(EDITED)

I was standing behind the counter of the place that gave me my coffee addiction, Starbucks. I had been working here since last year, just a week after I arrived. I realized early enough that I would have to take care of myself. They made it clear they werent going to do it. They only got me enough so that the social workers wouldnt suspect anything. I bought my own clothes, food and whatever else I needed with the money I earned here, although it wasn't much, I didn't need anything from them. I was familiar with living a rough life.

At the former house I was staying at, the one before the pregnant wife, I had to fend for myself and a few others. They depended on me, and I had to do anything to keep them alive. I did unspeakable things to earn money; stuff that I regret with all of my heart. I promised myself that I would never think about it again; just the mere thought made me nauseous. The recent flashbacks werent helping my case, either. They were little things from my past that I certainly didn't want to remember. The only good thing about moving here was the fact that I left that horrid past behind. But unfortunately, I moved somewhere much worse than before.

Why are you here so early? A girls voice startled me.

I turned around a bit confused and smiled when my eyes landed on the person who spoke. It was Cassie, a work colleague, who had been working here much longer than I had. Since the first day we met, we clicked instantly, which was very hard for me to do with most people, but with her, it was effortless. The reason why we worked so well was because of the mere fact that we didnt go to the same school. Our friendship stayed within these Starbucks walls. She never asked about anything too deep, and neither did I, nonetheless we still talked about everything else.

I decided to come early today since I missed work yesterday, I told her. Cassie squealed happily, her black hair swaying around her face.

We can finally spend some time together. She declared as if we had never talked.

Cassie had this sparkling vibe about her that brightened up your mood no matter how you were feeling. Her bubbly personality had that effect on you. Her hair was cut into a Chinese bob, giving her face an oval shape. Her black hair made her sparkling blue eyes pop.

Cassie grabbed a cup from underneath the counter and filled it up with coffee while I looked around the place. Today felt peaceful.

I took a deep breath and welcomed what the rest of the day had to bring. Since Cassie was busy with the only customer, I decided to clean around the coffeemaker.

Im going to be in the back for a while, just tend to the customers, Cassie said, walking past me.

The bell on the counter rang, indicating that there was a customer. Without turning around, I asked. What can I get you? but there was no reply. After a minute or so, I decided to turn around and look at who had rung the bell. My eyes met with pretty blue ones, and shock filled me; this was the first time that I had seen him here.

Do you realize that in some countries its considered rude to turn your back on someone? Ashton asked, looking very amused. He stood in front of me in all his male-model glory. He had a black shirt on and blue jeans, looking very simple yet incredibly hot. To make his quite simple look even better, he messed his hair up just a tad, and it made him look unbelievably cute.

Earth to Autumn. Ashton snapped his finger in front of my face to get my attention.

I shook my head with embarrassment. Uh, Hi!

How about some coffee?

Coffee? I asked absentmindedly. Ashton raised his eyebrows expectantly and pointed at where we were standing. Oh yeah, coming right up, I blushed when I realize that I was supposed to serve people coffee.

"Where were you today?"

"Family problems."

I quickly made his coffee and handed it to him before he could ask any more questions. I waited for his money, but he pointed towards a booth on the far side of the room.

Can you bring four more cups of coffee to that table please? I looked to where he was indicating and my eyes landed on none other than Michael.

For some unknown reason, he drew me in like a magnetic force. I couldnt help but wonder if it was just me having these feelings or if the feeling was mutual. In all honesty, it scared me a bit; I had never before felt so attracted to anyone in my life.

I shook my head to remove all of those unrealistic thoughts from my mind. It's not like something will ever happen with him. I decided to take another look at him. When I did, I found that obnoxious girl, Tiffany, hanging onto Michael like a black hole might suck him in.

'Oh, honey, dont be jealous now,' Lilly said, smirking. I'm not jealous!

I looked away from her and found Jason and Mason sitting across from them; laughing and being silly. Mason was adorable and always made me smile. When I was around him, I was happy and always felt safe. Jason, on the other hand, barely recognized my existence. He didnt even look my way, but I couldnt be bothered.

Autumn?

What?

Whats going on in that feisty little head of yours? Ashton asked. You keep zoning out. He felt my forehead and looked at me with fake concern.

I slapped his hand away and scowled at him. Nothing so g-" before I could finish my sentence, Cassie walked in and pulled Ashtons attention away from me towards her and I smiled.

Have you seen- she said, but I interrupted her by yanking her forward.

Cassie, Ashton. Ashton, Cassie. I introduced the two.

They exchanged numbers, and Ashton asked me to bring them their coffee and walked away. I looked at their booth and back to Cassie. I pouted, and with my eyes, I begged her to handle that table. She shook her head with a smile and walked towards them.

It was around five, and they were still seated at the exact same spot. Luckily for me, my shift ended in thirty minutes, and I had been able to avoid them all this time. I spoke too soon!

Mason just called for the waitress and Cassie was nowhere to be found. So, I sulked it up and walked over there, mumbling curses under my breath.

When I arrived at the booth, I asked almost whispering. What can I get you?

One big coffee and Everything with cheese bagel. Make it snappy, Mason said reading the menu.

I took the notepad I had in my hand and slapped Mason on the back of the head with it; for being so rude to me.

Oh, what the he stopped mid-sentence and looked up, glaring at the waitress. His glare turned into a smile when he realized that I was the person who hit him. A-bear, Im sorry I didnt know it was you. Mason jumped up and hugged me.

When Mason said A-bear Michaels head snapped towards me with a glare; alongside his glare came the death stare from Tiffany.

Ashton was more welcoming and smiled like a little boy on a sugar rush. Jason didnt look up from his phone because he didnt care if I was there or not.

That still doesnt give you the right to speak to a girl that way. I scolded him.

I could feel Michael staring into my soul; with every breath, I took or any move I made; he was watching me. He made me shiver, and he knew it. But why would he look at me when he had Tiffany flaunting herself all over him?

I cleared my throat and acted professionally again. Anything else?

Dont you own any decent clothes? Tiffany asked with her high-pitched voice, giving me a once-over.

Dont you own a decent personality? I snapped at her, giving her a fake smile. I guess not! I declared with a shrug. Dammit Lilly, stop that.

'If you're not gonna stand up for yourself then someone should do it.' Lilly snapped. You're only causing more problems.

Tiffanys face turned bright red with anger, and it got even worse when Ashton and Mason laughed at the comment I made.

How dare you speak to a customer that way? She asked angrily. Im going to report you to the manager. She stood up, making herself look threatening.

I looked at her and made sure my face showed that I wasn't bothered by her threat. Come on Ill take you, her office is that way, I told her and moved a bit to the side so she could pass.

She stared at me with her mouth hanging wide open, surprised at how I handled her. Michael, arent you going to say something? Tiffany asked him, expectantly.

He looked at her, a bored expression on his face. Theres nothing to say. He shrugged and looked straight ahead, ignoring her.

Tiffany stomped her foot on the ground and groaned loudly, storming out of the café.

I spent the rest of my shift with them. Mason and Ashton talked to me while Jason was typing away on his phone. Michael just stared at me. Whenever he opened his mouth to say something, I shook my head, begging him not to. I knew he wanted to talk about what I said yesterday, that's why I didn't go to school. That and my ribs needed some rest. Ignoring Michael's intensive gaze, I actually enjoyed myself with them, and it felt like I belonged. The only thing that bothered me throughout was the fact that I was losing control of Lilly. Maybe she was right.

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