The Ember in the Storm

Chapter 3: Coffee Shop and a Hunk

Chapter 3

I work about 5 blocks from the school at a little coffee and tea shop that also serves some snacks called Wendell's where all the older kids come and hang out to read or write. We have poetry slams every night and art exhibits once a month. It's my home away from home, I feel so comfortable there surrounded by the rustling of books and the warm aroma of coffee and tea.

I walked in and greeted the bosses, a husband and wife named Wendy and Bobby. They're both in their 50s and Hispanic. They opened the coffee bar together and still help in the everyday business. They are the sweetest and kindest people I have ever met. They smile as I walk in. "How's it going today Autumn, ready for the grind today?" Bobby asks. Wendy comes up behind her husband and places her hand on his shoulder. "Almost ready for your birthday dear?" I smile and nod my head "Where do you want me today?" Bobby smiles and says "Well, I've already cooked all the treats for today." And Wendy leans over and says "I'm making all the drinks today, so how about you man the register and take the orders today." I nod "Okay, I can do that" I grab my name tag and put it on my dress and go to stand at the register.

I normally would draw while waiting for customers, but after what happened earlier, I didn't think it would be wise. So I grabbed out a sheet of paper and started working on a poem:

Whispers in the breeze, shadows on the ground

Howls in the distance, and thundering paws that almost make no sound

Betrayal like no other. When will the truth be found?

Family turned, blood against blood, and powers that are bound

As I'm writing I see a hand being placed on the counter in front of me, a very muscular tan hand with manicured nails. I look up to a man wearing tight blue jeans and a tight blue t-shirt with tattoos peeking out from the sleeves and collar and his ears are pierced and a lip ring. He's got to be around 6'5". I glanced at his face to see blazing blue eyes staring at me and a head full of deep rich brown, almost black hair. He has a rough beard and looks to be in his mid-20s. He's the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes on. He clears his throat to get my attention. I stood up the rest of the way quickly and apologized "Sorry sir, welcome to Wendell's. What can I get for you today?" He looks at me, then the menu and in the deepest voice I've ever heard he says "Can I get a slice of apple pie and a large hot chocolate." I smile and nod my head. I leaned back a little and told Wendy what I needed as I rang him up "That'll be $6.75 please". He grabs a 20 out of his pocket as I placed his apple pie and drink on the counter. He leans forward and brushes my curls behind my ear and whispers "Keep the change, doll face." His words and breath tickle my ear and a tingle runs down my back as he leans back, grabs his stuff and then turns around and walks out the door.

Well, that was interesting, I thought to myself. That has never happened before in all of my 3 years of working here. Who was he? I've never seen him around. He has such a powerful and dominant feeling towards him. I look back at my poem and actually read what I wrote.... Wolf's again, damn, am I obsessed or something I think to myself that's really weird.

The rest of the day passed without any weird incidents. The coffee shop closes at 9 as I'm telling Bobby and Wendy. "Bye, I will see you guys tomorrow at 11 again." I started walking home. It's only 15 blocks total and all the streets are lit up, but it feels different. Different than it was this morning and I’m not able to ignore it as I did when I walked to work. This time, the feeling is more dangerous, feels closer, bringing me to the edge. Luckily, I know self-defense, but I've still never had to use it in an actual situation. I don't really want to start now either.

As I got closer to my house, I saw my dad's car in the driveway. He was back from his business trip early. I jumped up and down and ran the rest of the way to the house and burst through the door yelling "Daddy, daddy where are you?" I heard mom laughing and his gravelly voice "I'm in the kitchen with your mother dear." I raced through the living room into the kitchen and jump on his back and give him a big hug "Welcome home daddy it's so good to see you I thought you weren't supposed to be home for another 2 weeks?" He smiles and puts me down on the stool next to him "Well, I sure can't miss my baby girls 18th birthday in 2 days can I? I told them to let me come home for a few days, then I would come back and finish the trip. Isn't that right honey bunny?" he says to my mother before lifting her up and twirling her around. She giggles and taps him with the wooden spoon she had been using to stir the noodles. "Put me down you big oaf, let me finish dinner", but we all just smile and laugh because we know she loves it.

We sit at the breakfast bar talking as she fishes out the garlic bread and spoons out noodles and meat sauce onto plates before handing us each one. We talked about my plans for Saturday and how school and work had been going. I hugged each of them before kissing them on the cheek and telling them goodnight and heading up to bed. I really hope I don’t have any nightmares tonight. I really just want a good night's sleep.