The hustle and bustle involved with waitressing on an overflowing crowd is tiring. Especially when only three out of the four waitresses seem to want to work. During the lunch time rush. On a Saturday. Bridget was swaying back and forth from tables to the kitchen to the till. The routine path was stepped through perfectly, a dance almost with the way she sailed through. Over the years while her shyness was persistent; her balance, coordination was risen amongst the ranks. No longer did the sound of breaking china clutter the air.

Although some things they seem will never change.

Corina Bucksworth still sat, perfect posture, and sipped tea as if she had not a care in the world. It seems like she was trying to set a record for how long it takes to finish one cup of the stuff. Although not to demean her she does work; not as hard as is liked, and her tea breaks are less frequent. But today it seems to drag out. She sat sipping a lovely jasmine tea, while Bridget served the section around her. Now while the girls may have seemed as different as chalk and cheese, they were close. Before the mews, Corina had no one in her life who she could call at night to talk if she needed. Sure she had the staff around her, but her parents were never home and with no siblings she led a lonely life. But now she has a close knit group of girls to call – if she ever needed to. She even remembers when Zoe, Bridget and Kikki just showed up at her mansion one day for a sleepover because they wanted her to feel better. It was the first time she could let her velvety black hair down and just be herself – even with the arguing between her and Zoe, more like petty banter she felt loved. The Lorikeet in her preened with the knowledge of her amazing friends, and Mew Mint felt indulged in her life.

Kikki was determined to show off her amazing acrobats and tricks while serving customers; anything for the extra money – trying to support five younger siblings while going to school is hard. When her mother died, her father had just left and didn't return – sure every now and then he sends the occasional letter and money but it is never enough. Kikki at the age of 17 is now the primary source of income for her family and has been since before becoming Mew Pudding – a genetically enhanced superhero with the DNA of a Golden Lion Tamarin – a monkey as playful as Kikki. Kikki while looking up to all the other mew mews had bonded with Bridget the most, something about the shy girl had called out the hyper one. Maybe because she understood how hard it is for the young blonde to always be cheerful. So much so that Kikki often refers to Bridget as 'onee-chan' older sister. And that was the role Bridget filled. She went round to cook dinner for the Benjamin brood twice a week; joined them on days in the park every Saturday she wasn't working, and even went as far as to give Kikki her tips from the café to 'help provide for your lot' as she would often say to Kikki. And Kikki loved her for it.

"Hey girls", a perky voice called, followed by a shock of pink hair heading towards the locker room. And it remerged, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey Zoe" Kikki responded, jumping up and down waving vivaciously. "How was your morning? Was the match good? Did mark win? Did he lose?"

Laughing Zoe shook her head and waited for Kikki to take a breath before responding.

"Kikki, it went great thank you. The match was thrilling to say the least, the competition was very skilled but in the end it didn't help him as Mark won, like I knew he would." Zoe had a smile and dreamy look in her eyes when talking about her boyfriend of 3 years mark. At age 19, Zoe was starting to dream about being his wife someday. The leader of the Mews was a romantic at heart. As Mew Strawberry, and holder of the Iriomote Cat DNA, you would have thought Zoe Hanson was fearless, a true predator. And she is in her hero form. However in her civilian form she was just a bundle of loveable cuddliness. Very cute. And that cuteness translated into a very sought after girl; wanted by any guy who got to know her – however she never strayed from her heart's love. She was dedicated.

"Oh this reminds me, after the match he asked me on a date for this evening. 7p.m dinner date and to dress formal." Zoe said the excitement evident in her tone.

"But you are supposed to be shutting the café tonight Zoe." Renee replied as she walked passed to serve her table of giggling school girls. Renee Roberts is the fifth and final member of the Mew Mews. And the most famous. In her civilian life Renee is a model, actress and all out idol for teenage girls. With her tall frame, slender body and silky violet hair, you would never suspect how lethal she is. And I mean lethal. Hew mew form, Mew Zukaro is due to her pairing with the Grey Wolf, and true to the wolf nature she started her mew career alone. It wasn't until Zoe had risked herself to save Renee that she even thought to join them. And also true to her nature she was protective of her pack. The only times she has ever truly relaxed is in the company of these seemingly mismatched girls who were thrown together to defend the Earth. And she wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything in the world.

"But I have a date" Zoe complained. She seemed down for a minute until a lightbulb popped up above her head.

"Will one of you please close up for me? Please." She begged.

"I can't" Corina replied, finishing her tea and delicately placing the china cup down. "I have ballet practise for my recital in a couple of weeks. And the steps need to be perfect – it's not every day that I can be Odette in Swan Lake." Corina takes her ballet seriously – one of the only activities she enjoyed to do to pass the time between her parents visits; as infrequent as they are.

Zoe turned her attention to Kikki, who was one her way to the kitchen.

"Kikki could you - "

"Sorry Zoe. I can't either. I have to cook for my family." She said apologetically.

"Renee"

"Can't. Sorry Zoe but I have to be on set for 5. I'm shooting for my new movie."

"Zoe. Why not just ask Bridget?" Kikki suggested.

"Because" Zoe said "I already asked her to cover for me this morning. And it would feel rude. She might not even go for it."

"Might not go for what?" Bridget asked with a tray plied with cakes.

"If you would close up for me. I may have agreed to go on date for 7. And I would need to leave around half 5 to make myself glamourous." Zoe rushed out all in one breathe.

"What do I get in return?" Bridget asked. Over the years she had learnt to stand up for herself, not to be walked all over.

Zoe seemed to pause and think about this.

"How about you have my next day off? It's on Thursday"

"Deal" she said as they shook hands.