(Shadow's Pov)
What I'm seeing has me speechless. The figure that created the steps was a female. This female was two isles to my right. I could clearly see the outline of the female but I couldn't see what color she is. As she stops at the end of the isle entrance she starts to move forward. Towards my direction. I'm thinking to myself she's coming to me to confess her feelings like most women do but my assumption was cut short. I focused closer on the female's outline. Her head was facing the shelves but her body was towards my way. I noticed she was skimming the shelves for a book to read. Then her movements stopped. Turned her body at the shelves and stared at the many book spines. Reaching out her hand two shelves above her to grab the item. As her fingers grabbed the book she wanted, she looked at the cover and its title. She opens the book and starts to read the text. Flipping through each page within seconds. She's a fast reader like myself.
As the female was reading, I studied her. Her body was facing the book shelves in front of her. I would be facing her right side but still two isles away from her. I can tell she was a short female. Long hair past her mid back, small ears on her head, and a small tail. I could tell this female was a hedgehog but I still can't see what color her fur is. The dimmed lights and the tall shelves were making it difficult to describe her features properly. I don't know why but I started to become hypnotized by this female. As I stare at her I realized she didn't move from her spot. I'm guessing she's either ignoring me or she doesn't know I'm here.
I stood here frozen. Not moving an inch from my stance. I didn't want to be discovered by her. My crimson eyes glued on her form. I couldn't stop staring. After staying in this position for a while she slammed the book shut. I flinched from the loud noise, my fur stood on ends. The noise startled me out of my trance. She turns towards me again. Still holding the same book, she started to walk forward. As this female reached the end of the isle she turned a sharp right (which would be her left).
I stood there dumbfounded. Thinking what just happened. A female stood about twenty feet from me and she didn't notice my presence. It surprised me. A female in Sega High didn't notice me. That's a first. Turning my head forward again and leaned back on the shelf behind me. I closed the book in my right hand and placed it back on the shelf again. I'll remember the title and read it another time. I sighed and think of the female again. Standing in the same spot for a bit, till I moved again.
I started to walk in the same isle where she turned. I stood by the edge of the wooden shelf. Then I followed the same path she took. Curiosity got the better of me. I was interested in this female's identity. As I gotten to the last stand I noticed it gets darker. I looked around and I found her. Sitting in a recliner chair, still having her right side facing me while reading her book. What catches my attention the most is the red glow from her head. I noticed the glow came from this butterfly design. That confused me. Earlier she didn't have this butterfly on her head but now it's there. I can still see the outline of her body but can't point out the details. I can hear the pages of the book being turned and the clock ticking at the other end of the library. Then her body shot upright, in a quick manor grabbing her things. I wasn't able to see clearly but hearing shuffling noises. She placed the closed book on the table next to the chair. The school bell went off. Too dismiss students for the day, as my phone vibrated in my pocket. I looked down and reached for it. As I picked it out of my pocket, I looked back at the female. But noticed the back door closed shut.
Damn. I couldn't get a good glimpse of her. I walked to the chair she sat in just a few seconds ago. Picking up the book she left behind. It was a dark purple hard cover book, without any labels. I opened the book and noticed the title. It was a mystery theme story. My eyes widen for a second. The female was also interested in the mystery genre. It seems we have a common interest in ligature. Closing the book and glimpsed at my phone. It was a text from Sonic. I sighed in irritation. Opened my phone to read the message.
It reads "Hey shades, where are you? School is finally over and I can't find you anywhere. Anyway our group is hanging at my place today. Meet us there!
Damn that faker and his timing! I wasn't able to get a good glance at the female. I sighed again. Knowing that she goes to our school but a signaling out this female in this large school is harder to find. Since I didn't know her fur color it will be difficult to track her. All I know is her long hair, short ears, small tail, she is a hedgehog, and that red glowing butterfly design. I looked back at the door she ran out. I wonder in my thoughts that we might have more things in common than just quiet places and book genres. My search will begin tomorrow. Placing the phone in my pocket again and I walked out of the library. Taking my bag with me and headed home. Ignoring Sonic's request, I'll see that faker tomorrow anyway.
