Chapter 3
On Wednesday, Amanda was up early in order to get to work. She had a very busy day. She had to be at the coffee shop at 5, be at school at 8 and then she promised the manager that she would come back and work all day the rest of the week, but starting next week she would work the normal schedule. When she got to work she found it easy. She was use to making coffee and her personality was great with customers. 6-7 seemed like the busiest times. It made sense, people were looking for a pick me up heading to work. She looked at her watch and it was 7:30 and she had a few people in line, but she knew she needed to head out to get to the school. She called for her coworker to take over. Amanda was washing her hands behind the counter, when she looked at the last 2 people in line. She saw a tall African American man and a tall beautiful brunette. They were looking at their watches and she heard them say something about not having time. The brunette threw her head back and Amanda watched as her hair fell out of her face. Amanda didn't have much experience with dating, although she dated guys in high school something came over her body and she was confused. Why did she find that woman so attractive. She never looked at girls that way before. They turned to leave and Amanda saw the badge on her waist. Amanda called out to them "Hey anyone that protects the community deserves special service. What can I get you two?" The people in line just looked and the manager gave her a very stern glance across the room. "My name is Amanda. What would you like?"she said with a wink and the biggest smile. They stepped up to the counter and ordered. The man ordered a simple coffee black and the woman ordered a latte. Amanda's mind was already spinning. Looking at the beautiful brunette first she said "Ok what's your name?" The woman looked at her knowing full well Amanda was flirting big time, but also knowing she was way too young for her and said "Why do you need my name? I just need the latte." Amanda rolled her eyes and laughed holding up the cup "Ma'am need a name for the cup." The man looked at his partner who was clearly embarrassed at this point and decided to answer for both of them " I'm Fin and this is Olivia." Amanda shook her head and moved to make the order. She looked at them and said "Fin that's an unusual name." Fin being polite made small talk with Amanda explaining his real name was Odafin and noticed that Amanda was not from New York. Amanda continued working on the coffee and told him she was from Georgia, just getting here, and starting over. While taking in the fact that Olivia was listening but trying not to be obvious. Amanda finished and held up the cups calling "Fin your coffee black and Liv your latte." Olivia just looked at her with her mouth open. Amanda smiled and said "He can't be the only one with a nickname. That's not fair." Olivia just blushed and said "Thank you Amanda."
Amanda looked at her watch that flirting made her late, but Amanda didn't regret it. She would regret it if the school called her mom and said she hadn't shown up for the appointment. Amanda threw the apron behind the counter and took off heading for the door. Her manager stopped her and Amanda started to feel scared, but he just smiled and said "Nice move." Amanda felt like at least this job would be pleasant. She rushed outside and looked at her phone. She still wasn't great with directions. She called for a cab because she was super late at that point. She looked over and saw Fin and Liv getting into the car and yelled "Hey Liv take the top off your latte, I made it with love!" With a wave she was gone. When Olivia looked in her cup she saw a heart made from the foam. Liv looked at Fin who had a big ass smirk on his face. Fin said "You're in trouble with that one." Olivia just laughed, but she was nervous about how Amanda made her feel.
Amanda was 20 minutes late and running like her life depended on it. Only she knew the wrath she would have to deal with if they contacted her mom. She made it to the office and said "I'm so sorry I'm late for my appointment. My name is Amanda Rollins and I'm here to see Ms. Alexandra Cabot." The secretary looked at Amanda and smiled. "Don't worry sweetie. Everything's okay. I will let her know you are here and she'll call you in a minute. What Amanda didn't know was that Ms. Cabot wouldn't dare call her mom. Ms. Cabot had nothing but nasty confrontations with Mrs. Rollins over Kim. Ms. Cabot was secretly hoping Amanda wouldn't show once she was late, knowing she was 19 and assuming Amanda would be just like Kim. She didn't need another problem. However while she was waiting she opened up Amanda's file from her Atlanta school. She read nothing but praise and saw she was once an AP student with all A's and even had scholarships in her junior year. When she turned the page in her file, she saw her grades start to slip in her senior year and then Withdrawn stamped in red. Ms. Cabot began to wonder what in the world happened. She was now hoping this kid would show to find out. Her speaker clicked "Ms. Cabot, Amanda Rollins is here to see you."
"Amanda welcome! I'm Ms. Cabot. Come into my office." Amanda looked around her office as she walked in and noticed her degree hanging on the wall and some family photos next to it. Her office was quiet and relaxing, which helped Amanda relax. Amanda began apologizing for being late, but Ms. Cabot smiled and said "Amanda it's fine you're new here and this isn't Georgia is it?" Amanda looked at her soon to be administrator and said "nope". Ms. Cabot asked Amanda to tell her about herself, how she came to New York, and how she felt about school. Amanda told her what she wanted to hear leaving out all the details that she better not tell anyone. What Amanda didn't know is that Ms. Cabot doubled majored in administration and psychology. Ms. Cabot thought it would come in handy dealing with students. Ms. Cabot observed Amanda's behavior and also the slight bruise on her cheek along with the healing lip. She knew Amanda was holding back but was not in the position to push her quite yet. Ms. Cabot handed Amanda her schedule and student handbook. She asked Amanda to sign the last sheet, which was confirmation that she received the handbook and would read it. Ms. Cabot explained their discipline protocol. Amanda leaned forward to sign and didn't realize that she had given Ms. Cabot a full view of bruises on her wrist. She knew Amanda was not in a good situation. Ms. Cabot reminded Amanda before leaving that school started next week and to be on time, but then gave her a gentle smile. She knew Amanda needed someone in her corner.
