Have I been here before? She wondered, gazing around the bright room with confusion marring her bright eyes. The eerie room felt familiar, but why?
Suddenly, the girl became frozen in place. It felt like something squeezed her lungs closed, her breathing coming out in short, and shallow gasps. Terror grasped her, and she tried to move, but to no avail. Why was this happening?
Struggling to breathe, the immobile girl knew the darkness would be coming for her.
M-!
What was that? A small sound was heard, but the girl couldn't hear it, with the darkness enclosing her. Squeezing her eyes shut, and trying to fight the dizziness, the girl strained to hear.
Mar-!
There it is again! The girl struggled to hear the curious sound one more time, but she couldn't hold on any longer. The short gasps of oxygen wasn't enough, and she disappeared into the dizzying darkness...
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The faint sound of an annoying alarm rang through the muted city sounds. It was 5:30 am, and the city was just waking up, while others were on their way to bed. In a small apartment, the alarm was ringing, telling everyone to get up and work.
"Hey, sis!" Added to the morning ruckus was a young girl's voice, begging her sister to wake up, and shut off the alarm.
"Go away." Muttered the annoyed, older sister. Why did I set my alarm so goddamn early?
"Marysa!" This time the younger sister called her name, and continued doing so.
"Karly." Marysa whined. "For Pete's sake and mine, turn that sounds off!"
Karly grimaced. Mornings like these were the worst, because her older sister seemed to forget everything. "I can't. It's too complicated." Karly said in her monotonous voice. "I told you to buy the high-tech alarm clock, that actually works, but you bought these retarded piece of junk instead."
Marysa huffed at Karly's statement. Even though it was true, Marysa didn't like it to be pointed out.
"So why'd you set it so early?" Karly asked.
"I dunno."
"..."
"Ah, why!?" Marysa shrieked in annoyance. "FYI, I didn't mean to! We all know that it sets either two hours early, or two hours late!"
"Then you're going to sit for 2 hours before work?" Karly asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
"Yes." No choice anyway.
"Suit yourself then." Karly shrugged, and walked out of her sister's room.
Marysa sighed. Life was so hard with a little sister like Karly around. She's way too serious. Marysa thought with a sigh.
Marysa Cleo Ayuzawa. She was 15-years-old and of great beauty, yet she never let anyone get too close to her, not even Karly. With a pang, Marysa wondered if she was too distant with Karly, and that's why Karly is so serious. Karly Tara Ayuzawa was a monotonous 14-year-old teenager, who was very practical and logical. She was sweet, yet aloof in her own distant way.
The smell of waffles drifted up into Marysa's room, making her stomach growl. That was another difference between the two sisters. Karly was a decent cook, whereas Marysa burned everything, including water.
After a delicious breakfast, Marysa read her book, waiting for the two hours to go by. They went by swiftly, and at 7:30, Marysa waved goodbye to her sister.
"I'll be home around 1:00." She said, then boarded the bus at the bus stop not too far away from their house.
Because the Ayuzawa sisters were sadly orphaned when Marysa was 13 and Karly 12, they had to earn their own money. It was hard looking for a place that hired a 13-year-old with a substantial payment, but Marysa found a coffee shop that offered to take her in.
It was called Coffee Lovers, and even though it was a small business, it is quickly flourishing. Marysa has worked there for two years during the summer, and has enough money to live a comfortable life.
A place to live had been tricky too, but a family friend, Nina, had willingly let the sisters stay at the apartment complex she owned for free, as long as they behaved. One would think that wouldn't be hard but the girls had almost been kicked out due to other residents living there. Those stories should be saved for later though...
At approximately 7:55, Marysa arrived at Coffee Lovers. Suzie, the manager, happily welcomed Marysa as soon as she entered.
"Rysa!" She cheerfully called. Rysa was Marysa's nickname, and most often used at the shop.
"Hey, Suzie." Marysa smiled. Even if the manager's bubbly personality got annoying, no one could say they hated her. She was a good person and sweet as sugar.
"Marysa!" A voice called, overflowing with excitement. Marysa turned around to see her best friend, Sofie Mont standing in the kitchen, and Marysa went to join her.
"What's up?" Marysa asked.
Sofie shrugged. "Nothing unusual." Then her eyes brightened. "But, I can't wait until next week!" She whispered.
Marysa's eyes sparkled. "Me too!"
"Am I missing something important?" A snide voice interrupted the best friends' hushed conversation. Marysa and Sofie unwillingly turned around to face Hannah, the stuck-up jerk of Coffee Lovers.
"Of course not." Sofie scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Why would we ever keep anything away from you, dear Hannah?" Marysa chuckled under her breath at Sofie's statement. Hannah narrowed her eyes at the two girls.
"I don't want to see you slacking off." She hissed menacingly.
"As if." Marysa raised her head to meet Hannah's cold eyes with a chilling glare. "Do you see me flirting with all the male customers that walk through the door? Do you see Sofie standing around gossiping with the women, when she should be serving the elderly gentleman? Do you see us handing our shifts over to the next person in line, so we can go out on a date with a new guy each time?"
Hannah's face grew pale, then red with anger. "You're accusing me, I suppose."
"Of course, I mean, we always see Erica and Sandy stuffing their mouths with food, right?" Sofie joined in, though not as intimidating as her friend. Hannah may be terrifying, but Marysa could give you nightmares for the rest of your life.
Hannah opened her mouth to defend herself, for it was true she was the culprit, but Suzie came skipping into the kitchen, overflowing with happiness and love.
"Time to get to work, my dears!" She sang out. "We will be busy, busy, busy today!"
"You say that every day." Hannah muttered. Marysa had to agree, but she kept her opinion to herself. She was glad she did when she turned around to see Manager's dark aura surrounding Hannah. Suzie was cheerful all the time, even in anger, making it more terrifying than a full outburst. Exchanging a glance with Sofie, both girls hurried to the front of the shop.
"Welcome to Coffee Lovers! What would you like today?"
The standard greeting rang lively throughout the small shop, as each of the girls welcomed their customers, though each had her own secret techniques and tricks. Greetings were also changed due to who the person was.
Although she was Manager, Suzie Marin preferred to work in her shop too. 25 years old, and oldest of all her employees, Suzie acted exactly like a teenager. Her bubbly personality matched well with her cheerful looks.
Sandy Thompson was a bit like Marysa's little sister. She had the same serious face and slightly monotonous voice, but her rare smiles made her popular among a lot of the customers; they're daily job was to always try to make her smile. She looked 18-years-old, though she was 20.
Erica Sana was the most popular waitress at Coffee Lovers because of her sweet personality and beauty to go along with it. She was 18 years old, and got along with everyone. But don't get her on your bad side... Because you'll have a vicious enemy for life.
Hannah Crane, the 17-year-old jerk and flirt. If you were a guy, she'd give you a sweet smile that would make you fall head-over-heels for her. She'll play hard-to-get, but keep dropping subtle hints that she wants you to go out with her. When asked, she will go out with you for one week, then you're done. She's a heart-breaker. If you're a woman, there are two options. Don't flirt with the men, you're safe, and there's lots of juicy gossip. On the other hand, go catch the eye of a hot dude, you're dead meat. Let's just say, K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Sweetie - stay away from Hannah!
Last, but not least, are Sofie and Marysa. They are both 15 years old, and the youngest employees. They are beauties, and get a lot of attention.