Gretchen vs the Fireside Girls
AN: Happy birthday Robot Wolf 26Z!
Sixteen-year-old Gretchen sat behind the counter of the coffee shop. She was glad it was bright and sunny, that meant everyone would be too busy to stop by. Good, she thought, I don't want to see them either. Not after last night.
The door opened and someone approached the counter. They placed their order and left. Gretchen watched after them and sighed.
The next couple of hours crawled by at a snail's pace. Gretchen was getting ready to go off shift when the door opened and Adyson walked in with Isabella and the rest of the girls. Gretchen steeled herself, not sure what was going to transpire next. She watched as Adyson shot a look to Isabella, then glared at Katie and Holly before turning her attention back to Gretchen. "I'd like a caramel latte." Adyson ordered.
Gretchen blinked once, then prepared the beverage. The girls were talking amongst themselves. "It was a joke." Katie complained. Gretchen heard someone cough, then Isabella spoke. "It got out of hand."
Gretchen turned to hand the coffee to Adyson to see the taller girl holding out The Book. The Book that Gretchen had torn in half before throwing it on the floor. The Book that started it all.
"Did you really mean it when you said you'd never come back?" Ginger inquired and Gretchen nodded. Isabella had tears trailing down her cheeks, "You can't quit, you worked so hard. You're an inspiration to all of us." Gretchen kept her eyes trained on The Book.
Gretchen started to say something but her voice caught and her lip began to quiver. Adyson went behind the counter and pulled her friend into an embrace. "I'll get you a new book. I'll sign off all your badges. I'm going to personally contact the head of the organization and demand a special award, just for you. The 'Earn Every Badge In One Year'."
Gretchen hugged the other girl back. "Why?"
Isabella joined her two best friends. "Just accept it. Don't question it. You're one of us. When you hurt, we all hurt." Isabella then took a close look at Gretchen. "Would you like me to ask the boys if they can fix the book, good as new?" Isabella then smiled as she saw Gretchen's lip twitch ever so slightly.