#theenemygateisdown

Prompt from: Theenemygateisdown: Soccercop coffee shop AU. Beth teases Alison the uptight waitress, slowly they get to know each other.

MONDAY

Another day, another dollar.

Alison threw on her name tag and apron as she hurried out to the waiting customers armed with a coffee pot.

"How was your weekend Ali?" Her coworker asked.

"Good. The kids were at my mothers so i was able to get my housework done."

"Ali," her tone became more serious as she put a hand gently on Alisons, "How are you doing? I mean with Chris out of the picture."

"Fine. Good. Great. Never better. Cups are empty! Duty calls!" She rushed out of the conversation.

Just then, a woman came through the doors and gave the staff a wave as she made her way to her regular table.

"Good morning Alison." The woman spoke, giving Alison a giant smile as she came up to her.

"Morning. What'll it be today?"

"Oh come on, you know, the usual." She was trying to bait a chuckle out of the waitress with no luck.

"I don't like to assume." And with that Alison walked off.

"She thinks she's so clever. I don't have time for her games." Her coworker laughed.

"Coffee and a blueberry muffin." She sat them down on the table.

"Thanks hun."

"Hmph." Back to the servers line she went.

"What are you smiling at?"

"I think it's fun. She gets such a reaction out of you. Loosen up a little. Come on Ali, she's just trying to make you laugh."

TUESDAY

"Morning ladies. It's nice out today, I hope you get to enjoy some of the sun." the regular customer spoke cheerfully as she walked in.

Alison made her way over, cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin in her hands.

"I haven't ordered yet."

"It's the usual. You always get the usual. You order it every day."

"You shouldn't assume things my dear."

"Well what can I get for you then?"

"Hmm… What would you suggest?" Alison let out a sigh. 'Suck it up Ali. Don't let her get to you.'

"We have out breakfast special. It has two eg-"

"I'll take it." With a smile.

"Alright, how would you like your eggs cooked?"

"Surprise me."

"I don't suppose you'll answer what kind of toast you'd like either?"

"I'll let you decide." The frustrated waitress walked off.

WEDNESDAY

Alison was struggling to keep it together this morning. Her car wouldn't start, the kids were late for school, she spilled coffee on her way out the door, having to change made her late for work. The last thing she needed was the woman who just walked in the door.

"Hey, Susie, can you take her today? I don't need her games."

"Sorry babe, I'm slammed over here. Besides, I don't know how she gets such a reaction out of you. She's so nice."

"What can I get for you?"

"Same as yesterday please. Hey what can i say, I like your taste."

Alison wrote on her notepad, not responding.

"Where's your name tag?"

"I forgot it." The woman gently pulled a pen out of Alisons apron, leaving her in shock for a moment as the customer tore off a piece of her napkin and wrote on it. She held it up to her chest.

"That's okay. It'll be my turn to wear one."

Beth

She slid the pen back into Alisons apron just before she walked off.

THURSDAY

Beth came in as usual, only today she was more disheveled, less cheerful. Her hair was tied up to contain the mess, bags under her eyes, her shirt wasn't pressed. But still, she sent a wave to the servers and sat down.

Ailson felt a second of relief. No fooling around today. Then, she thought 'Am I relieved that someone is unhappy?' She felt terrible for feeling happy until she saw herself. She saw herself in Beth.

Messy hair, tired eyes. That was her in the morning before she put on her face. That was her late at night when no one else is around. She saw the person she always hid. The one who's always trying so hard to keep it together. 'Don't be silly Ali, she's nothing like you.'

"Good morning Beth." And the woman's smile instantly returned.

"Morning Alison."

"What'll it be today?"

"Let's go with the muffin. And of course the coffee too please."

"You got it."

The waitress returned quickly and set down the breakfast.

"Thanks beautiful." Alison was taken aback for a second.

"Something wrong hun?"

Alison had always kept things professional, but she coultnt help wanting to get inside this woman's head.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"You can ask to your hearts content."

"You- You seem a little… down today, but how are you so cheerful?"

Alison held her breath, afraid she crossed a line.

Beth giggled through a smile.

"Things go wrong. It happens. I loosen up and let it sort itself out. No use stressing over it."

No, this woman was no Alison, but maybe she was just what she needed.

FRIDAY

Alison hesitated going over but knew she had to do her job.

"What are we having today?"

"I'll take the special please. With a smile maybe?" The corner of Alisons lip rose ever so slightly as she walked off. This was a small victory for Beth.

"Here we go. One breakfast special just the way you like it."

"Thank you kindly. Could I trouble you for some more sweetener, sweetie?" Beth was playful again today.

After the woman left, Alison went to clear the table when she came across the napkin.

Beth

555-489-6329

for Avivah:

I've Got A Woman - Ray Charles

Cars - Gary Numan

Pretty Baby (You're So Ugly) - Ty Segall

1000 Miles Per Hour - OK Go

In the City - The Sneakypeeks

Go Places - The New Pornographers

Truckers Atlas - Modest Mouse

THE PANIC FLESHFLUTTER HAS CAUSED

HAS SPURRED ME INTO ACTION (i've had it open for daaaays half done)

Oh my god, that’s disturbing. I once saw this chick do a gearshift. My eyes burned :o