Sweeter Than Romance

Chapter 1 : Generous Customer

*Lianne*

The chirping of the birds invaded my ears as I hurriedly dressed up in my school uniform. Grabbing a piece of accessory, I quickly tied my hair into a messy ponytail while making sure that I leave a few strands in my face. Today is the start of senior year and what other great way to start than being late on your first day, right? Just joking. Well, Stress got me and I kind of overslept in the way. I initially decided that I'll just attend on the 2nd or 3rd day of class. Heck, I'll even choose to show up next week If I had a choice! But sadly.. That's not the case here.

“LIANNE EMILY CLARKSON! If you won't get down in 5 seconds, I'll have your ass whooping in a flash!" my mom shouted and I inwardly groaned as I shouted a reply in return.

“ Yes, Mom! Give me a second!”

“ You better! Or else..”

I didn't hear the rest of the sentence since I immediately bolted out of the door after sensing the underlying threat. God knows how scary my mom can get and I remembered the time where I got a good beating. Oops, where are my manners? Oh right, I forgot. My name is Lianne Emily Clarkson, obviously, 19 years old and is a senior in high school. My mom and I live in an average sized apartment here in New York. We managed to survive through tough times even if we are the only ones helping each other. Yes, that's right. If you're asking about my dad, then I don't have any. In fact, I don't remember a single memory about him aside from an incident which left a memento in my body. I had a scar in my backside which I believe was caused by a Fire incident many years ago. This is the only thing connected to my father and other than that, my mother won't mention anything. Maybe that means he is dead and since I don't wanna go through all that emotional drama and s**t, I simply renounced the topic.

My mom did mention that I got my eyes and hair from my father. That explains things since I had green eyes and brownish hair while my mother has Black hair and brown eyes. I greatly resemble my mother in terms of appearance and other than that, I inherited from my father.

“ So if I didn't woke up early then you have no plans in going to school? scoffed my mother as she laid down the dishes on the table.“Seriously, Lianne, you’re already a senior in High school and on top of that you’re attending Howard University! That school costs a lot of money and if you're just gonna waste your cash by simply goofing around then it's better if you stop attending at all.”

“ Sorry, Mom. I'm just stressed out because of work and no big deal, it's not like I'm an hour late. I'm only late by a few minutes.”I reasoned out with a grin.

Oh, Did I mention that I'm attending a prestigious University here in New York? Well, you heard it right. I didn't get accepted because of my mental powers and stuff. I got accepted by paying normally. That's the reason why I'm taking a part-time job in a cafe downtown. I tried convincing my mother to just transfer me in a public school so we can avoid all this expenses but being the stubborn woman she is, she strongly denied. As soon as I started my High School life, she enrolled me in Howard with no hesitations not even minding the expenses and stuff. Sweet, right?

“ Well, we don't need you failing another year because of work so you better be in good shape.”

“ Mom, I don't have to work if only you will transfer me in a public school." Here we go again.

My mother released a sigh and she sat down on the chair which was opposite from mine.

“Lianne, we already discussed this countless times. Being in that school is good for your future and you don't have to worry about finding a job as long as you carry the name of being a graduate in that school.

"She took a piece of bacon and placed it in my plate.“And besides, you are already in your senior year. It'll be a hassle to just switch from your current school to a new one.”

I started eating my breakfast and just nodded my head.

“Now hurry up so you'll avoid being extremely late on your first day. Good luck and cheer up!” smiled my Mom.

- Time skip ( Howard University) –

“ Ughhh, what's wrong with these people?” I adjusted my bag and flipped my ponytail to the left. Seriously, Why are these students acting like they haven't seen each other in years? Its only been months! Duh.

Don't misinterpret. I'm not against all these reunion and stuff if ONLY they aren't blocking the hallway. Damn students. Can't they see that they're ruining someone else's day? Now I'm half an hour late on my first subject. Just. GREAT.

“Yeah, And after that Anna- Hey, watch where you are going.” A muscular student said as he bumped into my direction.

I'm assuming he is in the soccer team not because of his posture but because his face looks like a Ball. Yeah, added with the black and white checkered shirt he is wearing.

