The Purple Iris

chapter six: test drive

"So, what do you think about this one?"

I broke out of my seconds long daze, attention being directed to Billie. She quietly studied my expression as I realized where I was and what we were even doing. It was the thirtieth, and we stood in the changing room section of the local Halloween store. Rather than packing the rest of my few belongings, I was here— trying on Halloween costumes. My best friends drug me along in hopes of cheering me up, but my sour outlook on things kept crawling back into my brain. They weren't necessarily wrong to force me outside of my apartment, but this was one of those moments to where I longed to be alone. 

"Oh, um. I like that one best." I finally answered, pointing at one of the two costumes she held.

Billie nodded excitedly, shoving the rejected choice back on the rack. Both choices were admittedly flashy, presumably showing a lot of skin. I watched her disappear into a changing room, slinging the cheap curtain over to conceal herself. Kaylen was somewhere in the store, searching for a costume of her own to purchase. Instead of happily arranging plans for tomorrow, I was stressing. 

Stressing hard. 

Legally speaking, I was technically a homeless teen. Both Kaylen and Billie offered me a bed to sleep in, but I still felt a sense of guilt about it all. I would hardly be there, with school and work. Yet, the thought of burdening someone else with my problems ate me alive.

Kaylen finally met up with us at the changing rooms, with two costumes in hand. 

Oh no.

"Well, what do you think? We can be the Powder Puff Girls!" She exclaimed.

"Wait a damn minute, I already chose my costume!" Billie complained,

Kaylen casually shrugged her shoulders, almost throwing my chosen costume into my arms. I glanced at the packaging and notice the tell-tale green dress and accessories. 

"You're obviously meant to be Buttercup, and I'll be Bubbles! You know, 'cause I've got blonde hair." She explained with a smile. 

"Yeah, until you dye it something else." Billie interjected.

I snorted, then smirked at her. "Says you, Red. If you weren't such a snob, you could be Blossom."

Billie frowned while Kaylen snickered, who found a spare room to change in. "Well... I'll be Blossom only because you can't have the Powderpuff Girls without Blossom." 

Rolling my eyes, I followed suit and changed into my own costume. I slipped the skimpy green tube top dress over my form. After straightening the fabric in place, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror before me. Kaylen wasn't wrong when she said I was meant to be Buttercup, seeing as how green was one of my favorite colors; Perhaps my attitude also had a part in that.

We three changed back into our clothes, to buy our respective costumes. I wanted to make the costume seem more modern, so I added black thigh high socks with a garter belt. The other two enjoyed the idea and did the same, adding accessories and makeup to keep up with their character's aesthetic. It was Friday evening, which made tomorrow's events all the more convenient. However, I still wasn't quite finished with packing up my house.

I returned home, leaving the costume on my unmade bed. It didn't matter whether I neatly folded up things or not, since it was all going to be packed away. I had two more days to shove everything into brown boxes before my landlord came busting down my door. It was a tough deadline, but I could probably do it if I focused hard enough. Which was feat of its own. 

Since I skipped the remainder of the school day yesterday, I had to scramble around to catch up. Senior year was no joke in comparison to my previous years, it seemed there was some huge assignment each day. It made sense, considering graduation was swiftly approaching; but on the other hand it didn't, considering none of those things could be applied to real world problems. 

Thoughts of Danny's date proposal popped into my mind, still realizing I never quite gave him an answer. I had work tonight, and I knew he'd be scheduled on my shift. There was no avoiding him, so I needed to think long and hard, and fast. 

After cramming full dozens of packing boxes, it was already time to report to Moon Beans. I changed into a comfortable pair of khaki pants, with a fuzzy black sweater that had an embroidered cat on it. To fit in with the occasion, I put on a pair of Halloween socks printed with a cutesy pattern of pumpkins. Most of my coworkers wore Halloween themed clothing to the shop, along with assorted headwear. Tonight, I'd be wearing a pair of black cat ears, hoping it matched enough with my sweater. 

