Amara Satou's Story

"You ready for school Crow?" Raven was in the kitchen cooking up some fried rice with eggs and sausage in his apron and slippers. He was all dressed up for work and nearly ready to go, just had to take care of Corvus first.

Soft giggles came up from behind Raven's back side and started to hug his waist. "Good morning!"

Laughing Raven patted Corvus's hands."Go sit down breakfast is ready." Corvus slid into his seat and started to eat while Raven now stood by the counters sipping on his morning black coffee. "Have you slept well?"

"Mhm!" Corvus smiled with a mouth full of food nearly almost done eating.

Once Raven was done making Corvus's lunch, the clock chimed letting them know it was time for Corvus to head out and Raven to open shop. Corvus jumped up quickly drinking his juice just before running up to Raven and hugging him tightly taking his lunch. "See you at the Cafe!" Corvus waved smiling big and left, running off to catch the bus.

Raven smiled and waved as he left the house. With a sign after Corvus left Raven washed the dishes and took the keys off the table, heading down stairs and to the front where the Cafe was. Raven unlocked the doors and flipped the sign from closed to open. He still had another hour before his workers were to come in for work, giving him enough time to put up a ~Help Wanted~ sign in the window.

Raven's last worker quit before she was finally having her baby. So leaving him to look for a new staff member. He didn't like this part of the job, it meant he had to go through a lot of nit wits to find the right person to fit the Cafe's style. Not many people here can fit it so it only makes the job harder and more frustrating.

Raven went into the kitchen and over to the ice machine, starting to chip away at the ice for the daily needs. Just then the front bell to the door rang. Raven wiped his head with a rag and walked in up to the front.

A young miss and her lover walked in from the sunny day, her eyes were already on the sweets as her lover was staring straight at Raven. "Welcome to Knight Cafe." Raven greeted them with a smile as he wiped his hands. "Please sit anywhere you like."

"Oh my this place is so lovely dear." The young miss smiled as she whispered to him while looking around as the both sat down in the middle of the cafe.

"Mhm" He replied and pulled out his phone.

Ah so that's the type. Root Beer for him and a peach tea for her. He took note of it in his head and came back with the drinks. "Here you go ma'am." Raven smiled at her giving her the tea and him the rootbeer.

"Oh my how did you know!" She smiled so big taking the warm cup into her hands, sniffing the smell of the tea.

The man stared at the root beer and then looked up at the man. "I'd like coffee, please." Raven grinned at the man, he knew the man was showing off infront of his woman, but Raven had already gotten a coffee ready made just for him for he knew this would happen. "I guess if you really don't want it." He took the root beer as the man stared at the soda, but Raven took it away and placed a cup of coffee next to him. Along with some snacks to go along with their drinks.

A while after they talked and slowly sipped their drinks the man came up to the front and paid their bill. The man also eye balled Raven as he left the cafe, the look he gave off was of mere curiosity as Raven waved telling them to come back any time.

It was frustrating for Lauren. The jobs that are least desired give the financial stability, but when it comes to the enjoyable jobs, or the ones you dream of - you always have to have a back up plan. It was really nice that Lauren wanted to be a writer. It was really nice that she graduated with Literature. However, many people at her age were already living by themselves. Not that Lauren had any problems with living with her parents, but she hoped she would be independent in the near future, also finally giving the freedom to her mother and father.

Soon enough, Lauren stopped in front of the cafe. She carelessly opened the door, without noticing the sign yet. "Maybe I should order something and think." She tought. When she closed the door, the sign fell on the floor. Lauren picked it up and hanged it back on the door, still not noticing. "I really need to find a job soon, even if it's not the best paid! Some job. Something that can support me while I'm trying to succeed with writing books.". "E-excuse me.." Lauren slightly stuttered, when she approached Raven. Apparently, she already noticed that since it was very early, there weren't many customers in the cafe. "Erm... I would like a job... I mean..." She quickly corrected herself. "I would like a cola. I would like a job too, but... no need to bring you into my problems..." Lauren chuckled awkwardly at the end of her sentence.

Raven felt a little irritated at how much noise one girl could make by just walking in through the front door. To top it off at least she picked up the sign she dropped. He sighed and composed his face, before wanting to turn around and greet her.

Raven turned around as he dried a cup, polishing it now with a rag. He looked at her up and down as she spoke. She was cute and maybe he could use her to bring in some more customers. "E-excuse me.." Walking up closer to Raven shyly, you could tell. And from the racket she made already, careless pr a klutz. "Erm... I would like a job... I mean... I would like a cola. I would like a job too, but... no need to bring you into my problems..." Her laugh was a little awkward but at least she tried.

He put the up down and took a scoop of ice from the small tub beside him, filling the cup up halfway with ice. He then filled the cup up with cola adding just a few cherries to it, floating at the top. "Can you clean? Take orders and do this all while holding a smile to everyone to greet?" He asked as he folded back the neck of his shirt, undoing the first two buttons to it.

