Chamomile

             “Alright Mr. Simpkins! I’m all finished up for the night! I’ll see you tomorrow!” I toss my apron onto the linen pile next to the dish pit and start to walk toward the door. Everyone’s shoes are gone, except mine and Mr. Simpkins. It feels like he’s always here, and he’s only a manager but I do find myself feeling bad for the guy sometimes. I can only imagine what he feels like is going on through his life right now; balding, divorce and three winey children would always make some poor guy decide to stay a little longer.

             I finish tying my shoes and put all of my belonging in my bag, getting ready to brace my tiny, stinky and tired body for the cold November winds. All that is running through my mind is the thought of a hot shower and a cup of hot tea to help me fall asleep. And the door’s open. My nostrils immediately dry up, eyes tear and jaw clenches. No snow on the ground yet so that’s a bonus for driving home at least. The walk to my car isn’t too far either, just a block. It is quite dark though and that always creeps me out a little.

             The sound of my quickening footsteps echoes on the nearby buildings. It feels like the sound gets louder when my ears focus in on the surroundings. My fingers grasp the little, sparkly can of pepper gel in my coat pocket, hoping that nothing comes out to tempt fate with me tonight. I can’t let my mind go to that, there are a million other things that could happen but why does my mind always think of a white van or zombie apocalypse when I’m walking alone? I can see my car in the parking lot just down the street now. I would recognize that pile of bolts from anywhere.

My body starts to relax a little more now that I can see my safety coming closer and closer. I can already feel the warm drops of water and taste the sleepy time tea in my favorite mug with a sarcastic quote on it. The pace quickens as my imagination starts to wander.

MEoooow.

The dream breaks as I look around. Let me see, there is a building to my right, the parking lot ahead of me. Nothing there. There is a little grassy area to my left and the block I walked behind me. It’s probably gone. I fix my glasses that just love to fall down the bridge of my nose, making me look like I’m practicing to be a sassy librarian. Actually that’s kinda hot.

I begin the trek to my car again, this time my head filled with ideas that a smut author would love to get their hands on.

MeOOOw.

My brain goes back to PG searching for a cat. I’m feet away from my car, kind of irritated but also hopeful due to my ‘motherly instincts’ some would call it. I would just call it tossing a cat in a bag and bringing it home for snuggles. A little shadow moves in my left peripheral, my head darts in that direction. Eyes peeled, ears attentive and heart longing.

A little black cat makes its way out of the shadows. Charmingly waving its tail and tauntingly rolling over, it’s little paws folded over just asking for pets. My heart just absolutely melts like a stick of butter put in the microwave just a second longer than intended. The facial expressions that come from someone when they are alone are unfiltered usually, but when there is a cute animal involved, it doesn’t matter who is around. Everyone is going to see my eyes glisten and here me ‘awwwwwww’.

I crouch and hold out my hands, beckoning this probably filthy, stinky, stray and undoubtedly perfect creature to me. It takes the bait. The black cat waltzes closer to me already sounding like gods organic gatling gun. And in 5….4….3….we’re almost there…2….and 1. I have landed my finger tips, once clutching a pepper get onto the softest, dark fur I have felt for ages. It’s chubby cheeks rub against my knuckles followed by a wet nose. I don’t care if I just met this cat, I would do anything for it.

It starts to rub against my knees. Suddenly a twig breaks ahead of me. Both the cat and I stop and stare at the black abyss ahead of us. Even with my prescription glasses, I can’t really make out anything. It’s purring has stopped and it just stares along with me for what seems like minutes but logically would only be a couple seconds. A dark figure looms in the shadows. A man.

He continues to stand there, I can’t make out his face but I can feel his eyes on me. Drilling holes into mine. Instinctually, I pick up the cat. It’s body starts to squirm as it probably hasn’t been held in ages or maybe never. My mind still blank but body kicking in, I stand straight up. Eyes still locked onto the strange man and heart kicking into over drive. The cat still squirming and mind drawing a complete blank, I make a dash for it. Holding as tight as I safely can onto this little patch of heaven, I make it to my car. I have to figure out a way to keep hold on this creature and grab my keys without fumbling. My heart shoots up to my ears as my eyes feel as though they are piercing through the cold, palpable air.

I look up to where the man once was, he’s gone. A feeling of both relief but stress waves over my body. Where is he? What did he want? Did he want the cat? Is it his cat? Or did he want me? My mind is now a racetrack with a solo racer getting faster and faster, hoping not to crash into the siding. Adrenaline now searing its way through my veins. My fingers feel the ridged key in my left pocket. The cat getting even more irritated. I yank the keys out of my pocket, punch them into the keyhole and turn. The door unlocks and I jam my fingers under the handle, grasping then more yanking. It squeals open as I toss the cat and myself into the safe, metal box and slam the door shut. My fingers find the lock button and press that fucker down into the plastic. A reassuring, simultaneous click of the doors give my heart a break.

The cat freaked out by me finds its way into the passenger floor board, tail puffy and most likely another little heart beating extensively. I start to calm my breathing, hoping this helps both me and my new four legged acquaintance. It’s time to start to car and head home.

My car revs back from the automobile afterlife, it’s headlights beam through the dark. Comforting at first, seeing light. Then uncomforting as I focus on what is illuminated ahead on me. It’s the man. Ahead of me, yet again. Staring me down. I can make out his face and outfit now though. Drenched in water and very disappointed. Mr. Simpkins stares at me with a bewildered look. His face confused as he gestures to me ‘what did I do?’

A roar of laughter breaks out of me, sadly freaking out the already freaked out cat. He comes up to the driver side window still confused and maybe a little apologetic.

“Katelyn, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you but you forgot your paycheck and I remember you saying that you were looking forward to maybe adopt a cat.” He leans on the door as I roll it down.

 “Mr. Simpkins! I am so sorry! Don’t creep up on girls like that!” still laughing but finally calming down. He gasps and starts to apologize profusely.

“I didn’t realize you couldn’t recognize me and I was wondering who’s cat that was! I am so sorry! I promise you I’m not a creep or something.” Chuckling and waving his arms. He hands me my check and wishes me a good night. Also peeping a look at my new friend, still somewhat freaked out on the floor.

On my drive home, I came up with a name for this little guy. Chamomile, after the tea I decided I’m going to drink after tonight. Chamomile already likes my little one bedroom apartment; he has claimed the couch for himself. Still a stinky, dirty, no longer stray but still perfect little creature.