“ Excuse me? You're the one who was busy chatting his ass off that you forgot you're heading my way.” I answered with nonchalance. He seemed to be taken aback as his eyes widened for a moment.

“ What? Am I hearing right?”

“ Yeah? Want me to repeat it much louder, Soccer face? His friends were doing their best to hold in their laughter and my reply caused him to get mad.

“ Oh Yeah? Then how about-“

His reply was cut off when we heard footsteps coming our way and a few students cheering on the side lines.

“ My God, It's the Council President’”

“ He's so cute”

“ Good Morning, Trevor!”

“Morning, Pres.!”

We automatically turned our heads including the Ball Face and in a few moments, we were face to face with Howard Academy's famous Student Council President.

“It's Trevor Styles!” the friends of Ball Face whisper-yelled as they squirmed in their position.

“ Good Morning, What seems to be the problem here?” he asked with his cheerful personality and megawatt- smile. I swear, I can imagine some students fainting.

Ball Face just remained indifferent while I on the other hand kept silent. Trevor Styles just maintained his smile while looking back and forth at the two of us. In my mind I think he looks stupid and being in this situation looks stupid itself. I don't care if everyone finds him handsome with his brown, curly locks which they deem as marshmallow like in softness. His smile which can tame the tigers because honestly, I find him annoying. It's like everywhere I go, he always shows up in stupid situations. And I'm not joking, it really happens since my first year. If I'm crazy enough like most students here, I'll really believe that he has a crush on me but since I'm not then nah.

“ So.. Are we gonna have a stare off contest in here cuz I've got a class to catch up.” I answered with my arms crossed.

“This wouldn't happen if you just watched your surroundings.”

“ Oh, you're still there? For a minute I thought you've gone mute.” I replied with a shrug. His friends released snickers and he became red once again. Seriously? Are these really his friends?

“ Well, If you only –

“ Pardon me, Mr. President but I really gotta go. I apologize for this situation.” I said with a bow as I made my way out of the group. I don't care if Ball Face apologized or whatever since I'm really late for the first subject. I know that I'm late to begin with but hey, it could be lessened if only I wasn't caught up in that situation.

I can hear someone calling my name and I assumed that it was the Student Council President. Wait, since when did he know my name?

“ Yo, Lianne.” a particular voice caught my attention and this time, I turned my head to the right and saw one my best friends heading my way.

“ What's up, Jace?” I greeted in return. He just shook his head and continued talking.

“ You missed First Subject, that's the UP. Way to go, Clarkson.” He said in sarcasm.

“ Well, Some Soccer Face occupied my time and that's how I got late.”

A Cheerful voice came shouting our name and we instantly faced the owner of the voice. There's only one person in my entire life whom I recognize to have the enthusiasm of a child. And that is my other best friend, Ashley.

“ Hey Jace. Why didn't you wait for me? And oh, Lianne. Why are you late huh?!”

“ Lianne got caught up in some minor trouble like she usually does. It's no big deal.” Answered Jace in my behalf. “ And you took a good amount of time fixing yourself so I just went ahead.”

“ Buuuut, you said you'll wait for me!”

“ Stop whining like a child. You're not cute.” Jace retorted bluntly.

It may be hard to believe but yeah, these people are my best friends. We may have differences in most aspects but guess that's where the saying, ‘Opposites Attract’ takes place.

Jace Kyoya, 18 yrs. Old and is also in his senior year. He is half-American and Half-Japanese. His parents are in Japan and he is temporarily staying with his Aunt here in New York. Unlike me and Ashley, he got accepted in Howard University through his scholarship and if it wasn't obvious enough he is the brainy type among us. He has spiky, raven hair and can always be seen wearing his famous glasses. He is of average height and we always get along in terms of our boredom in social life.

Ashley Quinn, 18 yrs. Old, also a senior. She is the typical blondie with blue eyes and if we'll be honest, gorgeous. In fact, she got accepted into this University through her ranking in a Teen Magazine. She still has to pay 25% of the school fees though and that's why she also works in the same cafe I'm in. On the negative side, she lacks the brainy side and sometimes the common sense.

“ Okay, Guys. Let's just stop, okay?” I motioned with a wave of my hand.

“ But Jace is being mean and you're siding with him.” Ashley replied with a pout.

