A/N Let me know what you think :)
Slouching in the dining room chair, I listened to the crunch of my cereal as I chewed. Dressed in a black top and jeans, I had twelve minutes to eat breakfast before I have to make my way to work.
Glancing down, I flipped through the early morning newspaper "Find anything interesting in there?" looking up, dad had made his way into the kitchen. Dressed in his murky green uniform, he stood at the bench while pouring his usual cup of black coffee.
Shaking my head, I closed the paper "Nope nothing interesting…how about you?" I asked while chewing another spoonful of my cereal "was the game good last night?"
Groaning, dad came to sit on the other side of the table "That would be the day" he grumbled "…we lost"
"Well, better luck next time…although" I said while gesturing my spoon toward him "you should seriously think about coaching. With your knowledge. We might even get noticed" shrugging my shoulders, I added "you never know"
Snickering, dad scratched the grey stubble on his cheek "I'm old Lina. I don't think I could handle those idiots if I tried. They'll end up giving me a heart attack" taking a sip from his coffee, he added "I'll just stick with what I've got"
Picking up my bowel, I quickly gulped down the chocolate milk left in the bottom. Getting up from my chair, I placed the bowel into the sink before kissing my dad on the cheek "Time for work. I'll see later"
"Bye honey. Have a good day" nodding my head, I picked up my black handbag "and remember" he quickly said with a stern voice as I reached for the door handle "if Reed gives you any hassle…you have my permission to punch him in the throat" giving a lop sided smile, I nodded my head before starting my way out of the house and down the road. My father, protective as ever.
Retying the strings of my brown apron, I gave the 'customer smile' "How are we today? Can I get you anything?" I asked while grabbing my notepad in pen. A small, old café located on the corner, Maggie's is the number one place for a meal.
"Yeah" replied the father of the family as he sat with his wife and two young girls "I'll have the All Day Breakfast. She'll have the omelette. And these two will have the grilled cheese" writing down the order, I looked up as he added "oh and two strawberry milkshakes with cream"
"No worries" I said while writing the last order down "anything else?"
"No thank you, that's it" the man replied with a friendly smile.
"It'll be out shortly" walking away from the table, the café wasn't at all busy as it was still early in the morning. A little after lunch time is when all the regular customer come by for the everyday lunch special, including the whiners; a group of three, elderly women who loved to complain about everything they could think of.
Heading behind the counter, I placed the order on the metal bench window for Ronnie, our cook. Turning around from the grill, Ronnie stood in his checkered pants and white shirt; his large belly making the fabric stretch "Slow today, ain't it doll" nodding my head, I tucked a loose strand of hair from my face.
"Yeah, though I'd rather have it be empty than full. Besides, I'm not looking forward to having to deal with the whiner's"
"The whiners?" laughed Ronnie as he started on the order "Is that what you're calling them now?" Leaning against the bench, I watched as the few 'singles' ate alone at a few separate tables or up at the bench.
"What else would I call them?" I said while tapping my fingers against the metal surface of the window.
"How about what they are? Ungrateful, bit-" tsking Ronnie, I stopped him before he could finish the word. I wasn't at all angered or hateful toward swear words, but I didn't like it when they were used around younger children. It's inappropriate.
"As much as I agree" I said with a sigh "It's not like we can do anything about it. They're…elderly. It would be rude" I tried to argue.
"Look sweetheart. It doesn't matter if you're young or old. If you respect me, I respect you. And those…whiners, are far from anything of the sort" nodding my head, I suppose I could agree with what he was saying. It made sense.
Sighing, I decided to leave Ronnie to cook and head over to the make the milkshakes. By the time I'm done the food should be ready.
Blending and drizzling syrup into the milkshake glasses, I topped both of the strawberry beverages with cream and a red cherry. Hearing the ding of the food bell, I quickly took over the drink before coming back with the rest of their meals "Here we are" I said while placing each plate down "enjoy" I said with a smile.
Walking back over behind the bar, I cleared the dishes away from one of the customers that had just left before wiping down the bench "We've got to stop meeting like this…" hearing his voice, my happy mood immediately dwindled; leaving me with a sense of frustration.
"Reed" I grumbled out in a sour tone. Looking up, there he was; standing with his hands in his pockets and his bleach blonde hair straggling near his eyes. Not unattractive, Reed used to be my high school tormentor and although I thought it would end with graduation; to my dismay it continued.
"Amelia" he replied with deep, sarcastic voice. Standing behind the counter, I watched as he made himself comfortable on one of the red leather stools "what?" he said looking me up and down as I looked none to impressed with his presents "don't like me?"
"You could say that"
Grabbing his chest in mock hurt, Reed tilted his head "You wound me…really"
Looking around, I didn't want to cause a scene in front of people. So instead I took a step closer "What do you want?" I asked with a slight hiss "Why can't you leave me alone?"
