AN: The idea for this Fic came to me whilst I was listening to Travellin' Soldier by The Dixie Chicks. Its very slightly based on that ;) I own nothing but my OC's.
Alice looked up from her notepad at the sound of the grinding engine. The truck was moving forwards with an awkward swagger, and Alice groaned. It was bound to be filled with rowdy soldiers. There was a military camp near by, and since the diner where Alice worked was the only one for miles around, they always came here on their breaks. Alice turned around to switch on the coffee maker. Babs was grinning from the other end of the counter.
"Your favourite type of customer" She winked. Alice smiled grimly back; the soldiers always flocked around her when they arrived.
The truck had stopped, and about twenty men were dropping down onto the ground. They jostled each other, laughing and yelling loudly. However, Alice noticed that one of them lagged behind, silent and with his eyes on the ground. The customers inside the cafe looked quite irritated and wary as they saw the group approach. Alice quickly picked up the coffee jug, and made her way out just as the soldiers arrived inside. They took up the remaining booths, snatching up menus and finally quieting down a little.
Alice went to the first table, "Are you ready to order?" she asked. She held her pen poised in her slim fingers, the notepad resting in her palm.
One of the soldiers looked up. He eyed Alice up and down before speaking "I think you're just what I ordered, honey." He said. Alice rolled her eyes; and so it began.
"Hey Mikey, make sure you leave leftovers; I'm starved." One of the others added.
"Call me over when you're ready." Alice snapped, shaking her head as she strode away. She could hear them laughing behind her.
"Its not your fault you're so pretty, baby." Babs said, her expression one of usual kindness.
"I just wish they could get a grip of themselves." Alice tutted.
"Excuse me, miss." A voice called.
"This ones getting coffee poured over him if he tries anything." Alice hissed. Babs chuckled and watched as Anna walked away.
It was the quiet boy. He was sat alone in his booth, fumbling with his hands and looking quite lost. Alice instantly let down her guard, and instead adopted a softer tone, "Yes, sir?" She asked.
"Could I get some coffee? Please?" He said.
"Sure." Alice happily poured some coffee into the mug on the table.
"I'm Jasper, by the way." The soldier told her.
"Alice." Alice smiled, taking away the coffee jug, "Enjoy your coffee." She walked away, turning her nose up as she passed the other soldiers.
Back behind the counter, she inspected her reflection in a spoon. Her features were slightly distorted this way, but reasonably recognisable. Her hair was black and stuck out spiky, she could never control it. Her skin was a little pale. Her eyelashes were thick, rimming her dark, wicked looking eyes. Her face, as stated by her mother, was just like a pixies.
"Who's caught your eye?" Babs smirked, making Alice jump and drop the spoon with a clatter. She picked it up clumsily, her face prickling with embarrassment.
"Nobody, I was just... checking something." She replied lamely.
Babs looked amused. She rested her hands on her wide hips, her round stomach and bosom stretching against the material of her pink uniform. "I'll take some of them off your hands for you. You take the quieter side." She offered.
"Thanks." Alice followed her colleague back over to the booths. She quickly scribbled down the orders that were yelled to her, struggling to keep up. She moved, flustered, over to the table where Jasper sat, still alone.
"More coffee?" She gasped, pushing her hair out of her face.
"Yes, please. I'm not hungry, though." Jasper told her. Alice nodded, pouring it out. Jasper suddenly looked a little embarrassed, "Hey, um, listen." He started.
"Hm?" Alice waited for him to go on.
"I was just wondering... I'm a little lonely back here. Would you mind sitting with me, for a while?" Jasper asked her.
"Ugh." Alice groaned. And she had believed that Jasper was different. She turned to walk away, but Jasper grabbed her wrist. It was a gentle hold, she could have broke away if she wanted to.
"Don't be mistaken, I simply want somebody to talk to. I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression." He said. His voice was pleading.
"I can't right now, but if you want an hour I know somewhere we can go." Alice suggested.
"Sure. Thanks." Jasper's face brightened up, and Alice noticed how handsome he was. He was very tall and slightly muscular, with a mop of honey blond hair. His eyes were a pale grey colour.
Alice smiled and walked away.