Time flies. It had already been a week since Elly came to work at the store, as did I.
" To my grandfather living alone in the countryside.
How are you doing today? "
I stopped the pen.
A traditional method. One kept purely for the sake of a reminder.
Letters.
I blanked out, there was nothing that came to mind. Leaving aside the letter, for now, I began to pile the layers on my body. The wrinkly clothes mattered little to me, as they served their purpose all the same. The skies were still dark, as the sound of my door shutting behind me rang out in the neighborhood. Time to start.
My feet began to move on their own, as I passed the time looking on my phone. Swiping through the latest news as well as those little images that brought a small smile to my face. It was a daily routine. So much so, that it began to feel familiar, like a part of my life, the same as how we need to eat and sleep. Carrying on with the redundant monotoned speech to myself, I made my way towards a small convenience store in the city. The lights were already on, as the now 24-hour store had its back door opened.
The manager stood dazed at the counter until the moment I lightly tapped on his shoulder. It was time for a shift change.
"Oh, you're here" the old man made a warm smile.
Tapping me on the shoulder like he was passing the baton, he made his way past. Between us, he shared the secret of his ability. Though it really wasn't something much for a gifted, for us regular people, it was something we only told those we trust. Though, the ability to repeat a specified action as you slept really isn't that big of a power. If anything, it was small compared to mine.
I wonder when it was. When did we get close enough to become friends? It had only been a week, hasn't it?
I smiled in wonder, as the old man in his 30s made his way out of the store. If anything, his real ability would be how he can make anyone trust him in such a short span of time. Though, I never did tell him about my ability, nor did I ever tell anyone. A secret can only be a secret if only you know it after all.
My work hours extended from 7-10 to 5-11. It pays more, that's for sure, but at some point, it slowly began to feel normal. I start to trick myself, lying that I wouldn't mind staying this way for the rest of my life.
Customers slowly began to trickle in, like the small leaks before the floodgates open.
"G..g...ood Morning!" a flustered and shy girl greeted, as she came to stand next to me. Her name is Ellly, apparently, she's the same age as me. I don't really know anything else about her, other than the fact that she's my neighbor and works here. However, I do know something interesting.
She's shy, but she's a cashier.
That small fact never failed to bring a smile to my face.
"Is there something wrong?" she caught me in a daze.
"No, good morning" I returned her greeting.
She's a good co-worker. Never complaining, doing as told. We never really talked, but this sense of distance and familiarity felt comfortable. Its been a week, and so far, I can say that things are going as normal. Life never really changes does it?
We can only accept change little by little after all.
"Get ready" I warned.
The floodgates opened, as swarms of hungry workers rushed for the packaged food and warm drinks that they grab and go in a hurry. As chaotic as it was, people still formed a line for the counter. Maybe one day, this scene we see as normal will be gone as well.
People could be carrying goods out of the store as it automatically senses and deducts from the person's card as he exits. At least, that is the technology that is currently being tested out. The fail-safe of the technology, however, doesn't really warrant a return on the damage it would cause in the case that the technology fails. I guess, as long as they are continuing to work on that, my job is safe for that period of time.
"Thank you for your patronage!" Elly bowed down as the customers who made payment left. I watched, as the last drop of water left the store. Once again, the floodgates were closed, building up for the next wave.
"I'll be taking a break first," Elly told me, as she left to the back.
"Enjoy your time" I replied.
It was courtesy. Nothing more, nothing less. Each of us is allowed up to an hour for lunch and dinner respectively. However, the only condition is that one of us has to be at the counter. I wonder when will we get another employee? The poster had been up since long before I came. It was a surprise that none of the students would take on this part-time job.
"Welcome," I greeted, as the door slid open. A bunch of students entered the store, as they looked around to perhaps get a drink? They were shifting around nervously, maybe not so obvious, but there were tell-tale signs. For instance, the girls all decided to play with their hair at the same time. The boys were silently watching them from the corner of their eyes.
I notice a man with a lot of interest in the store, staring over here with a side glance, as he pretended to read a newspaper.
Isn't this great?