(Amy's Pov)
I walked around the school building till I see Cream at the entrance gate. My phone went off ten minutes earlier like it always does. Placing my stuff into my bag and ran out the back door. Putting on my disguise before I went outside. It sucked that I wasn't able to read the rest of the book today. It was a great mystery so far, the plot was just about to unfold. The detective was about to announce the culprit behind the murder. I sighed knowing this will bug me till tomorrow. All well, anyway I can see Cream was up ahead. I waved at her and she did the same back. I ran towards her till I was next to her.
"Amy, ready to head over to the café for our shift today?" Cream asked in delight.
"Can't wait, I'm always curious on what pastry you make this time." I answered back and smiled.
"Yay! Let's go." Cream said while jumping in excitement. She grabbed my right hand and we went off. Both happy to work at a café in town. The café is called The Quiet Corner Café. Cream works as a baker as I work as an assistant maid. The shop is located on a corner street, close to Station Square. Both Cream and my houses are twenty minutes from work but its forty minutes from school. Cream gets the pastries from this café and I use this opportunity to practice in the working community. The payment isn't that bad. I get enough to pay my bills and have extra.
Once we walk into the shop, we went into the back to get changed. Cream changes into her cooking uniform as I put on my maid uniform. The maid outfit is a black short dress with an apron over the design. The dress ends by my knees and it covers my chest decently well. The outfit also comes with black heals, a big ribbon, a black choker collar, and a black ribbon band that is placed on my left thigh. Even though the maid outfit is skimpy I keep my disguise on. I don't want to cause trouble with my looks. I don't mind the maid outfit and nobody knows me.
The shift changes with us since we are high school students. It's only for a few hours after school hours during the week. We don't work on the weekends unless it's on holiday specials or the café has events.
After we got dressed our boss entered the locker room. Alexandrite is a female orange squirrel. She owns the café and is 28. Her name comes from her birthstone of June and her eyes are the beep blue color just like the jewel. Deep orange fur, scarlet short hair, and a nice curvy body. Her tail is twice her body size and her height is five feet and eight inches. Most mobians mistake her as a college student because of her looks. She doesn't mind the complements. She is one of the bakers that makes the fresh sweets daily. She is a nice woman once you get to know her. I'm just surprised that she isn't married yet. This café is a two story building. Alexandrite lives on the second floor while her shop is ground level. Both Cream and I call her Alex for short.
"Hello girls, your shift will only be three hours today. I have to close the shop early for inspection for next week. You ladies will be paid while the café is down." Alex told us while smiling.
"Thank you Miss. Alex." Cream and I said.
"Miss Alex?" Cream asked in a nice manor.
"Yes, what is it my dear?" She answered.
"Can I barrow one of the pastry recipes books while the café is closed?" Cream asked our boss.
"Why of course, as long as you return the book after the shop reopens." Our boss requested back.
"Oh thank you Miss. Alex!" Cream said while smiling.
As I finish putting the black ribbon in my hair, I get ready for our shift. Sometimes I think our boss is related to Vanilla. Her manors are very nice and sweet. I can just imagine Cream, Vanilla, and Alexandrite having a tea party while making conversations of silly topics. They are all sweet ladies. It's a shame that not many people know them.
Both Cream and I start our hours, we get right into business. Cream goes behind the counter to place the fresh pastries in the glass shelves. I placed the cafés sign in the window that labeled "Closing Monday through Sunday for inspection. Reopening on Monday the third." Once set up, I welcome the customers and place them at their seats. We usually get forty through a hundred customers a day. Depends on what day it is and if a special event happens.
Our café serves many types of pastries, beverages, and snacks. Cakes, cookies, brownies, coffee, hot teas, sodas, water, small snacks for on the go or rest in the shop. We also play soft jazz or calm classic music to lighten the mood. The lights are dim but enough to see the shops entire design. Small plants placed around the walls, tables with chairs, some soft sofas, and we have free wifi surface. Great for the college students or business men. They can have a nice hot beverage while doing their work in a calm environment. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and fighting is prohibited in our café. Alex wants to keep the cafés air nice and clean. I don't blame her. The last thing I want to deal with is the smell of cigarette smoke or liquor beverages. Our café isn't a bar. Our café also supplies playing cards, chess and checkers for anyone to play. We even have coloring books with crayons for the little children. We do get some young kids into our shop but our main customers are teens and adults.
