Angel wings

Chapter two - Living alone

Jordan's POV:

Hello, my name is Jordan. I am twenty-three years old. My life is simple. I never went to university because I wanted to work. My parents didn't like my decision but supported me in everything. I work in a coffee shop. It's a well-known shop, and many people come daily. The money I earn every month is enough for me. In the beginning, I was living under rent. When I was nineteen, I graduated from high school. Since then, I wanted to move out and live alone. I didn't have money to buy a house or an apartment, so I had to rent. I lived in a small apartment in the center of the city. I was saving my money to buy a house. Mom saw that I was doing everything possible and decided to help me. She and my dad bought me one. I tried to give them at least part of the money, but they didn't accept. Well, there was a deal. That's why I didn't pay anything, but I should pay the bills alone. This is how I started living alone. My friends often come to visit me. I have three best friends named Dylan, Jason, and Noah. We hang out almost every day. I don't hide anything from them. They know everything about me. When I was sixteen, I tried to do something. Luckily, it didn't end how I wanted. Since then, I have had my angel wing tattoo. I needed something to remind me of what I almost did. I never tried to do it again. Back then, the boys weren't my friends. They weren't happy to hear this but couldn't do anything. It was a long time ago. I don't talk much about it. After all, I'm not proud of it. At least this chapter of my life is over. I hope that I will have a peaceful life.

Winter is trying to replace fall. The past few days were cold. I had to dress better. The weather is crazy. October has started. This is not typical. Also, we don't live in a cold area. I don't know what is going on. At least the coffee shop has an air conditioner. Otherwise, I would've been freezing. It's enough that I have to stay near refrigerators. It's a coffee store, but we make milkshakes and juices, too. It's a simple job, but I like it.

I woke up and went to get ready for work. We open the store at 8 am. Most people in the area work where the shops open at 9 am. They need their daily dose of coffee. Since I work there, I have a free one. I'm not the biggest fan of the drink, but I like it. When I was ready, I walked out. My house is thirty minutes from my parents' one. Also, from the store. I think this is why they wanted me to buy it. Today, I have to open the store. We have five tables if someone wants to drink inside. I was putting the chairs down when Cassie came. She is the other person who works here.

- Good morning. I see you are dressed up.

- Yes. After work, I have to go out. I have dinner with Mark and his parents. Well, mine will come too. They wanted us to have it. I tried to ask, but no one told me anything.

- I'm sure it's good news.

- I hope so. What about you? Any plans?

- Not really. I might hang out with my friends.

- They all study, right?

- Jason and Noah do. Dylan is working in the mall at a man's clothing store.

- He probably gets discounts.

- Yes, he has ten percent off. They sell suits and official clothes the most. Also, these are expensive. The other thing is that they are not his style. Let's say that he wouldn't wear it. Once, I saw a suit for five hundred dollars.

- From what was it made? Gold?

- No. Maybe it's the fabric. I don't understand these things.

- Me either.

Cassie and I prepared everything for the customers. Usually, no one comes at 8 am. That's why we have time to get ready. The first customer was Ashley. She works in a clothing store down the street. The girl is a regular customer. She always gets her coffee from us. Then we had another two customers until 10 am. Some days can be chill. Others are crowded.

For lunch, I went to buy food. Cassie always brings it from home. She still lives with her parents and loves her mom's cooking. Once, she took food for me, too. It was delicious. That's why I don't buy her anything. Around the coffee store, there is a McDonald's and a fast food restaurant. Today, I will eat French fries and chicken nuggets. I came back to the store and saw my mom.

- Can I help you?

- I want a regular coffee.

- Long or short.

- Short. I already had two at my office.

- Anything else.

- No, thanks.

- Give me five minutes.

- How are you today? I don't see you in a good mood.

- Why? I'm only a bit tired. That's it.

- I don't know. You look different.

- Mom, I look the same every day. Even my clothes are the same. I mean, the same type.

- Do you want to come home for dinner?

- I am not a little kid. I know you miss me, but it has been four years. Didn't you find a way to live without me? Also, I am thirty minutes away from you.

- I know, but all my friends' kids still live with them. I want to have you close.

- I wanted this for myself. Please respect my decision.

- Fine. You can come another day.

- Thank you.

- I should go now. I'll see you soon. Bye, honey.

- Bye, mom. - I said, and she left

- She loves you.

- I know, but there are many other ways for her to show it.

- You are her only kid. Right?

- Yes, why?

- I think you know why.

- I get it.

While there were no customers in the afternoon, I texted my friends to see their plans for tonight. I don't eat out every day, but sometimes, I do. They haven't planned anything. We agreed to eat somewhere and then drink at a park. I try to spend as much time with them as possible. During the day, I don't have time for them. At least we can hang out during the night. It's better than nothing.

After work, I went home for a shower. The store closes at 6 pm. Someone might say that it's early, but that's when the stores around ours close. At night, not many people come here. When I was ready, I went out. The boys were already waiting for me.

