Alone

Chapter 17

I love you so much, munchkin.

-Mum.

The letter ended with the details about the account which helped me move away from that town. 

My hand came to rest on the locket around my neck. Along with the letter, there was a locket with a picture of my mother holding me the day I was born on one side and on the other side was a picture of the three of us when we had gone for a picnic. We were so happy back then.

I snapped out of my trance as I approached the cafe and parked the car. I was just in time and as I stepped in the cafe, I was hit with the scent of coffee. A few people were sitting and talking to each other, others were working on laptops while some were absorbed in their books.

Walking up to the counter, there was only one barista that was serving a customer. I waited patiently till she finished with the customer. After she was done, she turned to me with a huge smile on her face. Her hazel eyes were full of life and mischief; she had platinum blond hair which was tied into a messy bun. The bright smile on her face made her look attractive and pretty.

She brought me out of my daydream by waving her hands in front me and giggling quietly.

"Uh, sorry. I was wondering where the interviews for the new barista is?"

"Oh yeah, just go through that door." She pointed to the door that was just behind the counter. Giving her a small smile and thanking her, I was about to walk away, but she spoke up stopping me.

"Hey, don't worry. Ally may come off strong in the beginning, but she's a total sweetheart."

"Do I look that nervous?" 

Letting out a small laugh, she said, "No. You don't look nervous at all." Lies. 

"Anyways, I should go. I'm sure she doesn't appreciate tardiness. Thanks for the tip." 

"Hell no, she doesn't." Giving me two thumbs up, she said, "All the best! I hope you get the job." 

As I was about to open the door, I heard another shout behind me. "Wait! I didn't get your name." I turned around to see that smiling face.

"That's because I didn't tell you." 

Rolling her eyes at me, she looked on intently waiting for an answer.

"Elizabeth Cooper."

Sending me a wink, she said, "Antoinette Mitchell, but call me Ani." As soon as she told me her name, she swiftly turned around to serve the customer who had just walked up to the counter. 

Smiling at her antics, I pushed open the door to be met with an average sized room with a wooden desk in the middle covered with papers and few photo frames. Book shelves stood by the walls, a small couch, a few plants and ornaments made the room cozy and comfortable.

My eyes landed on the lady sitting behind the desk looking at me expectantly. She looked like she was in her late sixties with her greying hair and the glasses that rested on her nose. She looked intimidating and approachable at the same time.

"Hi. I'm here for the interview for the position of a barista." She continued to stare me down, assessing me.

"Yes, please sit down." She gestured towards the chair in front of her desk.

"Your name?" She asked, looking straight at me through her glasses perched on her nose. A small bead of sweat slid down the side of my face, it wasn't even that hot.

"Elizabeth Cooper." I answered determinedly.

"You can call me Alice." She informed. Scrutinizing me for a moment, she got right into it.