Walking around the shop to place orders, tell them our sale of buy two and get the third free (since our café is closing for an entire week), and answer any customers questions or problems. I'm not the only maid waitress in this café. There are four other girls working here as well. Either taking turns on each other's shifts or helping out. They are May, Clare, Sapphire, and Dalla. May is an albino feline, Clare is a purple skunk, Sapphire is a blue fox (same reference as our boss Alex), and Dalla is a brown kangaroo. They are all college students and only three or five years older than Cream and I. We are the youngest working here. All six of us are good friends and we chat frequently during our breaks or before and after shift hours. This café has female workers. No male as requested to be hired here.
Personally I'm happy that we don't have guys working at our shop. I still have a hard time talking to guys and I can't imagine having a relationship with one. Since my past crush on Sonic died, I haven't thought of dating someone. I will look eventually once I finish my college years. With our customers are half males I can deal with talking to them. Some have tried to flirt with me and asked for my number but I reject there offers and go back to work. I thank them for thinking of me that way but I can't accept them. Cream and the other maids get asked by admirers as well but they all decline. We all want to finish our scalar ships first before having a serious relationship. Besides Cream already has a guy she likes.
Anyway the day went smoothly like they always do. After the shop ended our boss gave us ladies the leftover sweets that didn't sell today. There's no point of keeping them in the café while the inspection is happening. They would get all stale and hard as rocks. We all received some cake slices, brownies, cookies, and a free beverage of our choosing. I got a caramel frappe with whipped cream. I do enjoy the coffee drinks that we offer. Cream has gotten a cream soda. Ironic isn't it? She isn't keen on coffee. She doesn't like the flavor but enjoys the scent of the hot beverages. Cream also picked one of the recipe books called "Pastries of Paradise". A silly title but that book does contain many delicious baked goods recipes.
As we all left for home, I walked Cream to her house. She wanted to hang with me some more. I always welcome Cream into my house but I have to ask her mother's permission first. Cream grabs her cell phone from her uniform skirt pocket and contacts Vanilla.
"Hi mom." Cream said "Can I stay at Amy's house for the night?"
Paused for Vanilla to answer back. Cream said "Amy and I will work on homework, clean her house a bit, and hang out before bed."
Her expression went from happy to excitement. I'm guessing her mother approved on the sleepover. Vanilla always let Cream stay at my place since we live close to each other and we go to the same school. I'm the only close friend Cream has had since I moved into Station Square. Sometimes I think we are sisters but with different mothers. Vanilla became my "mother" since my parents disappeared when I was young. I usually call her Miss. Vanilla but sometimes I say mom. She doesn't mind me calling her that. It gives me some comfort knowing I do have one adult helping me with situations.
"Thank you mom!" Cream said "I love you mom and I'll see you tomorrow after school."
The call ended and she jumped with joy. I smiled and was happy that I will have company over at my house again. I do have a spare bedroom for her to stay in. I keep that room mostly white since I don't decorate much. Cream does add some touches here and there but nothing major.
Once we got to my place I opened my bag to get the house keys. Found the right one and opened the front door. I moved aside to let Cream enter first. It's common manors to let the guest enter your house first than yourself. We took off our shoes and placed them by the front door. Cream grabbed my box of sweets and takes both of them into the kitchen. Placing them on the island counter. We usually do our homework on the island counter while eating sweets and chatting away. I never eat in my room nor does Cream. As she opens the boxes and find plates, I walk to my room too change. When I'm inside my house or Creams place I always keep my disguise off. Nobody will see me. Cream doesn't mind me hiding my true colors in public. She knows fully well what happens when I don't hide my figure. Many of the males chase me and the girls envy with jealousy and hatred. I don't like the extra attention. It's too much of a hassle.
