the customer, a little confused, punching in the order on the computer. There’s espresso, mocha, cappuccino, so many choices of coffee that I’m getting confused.
He nods his head up and down very slowly as if I’m dumb. I sigh, but don’t say anything. My feet are aching, and we’ve been so busy, I haven’t even gotten the chance to people watch out the window. Plus, when I first started, the smell of coffee was amazing, now it just gives me a headache.
“Oh, can you add a cake pop to that?” that man asks, adjusting his thick glasses.
I go to our fridge and pick up the only flavor we have left.
“Will birthday cake be okay?”
He frowns. “Why is it this place is always out of shit?” His tone is unfriendly. I tuck the cake pop back in its place and stand, adjusting my green apron.
“I’m sorry, sir, I’m new,” I try to explain.
“They’re always new,” he grumbles.
Cassie did say a lot of people up and quit here, I am starting to see why.
“I want my coffee for free for the trouble!” His voice raises.
“What’s wrong?” Cassie asks, coming up behind me.
“He’s mad there isn’t another flavor of cake pop,” I explain, frustrated and the customer gasps.
“You’re blaming me?” He points to himself with a blocky hand.
My eyes widen.
“I-I was just informing her of the situation, sir,” I try to explain.
“Sir, please calm down!” Cassie says, taking over the order.
Taking a step back, I blow out a tired breath. This is so hard, why did I think I could do this? Slipping off to the back, I sit on a bag of beans and try to catch my breath.
I can do this.
This is what I wanted. Standing, I huff, remembering what it was like inside that cage not so long ago. I’m out here living the dream. I can take this asshole along with any other pansy that wants a complicated coffee order.
One Week Later
After another long shift at the coffee shop, I head to the animal shelter. I had to take a cab to get here, and even though I know I’m safe, I can’t help but keep looking over my shoulder. I know I can’t have a pet, Cassie is allergic but I just want to look. Pulling the door open to the building, the smell of dog and bleach wafts past me. I hear dogs barking from the back, and people are yelling so they can be heard at the counter as they sign papers to take home their new family member. A man sitting in the back with his feet propped up on the counter eating a bag of popcorn must notice my lost state because when our eyes meet he stands.
“Can I help you?” he asks, rubbing his hands on his jeans.
Stepping up to the counter, I get a better look at his blondish hair that falls just above his eyebrows and soft blue eyes that match his polo. He has a boyish smile, and a sharp chin.
“Um hi. I just wanted to look around,” I tell him, my eyes dropping to his name tag. Martin.
“Yeah, just go through this door right here.” He points to the blue metal door to the left of us.
“Oh, okay.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and head that way. He beats me to it and opens the door for me.
“Are you a dog person or a cat person—wait let me guess!” He turns, both of his hands up in the air points at me like he has me figured out. “Dog.”
“Cat actually.” I shrug, even though I’ve never had a pet. I might get a cat and hate it. But I don’t think so.
He snaps his fingers “I can’t believe I got that wrong”. His eyes linger on mine a second longer than normal and he winks at me. He’s flirting. Suddenly not feeling his kindness, I cross my arms. He’s nothing like Romeo. He’s too boyish, not sharp enough around the edges and there’s no draw of attraction.
“Here are the cats.” He points his left hand to a doorway.
“Thanks, I can take it from here,” I tell him, passing him as quickly as I can.
Hoping he took the hint, I look over my shoulder and see his mouth frown before walking back to the front. I exhale and
