Ecstatic "thankyou-s" and "I won't let you down-s" were all but shouted into the phone that was tightly gripped in Sokka's left hand while his right tugged on the chord. He'd landed himself a second job at a recently opened establishment in his town and was over the moon at the thought of a bigger and more dependable income. Ending the call he immediately picked up the phone again to educate his sister on the recent happenings. His sisters voicemail was reached and he pulled a slightly disappointed expression before remembering how busy she was doing all of that charity work with their dad, they were making non consumable water drinkable for people in need. Sokka disregarded his call not being answered and shuffled into the lounge room with some Chinese takeout from the night before and began channel surfing and sending lame emoticon text messages to his girlfriend, Suki. Soon enough it was time for him to to get changed and walk to his evening cafe job. Sokka threw on some blue fitted jeans and a loose white shirt that he collected from his clothes line that was strung from his bedroom window to a tree in his backyard before exiting his home and walking to the cafe.
The cafe building was rundown and was in definate need or more than just a pint job. The sign above the entrance door used to light up at night with the establishment name Great Day Cafe but it was too expensive to run and now Sokka didn't know if it still worked or if it even had bulbs in it. The inside of the Cafe was just as dodgy as the outside, the taps had to be rattled to work and so did the customer service. Sokka grabbed an apron from the staff room before entering the floor and seeing the regular customers. An elderly couple who were friends with his Gran Gran and he was certain only ate there as a family favour, a younger woman who looked too stressed for her age and boy Sokka guessed was around his own age. He hardly ordered anything and when he did it was the same Jasmine Tea that made him pull a face so strained Sokka questioned if he even enjoyed the beverage. Now and again a few new faces would come inside Great Day Cafe but after one look at the place on the inside and then menu they left without ordering anything.
"Maybe we can get the charming young man over there to offer his service?" said the woman from the elderly couple purposely loud enough for Sokka to hear.
She and her husband had broad grins on their faces that Sokka couldn't help but imitate. "Why hello there, strange faces!" Sokka exclaimed, taking a pen and pad from his apron and walking over to them. "How may I assist you this fine evening?"
"Well a nice pot of Lotus Tea would be to die for, wouldn't it Xiao?" the older woman patted her husbands hands in her own, he smiled and nodded his head. Xiao had been left deff when he served in the war however everyday the two would be here at the same time, ordering the same pot of tea they did everyday before Xiao was forced to leave and serve his tribe. Sokka couldn't help but admire their love for each other.
"Was that all tonight, Pam?" Sokka asked, the pen now behind his ear as he knew that the woman's answer would be the same as always.
"That will be all to order dear. However, did you have a quick minute?" Pam gestured to a seat at the table next to her and her husband. Sokka nodded, "just a quick one." He pulled the chair over to their table and sat down.
"Lovey," Pam held Sokka's hand in own of her own and her other was still caressing Xiao's. Her tone of voice was concerned. "Hows things at home on your own? I don't mean to pry, its just I know Katara and your Father are away and I don't want you struggling or anything of the sort." Pam leaned in closer to Sokka's face and spoke a little quieter. "I was talking to the manager before and she informed me that the place has a heath and safety inspection upcoming and she doubts they'll pass. I don't want you out of a job." Pam leaned back and tapped Sokka's shoulder as if to comfort him.
Sokka grinned, finally someone to share the news with! "Actually, Pam there is no need to worry! Sokka here has it all under control." He crossed his arms over his chest triumphantly. "I've a second job!"
Pam smiled from ear to ear as she did when Sokka first saw her this evening. "I'm glad to hear it, lovey. Where is it?"
Sokka's smile dimmed, he didn't think this through too well did he? "Well, you know its not really, I mean, they offer me $23 an hour so-" Sokka's struggle for words was thankfully interrupted by the chef calling his assistance to the kitchen.