Another chappie, yay!

I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it :)

Sorry in advance for the tons of mistakes, remember this is unedited. I hope this doesn't discourage you or hinder your joy in reading.

Xoxo

• • •

Tamara

"There you go, sir. Enjoy!" Tamara returned the change and went on wiping the counter beside her cash register for the umpteenth time.

"You are going to burn a hole in it and I don't have enough money to replace it," an affable voice came from behind her.

"I know Zeina! And you are going to burn a hole in my head if you repeat that sentence again! I am just so fucking bored." She threw the cleaning rag sharply on the table. "Does nothing exciting happen in this hell hole!" She grumpily muttered while resting her chin on her right hand that is placed on the counter.

"Tut tut, these are the wrong words to tell your boss you know. I should fire you this instance!" Her boss, Zeina, said jokingly. She leaned her narrow hips on the counter and surveyed the empty coffee shop with gorgeous cat-like-green-eyes. "Besides, this town happens to be called Haven, as in a sanctuary and I don't think a burning pit will be considered as one." She threw a lazy smile at Tamara.

"Neither a small patch of land with nothing to offer but gossipmongers hags, females adorned with fake coyness and peanut-sized brain as well as curs in the form of a male specimen who care about nothing but getting laid!"

"Ah...I'm pretty sure this applies everywhere?!" Zeina raised a perfectly made eyebrow.

"Maybe," Tamara grumbled, then she narrowed her eyes at Zeina in question, "you are overly sarcastic today, what gives?"

"Unlike some people I find this place calming. The lack of crowds and bustling noises eases my nerves even if it means fewer tips and revenue, it is worth it,"

Tamara switched her gaze from the door to her boss and long time friend. Zeina's keen eyes clashed with Tamara's brown as if exchanging a known message.

Tamara sighed, "I know but I can't help yearning for more! Don't get me wrong I miss nothing from our former lives, but if nothing new happens soon I will surely lose my marbles!"

Zeina's silence provoked more words out of Tamara, hoping to rely upon her thoughts and unburden her mind,"I just...Don't you wish for more Zan? For something new and reviving?- and I'm not talking about the thrill you get from Fannie's fabricated tales and the semi-annual festivals - something more meaningful."

Zeina sighed exasperatedly.

Unfortunately for her, this topic is far from new and her friend has still not given up on it. "Like what Tam? A Prince Charming? A Big Hollywood style mansion? A freaking fairytale? No, thank you, I'm good. I have all that I need right here. My coffee shop. My best friend and an income that sustains me for the time being. What more can I ask for?"

"I know, I know. I don't want to sound greedy! After all, this life is way better than the one we had," at that Zeina nodded her head in agreement," but I just wish for something...fulfilling. Something that can fill this yearning gap inside," Tamara patted her chest wistfully.

Zeina was about to answer when she noticed another customer come through the glass door. Tamara's wish is understandable. Zeina wished for more as well, but she was scared of being ungrateful and having a shitload of bad luck swamping her.

When Tamara finished serving the customer who immediately took his leave, she ungracefully dumped her ass on the stool behind the cash register and groaned.

Zeina smiled at her friend's childish act, she was thankful that after all the things Tamara has been through, her innocent spirit still exists, even if it rarely shows. She only wished that life's obstacles hasn't drained her of all her innocence.

"You know I hate being the sensible and serious type, but that's the only way that kept me alive. However, I don't - and will never - fault you for wishing for more. I just feel that accepting what we have now is better than setting off on some quest to fill a gap that might end up in creating a hole that can never mend." At seeing her friend's sad expression, she added cheerfully, "Besides, I want my best friend all to myself. What if you found someone and left me, huh?"

Tamara's lips quirked in a hint of a smile," you know I'll never leave you, especially not for a guy...maybe for a billion dollars or a successful business," she said teasingly," but never for a guy."

"I should definitely fire you."

"You can't fire this face, you love me!" Tamara said smugly.

Zeina beamed, "Us against the world, eh?"

"You got that right chica!" Tamara beamed back and stretched her hand for high-five which Zeina returned.

"You know they probably think we are a couple," Zeina said feeling talkative.

Tamara rolled her eyes and huffed, "Well, at least them thinking us a couple will be a more exciting topic to gossip about than madam jargon's clothing preference. They've been at it for a month! Gosh, it's like these peoples' butter and bread is to spread gossip and fabricate tales,"

"Hmm, madam jargon does indeed have an odd clothing preference. Did you see her dress of moss green and that big hat? I swear that fur on it is some dead animal from her backyard. "

Tamara face palmed, "Zeina!"

