Toby nods.
Alrighty then. “So, um, when do I start?”
Toby shifts back and forth and bites his lower lip.
I suddenly don’t feel so nervous.
“How about right now?” He stammers.
Scratch that. I’m nervous again.
Good thing Chance still has his arm around me, or I’m pretty certain I’d fall to the ground. Getting a job is one thing. But starting now with no mental prep? It’s totally panic attack time.
A demon who is scared of first day of work.
I’m a loser.
A loser that granted has goosebumps from the touch of a cute boy, but a loser none the less.
Gulp.
***
Dressed in a too big maroon shirt that smells like burnt bread and a visor that pinches my temple, I try not to hover too closely to Toby. This is the second time he’s shown me how to wrap a sub. I still can’t figure out how to fold the corners. You’d think it’d be simple for me to accomplish something so mundane. Especially if I can live in a house full of demons and survive to tell about it. But alas, I’ve been conquered by a lopsided roll.
Sighing, I follow Toby to the register and watch admiringly as he rings up the customer. I have yet to try this part, but then I’ve only been here for a couple of hours now. Honestly, and I think he’s embarrassed to say this, but I’m sure he’s scared to let me near the register. After dropping my fair share of subs, I don’t blame him. He probably thinks I’ll drop money and short change someone. I think that too.
As I mimic Toby’s pleasant smile to the hundredth anonymous customer, I happen to look over to the dining room. To the only customers that were nice enough to stick around, long after they throw their garbage in the trash (and not everyone does that fyi – I’ve already had to clean numerous sticky tables). Those being Chance and Ashley. My new favorite people in the world.
Most of the friends that were with Ash when I first got here, already left. Save one, who I think might be the prized Jane. The one she slummed Chance on me for. Not that I mind in the least. The two of them are poring over magazines and laugh every so often. I feel a pang seeing them like that. It makes me long for my sister.
Not in that way though.
Just in a way that makes her family. Out of them all, she was the only one that never really threatened me with bodily harm. Not that I ever really gave her the chance. Maybe it was because she was only a year older than me, but whatever the case, she seemed different. Or I could just be wishing for something that was never real. I did steal a lot of her reading material though. So maybe it’s the magazines I miss. How weird am I? Missing magazines.
Toby slams the register drawer causing me to break from my thoughts. He moves back down the opposite end of the rectangle that makes up out five foot working space. At the end of it is the back room where there are freezers, shelves, sinks, and prep counters. I got the special ‘tour’ when I first clocked in. It’s a lot to take in. But it’s not overwhelming. At least Toby isn’t making it that way at least.
As I follow him into the back (where he no doubt wants to re-show me how to operate the meat slicer – something that hold no excitement, whatsoever) I glace over to Chance. I still can’t believe he’s stayed all this time. It’s not like he’s doing anything either. Other than bothering his sister and her friend, this consists of throwing wads of straw wrappers through his fingers like a football. He looks up then, and catches me watching him.
He smiles. I blush.
Earlier while Toby showed me the ropes, Chance gave the most hilarious commentary. It definitely helped downplay my panic. In a way it helped Toby ease up too. He hasn’t blushed at me for a whole forty minutes. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that he doesn’t look at me while he talks. After the grand ‘tour’ Chance left me to get down to work, or what I’m calling a lucky non-disaster. Since then he’s been slouch in the booth beside Ashley.
He gives me a quick wave, before flicking a paper wad the size of a quarter at the back of Ashley’s head. I turn away with a laugh just as she screams in rage at him. Boys. Such trouble makers. Cute trouble makers though. Even if they act like they’re in adolescence. I meet Toby around the back, and sure enough, he’s stationed by the meat slicer.
Putting on a bright smile for him, I step up to him and pay attention as he tells the basics of not slicing of a finger. Good stuff to know. I happen to like all of my fingers where that are. Thankfully it only last a few moments, and by then another customer comes in. Indicated by a little annoying bell over the door. Needing all the practice I can get I hurry to take the customer for myself. As Toby told me earlier this is a light afternoon, meaning tomorrow night it’ll be packed in here.
