Chapter 3 The New Job

ELLA

Nathan's smirk was enough to send a shiver down my spine. "Well then.” he said, looking me up from head to toe. Slowly, and then his smirk widened, “We’ll see you later.” He added and patted his brother, they both turned on their heels and left.

As well as the other students, the drama was over so they returned back to what they were doing, whispering amongst themselves.

Slowly, the hall cleared out.

I was rooted to the spot however.

I could still feel both their touches on me; my wrist and back still tingled, and I could still feel the sensation of his tongue against my ear.

It made the hair on my skin stand on end, and for a moment back there, I felt my tight-nerves start to become undone.

I tried to shake off the tremors coursing through me, but it was no use. Their touch had left an indelible mark, and I hated how much it affected me.

This was bad. This was really bad.

It felt nice, but it felt really bad—I couldn't place why. I felt as though this shouldn't have happened, and that I would be better off without having to meet those boys.

Boys like them were trouble, either they caused it or they invited it.

And trouble was what I least wanted to be a partaker off.

I sighed. Could graduation come around already?

I had desperately wanted to leave Seattle and only one day in Alaska had made me rethink that decision. I was better off there.

I don't think they're that bad, I think you're overreacting. Ava chipped in. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

‘I think you’re a tad too horny these days.’ I replied.

‘I think you’re boring and hate fun. Those boys seem fun. You don't have to be rigid all the damn time.’ Ava retorted.

‘Shut up, Ava.’ I snapped back mentally.

‘Oh, come on.’ she hissed bitterly. ‘It's not something I can control. The twins are like a magnet, pulling us in. Don't you want to be pulled in?’

I sighed.

Ava's reactions were becoming harder to ignore, and it was exhausting to keep her in check.

‘Stop it, please.’ I demanded. ‘I have more important things to worry about.’

Ava's presence receded slightly, but her lingering feelings were still there, simmering underneath my skin, making it tingle. I had to find a way to distract myself from this mess.

Home.

I had to go home but that was another trouble on its own, and mom’s threats remained in my head.

If I didn’t bring her money soon she would kick me out.

I didn’t want to ask Celie. I would get the money on my own this time.

I could get a job.

It won't be hard to get a part time job, as a waitress maybe or a barista. Or I sell tickets at the cinemas or something.

So, with a resolute sigh, I left school, clearing my head as I walked away from the building.

As I wandered through the streets, I scanned shop windows and signs for any "Help Wanted" notices. It didn't take too long before I found one.

A handwritten sign in the window of a cozy-looking café - This was it.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped me immediately.

The café was quaint, with mismatched furniture and shelves lined with books and trinkets. However, it had an inviting atmosphere that immediately put me at ease.

Behind the counter stood a woman in her late forties, with warm eyes and a smile. She looked up as I approached.

"Hello there! How can I help you?" she asked.

"I saw the sign in the window," I began, pointing towards it. "I'm looking for a job."

Her eyes lit up, and she came around the counter, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Well, you came at just the right time! We're short-staffed, and I could use an extra pair of hands. Do you have any experience?"

“Not really," I admitted. "But I'm a fast learner and I really need this job."

She studied me for a moment, then nodded decisively. "I like your attitude. I'm Emily, by the way. I'm the owner here."

"Ella," I introduced myself.

"Nice to meet you, Ella. How about we start right now? Fifteen dollars per hour—I’m afraid we can’t offer more, sweetie. But if you accept, I'll show you the ropes and we'll see how you do."

My heart leapt.

I didn't expect to get accepted this fast. I wanted to squeal in excitement. Not only will I get paid, but I won’t have to be home until late evenings which meant I’d spend less time with my mom and Jack.

"That sounds great. Thank you so much!"

"Perfect. Let's get you an apron and I'll walk you through everything." She handed me a spare apron and I quickly put it on, tying it around my waist. "We provide dinner for our staff, so you won't have to worry about that," she added with a smile.

And I also don’t get to eat Mum’s despicable cooking? Score.

Literally a moment after I just got my life-saving job, the bell above the door jingled, signaling new customers.

I glanced up and my heart twisted. Not this again.

Nathan and Tristan walked in and they were accompanied by a pretty girl. She had blonde hair perfectly styled in loose waves, and was wearing a pastel pink blouse and a pleated skirt.

The three of them were laughing and talking.

The girl seemed completely at ease with the twins—too at ease. I watched them sit down and immediately after, the girl took out her phone and held it out at the twins.

"Smile, boys! Let’s get a good one,"

I didn't like her voice. It was too pitchy.

Nathan grinned. "Make sure you get my good side, Grace."

She chuckled. "Every side’s your good side, Nathan."

She giggled and captured the moment.

It was then she somehow noticed me staring.

Her head snapped to the side and her cheerful demeanor shifted subtly as her eyes narrowed at me.

