Our New Normal

  Tori shrugged. “Chloe’s worth it, I think,” she replied optimistically.

  The group looked at each other, unsure what to say. After a few moments, Chloe’s friend extended her hand to Tori. “My name’s Tina,” she said amicably.

  * * *

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Chloe asked as they walked into the cafeteria. “I don’t have a problem eating in the library for the rest of the year, I promise.”

  Tori shook her head. “No, that’s okay,” she replied sternly. “I don’t want to have to hide for the rest of the year. I might as well let them get it out of their systems so they can move onto talking about someone else.” Tori focused her eyes on the wall as they made their way to the lunch table, her legs rubbery with anger and fear as she struggled to drown out the cruel comments being shouted from nearby tables. Chloe and Mark sat on either side of her, acting as a protective shield against those around them.

  “Tori?” a guy at a nearby table called. “You slumming it with us regular people now that your popular friends hate you?” A couple of people laughed.

  “Go to hell, Alex!” Kristen growled in response.

  Alex stood up. “How can you defend that bitch after all of the shit she’s said?” Alex asked. “Just because she’s going through some dyke phase right now doesn’t mean she’s not the same person that she’s always been.”

  “Well I guess you shouldn’t become best friends with her, then,” Mark retorted. “Why don’t you worry about what you’re doing, and we’ll worry about what we’re doing.”

  Alex shook his head. “I’m not going to feel bad for you when she changes her mind and makes up with those cheerleading sluts. You know she won’t be able to live without shopping at the mall with her ditzy friends, let alone being able to swear off men.”

  “I’ll make sure not to cry on your shoulder, then, if that happens,” Mark replied angrily.

  Chloe sighed, looking at Tori. “Let’s go get food.”

  Tori followed closely behind, desperate to escape for a moment from the hordes of random students taking pleasure in her suffering. The silence didn’t last, though; whispers and derogatory comments followed the couple every inch of the way up to the food line.

  “I’m beginning to think that the library was a good idea,” Tori whispered anxiously, her eyes focused on the food line. “That Alex guy, is he one of your friends?”

  Chloe shook her head. “Mark and Alex are on the soccer team together,” she explained. “It’s always been a real love-hate friendship with them, even on a good day.”

  Tori nodded in acknowledgment. “The funny thing is that he didn’t care that I was gay; he was mostly just concerned that I’m going to go back to my old ways.”

  Chloe shrugged. “There’s a decent chunk of people around here who don’t care about sexual preference. You’ve pissed a lot more people off by treating them like shit, not by acting like you were straight.”

  Tori groaned. “I can’t win, can I?” she asked wearily. “Either they’re offended because I’m a lesbian or they’re pissed because I’m not a Frosted Flake anymore.”

  Chloe put her arm around Tori. “Forget about those assholes,” she insisted. “They’re not going to matter in a couple months, anyway. Let’s just try to get through the year in one piece.”

  Tori looked over at the Frosted Flakes who weren’t hiding the fact that they were loudly talking about Chloe having her arm around Tori. “That may be easier said than done,” she said wearily.

  * * *

  “They’re so disgusting!” Katie shouted. “Like anyone wants to see those dykes being all lovey-dovey!”

  Mandi nodded, retrieving a fry from her tray. “Let’s break up their little PDA session…”

  Sabrina abruptly reached over to restrain Mandi’s arm. “Leave them alone,” she instructed sternly.

  “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of Tori!” Katie exclaimed. “She’ll just get suspended again if she starts trouble.”

  “I know that,” Sabrina replied. “Just let it go, okay?”

  “What your problem?” Katie demanded. “Ever since I told you that Tori—”

  Sabrina’s head snapped to the right, her eyes slits as she shot Katie a menacing glance and stopped her from finishing the sentence.

  “Since Tori what?” Mandi asked.

