Chaotic Starter

"Aria... Breathe. Breathe and keep calm. The day is almost done"

I say this to myself as I am keeping watch of the local pub I'm working in.

"You cheated!" a drunk man shouted.

"I did not. You're just a sore loser!", says the man across him.

"It's not possible for you to win! There were already two aces thrown out earlier in the game and now there are three on your hand?", the first man continue to rant while tapping hard on the table.

"You have got to be imagining things. You clearly had too much to drink. It's my win so pay up!" the second man stood up glaring and face close to the first man.

"Men, you both have to calm down. Though, Bridge did have a point about the sudden appearance of the third ace. And Rou, you just have to contain yourself.", the third guy in between them joined in on the heated discussion.

"SHUT UP!", the former two bolted.

The yelling and cursing continues. And the arguments between the three men are getting worse by the minute.

Sheesh. It's just a petty game and they are already creating a big commotion out of it.

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT...

And this crowd is just making it worse while cheering a fight on. Ugh! This all had to happen at THAT TIME of the month too.

I approached the three arguing men to try to control the situation.

"Gentlemen, PLEASE! You are not alone in this pub and you are starting to disrupt all the other customers. If you do not settle this little ruckus of yours in a civilized manner, I will have to ask you to leave."

I say this in a calm but commanding tone.

"Shut up, lady. Step aside or–"

I cut the man's words with a loud BANG! from the destroyed wooden table I punched from snapping.

And as if following the script from a skit, the owner came and witnessed it.

"(Sigh*) There goes another one. I'm calling Pete... again."

My boss, Harold, leaves as quickly as he came.

All in that little while everyone gasped and turned silent.

I looked towards the previously arguing men that are now staring at me in shock.

"Listen and listen to me good. As much as I hate to be rough with you gentlemen, I will beat you all up if you start another fracas. Play nice inside or bring your riots outside this place. Understood?" I glared sharp like daggers at the three men.

They all scram. I must have looked terrifying or something.

"That chick is crazy!" heard one of them say.

Got that right though. What with all the pain I am enduring, I would've turned bat-shit crazy too.

And with that scene, a few customers started to get out too. The other workers got back to their places.

Great. Juuust great!

"Aria... Why in the world did you have to do another display of your cursed talent?" I scold myself in thoughts.

I sighed by the counter then muttered ill words to myself.

"Don't think too much of it missy."

My boss said this to my ear.

I was shook and taken aback when I realize my boss was actually beside me. I got silent blushing a bit.

"Sorry for startling you. I called you a couple of times and you were out of it." Harold said this with a smile plastered to his face.

"Oh I'm so sorry, Harold. I have no idea how I'm gonna pay you in full the soonest time."

I said this full of worries at the thought.

"You've given me a place to stay, loaned me some money and gave me a job. And I've repaid you nothing but trouble."

I look down in sadness; not able to meet Harold's eyes.

"You know how grateful I am to you and your father. Both of you saved my life twice. Without you and Franz, I would've been a goner. It is the least I could do for you really."

Harold says this as he gently pats my head.

I thought back to the time my father brought him home badly wounded; pale and cold to the touch. It was quite a miracle that the next day, he got out of the worst and started healing. Now, his hands are warm as he placed them on top of mine.

"But if you feel obliged, there IS something you can do for me." Harold's voice suddenly turned serious.

I looked at him with wonder.

"What is it?"

He looked away and thought for a few seconds before looking back at me. His facial expression turned to something I haven't seen before. There was a smile but something about it is quite dark. I struggled to react.

He must have sensed my discomfort when he suddenly faked a chuckle.

"Your mind is too pre-occupied." Better get some rest. It's almost the end of your shift and I know this day has been quite eventful. You should go home now." He said as he walked off.

"See you tomorrow."

He waved without looking back.

And that's how he dismissed our talk without answering my question.

Strange.

I reached for all my things and went home wondering if Harold is hiding something from me. These train of thoughts ceased the moment I stood in front of the door to my house.

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