Fate of the Moonbound Bond

Leila Ryker's POV:

The final bell rang loudly just as everyone hurried to gather their belongings and quickly rushed towards the classroom door. I, on the other hand, wasn't in such a race to leave this place. Instead, I made sure to take my time, even taking in a deep breath, all before I let it out with a bit of a sigh when I finally stood up to my feet. I knew this was going to be another long and dreary day at the cafe, as the last thing I wanted was to head straight back to my Aunt Charlotte's, who raised me ever since I was seven.

"There's a big test tomorrow," Mr. Rupert called out just as half the class was already out the door. "Remember to study for your quiz tonight!" Once I finally had all my stuff gathered and tucked back in my bag, I threw it over my shoulder as I managed to head for the door. "Have a good night, Leila," Mr. Rupert called out to me.

I didn't answer him verbally but did press my lips together in a fine line, forcing a smile in his direction before I turned to head toward the door. I knew I would certainly need my voice for my shift at the Copper Cafe, and he knew it, too. He was a regular of sorts, coming by at the end of the school week to pick up a large black coffee and a slice of apple pie. It didn't matter if the school week had only two days in it. It was Mr. Rupert's usual request.

I made my way through the overcrowded halls past the little clicks and closely huddled groups of gossip and selfie snaps, making my way to my locker. Almost everyone in this school had a cell phone or another smart device. Me? I wasn't that fortunate.

My aunt has always been pretty strict, only giving me the bare minimum of what I needed when it came to supplies. That even included only three sets of school uniforms, which meant I had to wash my laundry two times a week if I wanted clean clothes to wear to school.

As I reached my locker, I dropped off the things I didn't need as I grabbed my windbreaker, and just as I was about to close the locker, someone shoved into me from behind. That was closely followed by a lot of hushed laughter. When I attempted to stand up straight, I looked over my shoulder to see one who was keen on making everyone else's day miserable, most of all... mine. That was none other than Kailee.

"Oopps... I didn't see you there," Kailee called out to me as her little group gathered behind her, all huddled close while laughing at my expense.

"Don't worry about it," I called back quickly, trying to look past her 'accidents' that no one ever saw, and at the same time, I shut my locker just as I quickly put my bag around both of my shoulders.

I turned my back to her, and as I proceeded down the hall, Kailee called out, "Maybe you should try another school... You know the one... The poor ones..."

There was another round of stifled laughter just as I crossed my arms in front of me, holding tight to the straps of my bag, as I was hoping this day wasn't going to get any worse.

I finally made it outside, feeling the warmth of the sunshine hitting my bare cheeks as I headed down the stairs leading up to the school. I inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of fresh air, thankful it was the end of the school day. The Copper Cafe wasn't far from the school, which was only about a five-minute walk away. It was usually peaceful, and one that gave me time to think to myself.

About halfway there, a dark blue convertible slowed down beside me, as I kept my pace, walking on the sidewalk. I didn't dare look in that direction. It was otherwise obvious as I could hear Kailee and her gaggle of gossip girls laughing in my direction again.

I didn't own a car, let alone have one to drive, despite being the ripe age of 17. Everyone else around here was practically awarded a car once they reached driving age, and Kailee was no exception. Her parents made sure to buy her one when she turned 15.

As I neared the next intersection, Kailee was caught at the light, stuck behind other random traffic, while I had a clear path in front of me. I swallowed, thankful that I wouldn't have to worry about her running me over as the light was in my favor.

I made my way inside the door of the cafe, hearing the bell ring when it opened, and I could see Caroline already waving me over as she was huddled there behind the serving counter, taking someone's order. I stayed silent as I went to clock in, so I could start my usual afternoon shift.

So far, the day had been going smoothly since I got here, but it was still early in the afternoon that anything could happen. I soon forgot about Kailee and bustled about, serving tables, taking orders, and cleaning up after the guests left.

"Order up, Leila," Monty called out, causing me to turn my head back to the small counter in the wall, where he always placed the next orders, which were prepped and ready to be served.

"Alright,... I'm coming..." I called out to him as I headed back behind the counter with another empty tray.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang out, indicating another patron was coming in with a whole new list of demands that I just couldn't seem to get right today, or so it seemed to me that way. I sighed as I ignored looking in the direction of the door, and I walked straight up to the serving counter.

I hollered out over my shoulder, "Welcome, I'll be right with you."

Caroline was the usual one who greeted and sat people at the various tables, but she was currently on her break.

Just as I finished placing the plates out for my current customer, I couldn't help it as I overheard a conversation, one I knew to be inaccurate about certain details of the last home game. When I turned my head, I narrowed my eyes, seeing Klay Talcon, the star football player, sprucing up a story to one of his so-called saves.

I just couldn't take it anymore. I walked right up to the table, the empty serving tray tucked up under my arm as I proceeded to call him out on his fake fame story.

"I was there, and that's not how it happened at all," I called out.

I knew the facts. I was there that night at the game volunteering. I witnessed this so-called 'save' firsthand. However, after I was done setting the record straight, all I got in return from Klay was an intense look of hatred directed at me. I knew this was going to be a long night.