Once I close my door I place my book bag on my red bed cover. I walked to my dresser. Removing my pony tail, bang clips, and my false glasses. Placing them on the wooden surface. My sweater goes in the closet to be hanged up, making the skirt shorter, unbutton a few buttons on my white shirt, and remove my socks. Once that's all taken care of I walk back down to the kitchen with my bag in hand. I see that our sweets are on a big plate next to our spots on the island. My seat is on one side while hers is opposite of mine. Placing my bag on the counter I take out my homework and started to work on it.
Since Cream's classes aren't advanced as mine she usually asks me to help her. I don't mind. Our homework is a bit different in length. She has to read two chapters in her science text book to complete an assignment, two pages of math (double sided pages), and one English essay. Mine contains three math pages (also double sided), one history worksheet, and review my science notes from today's class. Usually rewrite the notes and highlight what's important for the test next Wednesday. We do this almost every day after school. Sometimes when Cream can't come over, we use our phones to communicate about our homework. We like to be at the top of our classes and not miss any days.
After finishing our assignments and consuming a few sweets, I gave an idea.
"Now that we finished our homework wanna relax in the indoor pool?" I asked the idea towards Cream.
"That would be awesome Amy!" She said with excitement. "Let's change then go for a swim."
"Okay, your swimsuit should be in the guest room's closet." I told her.
We both run up the stairs to change into our swim attire. Funny thing is even though my house looks small, I did add some improvements to the building with some of my extra money I have. I didn't go nuts but added a few things. An indoor pool behind my house, counter island in my kitchen, twenty inch flat screen TV for the living room, and some new furniture for the guest bedroom. It's not much but enough to entertain myself while being alone or with Cream.
My bathing suit is a black two piece bikini with a red ribbon in the middle and both sides it's not too small but covers enough amount of my figure. I don't go to public pools because of my mature body. My indoor pool has the type of wall glass that can see the outside perfectly but on the outside nobody can see inwards. It was a bit expensive but worth it for the extra privacy and adding the sun's rays. I also have a Jacuzzi next to the decently sized pool. The pool is big enough to fit thirty people, goes fourteen feet deep for the diving area too four feet deep in the shallow end, and around the shallow end has an extra cement gap along the walls to make a seat like bench, to relax in the water instead of swimming. The Jacuzzi is four feet deep as well but it's big enough to fit ten people inside. Having seats along all walls and some jets to add bubbles, the temperature can vary depending on the setting I place it as. During the summer I go into the pool while the winter is for the Jacuzzi. Also I have a few chairs around the perimeter and four tree plants in each corner of the glass room.
Once I'm fully dressed I grab my white towel and headed down the stairs. I enter the kitchen and hear some splashing. Already knew Cream was having fun. She always gets in before I enter the pool area. I open the sliding door and noticed she is jumping off the diving board. Making many flips and cannon balls into the deep water. I giggle at her childish antics again. She's just full of energy when having fun. Both Cream and I don't go to public pools since we don't like strangers coming on to us all the time. We get enough of that while working at the café.
Cream's bathing suit is a light blue two piece tankini. The tankini straps wrap around her neck and leave a lot of her back exposed, it's tight at the top and free flows under the chest. It reached to her hips. The bottom is a skort, a flowing skirt with thin shorts underneath. One white ribbon on the front of the skort and another between her chest. Its cute design makes her body fit nicely into the outfit. Cream, Vanilla, and I went to the mall and gotten these swim wear last year. Vanilla has a pair for herself when she comes over to swims as well but not often.
Once placing the towel on a chair I joined Cream in the water. We swam around, played games, and jumped off the diving board. We were having so much fun. For a few hours we stayed in the pool area till we both had enough. Leaving the water and proceeding to have a shower. After that we both entered my room once completely dressed in our pajamas. We sat on the carpet floor with two bean bags, a deck of playing cards, popcorn, pop soda, and chip bags. Playing rummy, poker, old maid, trash can, solitaire, and go fish while having many conversations. I even played my iPod as background music.
"Draw!" Cream yelled out.
Her cards played out next to the five row of cards in front of us.
"Three pair and a full house." Cream smirked "Beat that!" Folding her arms while having a triumphant smirk planted on her white muzzle.
I smirked back and cream looked at me in confusion. Knowing what I have in my hand will win this round.
"Sorry Cream but not today." I said back. Rotated my wrist and showed her my cards.