The shop was considerably busy tonight, bustling crowds coming and going. I was on barista duties tonight, working fast to get drinks out on the bar for customers. We were selling out of nearly everything, including the ingredients to make our special Witches' Brew. In the middle of the sixth hour's commotion, Daniel joined in tow to clock in for his shift. I watched the time, and I was surprised that he actually showed up on time for once. Of course, I wasn't the only coworker to notice. 

"I bet you're glad to see me." Daniel smiled jokingly. 

He was lacing his apron around his neck and waist as I crafted together a plain jane latte. I peered up at him for a moment, and his grin never left his face. Oh, so that's what this is about.

"I haven't forgotten, you know." 

Danny was quickly washing his hands, patting them dry on his apron. "Hm? What about?" 

"Don't play coy, Danny. I know you know what I'm talking about." I snapped.

Scoffing, he took his stance beside me, waiting for the order screen to light up green with another draft of orders for us to prepare. "Is that so? Well, what's your answer?" He questioned with faux innocence. 

"I... Haven't quite decided yet." I replied honestly.

Daniel went to brew a fresh batch of a specific blend of coffee, noticing how the reserves were low. "Oh? Well, consider me a patient man."

Sighing, I politely gave a group of preteen girls four frozen coffees. I peered out into the shop's lobby, wondering just why it was so incredibly busy. Of course, tomorrow was Halloween. But instead of lounging around a local café, why weren't people out and about? It probably didn't help that the shop's location was in the heart of the downtown district. The repetitive ringing of the shop's door opening sounded, and in walked in a young couple. Soon, realization hit me once I realized that it was Mr. Morris. 

Along with the very same attractive female teacher that was shamelessly flirting with him just the other day. 

"H-Hey, I'm going to use the restroom. Be right back." I spoke shakily.

Daniel and two others hummed in reply, too busy to notice I was beginning to panic. I hurriedly trailed to the women's restroom, locking myself into one of the vacant stalls. My heart leaped in my chest the moment I noticed who was with him, and I soon became disgusted. Then, I remembered Danny's harsh choice of words, understanding that Mr. Morris dating his coworker is completely normal. I felt stupid and a bit embarrassed, being so flustered about someone I hardly knew. Especially since he was a teacher. More importantly, my English teacher. 

I used the facilities, then angrily scrubbed my hands under boiling hot water. Once composed, I finally went back to work. I slipped behind the employee-only counter, only to see that Daniel was taking Mr. Morris' drink order. 

"I think I'll have- oh, hey Rainie!" 

My cheeks flushed, so I acted as if I didn't hear him. I turned my back, until I felt a light nudge in my ribs. I peered over my shoulder, seeing Daniel eye my so carefully. "I think he was talking to you, Rainie." Daniel spoke icily, speaking my name with annoyance.

I knew his attitude wasn't appointed towards me, but it annoyed me no less. Straightening my posture, I met the gaze of Mr. Morris. His date wasn't beside him, but sitting at a nearby table. Mr. Morris' expression gleamed with excitement once I finally paid attention to him. Or, so I liked to think so.

"Could've saved my usual spot." He winked at me.

Daniel noticeably tensed, and I wanted to jump out of my own skin. He sent him a scowl, so I nudged him away to avoid any conflict. "How was I supposed to know you'd be here?" I answered.

"Well, I'm here nearly every afternoon. I am one of Moon Bean's regulars, y'know." 

I snorted, eyes darting to where his date sat. "Yeah, but I don't think she is." I spoke with disdain.

Mr. Morris knitted his eyebrows together, obviously confused. He followed my gaze, then turned behind me. The woman was seemingly quiet, texting away on her cell phone. Mr. Morris returned his expression towards me, understanding my implication. "You're probably right. I don't believe Ms. Walters has been here, otherwise she would've never invited me to come here."

Ms. Walters? The name seemed familiar, but I couldn't remember from where. 

