Based on real experience folks.

A Cup of Coffee

Maia Roberts would have never in a million years pictured herself here. She groaned in disgust after wiping off the left over borsht from her new shirt. That'll leave a stain. She thought bitterly as she glanced at the giant red stain that spread through the stark white nylon. That was the second time this week. She sighed as she threw the dirty paper towel into the trash.

"And they say not all New Yorkers are rude." She muttered as she went to take out the trash. This was bad. She was running low on funds and replacing clothes. She couldn't even remember the last time she went out to a movie not to mention done something other than scraping oil off of a pan when the cook forgot to use the non-stick spray.

She was greeted by her boss holding out a pad and paper. "Michelle's sick" she said, "You'll have to take over her shifts." Maia suppressed the urge to groan. You'd think that being out front is way more fun than being in that stuffy kitchen but after the dirty glares, food stains and outbursts she had received from customers- the job got old fast.

She sighed as she walked over to a woman with a kid sitting in a booth. "Good afternoon, may I take your order?" She asked, forcing the cheery tone and chipper smile.

"I'll have the…special." Oh God more borsht? Maia scribbled that down on her pad, trying to mask her horror.

"Anything else?"

"Francine would you like to order?" The little girl lifted her head to meet Maia's eyes. Her eyes widened in fear as they quickly shifted to the ground. She whispered something so low that the breeze swept over her words.

"I'm sorry sweetie, what did you say?" Maia leaned down in hopes that she could hear her. The girl cleared her throat and repeated the same thing…just as low. Maia sighed. This was going to be a long day…

Maia lifted the plate and found her hopes scattered. No tip. She picked up the receipt and flipped it over.

You're a horrible waitress, thanks.

Maia didn't know whether to burst out laughing or ripping this up into tiny bits. But she only sighed and continued to deliver the used plates to the dishwasher. She was expecting so much more when she moved here. She was away from the security of her parents, of the small white picket neighborhood she lived in, of the neighbors who thoughts she was weird or unnatural.

Yet somehow in the middle of things, she found herself more of an outsider here than ever. The bell rang, alerting her to another customer.

"I'll be right there!" She called. She hurried as she tied a knot with her apron and grabbed her pad, bracing herself for another nightmare. She was surprised to see a small red head sitting at the corner booth. In her hands, she clutched a white sheet of paper. She glanced around nervously. Maia shrugged and walked up to her. "What can I get you?" She asked. The girl smiled.

"Just a cup of coffee." Maia raised an eyebrow. She didn't really have time or the patience for any lingerers.

"Are you sure about that?" The girl nodded. Maia sighed as she scribbled it down on her pad. The coffee was ready in less than a minute.

"Hey did I do something wrong?" Maia turned around, surprised the girl was talking to her.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know you seemed pretty annoyed when I ordered." Maia sighed and glanced around, her boss was nowhere in sight. She'd probably lose tips over this but by now; her nerves were so fray she couldn't care less.

"Okay look I just got borsht thrown on me for the second week in a row; I haven't been tipped in three days. I haven't been out with my friends in two weeks. So excuse me if I'm a bit touchy right now if you want to nurse your cup of coffee because I just don't have time for that." She snapped. Maia released a breath, not realizing how good it felt to just let it out.

"Oh." Maia's cheeks reddened as she realized that she had just yelled at a customer. "Well that sucks." Maia looked at her in surprise, no demands for her manager, no boiling hot coffee on her skin. "I'll be sure to be out of your hair soon." Maia blinked.

"Uh…ok thanks…enjoy your coffee I guess." She shook her head as she walked away. People these days…

She glanced around, picking up the empty coffee cup. The red head had left a few minutes ago. She flipped the receipt back.

Thank you.

Maia smiled, not being able to help it. It was weird how two words could have such an effect on her. Her eyes widened as they glanced at the bill on the desk. That girl gave a twenty dollar tip to a three dollar cup of coffee.

"Thank you." She whispered. She took the cup back.

"Roberts, you've been neglecting a customer." Her boss hissed. Maia glanced around. "He's been here ever since that red head came, just looking around. Take his order and get rid of him. We're closing soon." Maia sighed and walked over to him. He was blonde, good looking and for some reason had an amused smile spread over his lips.

"What can I get you?"

"Just a cup of coffee."

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Sorry this is so short. There are longer entries coming. Please keep sending suggestions!