"Straight royal flush." I said with a small smirk on my face.
Cream's eyes widen and pouted again. We have played poker many times and I always beat her. It's not by accident. I'm just that good at card games. Since we usually play poker or rummy we don't bet. I always thought betting with money or stupid ideas was dumb. It's a waste of time and ruins the fun.
"Dang Amy that was the tenth time in a row you beat me." Cream said in defeat. "Your good at this game."
"Thanks Cream but I'm doing anything really." Shrugging my shoulders while answering her back.
"It's all about luck with this game and how well you can keep your poker face in check." I said.
Placing the cards back in the pile and shuffled again. We have been playing with the cards for two hours. Both Cream and I never get bored when we play games or hanging out.
"Wanna play rummy for a bit?" I asked.
"Sure." Cream replied.
Handing out the seven cards for her and I we stated to play.
"Hey cream, can I ask you something?" I asked her.
"What is it Amy?" Cream replied.
"Why is it you like Tails so much, if you don't mind me asking?" I never have gotten an answer from Cream about her crush.
Cream blushed red with a shocked face and looked away in shyness. She was surprised when I've asked her this question. She took a deep breath and said. "It's a long story."
"I don't mind." I said back.
(Cream's Pov) *Flashback*
Freshman year at Sega High. After you put your stuff into your locker and went to class Amy. I went to my own locker two halls away. Putting in the combination on my locker, it opened. Placing my books and sweets inside. Getting the right text books for the first three classes and my writing utensils. I closed my locker and went to class two thirty six reading. Before I could reach the class room, a student bumped into me and I dropped all of my things. I fell backwards on my butt from impact.
"Ouchy." I spoke out in slight pain.
"Are you okay miss?" A male's voice said to me in a calm manor.
I looked up at the voice to realize it was from a guy. My eyes widen in shock. The first thing that came to my mind was 'He's handsome!' My face became a little flushed. I've noticed he was a yellow fox with three bangs on his forehead, sky blue eyes, a white muzzle, and two tails. He reached his hand out towards me. I took his hand and he helped me up onto my feet. His hand was bigger than mine and it was a gentle touch.
"Ye….yes I'm o...okay, thank you." I stuttered and looked away in embarrassment.
"You're welcome." He said after he let go of my hand.
I looked around and found my things on the ground. Still blushing from the contact, I couldn't look at him. I went and started to pick up my text books. He helped picking up my papers for my classes. He handed the papers to me.
"Thank you….uh." I said but I didn't know his name. I felt bad.
"It's Tails, Tails Miles Prower. It's nice to meet you miss." He said with a soft smile. My eyes widen. He's the famous sophomore boy genius Tails?! OH MY GOSH! He's so handsome!
"Cream, Cream the Rabbit." I said back still blushing.
"Well Cream." Tails said smoothly. "Be careful in these halls, they can get crowded sometimes. Oh and welcome to Sega High Cream." He said then went down the halls.
I started at his back till I couldn't see him anymore. Once he was gone I sighed happily. From this point onwards I've developed a crush on the boy genius. Before the bell rang for first period I ran there with my things in hand.
*End of flashback*
(Amy's Pov)
"That's what happened." Cream explained.
"Wow Cream, you had that guy alone with you for a bit." I was a bit surprised. It's hard having one of the popular guys alone with any girl. I've noticed many of the girls get jealous if a popular guy hangs out with one individual for some time. Mobians like Cream and myself.
"I know and he was nice too." Cream said dreamily.
"Someone is starstruck." I teased.
"Amy!" Cream yells in embarrassment and blushes red.
"Hahahaha, I couldn't help it." I said back while laughing.
I check the clock at it reads ten pm. I knew it was time for bed since we have school in the morning. I don't like ending our fun too early but we both need the sleep. Also I'm too curious on the plot of the mystery book I read at the school library.
"Lets' call it a night Cream, we need to go to bed for school in the morning." I said while packing up the snacks and cards. Cream yawns and agreed. Once all of the things were away Cream went to the guest room and I went into mine. Both saying good night to each other. Setting my alarm to five am, placing myself under the covers and went to sleep.