Obsession 07.02.24
Note: This chapter is in X's point of view.
— § —
Penguins.
I hate them.
I don't know how four flightless little nature's lawbreakers could ruin my life so badly. I've been going from job to job for months, but I'm never stuck at one for very long because either someone recognizes me as the "crazy penguin guy" or by a bout of sheer bad luck, those same four avian misfits show back up into my life and get me fired again.
One day I'm going to show the world the truth.
But for now . . . Duke's.
The smell of burning eggs and toast was especially strong this morning. A few regulars were around, already elbows deep into their breakfast and coffee. With a sigh, I punched my card in the time slot and tied my apron around my waist. Before I made it behind the counter to start running orders, Ms. Willis stopped me.
"Hey, I just wanted you to know that I'm going to have you train a new employee. She should be here soon," she told me.
"Yes, ma'am," I said, stifling my irritation. The last thing I needed was someone on my heels all day. But Ms. Willis was tough, and anything other than a yes, ma'am would land me scraping gum from underneath the seats again.
It's just a job . . . I have to remind myself of that sometimes.
It was another half hour of wiping tables, filling coffee, and clearing dishes when she came in. A thin, blonde woman walked in, her uniform pristine. I'd never seen anyone's clothes so clean and wrinkle-free. It almost freaked me out a little. After she's gotten punched in and listened to the first-day spiel from Ms. Willis, they made their way toward me.
"X, this is Frances Alberta. Frances, this is X. He'll be showing you the ropes," Ms. Willis introduced before turning and walking away.
Frances held her hands together in front of her. "So . . . X?" she inquired.
I sighed. "Mother never told me my real name. Said it was classified. Anyways, let's get started."
I spent a couple of hours showing her the routines, like how to clear a table and when to ask to fill coffees. I noticed her staring at me funny at several points, but I didn't dare bring it up. Odds are she felt she recognized me from somewhere. That's where it always starts before I lose my job.
Eventually, we were sent on break together. I was hoping to eat my sandwich alone on the curb like I usually do, but she followed me out moments after I sat down.
"So, I've got something I've been dying to ask," she said as she placed a small towel down on the curb before sitting on it. I gritted my teeth against my sandwich and tensed, preparing for the dreaded question. "Don't I know you from somewhere?"
"Probably not," I lied, staring determinedly at the traffic bustling about Manhattan. Sometimes I hope I can gaslight my way out of them figuring it out. When it does work, it usually doesn't work for long.
Frances was quiet for a few moments. I could feel her staring at me, but I refused to make eye contact. I really just wanted her to leave me alone. Surprisingly, she changed the subject.
"I'm a felon, you know," she said casually, as if telling me something mundane like a hobby.
I turned to her in surprise, my mouth full of another bite of sandwich. I shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond. Finally, I exhaled. "I am too," I admitted.
"Really?" Frances responded, finally opening her lunch in her lap. "What for, if I may ask?"
"You first," I said, side-eyeing her.
Frances laughed slightly. "I got five counts of animal cruelty, animal neglect, and animal abuse. Though I feel they were being a bit dramatic."
X eyed her curiously, then exhaled as he turned his last bite of sandwich over in his fingers a few times. "I've got several counts of vandalism, reckless driving, public endangerment, assault, and public disturbance."
"Well, I guess we've both got a rap sheet then," Frances said with a sigh as she pulled out her own sandwich. "Of course, mine aren't really my fault. I was doing what was necessary. If it weren't for those . . . oh, never mind. You'll think I'm crazy just like everyone else."
X looked back over at her from the corner of his eye. "From what I've seen, I might not. I've been called crazy for months."
Frances met his eye again. After taking a moment to judge whether to trust him, she exhaled and said. "Well, I was going to say if it weren't for these blasted penguins that showed up and ruined my plans, I would've gotten away with cleaning up a lot of the filthy animals in New York."
She shifted uncomfortably as X stared at her with his jaw slacked, half-eaten sandwich hanging from his mouth. With a roll of her eyes, she said, "See, I knew you wouldn't believe me."
"Actually, I do," X said after he composed himself. "Penguins are who ruined my life too."
Frances and X stared at each other for what felt like a long time.
"Hey!"
Frances and X turned around at the scolding voice behind them. Ms. Willis batted her washcloth on the wall as she scorned.
"Both of you are two minutes over on your lunch! Get back to work!"
X sighed and stood up. "Well, I guess we should be getting back."
Frances stood next to him, smoothing her uniform over. "I guess we should. Drinks after work? I'd love to know more about your penguin problem. I haven't met anyone that actually believes me before now."
X studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, that'd be cool. No one's ever believed me before now too."
With that, the two returned to their work, a very strange friendship having been formed between them.
[Words: 987]