Fighting the urge to fade from everyone’s thoughts like a rolling fog, I round the corner leading to the front. Only to find Chance and Ashley leaning against the dome glass covering the food. I notice the girl Jane is missing, and realize she must have made the door jingle. A rush of relief courses through me as I hurry over to them
Ashley gives me a bright smile as I reach them, but I notice she looks a little bummed too. Then I notice that Chance holds the same look. I know they must be ready to tell me they are leaving. It’s definitely understandable. Who wants to hang out with a girl they just met at her job, being bored as all heck. I’m bored and I’m the girl. So their yah go, my first friends wanting to ditch me. I guess it was a nice run though.
“Hey rabbit, we’re going to take off. Will you be all right to get home later?” Chance says as he rests his hands over the dome glass, bringing him closer to me. “I could come back after tossing Ash and her Janie at home.”
No, yes, no. I don’t know. I don’t want to be a bother, but I wouldn’t mind spending more time with him. Even if they are more awkward than not. I don’t say any of this though and why would I? I’m sure I already come off as a weirdo. At least he’s nice enough to ask. That makes me like him all the more. And feel oddly normal.
Looking away from his gaze I say, “No it’s all right. I can make it home. It’s closer than I thought. But thanks though.”
With my eyes no longer on Chance, I find Ashley instead. She keeps looking back and forth at her brother and me. Her expression is one I can’t read, and a funny little smile plays across her lips. Am I being obvious in my liking of Chance? If she notices something, then does he? He doesn’t seem like he does. I imagine he’d be slightly horrified and probably avoid me if he knew I was seriously crushing on him.
“Sorry I’m stealing away your chauffer, but Jane and I rode in with the other girls. Since they left already, we go when he does.” Ashley intercedes.
I nod, not bothered in the least.
A tapping on the glass bring my gaze back to Chance, as he says, “Are you sure?”
Sure of what? That I mind they leave? Yes I mind I want to scream, don’t leave me alone, I’m scared. Then I remember he meant the ride situation. Oh. Well, that can’t be helped can it. They’re not my family. They’re not even really my friends. Just acquaintances, which I can’t let, do favors for me. Owing someone is never good. Especially a demon. I used to trust favors, from my own family no less, and that never ended well.
“I’m sure. Thank you for bringing me in today. And staying after.” I say with a smile at both of them.
I feel like I’m saying the final goodbye and it feels like lead inside. Then the bell over the door rings out and an actual customer comes through. Backing away from my neighbors, I address them with a bright fake smile. I don’t really look at them and only really half hear what they say, but it’s good enough to start making their order. I glance up after a moment, to find that my neighbors are waiting for me to finish up. Clearly I was mistaken about them leaving feeling like a real goodbye. Guess I’m a little melodramatic.
As I wrap up the sub, I’m pleased that I didn’t make a mistake once or drop it. Of course I’d feel dignified, if Toby hadn’t snuck up behind me and sn
atched the register before I can ring out the person. Just as well I guess, saves me the sales pitch step. Saying my blessing to the customer and handing the rest to Toby, I move back over to Ash and Chance.
“You’re getting really good at that Daria. I knew you’d rock the sub world.” Ash squeals practically bouncing up and down.
I have to smile at her. I just wish I had her enthusiasm. Chance remains a little more reserved. I notice keys in his hands now, so I guess they do have to go. I’d be selfish if I made them stay. The demon in me wants to be selfish. It really does.
“Good luck tomorrow at the school. Don’t let my mom rattle you too much rabbit.” Chance tells me with less enthusiasm as his sister.
I nod and smile at him.
That’s right. I almost forgot about my experimenting with high school tomorrow. I have to wonder how that is going to go. I guess it’ll be a surprise. But I do have the rest of the night to stress, so I’m grateful for not having a meltdown at the moment.
