Stay

Part Two: Chapter one

Things that annoy me: Customers who complain about the amount of foam on their coffee, my lazy co-worker who sits on his ass all day and my creepy boss who thinks every women is in love with him. 

Including me.

Untying the apron from around my waist and hanging it up on a hook, I grab my bag from inside my locker. 

"Have a good weekend Maddie." A middle aged man rushes in, pushing his glasses back into place before rubbing his hairless head. "Laylas outback." I nod in reply noticing his wedding ring is missing, leaving a line around his finger. His hand comes in contact with my arm, "You're next shift is Monday afternoon," his hand caresses my skin. "I'll miss having you around." Nodding and smiling awkwardly, I leave the room, my arm tingling from the violation of personal space.

"Layla!" I shout, as I see her enter the cafe, "Time to go!" She holds the door open for me, her dark hair ruffling in the gust of wind. 

"George being creepy again?" 

"As always." We laugh and jump into her car. Since my parents divorced Layla hasn't left my side. She has changed almost completely, not having school has made all the difference. We've had time to have a proper chat about the past few years and she apologized for all of it. 

"I'm not looking forward to going in tomorrow. On my last shift he asked me on a date! Next time I'm going to threaten to tell his wife what he classes as acceptable." Layla lowers the windows letting in a crisp breeze, the orange glow from the sun set blinding us both. 

"The thought of him makes me cringe." Taking my phone from my bag, I smile at the wallpaper. The night the picture was taken was one of the best. Seeing my nephew for the first time is something I'll never forget, I can't believe how much he has grown already. 

Checking my emails, I get rid of all the junk mail before realizing I have no important ones.

"I don't know why you keep checking, he's gone Mads." Layla mumbles, using her hand as a visor from the sun.

Throwing my phone back into the bag, I shake my head. "I don't know." I sigh. 

I pick at my crusty nail polish as I look out the window. It's been months since Jessie's last email, he could be dead for all I know. Why did my Jessie have to get in with the wrong crowd? And not just druggies either, actual criminals by the sound of it. 

Oh Jessie, what have you done.

"Stop thinking about him! It will only make you sad. Come on think about the party this weekend! It will be fun plus I'll let you borrow one of my dresses." I smile in response, she tries her best to keep my head up and it works... most of the time. 

"Thanks, Layla." Watching out of the front screen, I notice children playing in the fields. The trees are finally growing their fresh green leaves back and flowers are beginning to bloom. However, this view is ruined as my attention moves to a clearly drunk man stumbling about in the distance. His clothes rugged and torn. "People should learn to control themselves." I huff. He reaches out for the park bench before tripping and falling onto the floor. I watch as we drive past.

It's not until I realize he isn't moving that my heart begins to pump faster. "Wait." I say, sticking my head out the window. "He's bleeding." I mumble. 

"What?" Asks Layla. 

"Stop the car." I whisper. 

"What?" She repeats. 

"STOP THE CAR!" I yell before she slams on the breaks.