  Sabrina sighed, still glaring at Katie. “I’d just rather not risk any more problems with Tori, at least not yet,” she replied. She dramatically touched the wounds on her face. “It’s her first day back; if we instigate a fight with her on the very first day, we’re going to get blamed for everything, including what happened in the locker room.” The girls nodded with comprehension. “Just leave her and her girlfriend alone for now. We’ll figure out what to do once things settle down.”

  * * *

  Though Tori would’ve been more behind if Chloe hadn’t picked up her homework during her suspension, she was still overwhelmed and exhausted by the time the last bell rang on Friday. She met Chloe in the library after school, their faces sharing the same weary expression.

  “Today sucked,” Tori whined as she hugged Chloe in greeting. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to deal with everyone bothering me all day, every day, for the next few months.”

  “It’ll get better,” Chloe said. “The rumor mill will give them something else to obsess over soon. I’m sure that someone will do something stupid and get everyone’s attention in no time.”

  Tori looked down the quiet hallway from the library entrance, her eyes lingering on the stairs leading to the gymnasium. “It’s weird, not rushing off to cheerleading practice,” she muttered.

  Chloe frowned and gently caressed Tori’s shoulder. “You’ll get used to it. Once you sort out a new routine, it’ll seem like rushing off to practice never happened.”

  Tori scoffed. “I doubt that,” she stated. “Cheerleading was a part of my life for such a long time.”

  “So was being a self-centered brat,” Chloe said with a playful smirk, “but thankfully you’ve rid yourself of that nasty little habit.”

  Tori grinned. “For the most part, anyway.”

  Chloe shifted her weight, about to stand up. “I really don’t want to work tonight.”

  Tori nodded. “I’d rather not go job hunting tonight, either, but it has to be done.”

  Chloe stood up, extending her hand to Tori. “I should probably go get ready, then. Want to come with?”

  Tori smiled and took her hand. “Yeah, and I should probably figure out something to wear, too.”

  Chapter 33

  Kissing Chloe goodbye at the entrance to Trend, Tori reluctantly made her way to Torrent to discuss the open job position. She’d worn business casual attire just in case they decided to interview her on the spot; she figured that it was better to be overdressed than to look like she didn’t care enough to be prepared. Despite her fear and pounding heart, she entered the store and made her way to the counter.

  Tori made eye contact with the clerk at the counter and cleared her throat as she built up the courage to speak. “Hi…um…I had put in an application here a while ago for a cashier, and I wanted to check on its status.”

  The clerk nodded. “I think we got that position filled, but let me check with my boss.” He called for another clerk to watch the counter and hurried to the back.

  Tori already knew the answer as she watched the clerk return a couple minutes later with a somber look on his face.

  “Unfortunately, my boss said that position was filled. I’m sorry,” the clerk said.

  Tori grimaced but maintained her composure in front of the staff. “Thank you.” She spun on her heels and rushed to the nearest restroom, her eyes brimming with tears of remorse and fear. What am I going to do now? she kept asking herself over and over. How can I be in a building filled with hundreds of easy jobs and still not be able to find a single one? Sitting in the stall with her head in her h
ands, Tori wished that she could run into Chloe’s arms and cry her frustration and worries away, but she didn’t want to burden her while at work.

  Driving home, she canvassed businesses’ storefront windows for “Help Wanted” signs, but she didn’t have any luck. Nothing seemed to be hiring—nothing that she was interested in, anyway. She knew that she’d always be able to find a job in fast food, but the thought of being covered in grease made her stomach reel. Dealing with customers would be difficult enough without reeking of fried potatoes and grilled animal fat.

  A few blocks from home, she saw a familiar building off of the main drag: the Rabbit Hole. Noting how it had been weeks since Chloe and Tori had gone inside—they hadn’t been there since they finished their midterm assignment—Tori decided to take a detour.

  They usually have local newspapers at the counter, Tori thought. I can read the wanted ads while I’m sitting there, and I could use a chai after the day I’ve had.

