"Yo, Theo, wassup dude."
Talia said, her voice rough with sleep depravity as result of bleaching most of the night, but carrying that lazy, casual warmth she always had. She leaned one shoulder against the lockers, balancing a can of can coffee in one hand, the other scrolling her phone.
I didn't look up right away, my stomach was already doing its usual morning tantrum and I was trying not to let it show. I gave her a sideways glance and half-grinned while saying.
"Same old, same old."
"Hmmm that's nice dude... So any plans later, want to hit the arcade after work. Or maybe you want to go skating after our shift."
"...Hehehe... Thank's but no thanks... You know I don't do good with crowded places."
She smirked, curling a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she began to speak to me.
"Come on loosen up a little dude, nothing wrong in having a little fun every now and again... Life is a short thing ya know."
Talia explained to me.
But all I can do is laugh nervously as rubbed the back of my head while saying.
"I know, I know, but I am just not in the mood, and to be perfectly honest I have something I need to get down later in the day."
Talia looked at me, her eyes neutral as she stares me down with a cold look as if to say... Really dude. Do you really expect me to believe that.
But she was also nice enough to not drag on the topic, and instead replied back to me saying.
"Hmm is that so?! A pity then, maybe next time."
"Yeah hahaha... Next time for sure."
I respond half assed, knowing damn well I wasn't going anywhere. Being as introverted as I am, I struggle even to make it through a normal day in this place, and to overload my stress further would just worsen it.
But that aside, I went conquer and grabbed one of the seal tuna sandwich, along with a side. I didn't have time to eat this morning.
And today was definitely going to be a long day for sure. So right after I grabbed my breakfast, I went back beside Talia.
We stayed like that for a minute in silence, her sipping coffee, me eating my sandwich. This was kind of our thing. Quiet little exchanges in the back before the day officially started.
However, that silence soon ended, when the loud voice of familiar man was heard from the two of us at the back.
"WILLLLSONNN... GORRRDONNNNN!!! FRONT COUNTER NOW!"
At this point we were both done with morning routine. Talia finished her coffee, and I finished breakfast...and right on time it would seem.
"Aww it would seem Budda is here."
Talia groan with clear annoyance.
And I replied with equal vigor.
"More like a two faced oni.. But Mr. Shen do behave like he is our God just because he owns the place."
"Tell me about it, and he pays no less than minimum wage, honestly what a prick."
Theodore said as he dispose of his plastic wrap and can soda in the bin. And took some hand sanitizer to to freshen up his hand.
"Anyways Talia let's get going before he looses it, I am really not in the mood for his rambling this morning."
"Yeah you go ahead, I will be right behind you."
Without saying anything else I walk to the front. And I meet my colleagues circle around Mr.Shen, and after he saw me he wasted no time talking.
"Alright, enough standing around! Let's get the day started, people!"
Mr. Shen's said barking orders like a old and miserable watch dog. He was our store manager, always in the same coffee-stained button-up and khakis, arms swinging like he was rallying soldiers.
He was of Chinese decent, he had brown eyes, and obvious ball spot that split across hie head from north back to south.
He soon waved a clipboard in the air.
"Ok everyone we have to be on our A-game today, as you can see customers are already lining up! Not just this store but the others as well. As you all know the Lunar Draws tommarow tonight on valentine's day, and people are gonna be buying tickets like their lives depend on it! So no lamping up today. Do I make self clear, William I am looking at you, your the MVP for today."
"Yayyyyy!"
I said in sarcastic tone.
Mr. Shen definitely notice my non-existent enthusiasm but honestly did not care as long as I do my job, and don't lamp around around all was good.
"Great, everyone get to work, the day isn't getting any younger, we open in five."
With those words I made myself to the counter. It was just me given I am the only one alongside Talia that operate the cashier.
Talia of course came out, as she sit beside me. Her headphones mostly in her ears and set to low mute. Loud enough to hear her music, and loud enough to work.
It was not long before the five minutes wait was up.
And the day had barely started and already the foot traffic was triple what it normally was. Customers filed in like it was Black Friday, their coats still dusted.
They rushed the counter more than the shelves. Theodore could literally see the desperation in the eyes of these people.
They weren't here for eggs or frozen peas.
They were here for the Lunar Draw, as each take a chance at the legendary lottery that only happens once every ten years on valentine day.
The cashier terminal chirped as I logged in. The line stretched halfway down aisle three. Every single person had that same wide-eyed gleam. With the craze in their eyes one can tell these common man can smell great fortune, but know it's probably just someone else's perfume.
But they had to try.
As I look at this I inwardly sighed as I said to myself.
'Sigh, I don't get paid enough for this shit.'
And as if sensing my frustration Talia patted my back, as she said.
"Hang in there dude, just switch to autopilot mode like I am doing."