"Well, for starters, I'm hungry. And two, your just too much fun…so…" he said with a huff while leaning on the bench with his forearms "Why don't you be a good girl, and make me a milkshake. Hmm" clenching my fists, I thought about dads words as the anger started to bubble - punch him in the throat. It would be so easy, but I couldn't I thought to myself. I'm not that type of person.
Sighing, I turned around without another word and got started on his milkshake. I didn't have to ask him what kind of flavour, or if he wanted cream. I knew what he liked. That's how often he comes in here, and it makes me feel pathetic.
Quickly making the milkshake as sloppy and unattractive as possible, I pushed the glass toward him. Watching him smirk, he said with a wink "You know me so well"
Feeling dull as I walked my way back home, I couldn't help but groan in some relief that work was over. I suppose it was just one of those days. After Reed had taunted me for a few hours, he had eventually left when the lunch rush started to pile though. However, the fun didn't stop there. The whiners had come in not half an hour later, and as per usual, they were complaining about anything and everything they could find; even if it didn't make sense. I swear they lived to make my life miserable.
Looking up from the pavement of the sidewalk, I found dads car parked in its usual spot. Making my way up and into the house, I hooked my handbag on one of the dining room chairs. Peeking into the living room, dad sat watching television athough he was still awake. He must have had a good day if that's the case "Hey honey" he greeted, not taking his eyes off the television "how was work?"
"Alright" I said with a cheery tone. I didn't want to bring his mood down "how was yours?"
"Not bad, not bad" turning to me in his chair, he announced "I should tell you know before I forget. Hank called today. He said he wants to talk to you tomorrow. Something important I think" nodding my head, I searched the fridge before making myself a glass of water.
"Did he say anything else? What it might be about?" I asked while taking a mouthful of my drink.
"Nope. Just that it's urgent" resting a hand on my hip, I bobbed my head while trying to think of a reason of what could be so important. I hope it wasn't anything bad.
"Well. I'm gonna go lie down for a bit. Long day at work" not waiting for a reply, I turned and wandered my way to my room. Closing the door behind me, I sat the glass of water down on the nightstand before collapsing onto the bed. I couldn't be bothered to take my shoes off, not today.
Rushing the next day, I knew I was going to be in trouble with Coach. I was more than half an hour late to the gym; which is something I rarely ever do and for good reason. Sighing as I pushed through the doors, I was instantly enveloped with the noise of pounding feet and the creak of bars. Everyone, of course, was here on time except for me. Loosely glancing around the large gym room, all the other girls that I train with were all dressed and doing their routines.
Spotting Coach not far away, I quickly made my way into the changing room to get ready. Tugging up my short, black pants, I grabbed the tape before zipping up my bag. Jogging out, I wrapped my hands on the way over to see Coach as he stood watching Isabelle on the bars "I'm here" I announced.
"Your late is what you are" scolded Coach not too harshly as he continued to watch "good Isabelle" he praised "remember to keep your arms straight" nodding his head, he turned to face me "as for you young lady…"
"I'm sorry. I know I'm late" looking down, I knew Coach wasn't going to get too angry at me "It won't happen again"
"I hope not…" he grumbled "he hates it when people are late"
Looking up, I was confused "He?...he who?"
Nodding his head toward his office, Coach took a quick look around the gym "Walk with me. I need to talk to you…" following along, I was ushered into his small box shaped office "take a seat" he said while gesturing to the green chair.
Quickly asking, I felt uncomfortable as I sat down "Am I in trouble?"
"No, not at all" stated Coach with a wave of his hand "I just want to talk to about a phone call I recently had concerning your career" breathing a sigh, the last thing I wanted was to get booted from the gym.
Registering Coaches words, I immediately had an odd look of confusion on my face "My career?" I repeated "as in the café?"
"No. With Gymnastics" chuckled Coach "…You're a naturally skilled athlete Lina, and your one of my finest students. I know for a fact you've competed in several events, and you've done very well up to this point…" sitting forward, Coach leaned on his wooden desk "I wanted to know if you have any interest in training on a more…professional level"
"You mean…the Olympics?" I questioned with curiosity. Surely that's not what he means.
Nodding his head, Coach smiled "Yesterday, an important person called wanting to know if he could come watch one of your routines…apparently he's recruiting knew members for his team and he's considering you a likely candidate"
Feeling my breath hitch, I slumped back in the chair with shock and excitement. I couldn't believe it. Someone wanted me on their team – for the Olympics. This is a once in a life time opportunity "When is he coming by?" I asked calmly, I didn't want to seem desperate or too excited.
"He'll be here tomorrow. That's why I wanted to see you so soon" sitting back in his chair, I couldn't help the smile that was on my face "…Lina" looking up, I saw Coach with a look of seriousness on his face "…just…be yourself" he said with a crooked smile. Nodding my head up and down, I couldn't be happier than in this moment.