I'm drowning, drowning quickly and painfully. My finals are this week, and they suck so, so much. French final on Tuesday, Wednesday I have Trigonometry and Biology. Then an English final on Thursday, and Friday providing me with my "make it or break it" final. I have an AP Psychology final. I mean, why did I ever sign up for that class? I barely know the subfields of psychology. I'm drowning. Drowning on piles of homework, due dates, and non-lactose coffees.

Sighing, I lift my sore arm to open the cafe door. My shoulder tenses in protest. Groaning, I curse out Coach Hedge in my mind. Taking his pain out on us because Reyna decided to drive across the fucking country. With a postcard saying she was with her girlfriend merely a month later. . .

I didn't even know why she was using a Christmas postcard. Like, why Reyna? It's barely the beginning of June!

"Are you ready to order, sir?"

A short girl with golden eyes stood at the register. My face heating up as she innocently waited for me to speak.

"N-not yet."

She was a new worker. I could tell, I went here everyday. Suddenly my bag that was pulling down my other shoulder began to seem weightless. Instead, my legs had turned to led. My tongue now a piece of taffy.

"Alright-y. Just tell me when you're ready." I shot my head up. Eyes searching frantically at every drink they had. I got the same thing every time, but today ruined my brain. It was like my brain gave up on me and decided my memories were to travel elsewhere.

"Heya, Frank!" Piper hollers at me. Rainbow eyes glittering as she jogged to me. Her neck was covered in what looked to be chocolate. The hat on her head crooked from chaotic orders.

"Hey." My tone was soft and small, I couldn't find my voice with the new girl glancing so adorably at me. "Welcome back, you're five minutes earlier than usual! This is Hazel, she's new on counter. She moved here about a month ago." Piper took a breath, turning to the cute girl; who Frank now knew was Hazel.

"Where'd you say you moved from again?"

"New Orleans. Are you ready to order, sir?" She repeats her earlier question to where my brain goes blank again. I look at Piper, helpless.

"Hazel, it's a bit of a tricky order. I've got it all memorized, but it won't be a good starting order for you. How about you just observe?" Piper gently suggests, much to my relief. Hazel frowns but nods. Going to Piper's side as Piper clicks the register buttons.

"Have any almond milk today?" I ask.

Piper snorted ungracefully and shook her head. "Same answer as yesterday, and the day before, and the years before that. We don't produce coffee almond milk. Bring your own milk and then we'll talk." I roll my eyes and grin.

"Well then, $17.54, right?" This time jt was Piper's turn to roll her eyes.

"Memorized the price?" She guesses, throwing me an oh-so-beautiful glare. I shyly nod, Hazel letting out a series of soft giggles.

"Order 33, usual corner?"

I nod.

"Your order will be our shortly." Hazel told me. Her fingertips pressing against the twenty dollar bill I gave as payment. She scratched it and let's the light shine through the bill to check it. I feel awkward just watching her, but Hazel still smiles at me as she cocks an eyebrow. She had caught me red handed.

"I'll- uh, be over... there. Keep the change!" I point lamely to my corner and turn my back to her. Walking away quickly to avoid further embarrassment with the cute cashier girl.

"Thank you." Hazel calls out, throwing the cash in the register, the change going to her apron pocket.

"Oh dear lords, kill me now." I grumble.