The Orphan and the Beast

Five

Yonda, the bakery owner, wastes no time before rushing over to scold her for being late.

"you're an hour late!" she screeches at me, "why didn't you call? god look at you, your sopping wet!"

Her words are enough to wipe the smile off my face.

"I'm sorry Yonda, I missed the bus and had to walk today" I mumble while trying my best not to cry, "it's all my fault".

Rolling her eyes at my excuses, I know she's fed up, but for f*ck sake in the 3 years I've worked here I've only been late twice, including today. I have worked my way up the ladder from cleaner/busser to baker, to fire me now would be insane.

Yonda is a hard a** though, she's Russian through and through, but grew up in France, hence the 'La-Bakery' name.

Swallowing my pride I apologize again in hopes she will let me continue working. Did I mention today isn't my day?

Well, it doesn't change now, "Go home, you can't possibly think your going to work like that" she barks.

There's no arguing with her, what she says goes. "yes ma'am, I'll be back Monday then", with that I turn on my heels and head back out into the rain.

Exiting the door, I hold back the sobs that are threatening to escape. My throat burns and my eyes sting, thank god it's raining, you can't tell whether I'm crying or not.

Debating whether to walk the 4 miles back home, despite me already being exhausted and emotionally drained, she decided to roam around town for the next 6 hours - until Gary comes back around with the bus.

Wandering down the street past all the `chic boutiques` with glamorous dresses, jewelry, handbags, and foot wear on display, she begins to imagine what it must be like to shop in those stores, without a care in the world.

Meanwhile with $22 in her pocket, she would be lucky to afford a `free` water from any of those stores.

Depressed from the events of the day, she continues on, walking block by block until she realizes shes standing in front of Tommy's Bar. Ah, Tommy's, so tempting to just open the door and enter the establishment, knowing full well who may already be there.

Temptation compels her to enter, thinking to herself `I'm legal to drink I might as well, considering the day I've had` but deep down she knows she's entering the lions den to find the king lion himself, Rosco.

Entering the bar and taking a look around she notices how different it appears than the last time she was here. The place is speckled with patrons, there is no music blaring out the door, but above all. she doesn't see HIM. Plopping down on a barstool she spots a familiar face - Jerry - who is making his way over to her with a s*x on the beach drink, in hand. Throwing him a quick `thank you` as I proceed to take the ice cold refreshing drink off the bar top, he must sense the lingering question in my eyes.

Smirking, a rather slimy and off putting smile, he shakes his head `no` to indicate he's not here. Letting my smile falter for a moment, I quickly regain composure and shrug as if it never had crossed my mind.

We both know that I was completely thinking about Rosco, so shrugging only gained me a full-hearty laugh. Laughing Jerry's teeth are on full display, yellow - crusty - caked with tarter teeth that is. I need to look away, the sight of his teeth are enough to make me regurgitate my breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, I haven't eaten since then, and that was approaching 6 hours and at least 5 miles ago. Looking at the dusty clock on the wall I figure I have at least another 3.5 hours before Gary comes back around with the bus.

Waving over Jerry again, I ask where's the best place to get a burger? Usually my schedule allows 15 minutes from the but station to work and vs versa when I leave. Despite growing up in this town I know very little about the establishments.

Gary is typically less busy on the trips home so generally he'll stop at RockyMountain supermarket for about 15 minutes to grab some groceries, aside from that I never really venture far out into town.

Shrugging as if what I said had no relevance - Jerry walked away as fast as he came over. "Ugh" Britt let out a frustrated sigh, "must be he wants me to starve or get lost, go figure" she mumbled.

Halfway through her first drink, Brittany could feel her head begin to spin. Being this is her second time drinking, coupled with the fact she's only eaten a slice of toast with butter 6+ hours ago, and having walked a marathon, it's no wonder the liquor that fills her glass begins to make her feel quite tipsy.

Another hour later and another fruity cocktail, Brittany is beginning to enjoy herself, thanks to the buzz going on.

"OOOOHH Jerry..." Brittany hiccup-giggles, ready for another drink.

"So it's Jerry that now has your attention?" Rumbles that oh so spine-tingling voice, before she even turns around she knows who's whispering in her ear.

"ROSCO!" she excitedly yells, before composing herself, "Rosco" she repeats this time more subdued.

She is once again granted a deep rumble chuckle to escape from his beautiful-full lips. Ugh! She could live forever and never grow tired of that sound, it sends goosebumps rushing down her skin and sets her stomach ablaze.

With her head swimming, she fails to notice the greasy - takeout bag in Roscos hand, that is, until she catches a whiff causing her stomach to growl. Looking down she is greeted by that oh so beautiful sight.

"Is, is that a cheeseburger?" Brittany asks, eyes wide with hope.

"I had a feeling you needed one." He states, sending a wink to Jerry as a thank you.

It takes a whopping 1 minute for Brittany to rip open the packaging covering that delicious burger, devour it almost whole, and wipe her mouth with a napkin.

Mouths agape, both Jerry and Rosco are quite impressed, "Wonder what else that mouth of yours can devour that fast..."

Rosco whispers in her ear, causing a blush to start creeping down her chest. Embarrased and at a lack of words, Britt just smiles in an attempt to change the conversation.

Swept up in conversation, laughs, and of course alcohol, Britt looses track of time. "S*hit!" she shrieks, "I'm going to miss the bus again!"

Jumping off the barstool and headed for the door, she realizes just how completely buzzed she is, well let's be honest, at this point she's all out drunk.

Just as she was staggering to the exit she's grabbed swiftly by Rosco, unable to let her go just yet. He realizes she should be headed home but the prospect of her riding some bus has him on edge.

"Let me drive you home, you shouldn't have to walk that far to the bus station, besides, busses are rather gross" he states, wrinkling his nose in disgust.

"But Gary will notice I'm gone" Britt whines in response, setting Rosco's nerves on fire at the mention of another man's name `noticing her being gone` aka `missing her`.

When did he become so protective of this woman he hasn't even known for a month he ponders.

Still irate at the mention of Gary's name he shouts "F*ck Gary", soon realizing how abrasive that sounded, adding a boyish shrug should help right?? The logical part of her brain is completely drowned in alcohol at the moment, agreeing she staggers back towards the bar.