PeterPan

8. A New Decision Made (It's Time To Change)

-Monday (No School)-

"Mr. Shropshire, do you still have room for me?"

My cell phone is pressed to my ear. After my conversation with Usi a couple of nights ago, I decided to challenge myself a bit and join the musical as an understudy, meaning that I perform in place of the main role of my character if that person is ever absent, and I would also perform for the understudy show. This way I get a little more time to prepare my acting while saving time to work still.

"Of course!" Mr. Shropshire's deep voice booms over the phone. "I've had you down as an understudy for Wendy, in case you changed your mind."

Wendy! "But... What if I hadn't?"

"One of the Pirates understudies was prepared to take the part." He assures. "Well, I am very glad that you've changed your mind, Noel. I know you'll do a great job in the understudy show. And perhaps even in the original show." He chuckles. "You never know if Clarissa will call in sick."

We end our call. I look down at the piece of paper that has my new work schedule printed on it. I had quit my job at Cosmos Cafe, deciding to stick with The Habit every day to save some complications. I also switched my 4:00 shift with Jose's 8:00 shift, so that I'd only have to leave rehearsals thirty minutes early to get to work on time. Which, thankfully, is perfectly fine for an understudy.

I stare at the black text, and a sudden excitement creeps up into my chest.

I'm going to be Wendy.

~~~

I stroll into The Habit at eight o'clock, my first day of working here on a Monday. Jen welcomes me as I greet Nick with a grudging stare. He waves, completely unaffected.

I check in with the Manager and start working at the cashier. I look up and quickly search the room for the idiot customer I served last Friday. No sign of him, I think, content. He must have stuck with In N' Out after all. 

Good riddance.

However, amidst my searching, my eyes stop on who must be a new recruit at The Habit. I stare at the seemingly familiar back as it bends over and scrubs a table.

"Usi?!" I exclaim, ignoring the startled customers before me. He straightens and turns to look at me, draping his wash-cloth over his shoulder.

"Since when did you get a job here?!" I demand. The customer I'm supposed to be serving timidly raises her hand "Um, excuse me? My order..."

I resume tending to her while I occasionally shoot Usi interrogative looks.

Okay. So I don't dislike the guy anymore. But this is just ridiculous.

I catch sight of Jen as she bustles out of the kitchen and wave at her. "Question?" she asks me as she rushes over.

"Yeah." I point at Usi. "Why is he here?"

"He's taken Orion's shift while he's out of in Germany as an exchange student. Once Orion returns, we'll see if we can get him a place here." She explains. "Though... there may not be any need of him." She says, thoughtfully. "Orion is kind of the Engine, here."

"Manager, doesn't this hiring business usually take about a week?" I point out. She flaps her hand. "It was a last minute decision made out of desperation. Besides, look at all the customers he brings." She beams.

I look out at the table of girls watching intently as Usi washes tables.

 "Right." I say, slightly irked.