- Am I late?

- No, don't worry. - Noah said

- Good.

- How was your day?

- The same as every day. I don't do much.

- I still expect the day you will tell me a cute girl came to your shop. - Jason said, chuckling

- You wish. Most people who come are regular customers. Also, they work around.

- I still have my hopes for you.

- Why?

- Because you deserve it.

- Why don't you worry about your love life?

- Because I don't have one.

- You are the one who goes to university. Many girls are there.

- True, but no one caught my attention.

- The problem is not mine. You should lower your standards.

- I don't even have one.

- Then I don't know what to tell you.

- Someone bought the suit for five hundred dollars. - Dylan said

- What? Who? - Noah asked

- I don't know him. It was visible that he was rich. The way he was dressed said it all.

- I see.

- I had to put another one on the mannequin for the same price.

- Well, I still don't understand why it costs so much.

- Me either. I only do what the boss tells me. People come, but not many buy.

- Have you seen the prices? A person with an average salary can afford only half of it. - Jason said

- I know.

- Did anything interesting happen?

- I saw my mom today.

- Another dinner? - Noah asked

- She tried, but I cut her off.

- Give her some time. She will get used to the idea of not having you here.

- I don't know why she acts this way.

- Let me tell you. Before, it didn't matter if you were outside all day. You were at home for dinner and to sleep. Now, she can't see you at all. I mean, not even for five minutes every day. It's hard for her.

- But it has been four years.

- So? Sometimes, this kicks later. Well, if you know what I mean.

- I do. I will talk to her one day.

The boys and I stayed in the restaurant until 9 pm. Then we went to buy drinks and walked to the closest park. I don't go outside during the night. Usually, this is the time when my friends and I enjoy it the most. Let's say we don't have much time for each other during the day. All of us sat down. We saw a group of girls there. Dylan had to try his luck. It's not like I expect something to happen. He needs to change his ways of talking to girls if he wants to have success with one of them. Otherwise, the bad luck will continue.

- What happened, Romeo? - Jason asked, chuckling

- Nothing. I have a phone number.

- Can I see it? - I asked

- Why? You can steal it.

- No. I have my reasons.

- Here you go.

- Did you even check what was written on the note?

- Why should I do that?

- Because you are a loser. - I said and gave the note to Noah

- Excuse me.

- He is right. Read the note. - Noah said

- I hate her.

- Change your tactic if you want to have success. Haven't you noticed that this doesn't work?

- I know what to do.

- It's your decision, not mine.

- At least I am trying. You don't do anything.

- Because I don't want to. I'm not that desperate. If she wants me, she will come.

- Yeah, as if girls fall out of the sky.

- Maybe.

- Wake up. Things don't happen like that.

- Why are you so sure? She might not fall out of the sky, but we'll meet someday.

- When?

- If I knew, I would've told you.

- Keep dreaming, my friend.

- Maybe I will do it.

- Why don't we change the topic? - Noah asked

- I will agree. - Jason said

- Whatever. I don't care.

- I think it's time for me to go home. - I said

- Why?

- Because I have to work tomorrow. Also, Cassie told me to open the shop tomorrow.

- Isn't it her turn?

- Yes, but she can't do it. I don't know why.

- I have classes. I will leave, too.

- I guess all of us will do it. Dylan? - Jason asked

- What?

- What will you do?

- Nothing.

- Won't you go home?

- I don't know.

- In that case, we have to leave you.

- I know. Bye.

- Bye.

Jason went home. Noah wanted to walk with me. We decided to walk around before we went home. It's not like I have what to do there. The thing is that I didn't want to stay outside. Dylan and I might argue sometimes, but it's never serious. He will forget about this tomorrow. Maybe something is going on with him. Lately, he has been snapping a lot. When he is ready, he will tell us.

- Is everything ok?

- Yes, why?

- Because you wanted to come with me. Do you want to tell me something?

- No, I have nothing to say.

- Cool.

- Do you believe that she will fall out of the sky?

- Who?

- The girl you were talking about.

- Really? Do I look that stupid?

- No, but I'm curious why you said all these things.

- Because I wanted to shut his mouth.

- Yeah, sometimes Dylan talks too much.

- He needs to change his strategy.

- I don't think he will do it.

- The problem is his.

- You don't look in a good mood. Is there a problem?

- No, I'm a bit tired.

- Come on. You can tell me.

- I have nothing to say. Waking up early is not easy.

- You can change your job.

- No, I'm good. I like this one.

- Good for you.

Noah and I walked for an hour before we separated. I feel he is the only one who will listen to me. Also, he understands what I'm saying. We get along well. I know I can talk to him about everything. He won't judge me or make jokes about it. Maybe this is why we are so close. I met my friends in high school. Let's say that we have good and bad memories together. There is no such thing as a perfect friendship. I'm glad that we managed to keep it for so long. I don't want to search for new friends. I like the ones that I have now. I hope that I will keep them for a long time.