Pretending to not be watching, I carried on my usual actions, staring into nothingness with a blank look, pretending as though I was in a daze. The eyebags that I had developed really helped me on this one. Not that it was intentional or anything.
Seemingly random, the boys approached with a few drinks and boxed lunches. Watching closely, the girls grabbed a few products for the face, a concealer, mascara, two foundations, four lipsticks: Mayseline brand, rose-colored.
"Are you paying together?" I asked, monotonously.
"Y..yes!" they nervously replied.
Are they even trying?
Adding on the price of the products the girls who left the store stole, I began to scan the items.
"Henry, we'll wait for you outside!" the other guys hurriedly left.
"O...Okay!" he panicked.
"That'll be 128 dollars and 72 cents" I silently said.
Without even listening, he grabbed the drinks and left after scanning his card. The automated door slid open and closed, as he left
Oh boy.
"Please come again," I said.
The students ran across the street and presented the products that they stoled to the man across the street. There were hardly any cars in the city anymore, but such actions are still dangerous you know?
"Uhm...." a cute little voice called out to me.
"Are you alright? You seem a little...disappointed... did I take too long?" Elly asked, with a somewhat heavy heart. I was sure that my face never changed. Yet, she could tell.
"No, not at all" I smiled.
"Ah, that's great!" she made a small exclamation, before feeling embarrassed for god knows what and silently returned to her counter.
"Well... I think I'll be going on my break now" I said, as I left to the back. "Have a good break" she bowed her head once more. You don't have to be so stiff all the time, but I guess that's what makes you, you.
Now then...
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"Well done kids" a certain man who was standing before the street of a certain convenience store congratulated the students.
"Now then, here's your reward" he pulled out a small flask of blue colored liquid.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Carefully receiving the small glass container, Henry slid the flask into his pockets, treating it as though it was something extremely valuable.
"I'll be seeing you guys" the man smiled.
"Like hell, you are" Henry cursed silently. "Come on Henry, let's go" the other students beckoned him. "This will be our only time doing this" they silently stated, nervous and worried. "With this, our class will definitely win" another guy clenched his fist. "The 'Smiling Angel' is a really addictive and dangerous drug! I'm... I'm just worried" Henry muttered. "It'll be fine, we can handle the urge" the others smiled. They had known each other for years, he knew he could trust them. Reassured, Henry began to move.
As they walked, a man dressed in thick winter clothing rammed into them.
"Watch where you're going!" the grumpy man who was definitely in his 30s based on the voice alone staggered as he walked ahead, seemingly drunk.
"Crazy bastard" the others cursed, however, they continued back in a hurry. Along the way, for some reason, Henry felt thoroughly relieved, it was as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
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"Welcome back" Elly greeted.
"I'm back," I responded without a thought.
"Was it cold outside?" Elly asked.
"Not really, if anything, it felt quite warm" I replied.
"Eh? But its winter isn't it?" Elly muttered to herself.
"I bought something nice, you can find it on the bench at the back. Queen's was having a one for one sale" I announced.
"Eh?" Elly seemed surprised.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Th...thank you" she answered.
"The second one on break is supposed to get dinner you know..." I stated.
An awkward atmosphere enveloped the two of us. Turning back to face the counter, the strange little girl seemed to be feeling flustered. Anyways, she looked like she's growing as well, considering how much she just spoke to me at the very least.
I caught myself smiling once more as I stationed at the counter, preparing for the incoming disaster. The doors slid open...
And then came the end of the day, as Elly was the first to leave at 10 p.m. an hour earlier than my time, but it was still really late at night. The manager entered, looking to be completely refreshed. I guess his sleep schedule might be the complete opposite of a normal person by now.
Looking around, I see the overtime workers rushing towards the train station. The last train is at 10.30 after all. Watching the flock of people pass by, without noticing, the clock struck 11.
