The Coffee Shop – Chapter 1
An unexpected meeting
Raven Roth walked down the empty street. She kicked a stone or two, and listened to them skip.
Why do I have to find a job? I just want to stay home and meditate. But with mom going through another of her depression states, we need the money.
Pushing a stray wisp of her violet hair out of her face, she started to sing, under her breath.
"I walk this lonely road, the only road that I have ever known. Don't know where it goes, but it's home to me and I walk alone…"
She kept walking. It was getting darker. She should be getting home soon.
"I walk this empty street, down the boulevard of broken dreams, where the city sleeps…"
She heard a noise coming from up ahead. There was a shadow running towards her.
"And I'm the only one and I walk alone."
Something ran into her with full force. She was knocked backwards off her feet. Standing up, she brushed herself off. It was then that she saw what had knocked her over.
A girl, about her age, was standing up. She had long, blonde hair and bright blue eyes. When she had fully stood up, she held out her hand for Raven to shake.
"Hi, I'm Tara Markov. Sorry I… er… Ran into you like that."
"That's ok. Oh, and I'm Raven Roth." Raven replied, in her usual monotonous voice.
"So, Raven, what are you doing down this part of town?" Tara asked.
"I was looking for a job." Raven responded.
"Really? Me to! Hey, maybe we should get a job together, that way we'd know someone!"
"Okay, but where?"
They both looked up.
"There." Tara stated.
Walking into Murray's Coffee shop, Raven saw that there was one employee working there, and he was washing tables. He was short. Looked about 2 years younger than herself. That would make him 16. He was a bit odd looking, probably because had bright green hair.
Tara walked up to the counter. She dinged the bell that was sitting there.
"Heh-hem, excuse me?" She said, rather loudly.
The green-haired boy ran up to the other side of the counter, tripping on his way.
"Hi, and welcome to Murray's Coffee shop. May I help you?" He asked.
"Well," Tara started. "My friend here and I were looking for a job, and we saw your 'Help Wanted' sign. Could we get an application?"
"Sure thing. I'll be right back." He disappeared into the back. "Uncle Murray, Uncle Murray! We need two applications!"
A man who looked about in his late 40s appeared.
"Ah, I see." He handed them each a piece of paper. "You start tomorrow. 8 A.M. sharp. You'll be finished at 7. No need to fill anything out, just bring that paper with you."
"What?" Raven asked, confused.
"Shoo, shoo, you'll need a good night's rest before your first day of work. Run along home now," He shooed them out the door.
"Well, Raven, I'll see you tomorrow… I guess. I mean, you are gonna come, right? You're not gonna ditch out on me, right?" Said Tara, worried.
"Don't worry, I'll come."