I Will Not Kiss You // Josh Dun

.:1:. Burn

burn
bərn/Submit
noun
1.
an injury caused by exposure to heat or flame.

"Shit!" I said, quickly drawing my hand back from the tortilla press. I looked down at my hand, a rose of red blossoming there, the heat burning into my skin.

I glanced at the customer in front of me, their eyebrows furrowed in concern with a hint of annoyance.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I'll get someone to take over for me." I said, trying to hide my embarrassment and pain. I look over at my coworker, Andy, pleading with my eyes and he quickly took my place.

Holding my injured hand, I hurried to the back. I turned on the sink, the cool water rushing over the hurt skin. As it slowly began to cool my hand down, the pain went down the drain with the water. I bit my lip, thinking about what had caused my distraction. A man had walked in with bright pink hair, something that I didn't see very often. It was stupid to get distracted like that, I chastised myself.

I hadn't gotten to see much of the pink-haired man, the sensation of blistering pain gained the fight for my attention.

The door next to me swung open, jumping me out of my thoughts. My manager, Holly, stood there, the door swinging back and forth and finally to a stop behind her. I couldn't help but notice a glimpse of pink hair in the limited view of the Chipotle. I could feel Holly's eyes burning into my soul, even worse than the tortilla press had.

"Care to explain what happened out there?" Holly said in a condescending tone. "You cussed in front of a customer, you were careless, and you injured yourself."

"I'm sorry, Holly. I don't know what came over me." I said, looking down at my shoes.

"And now you are wasting water!" she said exasperated, gesturing to the still running sink.

I quickly grab the sink handle and then let go just as quick, wincing as I had grabbed it with my burned hand. I use my other hand to try again, this time successfully turning off the flow of water.

"I-I'm sorry, Holly." I repeat, turning back to face her, my hand screaming at me to help it.

Holly looked down at my hand and sighed. "Take the rest of the day off, get that bandaged." She turned and pushed on the door, "But you are closing tomorrow."

I nod hurriedly and she walks out of the swinging door. I lean to the side, trying to catch a peak at the lobby, only to see a glimpse of the pink hair as they walked out of the restaurant.

~~~

A few days later, I was back behind the counter, my hand bandaged. I smiled as a young woman walked in with blonde hair and striking blue eyes, a cheerful smile planted on her face.

"Hello, ma'am. What can I get started for you?" I asked, my customer service voice subconsciously making its way into my tone.

"I have two hungry boys back at home, so prepare yourself." she said cheerfully, a chuckle following her words.

A single mother, perhaps? She looked pretty young to already have two boys but she may be one of those girls who look way younger than they are. I glance down at my bandaged hand, hoping it wouldn't interfere with this order.

"Okie dokie, what can I get for you?" I said, a smile planted on my face.

The blonde pulls out a list and reads off the first burrito, "Black beans... chicken AND steak...... a little hot salsa, corn, cheese, lettuce, sour cream." I quickly followed her order, surprised at how hefty the burrito was for a child. I quickly moved back to the start of the line and was ready for the the next burrito. " White rice on the burrito...half chicken, half sofritas... no beans, and pico. Extra sour cream. Cheese and lettuce. And that's it."