Then they say their goodbyes, and I stand stotic as they walk away and out the door. I’d like to say at the rest of the night was more exciting, but it just wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but it could have been better. At the end of the night, I help Toby clean up. This was the thing I’m most good at, to his blushing pleasure. It’s good I’m mostly on the nightshift. Cleaning is essential during that time.
Toby was nice enough to offer a ride home, but unlike Chance, I don’t feel the comfort of agreeing. So I declined, and saved face by mentioning maybe another time. I don’t want to hurt his feelings. And the walk home wasn’t so bad either. It really was super close. I even pass the high school I missed on the way in. I was a little busy eyeing other things earlier, so I can forgive my lack of observation. It’s nice to know that I can even walk to school.
When I’m climbing the garage stairs leading up to my apartment, I feel a strong sense of freedom. Before I always felt if I push myself a little more it’ll come naturally. And now, here it is. I’m coming home late at night from my job to my very own apartment. It’s enough to make me want to break down in happy tears.
That’s when I notice something resting at the base of my door.
Chapter Six
Instinct stops me cold. I feel my hackles rise and the scent of ozone is strong in the air. It’s not real I know, the scent is like a warning for my inner Taser. It’s like a mini lightning strike, and I think it’s all mental. But whatever it’s borne from, I’m holding it to me like a knife as I rise the stairs the last couple of steps. My mind is spinning that my family have found me and this is some kind of game their playing.
I don’t hear anyone around in here, and all the lights were off at the Harris’s. But that doesn’t mean anything. My family makes it a habit, of being sneaky. Even so, I move with caution. At the small landing, I find that the something on at the base is actually a duffle bag. What the?
Kneeling down, I use shaking fingers to tear open the zipper. Halfway through opening it, I notice a piece of paper than must have fallen from a breeze due to my opening the outer garage door. Or whatever, but it still wasn’t in full view. Picking it up, I scan it with fast eyes. Then choke out a laugh. My nerves calm instantly.
It’s from Ashley.
So is the duffle.
Apparently, this is a little congratulations gift. She says in the note that she has had some old clothes lying around and thought I could use them. Or in her words ‘no one should go to their first day of school without a new wardrobe’. Sure enough, when I pull the zipper all the way, the bag is full of brightly colored decent clothes.
I can’t help smiling as I carry the bag inside and place it on my dresser. Gazing up at my reflection, I spy the girl everyone else see’s. Her features are a stretched a little too tightly, and her flesh a little too pale. Her hair hangs lose from a messy knot, and seems almost black beside her skin. There must be something nice about her, if people I just me can do things for me, but I don’t see it. I guess there is a plus side to having someone remember you though.
It’s a good feeling that I didn’t memory block anyone today. I just hope it’ll be just as nice tomorrow. But I don’t want to jinx it.
Oh crap, I’m sure I just did.
The following morning, I make darn sure I’m up well before anyone thinks to come knocking. That way I can avoid another scuffle with my bed sheet that is more evil than me. Plus, there is no way I’m going to be caught looking like a hobo when or if Chance comes over. Sure, I highly doubt he’s going to come by again anytime. But still, a girl has to take precautions.
With nothing to do but wait for my next big move, I decided that it’s probably in my best interest to stock up my shelves with food and such. One cannot live on discounted subs every night, or for their breakfast. No matter how yummy they might still look in the morning. So that is what I did. I hoofed it to a little food mart that is just shy of the high school, and made it home all before the sun came up. Not bad for a newly independent demon huh? Yeah, I’m impressed too.
What’s more impressive? Is that after I scarf down the best tasting cheese Danish ever, I even had time to wash up and look presentable. Of course, the presentable part is more due to the fact that I have decent looking clothes to wear. So as I sit on the horribly flat sofa and gaze at an old looking tv with the power off, I can’t help gazing at myself with a soft wonder.