  She couldn’t help but smile as she parked in front of the coffee shop. Warm memories of being huddled in a quiet corner with Chloe flooded her mind with joy, and she nearly forgot about her employment woes—that is, until she noticed a sign in the corner of the window that made her stop in her tracks:

  Part-time barista needed. Inquire within.

  Tori’s stomach churned excitedly as she opened the door. Observing the goings-on behind the counter as she ordered a chai, she wondered if she’d be able to handle memorizing and preparing all of the beverages available on the menu. She continued to weigh the pros and cons of applying for the position as she sat in a corner and browsed the wanted ads. Nothing seemed to catch her eye, making her desire to apply at the register all the more strong.

  I already know how to work an espresso machine, Tori recalled, frowning as she thought of her parents. They had a state-of-the-art espresso machine that did nearly everything but wash the cup afterward. She’d become a master at it, and she noticed that the machine they used wasn’t much different.

  As she continued to sip her chai, Tori struggled to build up enough courage to apply for the position. Not only was the coffee shop right down the street from her house—so she could walk there if she needed to—but it was somewhere that Chloe could come and visit during her off days. The job would be difficult at first, of course, but she knew that she’d eventually catch on to being a barista and dealing with customers.

  By the time that Tori had tilted back the cup to drink the dregs, she’d made up her mind. She placed the dirty cup in a dish bin and nervously approached the counter.

  The barista smiled at Tori amicably, waiting for an order. Tori returned the smile, clearing her throat as she shuffled her feet nervously. “Um, hi. I was inquiring about that sign in the window. You guys are looking for a barista?”

  “Yeah, we’ve been looking for a while,” the barista replied. “You interested?”

  Tori nodded. “I would like to apply, if possible,” she answered, struggling to sound professional.

  “I’ll do ya one better,” the woman said, motioning for Tori to follow her. She led her behind the counter into a back room. There was an older man with shaggy hair, ripped jeans, and a frayed t-shirt leaning against a desk cluttered with paperwork and coffee magazines. He was laughing with a younger man who Tori recognized to be another barista.

  “Hey, Rick,” the female server called. “This girl here is interested in applying for the barista job.”

  Rick turned and studied Tori. He nodded a goodbye to the male barista, and he left the office with a loud click as he closed the door. Tori fidgeted as she stood in the doorway, every second of awkward silence torture.

  Rick moved papers on the desk to make room for an application. He extended his hand to Tori, smiling. “Come on in, stay awhile,” he offered casually. They shook hands, and Tori took a seat in front of the desk. “So, you’re interested in becoming a barista here, are you?”

  Tori nodded. “Yes, sir,” she replied.

  Rick smiled, the wrinkles crinkling in the corner of his eyes. “Don’t call me sir,” he insisted. “Call me Rick. Everyone around here does.”

  Tori smiled, her fears dwindling. “Okay, Rick.” She nodded to the front of the shop. “I saw the help wanted sign in the window and stopped in right away.”

  “Have you ever worked in a café, coffee shop, or restaurant before?” he asked.

  “No, but I’m familiar with espresso preparation. My father had a semi-automatic espresso machine similar to the one behind the counter. I used it all the time. I was always told that I made the best cup on the block.”

  Rick nodded. “That’s a good start. Most people don’t even know how to work a regular coffee pot.”

  “I’m a quick learner, too, so training me won’t be too difficult,” Tori added. “I’ve become accustomed to the layout in this place over the past couple of months. Me and my girlf—erm, my friend—have been coming here all the time to study.”

  “Being a seasoned patron is always a good thing,” Randy stated, scribbling notes onto a pad of paper. “It’ll save time showing you around and teaching you what to expect. Do you have any customer service experience?”

  Tori’s forehead scrunched with worry. “Unless you count being a cheerleader for the past four years as customer service, no,” she replied anxiously. “Honestly, this would be my first job.” Tori cringed, expecting him to kick her out immediately.

