Cherry Tree [ s.m. ]

001

Never once did I think I would be here, on a Wednesday, my hair pulled into the loose bun it always managed to find its place in, while tapping the end of my pencil against the hard wooden counter. Of course, I took the night shift for Lauren, just as I normally did when she insisted that she needed to get over the constant feuding she and her boyfriend had. So, she forced the brain numbing liquid into her body, leading in a massive headache along with terrible nausea the following morning. Not to mention the many trips to the drug store to pick up the overly expensive stick to determined if she truly made a mistake that night.

But in the end of the day, she and Derek just fall back into their intoxicating relationship and enter the same web of lies and love again.

The same black polo covered my chest, having the café logo on the top right corner, just the same for everyone else who worked at Sally's. Sally happened to be a kind old lady, that loved every teenager that walked through the doors, always giving them a glass of Cherry Cola for free.

That was her signature icon. The bright red cherries that hang from every curtain to oven mitt in the building. Of course, it was just the fuel to my own obsession with the red fruit, so it didn't bug me one bit. The dinner had more of a vintage vibe to it, 1970s Johnny Rockets style. It was currently 11:52 pm, the entire dinner was spotless as it was the same two hours ago. With that, (and a large over exaggerated sigh) I packed up my things, stuffing them in the large, red backpack.

I was only closing the shop a few minutes early, but a good nights sleep sounded way to amazing than re dusting the shelves for the fifth time this night. Locking the door on my way out, I begin the short yet cold journey back to my house. Fall nights in Canada could get incredibly chilly, even if I've lived here my entire life. But I just found beauty in the winters that didn't pass on until April, or the skating rinks in the backyard, all of it was amazing in their own ways. Plus, any excuse to drink a warm of hot chocolate with an exceeding amount of whip cream, were in my good books.

Hearing my phone ring, for the twentieth time tonight, I finally slide over the green button, already hearing the music that was blasting through my speakers.

"Yes Lauren?" I asked taking a right,  pulling the phone slightly away from my ear.

"Al-ex!" She hiccuped in between words, a giggle following shortly after.

"What would you like?" I passed by Megan's house, the smell of scotch and mint filling my nose. Looking up,  the normal bright light that beamed through the dark purple curtain, wasn't there. Which either went she was at the party along with Lauren, or her grandmother was having her friends over again, which was always a party in itself.

"I ju-st wanted to say," the phone was quickly taken away from her grip, as hearing the small amount of whining along with the many sarcastic remarks from the red head I knew all to well.

"Hey Alex, come get Lauren before she--No Lauren get down from there!--Hurry," she said sternly before hanging up the phone, making me slip mine back into my pocket.

Well there goes going home, showering, than going to sleep on the childish Care Bear sheets I just didn't have to heart to get rid of. I continued walking home, seeing the small, yet lovely pink tree that I decided to grow last year. With no faith it would actually grow, I presumed it would of just died, but fortunately for me it didn't. My parents weren't too pleased that there is a tree growing in their yard, but I played the what if card. Now they actually enjoy the cherry tree growing in the corner of their yard. It wasn't too big, seeing as I planted it not to long ago, so you wouldn't except it to be.

Unlocking the front door, for what I thought was an intruder, actually was the large beast that quickly ambushed me, making me fall in straight down. "Okay Barbie I get it!" I laughed seeing as the dog continue to lick my cheeks, as if I was a scoop of ice cream. Pushing myself off the ground while wiping off any piles of dog hair I had on my clothes, Barbie watching my every movement, I grab my car keys, already out the door.

Seeing the bright red car that I had received for my sixteenth birthday, with a few minor scratches from the times the car hit the garage door, I pop open the door, quickly pulling out of the driveway.

This car and me have been through a lot, a boyfriend, multiple crying sessions after watching a sad movie in which I was forced to get out of the house, Lauren's puke multiple times, it was slightly soothing. Don't worry the car had been cleaned while I placed many freshers around the passenger seat, everything seemed to be in order once again. Honestly, I had no idea where the party was, but something compelled me to go towards the richer side of the neighbourhood. And now I know to always trust my gut seeing many busy bodies in the front lawn, the music being heard from down the street. Parking across the road, I pulled out the black leather jacket in the back seat of my car, slipping it on to my shoulders. Walking into the large building, I could already see my friends just from the sight in front of me. There was Lauren, dancing on top of the table, and on her right, who was still on the ground, was Megan attempting so hard to get her down from there.  Slowly, I approached the two, Lauren taking in my presence.

"Ale--xus--You'--re here," she slurred taking another drink from the bright red cup. I turned over to face Megan, seeing as she was having a more difficult time than I thought.

"Lauren, get down from there, you're going to hurt yourself," I said loud enough for the girl to hear me, she happily obliged. Megan's mouth dropped slightly, making a small laugh escape my lips. She shook her head, pushing us towards the doorway.

"Alex take her to your house, I'd hate for her to get herself in any more trouble," helping Lauren down the small steps, I wave goodbye to the red head, hoping she would get home just as safe as we were.

"You guys are no fun," she pouted, nearly falling down the next step. Rolling my eyes, I open up the side door, pulling out the paper bag I had already left in the car in advance. Walking back over to my side, I slide into my seat, buckling the seat belt.

"You're going to thank us later," I mumble in return, starting the keys as Lauren fidgeted in her seat uncomfortably. I couldn't really look over seeing as I was driving, but I did notice it.

Driving down the same street, the bright street lamps shone through the glass, the soft snores of Lauren already filling my ears. Running a hand through my soft dark brown curls, I take another right, my house coming into view.

Except something was wrong. It was something I considered true horror, but to anyone else, it would of been a simple situation. My mouth lay a gape, as I pushed quicker on the gas pedal, quickly parking my car in the driveway.

There, in my front lawn, was a black car, parked directly on top of the pink tree I had come to love.

And who is the culprit you ask?

In the dark light of the night, along with the illuminated lamps, showed a tall figure, standing directly next to this car.

At this point, I was a red mess, my knuckles turning white from being clenched.

"I'm sorry about your Christmas tree,"