"Thank you for your hard work!" the manager slightly bowed. I lowered my head in thanks for his appreciation and went to change in the back. Dropping the dirty clothes in the automated cleaning machine, I watched for some strange reason as it began to wash, dry and iron the clothing before shooting it out in a neat and tidy folded manner, onto a slot at the side. The good thing about these kinds of old machines was that they allowed you to see how your clothes are being washed, not like it really mattered since its the fact that they come out clean that truly mattered. The end result is all that truly mattered after all...or not really. There is a strange charm in seeing the process as well.
Walking out of the store into the cold harsh winter, I notice some small drops of blood...
They were dropped as if someone was holding it with their hands before it finally spewed over and leaked. The irregular size of each droplet informed me of that, as well as its consistency. As cold as the winter was, the blood wasn't completely dried up. The air here wasn't humid in the slightest, meaning that if it wasn't fresh, the blood would have been dried by now.
Following the trial of blood, I know I should be minding my business, but something told me that I must go. You could call it a sort of a 6th sense I guess.
"Hey manager, could you call the police?" I tapped on the door and announced. There wasn't any reply. The sound of a telephone beeping inside, however, informed me that it was done. As carefree as my voice sounded, it was strange that anyone would even bother to take me seriously.
Following the trial of blood, I ended up next to a dark alleyway, at the entrance, a familiar bag which I bought from Queen's was dropped onto the floor. My guess was that a certain girl who was innocently waiting to thank her certain co-worker found herself dragged out here for some reason that even caused her to bleed.
Walking at a fast and silent pace, I see Elly, surrounded by some not so nice looking girls.
"So, is this all you really got?" a tanned girl with dyed hair smacked Elly in the stomach, as the others held her down by the wall. In her hands, was a light brown purse, imitating the owner's hair.
"We are good friends right Elly? Why didn't you tell us that you've come back? HUH?" she continued to hit her in the stomach. It was close to the liver, not good. If a punch landed on the liver, that would be...it. I needed to make a move. Creeping up next to them, I was sure not to make a sound.
"Who's there?!" a shout came towards my direction. They weren't ordinary, they could sense my presence huh? Backing away, I found myself restrained by telekinesis. Gifted little bitches, that's just great. Elly's eyes widened, as she looked at me.
"Oh? What's this? Is this your friend?" a wry smile emerged on the face of the tanned-skin girl. There was still no sound coming from the police sirens. What's taking them so long?
Watching, I see the girl slowly approach me.
"You seem awfully calm, if this leaks out, I'll make sure you won't ever walk the streets at night again, understand?!" she swung her hands to the right, causing a huge dent into the wall, without touching it. Slowly, she came closer and closer.You know? Telekinesis is able to be broken by brute force you know? As she attempted to take a swing at my face, I broke free and swung at her's, causing her concentration to falter. There's no way I'd stop there, kicking her in the liver with my knee, she went out cold and dropped to the ground.
"You bastard!" the other two shifted their attention to me.
"RUN" I shouted, as Elly slowly made a run for it.
"Hoo? Playing hero I see" one of them taunted, as she stretched her hand out, causing my body to be frozen. Her hair was black and tied up in a ponytail. A pretty face, but it was such a shame about the personality. The other one was also similar, other than her brownish hair color. Is there a trend for pretty girls to become bullies now? Is that what's trending? For some reason, the lackey I had assumed, had more power than the outspoken dyed-haired bitch. I don't want to make any conclusions, but I feel like I'm about to be in a world of pain.
I felt a cut on my leg. Blood began to spew.
Ah. I see.
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In a certain alleyway, a certain boy stood beaten by two certain girls. Cuts and bruises appeared continuously as the girls attacked the guy. He began to vomit out blood, as he was kicked in the guts. Without stopping, the girls pulled at his hair, ripped it out and mercilessly attacked.
"AHHH" the guy screamed, as the girls continued to hit him.
Without stopping, they continued to hit the poor soul, until he stopped moving.
"ha...ha...ha" the girl with a black hair panted.
"did...did we go too far?" the brown haired girl nervously stuttered. "Come on, it's not like he's dead or anything, he'll shut up with this I guess" the black haired girl replied. As calm as she was, her insides were screaming as well. It was the first time that they had taken it this far. Guilt began to build up inside her.