I glanced behind Mr. Morris, and studied the woman he called Ms. Walters. After backtracking, I tore my gaze from her, realizing who she really was. She was Ms. Green's cousin, the annoyingly conniving teacher that led to the strenuous start of my senior year— the whole reason for my prolonged suspension. Perhaps that was why seeing her face pestered so much. Oddly enough, her snobbish mannerisms mimicked those of her cousin's.

"Oh yeah?" I finally answered. 

Mr. Morris' eyes squinted, as he studied my expression so closely. Pursing his lips, he eased finally eased up. Clearing my throat, I logged into the device, prepared to take his order. "Your usual?"

Mr. Morris lips stretched into that same familiar grin I've grown used to seeing over the course of nine weeks. "You know me so well. Oh, and throw in a medium caramel frozen coffee."

I rolled my eyes in response, understanding the notion; the second drink was for Ms. Walters. I added together the two beverages, then gave him his order's total. He paid with cash, and left a lofty amount of bills in the tip jar. Each and every visit, he'd leave at least a $10 tip; of course, I'd scold him that it was completely unnecessary, but he never cared to listen to my humble complaints. 

I could practically feel Daniel's stare from over my shoulder, while he hastily prepared orders for the other waiting patrons. Since there was no other customer waiting to place their order, I went back to helping Daniel. 

"I suppose you'd want to make his drink, hm?" Danny lowly sneered, almost in a whisper.

"Does it f*****g matter who makes it?" I snapped.

Danny chuckled mockingly, whirling past me to pass out drinks to the few people waiting at the pickup bar. He soon returned, grimly staring at me with dead eyes. I huffed, popping clear lids onto their respective drinks. I quickly produced Mr. Morris's beverage, to give a quick handoff at the order counter.

"It's as if he's rubbing it in your face, you know."

I paused for a couple of seconds, processing what Daniel said. "What?"

Daniel joined my side, pouring an iced caramel macchiato into its designated cup. "He's a usual, right? And he brought a date."

Frowning, I met Daniel's gaze. "So? It's not like he knows. He literally my teacher, dumbass."

Shrugging, he gave his customer their iced beverage. I peered back into the lobby, Mr. Morris was sat next to Ms. Walters. She ran a manicured hand through her unnaturally curled hair, waving it over her shoulder. Even outside of work, she was dressed professionally. Forcing myself to look away, I released a breathy sigh.

"If I agree to go on this stupid date with you, will you promise me something?" 

Daniel's face lit up, his entire rude demeanor a thing in the past. "Of course." He nodded with excitement.

"No touchy-feely crap, okay? This is only a trial-run, Danny." I explained.

"Trial-run, eh? How long do I have? Is this a seven day long trial or thirty days?" He smirked jokingly.

"Funny. But seriously— no bullshit. No f**k-boy bullshit, or I walk." 

Daniel went still, studying my expression for a few moments. Maybe he'd give up on this personal conquest to date me, since he was so deep in his ways of being a player. It wasn't quite an ultimatum, but it was an honest request. 

"For you, sure." Daniel finally answered.

I crossed my arms over my chest, probably bearing the snarkiest grin. "Oh yeah?"

"Why so doubtful? You don't think I can change?"

I acted as if I was thinking about the matter, then pursed my lips with displeasure. "Not a chance in hell, Danny boy."

Daniel chortled, scratching the back of his neck with an embarrassed expression. "If I didn't know any better, it seems like you want me to fail."

"I don't. But I hardly believe that you and I are compatible enough to date." I answered grimly.

It wasn't completely a lie, but I knew I had to get over my silly grade school crush on Mr. Morris. He was light years away, and I was still a high schooler. His kindness meant nothing in terms of what I wanted it to truly be. Relationships should be the last thing on my mind, considering how hard I need to work in order to reach my goals of getting into college.

"Does that really matter, though? All I'm asking for is a chance to show you that I'm worth your time." Daniel said thoughtfully.

What was the worst that could happen? I never quite experimented with dating all throughout my high school career, since I had to work and study nonstop. It seemed like he was being genuine this time around...

"Fine, fine. I accept. Just don't screw this up, because my time is precious."