Belong To The World

Getting up in the mornings has always been the hardest part for me. It's like as soon as I melt into a state of unconsciousness, my alarm clock is subsequent to curse at me within nanoseconds. My body remained in its position as I stared into air, my phone still dinging at me to get up with the sun not even awake yet. I could hear my mum's footsteps downstairs, perhaps roaming about in the kitchen. I decided to look at the time with reluctance, wondering if I should skip breakfast for an extra fifteen minutes just so I could put off departing from my cozy covers. It wasn't that I hated mornings, far from it actually. I just hated the first few steps of initiating my day — waking up, getting ready, bracing the energy for what humanity could have in store for me that day. Once I got over all of that, I was good as gold. It was a Saturday morning, which meant I was due for the morning shift at the local café diner I worked at as weekend staff. Though I hated waking up at the crack of dawn, I was thankful when Jasmin asked to swap the morning shift with me because it meant I'd be finished with work way earlier. "Amelia!" My ears perked up to my mother's ever so shrill voice just as I decided to close my eyes. I grimaced, knowing that any chance of going for that extra nap was just derailed. "I'm getting ready." I mumbled as loudly as I could. My words were groggy as I got up from my mattress to head for the bathroom, picking up my towel along the way. My intended ten minute shower turned into twenty minutes and by the time I was out, I could hear my mother calling for me again. I quickly brushed out my damp curls, putting my hair in a frizzy high ponytail and grabbed the first pair of jeans and jumper I could find. Once I was fully dressed I checked for my phone screen lock again, realising I would have no time to put on some makeup. I sighed, at least thankful that my skin was getting clearer these last few weeks. "Amelia, you're going to be late—" "I'm here," I stopped my mother in her tracks as my feet ran down the stairs. I quickly put on my worn-out converses, double checking to make sure I had all my essentials in my bag. "Do you need me to drive you, love?" My mum walked over to me, still dressed in her nightwear with a cup of steaming coffee in her hand. Judging from the faint scent, she'd had her morning cigarette too. "Nah, can't risk traffic. You enjoy your day at home." I finally looked up at her to give a small smile before I moved to open the door. "Or whatever you've got planned.. See you later!" "Have a good day at work." She bid me goodbye with a peck on the cheek, and once I closed the door I power walked to the bus stop. It was a lucky morning for me, as it arrived right as I got there. ____________________________ The first two hours into my shift dragged on. I felt like I was running on no fuel because I didn't have time to stop by Starbucks to get my hit of caffeine. I opened up with Nick, one of the more senior employees, who was nice — don't get me wrong — but we didn't really have that much in common. The only thing that I had to look forward to was my lunch break, which was great because I'd get an hour and then when I returned the evening time shift would start which meant I'd see two of my other coworkers and actual friends, Jasmin and Adam. Since my phone was tucked away in the staff room I had nothing to keep me occupied. It was a quiet morning, more quiet than usual as there would normally be an influx of 60 something year old Hampstead residents arriving for their brunch. Or construction workers wanting their hearty English breakfasts to-go. My eyes eventually drifted to people-watch outside of the window, making a mental checklist of all the things I wanted to accomplish by the end of this year. I definitely had to save up enough money for a car. Being twenty two years old with no car and a driving license was becoming a little tragic. Or maybe the better option would be to save for an apartment. I was also hoping to go on a holiday somewhere. A trip to Maldives or Ibiza with all of the girls. But before all of this could happen, prioritising my university degree was a must. My mother had been on case about my attendance drastically going down from last year. I had about three mind-numbing assignments I needed to start working on. It was both a blessing and a curse that I found myself working so well under pressure because it meant that I was the world's biggest procrastinator. I was so consumed in my thoughts that I didn't take notice of the entrance of a customer, not until Nick politely prodded me to go over and greet the person. I hastily grabbed one of the menus, taking a deep breath as I advanced towards the cornered seating area the male stranger cautiously selected. "Hi there," I plastered on my best hostess smile, placing the menu right on the marble cut table. A pair of familiar dark eyes looked up at me, piercing into my soul; completely startling my cognition as I realised who it was. "Hello."