"Hey, you!" the brown-haired girl moved the bloodied mess of a man with her telekinesis. Shaking him without stopping, the man continued to remain motionless. "Hey, stop pretending" she shook him faster. "WAKE UP" she shook him more and more.
However, not a single sound came from the man in question.
Slowly moving closer, the brown-haired girl placed her finger under his nose. There was no breathing. Touching his wrist, she felt no pulse. It felt cold.
"Ah...ahhhhhhhhhhhh" she screamed. The body was removed from her control.
Murder. They had done it.
"What's the matter?" the black-haired girl nervously uttered. Her words were choppy and forced. "he...he's...." the brown-haired girl shivered. "he is....?" the black haired girl approached the lifeless body. His eyes were open, as he laid there without blinking. She touched his neck. Blood wasn't moving.
"ah....ahhhhh!" she screamed.
"no...no...I just wanted to fit in, not this!" she panicked.
"Stop right there" a stern voice warned. It was an older, more mature man in blue uniform. A police officer. He walked up, and the two girls surrendered without a fight."Ah..." they looked at the officer palely.
"He...he's..." they trembled.
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"He's going to get compensation for his ripped up jacket," I said, as I stood up.
"Eh?"EH?" the girls uttered in unison.
"What's wrong?" the officer asked, curious.
"Beats me" I shrugged.
Beyond the officer, I see Elly hiding behind the wall. Going forward, I picked up her wallet lying next to the unconscious dyed-haired girl. "Hey" I called out to her. However, she ran away, without saying a word. Where are you even running to? We live next to each other you know?
With a sigh, I made my way back home.
"you...you...how?" the girls passed by with a shocked expression.
"I can take a beating you know? I just want to fit in right?" I gave a small laugh, as the girls were escorted into the car. As minors, I doubt that they'd receive jail time. However, they might possibly be expelled from their school if this were to leak out.
"Oh right, the girl has already taken the statement for you, we know what's going on, so you can head on home if you want to" the officer informed me.
"Thank you" I replied.
"Oh, how polite" the officer made a small joke.
With that mood, I continued on my way back.
With my jacket torn up like this, the way back felt like a long road ahead. I think I'm going to catch a cold. The small cut made on my leg still remained, exposed to the cold air, as I bought a plaster from the very convenience store I worked in. The manager didn't charge me a cent, and just told me to take it home.
It's not like I'm going to be the only one needing this after all.
Reaching back, I rang Elly's doorbell. There was a panicked voice, as I could hear the shower being turned off in a hurry.
"Its the landlord " I changed her perception of my voice and imitated that of the landlord.
"Co...comming!" she nervously replied, as I could hear the sound of clothes being hurriedly put on. The door swung open in a hurry, as she bowed down and presented her card.
"The rent is only due next month you know..." I sighed, as she looked up to see me instead.
Her wet skin brought out her figure, as the clothes clung tightly to her body. As a man, it was hard for me to take my eyes off her. Resisting the urge, I placed the packet of plasters and her wallet in her hands.
Walking away to my room, the door slammed shut, as she stood there in a daze.
I heard the door open once again, the moment I reached mine.
"I...I'm Sorry!" she shouted.
"Its Thank you!" I shouted back, before entering my room.
Sitting down at the desk, I began to write the letter.
" To my grandfather living alone in the countryside. How are you doing today? I'm doing fine, life has been changing, little by little it has been. And today, I think I might have just seen my co-worker grow. She is a really cute girl, maybe she is what you wanted me to be, before I was born at least...well... that's that. My daily life here has been rather normal, but there are these small instances that make it ever so extraordinary. Also, I'm beginning to think, that it might be time for you to stop sending me money for the rent. Enjoy your retirement. If you send in money, I'll return it back. Well, that's all from me. Sign- Elton "
I stopped my pen.
Sealing the letter in an envelope, I took off my clothes and laid down on the soft, comfortable mattress. The jacket went into the trash, and the flask of 'Smiling Angel' was taken from my pants.
Now then, what do I do with this? I stared at the liquid powder in the bottle.