"So if she doesn't slaughter chipmunks in her backyard, she must be engaged in some rigorous, pleasurable activities that leave her screaming at night!"

"Zeina!" Tamara scolded her cheeks beet red.

Zeina looked at her with wide innocent eyes,"What? Don't tell me you are aware of her nocturnal activities? She does come up with new clothes every now and then that are puke worthy! And let's not forget the screams she basks the whole neighborhood in!"

Tamara chuckled, "I guess, they do illicit a vomiting reaction when they are not melting my eyes. But you know how Fannie likes to add some ingredients of her own to the meal. A seventy-years old woman with an odd taste for clothes DOES NOT slaughter animals in her backyard or perform some lovemaking activities in the dead of the night."

Zeina wiggled her eyebrows, "what best time to have some delicious fornication than the dead of the night?"

Tamara slapped her on the arm playfully, "ya Habla! If anyone heard you they would've never known you are a virgin!"

"Look who's talking...Nerd! Besides, both of us have aced the theory in that field, it is just the applied practice we still haven't tested. We are knowledgeably equipped." Zeina licked her lips suggestively, her eyes sparkling with merit. "Unless you want to make Fannie's story about us being lovers a reality. "

Tamara was now howling in laughter, but when she started snorting she shut her lips tightly which made her redder in the face while her mouth ached. "As appealing as that sounds, I hate to see Fanni gloating about it. So thanks, but no thanks!"

Zeina muttered and smiled. "Your loss,"

"Aww, don't be too sad. We have hermits life ahead of us, there is still time to change my mind," Tamara teased.

At her words, Zeina adopted a somber face and silence stretched. "Yeah, a hermit's life is a measly sacrifice," she uttered the words so softly her friend would've missed them if she wasn't paying attention.

"You can still fall in love you know," Tamara said. Her face is devoid of any sign of teasing.

"How? You know I can't!"

Tamara hated the look on her friend's face. The look of utter despair and resignation.

I guess she does wish for something more after all.

Zeina's facial expression was like a dagger to her heart. She wanted to return the smile on her friend's face, so she said: "Ah, you know it starts with liking someone, then dating that said someone and then ..."

At Zeina's soft chuckle she stopped. "You get the gist and if it didn't work, well you have me...no, I am not saying I am open to dating you - which would be an honor - but you know I will always be off the market. We can be spinsters together,"

"Yeah, that sounds great!"

The bell chimed indicating another customer coming in. Tamara stood up to greet him and noticed that her friend and boss has slipped away, probably to wallow in silence, yet again.

Tamara hated when the topic of dating is brought up, it was a constant reminder of Zeina's loss and what Tamara will never seek.

I should've just shut my trap and never brought it up! Zeina has suffered enough!

Tamara refused to let the memories surface. She wanted to forget. Wanted Zeina to forget. Wasn't this the reason they both came here?

But the brain is a devious thing. It knows when to drive you down with depressive thoughts.

•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•

Tamara looked at the blackness of the sky. The night was upon her before she noticed.

A couple of hours then I'm off home.

Zeina went to her apartment minutes ago, after a long quarrel of not wanting to leave Tamara to do the rest of cleaning and inventory on her own which Tamara countered that she was an employee and that closing up is her duty and if she doesn't get her ass hauled home and tucked in bed Tamara would make her. The words were out of Tamara's mouth with such a passion one would think she would carry out her threat.

However, Zeina merely chuckled, kissed her cheek, and left. Zeina knows full well that Tamara isn't a match even for an ant. One, because she can't swat it if it stood still in front of her shackled to the ground - she has a terrible sense of aim and her noodle arms are not made for any form of physical exertion - and two, she'd probably cry and whine about the poor defenseless creature, that is harmless where its sole need is to provide food for itself and its babies.

After cleaning everything and doing the paperwork, she locked the place and set off toward her small apartment.

And another main character introduced! Yuppie!

What do you think about the friendship between Tamara and Zeina?

Fun fact: My best friend is called Zeina.

Another fun fact: she is nothing like the Zeina here but I love her all the same.

What do you think so far?

What do you think drove Tamara and Zeina to Haven town?

Interested in finding out, stick around :)

Ya Habla: you idiot.

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Love,

Eva