When two become one

Chapter One

         

Alice

The cool winter breeze pushes my hair in the same direction it was blowing. Wrapping my arms further around myself, I try to bring some more warmth to my ice-cold skin. It wasn't that I hated the winter, it was just a change from the warm weather I was used to back in California. The thought of my home back in California made my heart hurt, it had been almost a month now since I moved to New York and while I loved it here, I missed home, even if my last memories there are not enjoyable ones.

Sighing to myself I notice that I have reached the café I was working at, the owner Grace, was a small, plump old lady in her late sixties I had met a week after I arrived here. Her warm brown eyes and short grey hair come into view as I placed my handbag under the counter.

"Morning Grace, how are you today?" I ask her

"Good morning Alice dear, I am feeling a little stronger than usual today. How are you?"

"That's good, it doesn't mean you should push yourself harder today but. We don't want you hurting yourself again. I'm good thanks" I reply giving her a serious look.

Rolling her eyes, she waved me off and made her way to the back of the store. Grace had become like my second mom, she was always scolding me when I did something dangerous. I met her about three weeks ago when I wandered in here for some coffee and something to eat, it was late in the afternoon and the café was dead. While she was getting my order, I heard a crash and a bang, making my way behind the counter I noticed the plate and cup that once held my chocolate muffin and black coffee had been scattered on the white tiles in front of a shaky looking grace. Picking the contents up and disposing of them I sat her down and spoke with her. It turned out in her old age, she wasn't as strong as she used to be especially running the café all alone. Offering to work for her as not only did I need the money, but I also loved baking and really wanted to help grace out.

Shaking the thoughts away I begin to get to work baking different things for the day while serving the customers. Half the day had passed, and I was feeling drained, I hadn't been sleeping well lately and it was starting to take a toll on me.

Hearing the bell of the front door ring I look up and am greeted by a handsome man in a dark blue suit looking at his phone. His broad shoulders filled out the suit sleeves better than anyone else id ever seen in a suit. His deep brown hair was combed back perfectly, and his tan jawline was so sharp I was sure Id cut my finger if I traced his face with it.

"Black coffee"

I wasn't sure if he was talking to me? Taking a deep breath, I try not to let my anger show and begin to make his coffee. I couldn't stand rude people, it was not that hard to use your manners especially when you're and adult.

Finishing his coffee, I slid it across the counter in his direction, deciding to treat him with the same level of respect I received from him, I say "2.50". Finally looking up from his phone he stares at me, his dark green eyes reminded me of the depths of a rain forest. "Excuse me? That is no way to treat a customer" snorting at him I reply "well mister, I know that, but I show the same level of respect to people that I receive from them. From you, I received zero, therefore, you receive zero from me." I seen amusement flash in his eyes before they went back to just being blank forests. Shoving three dollars on the counter he turns to leave with his coffee, not before making a snide comment "keep the change, judging from your outfit, you need all the tips you can get" looking down at my black long sleeve top and black denim skirt that reaches just above my knees I scoff at his comment and disregard it.

The rest of the day passes by rather slowly and uneventfully and finally it reaches 8pm and I can finally lock up and leave. Bidding grace a goodbye, I make my way towards my apartment. New York's lights shone brightly, and it reminded me why I wanted to move to the city that never sleeps. It was my dream to open my own café that ran late into the night. What better place to do that than here, right?