I quickly looked away, cheeks burning, but it was too late.

She had seen me.

Swallowing hard, I slapped on a polite smile, grabbed the diner menu and moved towards them to take their order.

“Your first customers, Ella. Goodluck.” Emily said just before I walked away. She gave me an encouraging pat on the shoulder too.

When I finally reached their table, I stood in silence, suddenly unable to say or do anything.

The blonde haired girl on the other hand scrutinized me with a sour look. Then she tapped on her phone for a moment, her eyes darting between the device and me.

The look in her eyes grew colder. "So this is the slut who seduced the twins," she remarked, crossing her arms.

My breath caught in her throat at her uncouth words.

I opened her mouth to respond, but before I could, Nathan cut in.

"Grace, watch your words," he said sharply.

"Yeah, you don't have the right to monopolize us," Tristan added, his tone light but firm. "At least our hearts don't belong to you, Grace."

My brows furrowed and I looked between the twin boys.

Did they just defend me?

The blond haired girl huffed and crossed her arms, her gaze still fixed on me. If looks had sharp edges, hers would have perforated a hundred holes into my skin.

I felt my heart clench in my chest and I took a hasty step back.

‘She's just trying to provoke you,’ Ava said. ‘Don't let her get to you.’

Ava was right.

Grace as the twins had called her was just a girl. A harmless girl. She couldn't do anything to me.

I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath.

"Can I take your order?" I asked, forcing a smile again.

Grace sneered but finally stopped giving me death glares. "I’ll have a cappuccino," she muttered.

“Same for us.” Nathan added.

I nodded, “S-sure. Your orders will be ready in a jiff.”

They turned away after that and I knew I needed a minute to calm my racing heart first before doing anything else.

After getting myself a bit, I managed to serve their drinks.

The twins had been generous enough to tip me but Grace barely acknowledged me, which was fine. It was better than calling me a slut.

When I was done with their table, I went around to take more orders and then serve them.

My eyes occasionally drifted to the twins’ table, but I would quickly look away before our gazes met.

Or before Grace caught me staring.

The next customer I had to serve was a middle-aged man. Turned out I recognized him.

He was one of our neighbors. I'd seen him drinking with Jack before, and his presence made my stomach churn.

I had to hold myself from grimacing as I approached his table.

“Hello," I said, placing a menu in front of him. "What can I get you today?”

He looked me up and down in a way that made my skin crawl. "I'll have a beer, sweetheart," he said, smiling creepily.

“This is a coffee shop.” I tried to keep the frustration out of my voice. “Not a beer parlor.”

“Are ya sure?” he asked, reaching out and squeezing my ass.

I recoiled, yelping as my face flushed in embarrassment.

"Don't touch me," I hissed, slapping his hand away, “Don’t.”

But he just leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Or what? You'll run to your step daddy? I'll be sure to tell Jack how difficult his little stepdaughter is."

Bile gathered in my throat and I opened my mouth to speak when someone suddenly interrupted.

“You will not touch her again.” It was Nathan speaking and with a speed that took my breath away, he stood with his brother and closed the distance to the man's table in an instant.

“And if I do?” The man sneered at them.

“Then you’ll regret it." Tristan spoke this time, his voice low and dangerous — like gravel crunching underneath tires.

"Oh, are you her knight in shining armor? You think you can scare m—”

Tristan cut him off harshly. “We'll do more than that if you don't back the fuck off."

The man spat at me. "She's nothing but trouble. Jack's gonna hear about this."

“What the—” I reached for the end of my apron and wiped my face.

“You son of a bitch!” Tristan yelled, aiming his fists at the man.

“Please," I said, grabbing his hand. "Please, don’t. He's not worth it."

A fight breaking out at my newly acquired place of work was not good for my reputation. I could get fired and I didn’t want that.

Also if Tristan & Nathan beat up this guy, then I knew Jack would hear of it.

A shudder ran down my spine at the thought.

Nathan looked at me. "Are you sure?"

I simply nodded.

Just then, Grace stormed over, grabbing Tristan and pulling them away from me.

"Leave her alone," she hissed and then stared at me,"She's nothing but trouble."

Tristan glanced back at me but said nothing. Nathan did the same too. Together they stepped away from the man.

Without another word, they allowed Grace to lead them out of the café and as I stared at their retreating figures I couldn’t help but wonder… What the hell just happened?

*

I worked three more hours after my shift and finished for the day.

After collecting my pay from Emily, I made my way home.

However, as soon as I stepped into the house, a can of beer came flying towards me, hitting my forehead with a painful thud.

“Ow.” I stumbled back, clutching my head in shock.

I looked up to see my mother standing by the staircase, with Jack smirking beside her.

She had an angry look on her face, and her lips moved sharply.

Oh well, today was just not my day.