  Rick nodded in acknowledgment. “Well, everyone has to start somewhere, I suppose. You said you’re still in school, right?” Tori nodded. “So you’ll be looking for evening hours?”

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Tori replied. “On the weekends, too, if possible. I only live a couple blocks away, too, so I could always come in if you need me to cover someone else or need extra help if it gets busy.”

  Rick stared into the distance as he considered their discussion. He was especially impressed with her offer to come in to cover shifts; the young people he usually hired weren’t willing to go above and beyond what was expected of them. After a moment, he refocused, and he looked her in the eyes. “Luckily for you, that availability is exactly what we’re looking for.” Rick smiled, standing up. “Before I hire you, though, I’d like you to make me a caffè latte. I want to see if your cuppa is what you say it is.”

  Tori’s eyes widened. “Really? Right now?”

  Rick nodded, standing up. “Come with me.”

  Tori stood, wringing her hands as she followed him to the front of the shop and behind the counter.

  Rick motioned to the baristas. “They’ll show you where everything is, but other than that, you’re on your own. Let’s see what you can do.”

  Tori took a deep breath to calm her pounding heart as she brought the espresso and milk to the machine. As she prepared the drink, a sad smile spread across her face as she remembered how her dad used to fuss over her latte-making abilities. Recalling the pride on his face made her long for the simplicity of her former life. She’d be shopping right now, most likely, rather than trying to figure out a way to survive without the safety cushion that her parents had provided.

  She shook her head, chastising herself for getting distracted during one of the most important moments of her young life. I need to focus on the now, not what was; my old life is over. I have to move on, and that can’t happen unless I get a job.

  As she poured foam on top, she blushed. “I’ve never been good at making designs with foam,” she confessed, handing Rick the cup.

  He shrugged. “That skill can be learned with time,” he said as he took a sip.

  Tori’s heart threatened to explode from her chest as she eagerly watched his reaction. His face didn’t betray any feelings one way or another, so she had no idea how she did. Internally, she begged him to say something, yet her face remained passive.

  Rick closed his eyes, crinkles of joy appearing at the edges as a smile escaped his lips. “You weren’t kidding,” he muttered, taki
ng another hearty sip. “You could teach my other baristas a thing or two.” Another sip. “Can you start tomorrow?”

  “Are you serious? Wow! Thank you so much, Rick!” Tori sprang from her chair to shake his hand once more. “This is great!”

  Rick beamed. “Welcome to our team!” he exclaimed. “Why don’t you come in tomorrow evening around five, and we’ll get all the paperwork filled out. You’ll be in training for a couple of weeks to learn all of the different types of drinks and ways to prepare them, and one of our seasoned baristas will help you out once you’re on the floor. After that, you’ll be on your own. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, too, because you’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking.” He motioned for her to sit, then, went over wage details and other perks of the job, and had her fill out an application as a formality.

  Tori left the coffee shop, her head swimming with excitement. It’d been ages since she had felt so relieved and overjoyed. She couldn’t wait to tell Chloe the good news.

  Chapter 34

  “Can you please make me a tall, nonfat, decaf, mocha soy latte,” a customer requested, digging in his pockets for cash.

  Tori turned to the machine and hurriedly filled his order, amused with how fussy some of the customers were; it was rare that someone ordered a plain coffee.

  As Meghan, another barista, gave the customer his change, Tori handed him the cup and took note of the long line of patrons behind this one. It was going to be another one of those days.

  She’d been working at the Rabbit Hole for a little over a month now, out of training and no longer under supervision. When she’d accepted the job, she couldn’t have fathomed the number of drink combinations that were in existence; she spent many a night studying at home while Chloe did her homework. Tori was a whiz, though, and amazed Rick and her coworkers with her speed and accuracy. She didn’t think that it was a big deal—it wasn’t exactly rocket science, after all—but her coworkers appreciated her attention to detail; some customers got unreasonably upset when their orders were prepared incorrectly.