Zack was sat in front of his computer, staring blankly at the screen. He was out of yet another job, and although he still had three on the go, he needed another one if he was going to pay this month's rent. He slumped down in his chair, and rested his head in his arms. He was so tired.

It was nearly midnight, and he had to be up at five to be an "industrial cleaner", which basically meant wiping down shelves and mopping floors at the supermarket. That was until nine, and then he went to a bar and served drinks until one. At one he went to a corner shop and bought some gum to get him through until it was time for supper. He worked at a hotel, cleaning toilets and people's rooms until seven, and then he went home (at last) and ordered some take-out.

No wonder he was beat. And he needed a new job. He had no loans, and no mortgage, but he was seriously considering a loan. He knew it wasn't the answer, knew it would just get him deeper into debt, but at the moment it seemed like he had no other choice. Why was life so hard? Maybe all he needed was some caffeine. He threw on his jacket and headed over to Starbucks.

He got there and felt like sitting down and staying there. He'd hoped, well, imagined that maybe there'd be someone there for him – some girl. He hadn't had a girlfriend in so long, since... well, since he left school, in fact. He just had dreams, wherever he went, that maybe there would be the one, the girl, that elusive soul-mate that he searched so hard to find. Every time a new hope, and every time a disappointment. It seemed that this time was no different. He glanced at the customers sat there – not many, at this time of night.

Old guy, probably homeless. Two young ladies sat opposite each other looking, ah... well, they were wearing small skirts and tight tops, and Zack hurried past them without sparing them a glance. He knew he shouldn't be embarrassed by that sort of thing, he knew it went on, it just wasn't the kind of thing you expected to see in your own town. Denial...

Funny thing, although there were so few customers, there were still hardly any spare seats. The Starbucks employees had put up the unused ones, so there were only a few spaces left. He glanced around, his brow furrowed, and noticed the two young women giving him some smiles. They were meant to seduce him, he could tell, but they reminded him more of the look two pythons might give to a cute young bunny just before they eat it all up. With a shudder he turned away, and went to the only other spare seat.

There was another woman sat there, dressed more substantially in a jacket and black jeans. The jacket appeared to have an emblem on it, but it was lost in the folds, so he couldn't make it out. Her dark hair was pulled straight back, and she had some ear-phones in. She was nodding her head slightly to the music, and it made him smile. He couldn't remember the last time he'd listened to music and enjoyed it – really enjoyed it, like she was doing. He worked up the nerve to lean forward and tap her on the shoulder, working out what he was going to say. Something suave, if he could, like, "Is anyone going to sit here, or is the pleasure all mine?" No, no, too sleazy... how about something simple like, "Can I sit here?" Too simple... maybe -

All thoughts of what he would say went clean out of his head when the girl turned around. Her eyes widened, and he thought, do I really look that bad?

"Zack!" she shrieked. She somehow stood up and threw herself at him all in one movement. He staggered backward under the sheer force, and managed to steady himself. She let go of him and stepped back, her eyes sparkling and a rosy flush in her cheeks. "Oh, Zack, it's awesome to see you! I haven't seen you in ages, and how are you doing? I'm doing well, not really, but it sounds good, and oh no, I'm babbling aren't I?"

She didn't seem to be waiting for an answer, as she sat back down, and motioned for him to sit opposite her. He did so, still slightly confused, and waited for her to speak. She seemed to be waiting, too. He started to ask her who she was, then noticed the logo on her jacket clearly for the first time. Kayz's Bass's.

"Oh, Merlin," he said quietly, a habit he'd picked up from reading Harry Potter too many times. "Katie?"


Ok, time to thank my reviewers.

Freddy'sGirl01: thanks for the review, you get a cookie! (:)

Operate: A cookie for you, as well! (:)

hopelesslydevoted12: two cookies for you, acos I'm feeling generous! (:) (:)

sweetcaroline: yeah, you're totally right! I already had the second chapter ready, but I couldn't use it because this chapter kinda had to be ended there, and there was nothing else to add. Btw, you have to update your stories soon, especially Mr and Mrs Jones, ok?

Missing Fairy: thanks for all the compliments, cookie for you! (:)

T.A.F.FY-Rox92287: You have a complicated name... nice review, haha, cookie for you! (:)

Dolphin: Don't you owe me a dollar? ...No. (:)

Anda BIG telling off to two of my friends, Nanners-77 and Pill for reading but not reviewing! You have been named and shamed!

Big Brother is watching you...