I swear I’m not conceded, but I have to admit that I look good. An actual pair of jeans that fit, does wonders for my thin frame, so much so I feel a little self-conscious. Not much mind you, but enough that I almost considered giving the clothes back to Ashley. Thankfully the feeling faded, and after slipping on a t-shirt that is sans holes, I know for sure I’m not giving anything back. Did I mention the pink hoody that was in the duffel? No? Well, let me tell you, it’s the closest thing I’ve ever had that resembled a jacket.
I feel so spoiled.
That’s what I’m doing when a knock finally comes through my door, admiring the warm pink hoody on my lap. I rush to the door, and do a quick check to make sure my hair is firmly knotted on top of my head. Not a single hair out of place, I yank open the door with a bright smile. Then it dims a bit. Chance isn’t at my door. His mother is. With coffee. My smile brightens again.
“Morning, Daria.” Mellissa says as she passes me one of the two travel mugs she holds. “You ready for a fun filled day of testing?”
Taking the coffee from her, I cock my head to the side like a confused puppy dog. Testing? Do students really have to take tests on their first day? I must look really confused, because she smiles at me sympathetically.
“You mentioned the other night that you don’t have transcripts right?”
I nod.
“That means we’ll have to subject you to tests to see what grade we’ll be squeezing you in. Just protocol. Nothing to be worried about. And I promise we’ll even allow breaks in between.”
The last bit is said with a wink and a funny little smile. I guess it’s funny to make the day seem like a cross between jail time and torture? And here I thought I was just going to step into the school like a normal person. Clearly not. But hey, I’m not normal, so there yah go.
She continues before I can give a halfhearted nod, “And who knows Miss Pigwidgeon, if all goes well, you might be able to start tomorrow.”
Now I smile just as delighted as before. Looks like she could sense my disappointment. I have to say, I love her enthusiasm. It’s almost as strong as mine. For the first Guidance Counselor I’ve ever met, I think she’s the best. Plus, she brought me coffee. Nothing better than that.
So basically, after another awkward car ride in which I don’t have anything clever to say, I go through a day full of tests. Fortunately, I didn’t see Chance once. He and Ashley had already left for school by the time Mellissa and I headed out. My brain would have been fried for sure just getting a glance from his blue eyes. And I need all the electrodes firing at fu
ll power today.
Sitting in a four by four room, which closely resembles that of a cubicle in hell (not that I’ve ever been – just a theory) is not the most fun I’ve had. I can say that I’m mighty pleased with myself though. A hundred percent or more certain that I aced every test placed in front of me by Mellissa. There are some times where I’m grateful for my demon gifted (or cursed – depending on the day) abilities. And today is one of those.
Thanks to the early development of my consciousness, I’ve somehow gained a photographic memory. Maybe it’s like a plus side to having everyone around me forget who I am from time to time. Like a fail-safe or something. Where I can make sure even if I’m forgotten, nothing will be forgotten by me. So while I never once stepped foot inside a school building, I still know some stuff. And by some stuff, I mean more so than most.
My demon siblings, even though they are completely rough around the edges, came in handy. Like when they would go to school and leave me at home, I’d consume everything left behind. Books became my passion, and it didn’t even take long to teach myself to read. I’m sure they got in trouble for missing assignments, and all because I would steal them. All for knowledge purposes of course. It was just a bonus that they would hurt in the crossfire. Hey, a girl has to strike back at some point.
And as demons go, my attempts are pretty light. That is if you don’t count the drugging of them in my escape.
Which I don’t by the way.
None the less, I’m a rockstar when it comes to learning things. But when it comes to putting them down in test form, it leaves my skills as something to be desired. Which is why, I am now sitting in an office opposite of Mellissa and some dude in a tie named Mr. Mathews ie. The Vice Principal. They have the verdict for me. All my plans for starting over hangs in the balance with these too faculty members and one happens to be my landlord too.
Is my shady past revealed in my tightly lipped answers?
Will my dreams be flushed down the toilet?
I hope not on both.
The Misadventures of Daria Pigwidgeon Page 6