The Last Drop

Madeline stared at the foreign boys’ receding figure, as the boys took their seats. “You can’t honestly be into that ass, Jade.” She mumbled under her breath as a regular walked up.

“He didn’t seem that bad, and too be honest, he’s pretty funny. Not to mention, cute.” Jade stated while playing with her lip ring, which she thought was a turn on to boys. Instead, it just disgusted Madeline, not so much the idea in general, just that she was trying to around that stupid Brit.

“You can’t be serious.” Madeline stated with a groan, filling up the old man’s decaf coffee, extra foam on the top, and heavy cream at the bottom. Madeline had definitely perfected the memorizing of it all.

Jade shrugged, handing one of the many small biscotti to a middle-aged woman, wearing a pants suit. Sure, Madeline was never one for fashion, but come on. You’re a woman, at least wear clothes made for one.

“He’s at least five years younger than you. Hell, he even looks younger than me.” She stated, with an annoyed glanced towards her friend. As the regular made his way back, two yoga-pants-wearing mothers were excitedly arguing about what drinks had the least amount of calories, but still had the best price.

Pathetic

“Fine, if I can’t have him, you should try. I could practically feel the sexual tension.” Jade stated, raising her eyebrows, the bright red eye shadow glinting colorfully. If anyone but she did that, they’d look like a complete clown.

When Madeline heard these words escape her mouth, she scoffed as though she was told to marry the devil. Glancing sharply to the table of boys, she quickly hushed Jade.

“Oh calm down, Mads. It’s Alex, not Satan.” Jade stated, rolled her eyes, nodding towards the line. “You have a costumer.” She stated, with a smug smile.

As Madeline turned her head, she screamed. Well, in her head of course. Her inner conscience was screaming with no’s but instead she pasted an annoyed smile on her face.

“What?” Madeline stated bluntly, her ears reddening in annoyance. That only happened when she was embarrassed, or annoyed, or worse- both.

“Is that any way to greet a payin’ costumer?” Alex asked, her voice both cocky and smug. She wanted to wipe that horrible smile right off his face. Instead, she straightened her back and regained her composition.

“What can I get you?” She asked, attempting to compose her scowl, but only turning it to a frown. Hey, better than nothing.

“Forgot to order a muffin.” He stated, matter-of-factly. His confidence that surrounded him like a poison was sickening.

“What kind?” She asked, her voice monotone and annoyed at the same time. Her bright eyes were now darkened and unreadable.

“What kind do you hate the most?” He asked with his eyebrows arched. Madeline knew he was just trying to get under her skin, but either way, it was working.

“Blueberry.” She stated, her voice sharp and eager to get him out of her hair. He didn’t deserve her time.

“Sounds delicious.” He stated, handing her his card, as she swiped it. As she handed it back, she noted the smug look on his face. Did he really think he won?

Madeline reached into the vat of muffins, reaching the farthest down she could go, prying up the oldest and driest muffin she could find. With that, she handed it to him, with a small happy smile.

She watched as he went, trying to ignore the urge to look back up. She didn’t know what was so compelling about that cunt, but she wanted to know more, than again, she was repulsed by the idea of even talking to him. Madeline didn’t know what to do.

Before she knew it, it was almost closing time, as Alex and his friend got up. He gave her an over-exaggerated wave. “See you tomorrow, doll!” He stated, in an almost sing song voice as he left.

She couldn’t wait until Sunday, her day off. Only two more days.

~

As she made her way back home, she flipped on the light, revealing her apartment. Sure, it was cramped, but she liked it. Everything was clean, down to the floorboards, thanks to her mild OCD of course.

She had converted half the wall into a mural to a collage of pictures and a map was taped in the middle of the masterpiece. All her life she had yearned to travel but she just hadn’t had the chance, and now she’s stuck mixing coffee grinds until then.

She walked into her room, and plopped onto her bed. She leaned back onto the bed, and stretched out, looking at the picture that rested on her bedside table.

It was of her, her parents, and her brother. Shortly after this, the accident happened and her mother threw herself into work. After that, it was just Madeline and Mason. That’s how it’s always been.

Sighing, she put the frame back. She glanced up at the ceiling and frowned.