“ What's your class schedule, Lianne?” Jace asked ignoring Ashley. I handed him my class schedule and he scanned through the details. “ Well, we got P.E. together. Me and Ashley got 3 same classes.”

“ Why am I the only one separated from the group?”

“ Well Lianne, you can exchange classes with me if you like. I also think its a good idea since I don't know how long I can stand Ashley.”

“ Jace! You Meanie-

Before the two can argue, the bell rang indicating for the next subject.

“ Bye, Guys. I'll just see you after school or at the cafe” Jace and Ashley waved in return and we parted ways afterwards.

---- Time Skip: after class ( Cafe) ----

First day of class ended smoothly except for the fact that I had Mr. Sanchez as my homeroom teacher. Everyone knows how boring his lectures are and the only person who doesn't is himself. Anyways, I'm currently heading to Moonstone Cafe, the place where I'm working. I started working here when I was a sophomore in High school. This is also the place where I meet my best friends.

As soon as I entered the Cafe, Mike greeted me as he dropped the boxes he was holding. He is a man in his forties with a fit posture. Although he gives off a scary aura, he is kind and even went to the extent of also letting my friends work at the cafe.

“ Lianne, How's first day of class?”

“ I managed to survive, Mike.” I answered back with a grin. He casted that famous smirk of his before he went back on whatever he was doing.

“That's good cuz I don't want to lose one of my workers. Now get moving, Ashley is already at the counter.”

“Right Away, Sir.” I playfully saluted in return and he just shook his head at my silliness.

“ Hey, Ash. Got any special orders today?” I asked the blondie whom was busy staring or rather observing someone.

“Nah. Just the usual.”

“ What are you staring at? “ I followed Ashley's line of sight and seems like she was observing a man wearing a hoodie. “ My god, He's suspicious! Isn't he? We gotta tell Mike-

“ Shhh, Calm Down Lianne.” Ashley said as she placed a finger on my mouth. “ Yes and No. Yes, he do seems suspicious but he isn't a criminal. I've been seeing him for the past weeks and in contrary, he is a generous customer.”

“What do you mean?” I asked with a raised brow.

“ Well, Sarah has been serving him lately and that man orders nothing but a bottle of water. And when he does pay, its more than the amount he is required to! He gives big tips!”

“ Ummm.. Isn't that suspicious enough? I'll go tell Mike-

“Mike already knows and he is even the one who told us to just relax.”

“ Why am I not informed about this? And to think that this has been going on for the past weeks.” I added with a frown.

“ If you arrive early next time then maybe you'll be informed.” Replied Ashley.

“ Then what about Jace? He's the last one to arrive among the three of us.”

“ By the time Jace arrives, that man will already leave so he doesn't raise any suspicions unlike you.”

I was about to retort but Ashley held my shoulders as she whisper-yelled.

“Look, look, look! He's leaving and see that? He's leaving behind a tip once again!”

True to her words, the mysterious man indeed left but not before leaving behind a small envelope.

“ He always leave when its almost 6:00. He doesn't stay long and the longest he does is 20 minutes.” Ashley stated a matter of fact. I was too busy thinking about the Man's intentions that I didn't notice Ashley heading to the table. Jace arrived after a couple of minutes and I was still busy thinking about the Mysterious man.

“ Sup Guys. Anything out of the ordinary?”

“ The Mysterious man is.” I answered.

“ You mean the Man with the hoodie? Is that it, Ashley?” asked Jace.

“ Yep.”

“ Wait. So Jace knew? I thought you said He didn't, Ashley.”

“ I didn't say that he didn't know.” Ashley replied as she collected the sum from the envelope.

“You act as if you only learned about this recently, Lianne.” Jace said with a questioning look.

“ Because I am.” I replied in a somewhat disappointed tone.

“ Well, don't mind it. Cuz this.” He gestured to the envelope. “ Will be equally divided among the three of us. All thanks to that Hooded Guy.”

“ Yeah. Mike told us to keep the Tip for ourselves. Yeeeyy! This is so great.”

As Jace and Ashley were counting the total cash, I was left alone thinking about the Man's intentions. Why he seems suspicious. And most of all, the identity of the Mysterious Hooded and Generous Customer.

- Chapter End -