Anomaly Code Chapter 4
Chapter Four: Eva
Shefirst met Asa, codename Draugar two weeks after sheâd joined the Foundation. He was an anomaly with the ability to phase through things. He was to be her partner while working for the Foundation. Draugar never spoke much. She knew nothing about him, his hobbies, favourite food. But despite this, he had become important to her. He had become her friend.
A hiss cut through the murmur of the cafe as the machine got to work and an aroma of fresh coffee began to waft into the air, how she loved the smell of it.
      âItâs almost as good as a hit of sugar when I really need it,â thought Eva to herself as she breathed in deeply, letting her hands go on auto pilot to make the strawberry and white chocolate mocha that had been ordered. Carefully, she wove through the paint stained tables that dotted La Vie Boheme, heading for the person sitting in the most distant corner.
      âA strawberry and white chocolate mocha and a neenish tart, enjoy,â she said, placing the coffee and food on the table, âWill there be anything else?â
The customer, a boy about her age with large grey eyes hidden behind round glasses, looked up at her nervously and opened his mouth as if to speak but no sound came out.
      âPoor guy, Iâd hate to be that nervousâ she thought, giving him her warmest smile.
      The boy gave a nervous smile back and tried again, âN-no th-th-thank you.â
      âYou just give me a call if you need anything else,â said Eva brightly, noticing the mortified look on the boyâs face, as if he would die if he actually had to raise his voice, before she walked away, brushing crumbs off her apron.
      Grabbing a cloth she began to clean the bench, looking at the customers. If she concentrated, she could see swatches of colour surrounding them, drifting about lazily. She had been able to do this for years. She knew that the colours represented their mood. The couple over by the window for example were extremely happy about something and the young woman heading to the bathroom was feeling very lonely.
      Sometimes she could even move the colours. Rearranging them into new patterns or blending them together. This way she could make people happier or give them a confidence boost. She didnât do this very often though because it made her tired. Still, she thought it was worth it if she was helping people.
      With a start she noticed a girl waiting by the register and hurried over.
      âSorry to keep you waiting,â she said, giving the girl a bright smile, âHow can I help?â
      Moments later her shift had finished and she was waiting in the park for her friend, Danielle. The two had made plans to go out for lunch.
      âHey gorgeous!â shouted out a womanâs voice with a heavy British accent.
      Eva turned to see Danielle walking quickly towards her. Danielle was a plump mother of three who had very pleasant characteristics and silky ash blonde hair. She lived across the hall from Eva and was constantly checking in on her.
      âHow was work, love?â said Danielle, wrapping Eva in a hug.
      âPretty good,â replied Eva, âThere was this one guy who came in, he was so nervous that he could barely speak.â
      Eva paused for a moment as she thought back to the boyâs grey eyes and the way he had stuttered.
      âIt was adorable but I felt so sorry for him,â she said.
      âAh, well some things canât be helped,â said Danielle in a matter-of-fact voice, âNow letâs go get some food, Iâm starving.â
      âIf only you knew,â thought Eva to herself.
      âSpeaking of food,â said Danielle, âWould you like to join the family for dinner tonight? Iâm making that cottage pie you like.â
      âAre you sure?â asked Eva, âI donât want to be a burden.â
      Danielle stopped and turned to face Eva, a look of mock hurt on her face.
      âAs if you could be a burden, love,â she said, âYouâre like the teenage daughter Iâm yet to have, although Iâm sure Lara will get there soon and Gwen wonât be too far behind. Besides, Jimmy has a picture he wants to show you. Wants a âfellow artistsâ opinion he said.â
      With that the two headed out of the park laughing together.















