Chapter 1
I breathed a fresh cup of espresso I made before I start my shift at the Blurb, a stationery store and cafe in the city. Sitting at the counter before I officially open the store for the day, I watched the busy place outside, pondering my life for a minute.
It has been five years since I started working here. Fresh from a six-month crash course on administration and barista training, I applied as a store assistant in this store that was recommended to me by my doctor.
My doctor told me that I had been on a horrible car accident a year prior. I was in a coma for a year and woke up with amnesia. I remember feeling and thinking about nothing when I woke up. Literally. It's a blank slate for me. I did not even know my real name before the hospital staff said that the person who brought me there registered me under the name Elizabeth Raines. Though disoriented, I asked if they knew who the person was, but they just gave me a bag with IDs and documents with my apparent name on them. That's it. The person just left that bag with them and after that no one came to check up on me.
I was confused but what can I do? I just woke up and my head hurts. So I slept on it and told myself it was a problem for another day.
A month after endless physical and mental tests, I was released by my doctor. On my last day at the hospital, I sat across my doctor at his office, feeling lost and confused. Dr. Chloe, my neurosurgeon, briefed me on my status and every thing I need to do after this. I tuned everything out until she said, "Do you have any questions?"
I slowly looked at her, my eyes blank but my head was really spinning. "I do not know anything about my life, Doc. After this, where should I go? Is there a protocol for that?"
Dr. Chloe gave me that pity look I was already used to. Almost every hospital staff looked at me that way. She took a paper out of her desk and gave it to me. There were a list of schools and courses on that. "Pick any school and have a crash course that you want. New skills will help you find a job." She paused for a while before saying, "I also need a roommate. You can stay with me for a while until you can find your new home."
I was skeptical at first. "Why would you do that for me? You do not know me, right?"
The doctor was silent for a minute, thinking. She looked like she was debating with herself. "Hmm."
I perused the paper while waiting for her answer. "Can I take two crash courses? I want administration... and a barista course."
Chloe looked amused. "Quite the combination."
I shrugged. "I am curious. Besides, I won't lose anything. So, why will you allow me to live with you?" I asked again.
Now the doctor smiled. "Can't you just think of it as a sort of help for the unfortunate with amnesia?" she said in an amusing tone. "Don't overthink it. I have a big place that I have all to myself. It won't hurt to have some company for a while."
Unfortunate huh? I said to myself. I breathed deeply before smiling. "Thanks, Doc. I owe you one."
The doctor returned my smile. "Don't overthink it. We might become friends." Then she winked.
Indeed, we became friends. Who wouldn't be after living together for six months? Chloe is a very competent doctor, but she is also a good person and roommate. For months, she shared almost everything she had in her apartment with me and not once did I hear any complain with her. She also brought me things I needed: clothes, a phone, school supplies. She was like a mom to me.
Of course, I have been a good roommate too. I cleaned her apartment every day as much as I can. I also did our laundry. I must earn my keep as well. We also shared our lives with each other: Chloe shares her love conquests that I find entertaining and amusing, mine with school updates.
For six months, I studied office administration and had a barista training, at the same time. I did not know how I did that, but at least I discovered I can do things like that easily. Multitasking was an easy work for me. I just knew it like the back of my hand. I also learned how adept I was at being a barista. I can do almost every skill perfectly that I impressed my instructors all the time. I started to ask questions at the time but...
Don't overthink it, I heard Chloe's voice every time I start questioning things and I just stop myself every time. It's no use anyway. What good will it bring me to know about the past? Nobody ever contacted me when I woke up. No one cared.
Maybe this amnesia happened for a reason. A good one at that.
I finished my courses after six months. Chloe attended my mini-graduation as my family. I consider that as one of my happiest days. Another discovery: I can feel happy.
A month after, I was still looking for a job. While browsing through a job website at my phone at Chloe's kitchen, she suddenly came out of her room and excitedly approached me. "Liz, check this out!" Yep, she fondly called me Liz since then.
Chloe shoved her phone to my face. "An acquaintance of mine opened a stationery store slash cafe and is looking for a staff. It's perfect for you."
What a coincidence, I mused. Ever since I left the hospital, things have fallen into place for me. Is this just a blessing or...
Don't overthink it.
I smiled and acted excited as well. "Wow! Well, send me the details and I'll send my resume right away." Then I smiled as big and as natural as I can.
Don't think that I am ungrateful. I am grateful. Who knew after being on a coma that I will still and be capable of having a good life? Strangers were helping me too.
But sometimes... just sometimes... I feel that things were just too convenient for me.
"Sent!" Chloe exclaimed, breaking my reverie. I stood up and gave her hug.