Taking the soda in his hands as he gestured her to a table by the window, and soon after helping her with her chair to sit down. He unbuttoned his vest on his uniform letting it open up as he sat down, leaning against the wall, as the light shined through his dark hair making it look a brownish color.

His eyes were locked with hers, with every word he spoke and his face was composed.

"Uuh, yes..." Lauren replied to his question. "W-why? Are you actually suggesting me a job?" She got nervously excited when this went trough her mind. She thanked for the gesture to the table and for the cola. "I-I can hold a few plates at the same time! Without dropping anything! I once did, but that was because I tripped on the cat, which is a completely unrelated story..." Lauren made a small pause. She started picking in her pockets, then her irises shrunk and her cheeks reddened. "I... uh..." She couldn't find a way to tell Raven. "Funny story!" She chuckled. "Alright, it's not funny at all..." Lauren took a deep breath. "I forgot my wallet."

Amara walked into the cafe with a yawn, it was noon already but she had just woken up an hour ago. She looked around the cafe, everything was how it usually was... Except for a new face in an apron. "Oh ho... Found a replacement already did we? She's a cute one too..." She mused quietly to herself before peeking her head into the kitchen, "Yo Benny, would you mind making me some breakfast? I kinda slept in today, thanks!." A small grin played across her lips as she spoke, this was quite a common occurrence for her as she seemed to sleep in nearly everyday.

Without really waiting for a response she bolted away from the kitchen and made her way straight to the new girl, "Hello there... You're the new help then I assume? Well, welcome to our little operation here, my name's Amara." She gave a small but genuine smile as she offered her hand for a handshake. "If you need anything or have any questions you should ask Benny or Eledise, she'll be coming in a bit later. I don't really like to do much work so unless you have something really important for me I'd go to them first." A chuckle and a wink accompanied the last bit of her statement as she looked over the girl. I can see why the boss hired her... Wonder if she's got the knack for reading people though.

Benjamin nods and begins to wipe his hands on the hem of his apron as he watches Lauren gathering the plates. "My name's Benjamin, but you can call me Ben, or Benny, whatever really. I'll know who you're talking about anyway." He says as he lets the hem of the apron fall back down and moves over to the sink. There weren't alot of dishes dirty yet but he liked to keep things clean and out of the way, so he often washed dishes between filling orders. It kept things tidy and gave him something to do when he wasn't cooking and when Amara wasn't around to talk to.

Just as he puts the last plate in the drying rack the boss walks through the door. Benjamin turns to face him, drying his hands off as he listens to Raven speak. Was it just him or did the boss look a little under the weather?

"Sure thing. Take your time, I can manage things while you're away." Benjamin says with a nod. "And I'll keep them from giving Lauren a hard time if I can. Tell Crow I said hi and I'll have his slice of cake and milk waiting on him!" He calls the last part out as his boss walks though the back door and out into the street. "At least it looks like a nice day out there, maybe some fresh air will do him some good."

With everything put away Benjamin goes to open the door so he can go out and check on things when Lauren comes through the door with another set of orders. He holds the door open for a moment longer and looks the crowd over. Everything seemed to be going alright, and hopefully the rest of the staff would show up soon. "Sure thing. Buy hey, listen, the boss stepped out for a minute and left me in charge. Just let me know if there's any trouble out there alright? Those pizzas will take a little while." Benjamin says, stepping back into the kitchen, getting out the beer first then starting on the pizza. He'd save the sushi for last.

The pizzas were in the oven and everything else was either on the way to the tables or already there, so Benjamin steps out into the cafe proper, standing just to the side of the kitchen door, hands in his apron pockets as he looks the place over. When he sees Eledice entering he raises a hand and gives her a wave in greeting. She was a bit late, but Raven hadn't said anything about it before leaving, so he wouldn't give her a hard time about it. As if he would anyway. Before he can say anything a man in a business suit walks in and after he takes a seat Benjamin retires back to the kitchen to make him a bowl of beef stew. He also needed to check on the pizzas, which he was just doing when Amara came in, asking for breakfast.

"It's already time for lunch, why-" Benjamin was cut off as the woman disappeared back out the door.

With a sigh and a shake of his head he takes the pizzas out, finishes getting the ready, then starts on the stew and something for Amara. He had no idea how Raven managed to run this place as smoothly as he did. It was like as soon as he left everything started piling up.

Taken a long deep breath Raven decided to walk to Corvus's school today. For some reason though, he felt like his body was drained down. So instead he got the Car and drove off to the school. Not like the school was that far, but he couldn't bring himself to walk that long today.

"The heck..." He mumbled to himself. He was feeling fine this morning and now it hit him fast.

Now pulling up to the school Raven waited quietly, trying to compose himself. He took another deep steady breath and got out, leaning against the care, he slipped on some shades and removed his vest, throwing into the car. With the vest on, shades on and shirt partly unbutton he looked like just any old regular business man.

The teachers and students all started to come out of school slowly, Raven glanced through his shades to see where Corvus was. One of the teachers spotted Raven and smiled brightly walking up to him.

