Timing is Everything
“Sir, we don’t have ice cream cones here, we only have the shakes.” Clarke said, inhaling slowly through her nose.
The man had asked repetitively about the ice cream, only to get the same answer, from the cashier and now her. Sometimes being a manger sucked. “If you would like, I can give you the frozen mix we use for the shakes without the syrup, but other than that there is nothing I can do.”
The man wasn’t exactly thrilled about being told no, even though a logical person could see that there wasn’t any other answer to be had. “I DON’T WANT A GOD DAMN SHAKE!” He yelled, making Clarke flinch a bit.
Clarke opened her mouth to speak, only to be cut off by him again. “I’m never coming here again, this is bullshit, it’s the middle of fucking summer and you people don’t have ice cream, what kind of fucking joke is that?”
Clarke took a shaking breath, her cheeks burning, her hands trembling at her sides. “Sure, we have never advertised ice cream, nor will the company be adding it to the menu any time soon, I’m sorry this is an inconvenience, but if you would like, I could direct you to one of the many other fast food restaurants in the area.” She replied, almost word for word from the training video.
Clarke was good at memorizing things, numbers, words, files, things that weren’t people. People made her nervous and people that yelled at her made her stomach clench and her head go foggy and all she was left with were the things she had been taught.
“I’M ALREADY HERE, WHY THE HELL SHOULD I HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE?” He shouted, making Clarke take a slight step back, her eyes stinging with the tears she fought, she would not let him see her cry.
“Excuse me, sir, there are children around and you’re frightening them.” A woman’s voice sounded from behind the man. “I would appreciate it if you could stop your shouting.”
The man’s red face turned to look at the brunette, a scowl in place as he opened his mouth. “Why don’t you mind your own business, bitch.” He growled, his beady eyes narrowing at her.
“Mm, I would, but it seems that not only are you disturbing the peace, but you’re also harassing that poor manager, now unless you’d like to make an even bigger scene out of this, I suggest you adjust your attitude and leave.” She replied, her jaw clenched.
“And what are you going to do if I don’t?” He asked, getting into the woman’s face.
Clarke watched in a shocked sort of awe as she took the man’s arm and twisting it behind his back. “I’ll have my friends put you in cuffs.” She smirked, nodding toward the table where two officers sat, brows raised at the pair.
In a few moments the man was taken care of and Clarke was still shaking. “Th-thanks.” She managed to get out when the woman came to the counter.
“Clarke, eh?” The tanned woman smiled, holding a hand out to her. “I’m Lexa, sorry I couldn’t step in sooner, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to keep myself from socking that guy and seeing as I’m on a ride along with my two friends, I don’t wanna cause trouble, ya know?” Lexa shrugged, her eyes sincere.
Clarke nodded and took the offered hand, giving it a soft squeeze in an attempt to stop her own from trembling. “I get it..I still appreciate the help.” She said, her voice low, her face starting to warm.
Lexa turned her head as one of the officers called out to her. “Be there in just a sec Anya.” She replied before turning back face Clarke. “If you ever need some help, or just want to hang out, give me a call.” Lexa smirked, pulling a card from her pocket.
For a moment Clarke questioned why a teenager would have a card, but then decided it didn’t matter. “Alright, I’ll give you a call if I ever need rescuing.” Clarke smiled slightly, biting her lip.
Lexa flashed a grin and a wave before following after her friends. Once she was gone, Clarke looked down at the card, a grin making its way onto her lips.
Lexa Woods
(I have no reason for these cards other than to hand out my number on the fly)
Clarke flipped the card over and memorized the number, before making the decision to call her savior once she got off.