"Thanks, Chloe. I appreciate it big time," I said softly and wholeheartedly.
Chloe hugged her tightly. "You deserve it, girl."
Did I really deserve it? Why would I be deserving of it? I thought again. I fought the urge to sigh. Why am I overthinking all the time?
After getting the job at Blurb, I saved up and looked for a place of my own. Even though Chloe said I did not need to, I felt that I have overstayed my welcome. After I moved out, we just see each other when we can, but we constantly checked on each other.
I was pulled out of my reminiscing when I heard a knock on the store's glass door. I looked up and saw a tall, good-looking man outside the shop, giving a quizzical look. That was the store owner and Chloe's "acquaintance", Brian Tempest. Apparently, he was one of Chloe's failed love conquest but they ended up having a civil relationship after their first and only failed date. I did not pry too much about what happened because... well, I don't really care.
But I am grateful to have a job, okay?
I stood up from the counter and approached the door to open it. "Good morning, boss."
Brian entered the store and sniffed. "It smells good as always, hmm." He ran his hands over his golden hair and smoothed it after. "And you cleaned as well. Good job as always."
Smiling, I said thanks and went back behind the counter. I reached for the documents he asked the day before and handed it to him. "Here are the things you need, boss."
Brian hummed happily. "Thanks, Liz." He flipped over the documents and nodded, satisfied. "Good profits, I see. I'll take a closer look later."
I nodded and gave him a salute. Good job self.
Brian whistled a cute, happy tune and walked around inspecting the shop while Liz prepared the things she needed for the day. When Brian circled back to the counter, he leaned on it facing Liz. "Hey, don't you think it's time for you to call me by my name instead of boss? We've known each other for five years. I am practically your friend by now."
I chuckled while wiping the cups in the counter. "We need to maintain a professional relationship."
Brian has been a good boss, that's for sure. But I don't think we are friends. We don't have what Chloe and I have.
The man comically faked fainting while putting his hands on his chest. "Oh come on, that hurts. So we can't be friends? Five years. Five years of seeing each other almost every day, and I can't still be your friend. Woe me."
"You give my salary. What if I misspoke one day and you find it not funny? Then reduce my pay and fire me? I hate to be out of job, boss."
"Liz, I am not that immature! I can be professional and friendly, okay?"
I shrugged, but was smiling. "We don't know that... There's a reason why Chloe still considers you an acquaintance."
The man rolled his eyes. "Oh please, we had one dinner and gushed about how I love toys. I was being true to myself, Liz. Toys are not just for kids. It's not immaturity."
"Hmm, that's true." I agreed. "But I am your employee, you are still my boss. I work for you, you pay me."
Brian acted like he was crying. I shook my head in amusement. What a child huh. "Alright, I will think about it."
I smirked and thought about it. Well, it won't hurt anyone if I become friendly with him. Besides, we're already acting friendly with our daily banters.
Before the boss went out of the store, I held out my hand to him.
He gave me a questioning look.
"Let's be friends... boss."
Brian huffed and took my hand into his. "Okay, employee. I have to go to check on my other stores. See you tomorrow." He dropped my hand and waved, then he walked towards the door.
I smiled. "See you tomorrow, Brian."
Brian stopped walking and looked back at me, eyes shocked at what he heard. "Come again?"
"See you tomorrow, boss."
"No, no, no! It was Brian. I heard Brian!"
I gave a small laugh. "Just go, Brian."
Ugh, he looked like he was swooning. I hate it. I practically had to move him out of the store so he could go.
After that, the day passed by as normally as it would. Customers came and go. I processed stationery purchases, made coffee for those who dined in and for to go, washed coffee cups, occasionally sweep the floor when there is not much foot traffic... on repeat.
This routine gives me peace. I learned that I love routine in the past few years. It did not made me feel so empty. At least something is happening with my life. I may not remember who I was five years ago, but I had built a steady life for myself. It's not a nerve-wracking, action packed life, but I found solace in the normal life.
There was no customer at the moment, so I started sweeping the floor. I turned on some pop music to just fill the emptiness of the store.
Sometimes, I wonder. What makes other people's lives exciting? Can they find it on their jobs? Relationships, maybe? While I was musing about it...
CRASH!
I sharply turned around and found that the glass door shattered into pieces. "What the-" Before I can finish, a man came inside the store and stopped just in front of me. He was giving me the most fear inducing stare he could muster, I guess.
I looked at the shattered glass door then back at him. "It's you, right? Will you pay for that?" I said calmly. Why am I so calm about this???
The man scoffed and looked at me incredulously.
His right hand reached something in his back and pulled out a silver gun and aimed it between my eyes. "You think I give a fuck about that?"