"Good afternoon Mr.Knight." She greeted him as fallowed by another teacher coming over with her. Not to say the teacher was ugly, but he just didn't find interest in a 35 year old woman, nor did he find interest in the other one who was 40. Not to bad looking for their age, but that was a bit much.

So he did what he normally did and smiled at them greeting them back. "Hello Young ladies, you look as dashing as ever, as always." His charming smile came out as he kissed the back of their hands with light chuckles. Only making them blush and giggle. He thought it was a bit cute that women their age could still do that.

"Oh my Mr. Knight, sweet on us little old lady are we know." The eldest one giggled and touched her cheek.

"Their is something I have to speak to you about. It's Corvus." The younger one spoke with a worry look.

"Crow? Is he alright?" He tried to ask calmly but the worry look on her face bothered him slightly.

"Oh no, Mr, Knight. Corvus is just fine, it's just, he has anger issues. And well today he got into another fight." She sighed. "If he keeps this up we might have to suspended him again."

Raven sighed and touched his forehead. "Did you ever think that maybe it wasn't his fault? Should look more into it before pointing fingers. If there is anything about us Knight folk, we always have a reason." His voice was a bit off, he tried his best to hold back his temper.

"Oh my, we are very sorry Mr. Knight, we will look more into it." She bowed at him embarrassed and quickly walked off with the other teach.

Just when Raven was about to sigh. "RAVEN!!!" Corvus jumped out of no where and pounced on Raven hugging him tightly.

Smiling gently Raven hugged his head. "Alright, let's get going. I have to get back to work and as your punishment for a fight in school, you are going to be helping Ben take out the trash and whatever else he needs."

"Aww man! The teacher beat me to you already?!" He sulked and let go getting into the car. "I couldn't help it! They kept calling me cute and wanting to dress me like a girl! So I just threw a few hard swings and broke their noses." Corvus shrugged like it was nothing and looked out the car window.

Sighing Raven got in the car and drove off. "Maybe you didn't have to take it that far, I know it can be annoying, but that is no reason to break someone's nose." He ruffled Corvus's hair and smiled at him. "Cheer up Okay?"

Corvus blushed at Raven patting his head and sigh in defeat.

When they reached the café/home Raven told Corvus to go wash up and put on his Café uniform and meet him at the Café. As soon as the kid was out of sight, Raven lit up a cigarette. And walked across the street from the Café. The Café was located on a bridge at the edge of the ocean, so sometimes Raven would hang out over their with a lit cig and relax a bit.

Raven put out his cigarette and started to walk back to the car, reaching inside to grab his vest he slipped it around and slipped it on. Buttoning every button up and fixes his shirt, but leaving the first three buttons open. He rolled up his sleeves and walked back inside, taking a look around. Everyone was here and the places was packed, just as he thought it would be.

He walked to where Ben was and waved his hand so Ben took noticed. He walked back and behind the bar taking over the cash register, letting people pay and leave. Raven didn't say anything to them as they left he just nodded and kept quiet. He looked around to see what everyone was doing, but he didn't move from behind the register.

Raven felt that if he was going to talk he was going to say something rude so he didn't say a thing. He turned around with his back to the Café, polishing cups and making drinks for people.

Raven sighed and bent down to her ear with his hand on her shoulder. "Go take a ten minute break, clean yourself up and come back after you eaten."

He gave her a quick smile, taking her café note pad and turned back to the little girl giving her the soda she wanted.

"Hey Ben!" Raven leaned over to look at the kitchen window. "Makes some cookies, something that says cute for tomorrow." He whipped his hands on his rag he had and walked over to the back of the café talking to a few people who just came in and sat down.

Smiling and laughing he turned and walked back to the little girl who was humming and swinging her legs. "Isn't it about time you headed home, your parents might be worried." He patted her head helping her out of the seat.

She pouted and looked up at him. "Can't I stay here with you!?"

He dent over and smiled at her. "I tell you what, you can come back here any time to visit me, but make sure you get home safely, alright?"

Her smile was big and bright. "Mhm! Okay! Bye, bye mister!" she waved dancing out the door.

He shook his head and looked at the time, it was nearly 7pm, almost closing time. He rubbed his hair line by his forehead and looked around, turning the open sign to close.

Lauren smiled at Amara's greeting and Ben's introduction. It seemed like she would find friends quickly. So far there weren't any problems.

The owner went out for a while, and Ben was temporary in charge, but that didn't keep Lauren from doing her job. Actually, something else did.

After serving the last orders she gave to Ben, Lauren went to the bathroom. A few minutes later she finished washing her hands. The following event was too ridiculous even for a sitcom character, but it happened to Lauren - she managed to slip on a small puddle and fall backwards, which caused her to lose her consciousness.

Lauren was slowly opening her eyes. Suddenly, the stress hit her and she got up and went out of the bathroom with the speed of a bullet. What has she done? Fainting and not doing her job properly on her first day! What made it worse was the fact that she couldn't see anyone. Apparently, it was closed. She was locked inside the cafe.
"This can't get any worse!" Lauren sat on the floor with her back against the door, and just in that moment her nose started bleeding.