Now We’re Connected (2/?)
Jay's ears perked from underneath a huge fluffy blanket at the shrill noise of his alarm. He groaned as he switched it off, burrowing himself out, as he flopped on his back. He pushed the blanket aside with his foot, laying shirtless, and opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling motionlessly.
He closed his eyes a moment later, taking a deep breath in and exhaling it slowly. He closely listened to the quietness in his room, silent and empty, only a faint chirp of the birds outside the window. He remembered he had a morning shift at the store he worked at.
He gave an internal sigh, furrowing his brow lightly at the thought. Last night had not been bad, but certainly not the worst he had been through. A rough day at work was the simplest way to describe it. His manager had given him a talk on how his performance was not up to par. At least not up to what was expected of the employees there. It wasn't his fault really. He loved to help people. In any way possible. The customers appreciated his efforts, but his methods couldn't win over the higher ups. And that sucked.
He sat up groggily, giving a big yawn, and stretched his arms. He rubbed his neck with his paw, looking around his room. Dirty clothes on the floor, clean clothes dumped on a chair, a pile of books on his desk that he needed to sort out. I really need to clean this room...
He glanced at his clock. Nine-thirty in the morning. He shook his head and got up to start his day.
He took a quick warm shower, easing his nerves and mind before he changed into a new pair of clothes. He quickly donned a neat white shirt and shaded blue pants, grabbing his bag, glasses and his sunglasses before going down to meet his parents.
He spotted his mom in the kitchen, a she-wolf with a luscious pearly white coat of fur, wearing a simple red shirt and dark blue shorts, happily cooking breakfast along with his dad, a loud, boisterous brown wolf. "Hey, mom. Hey, Dad."
"Oh hello, Jay. Good morning! Good to see you up early. Would you like some breakfast?" She asked cheerfully, placing plates of fried eggs, strips of bacon and toast on the table.
Jay glanced at his dad and gave a small smile, watching the older wolf happily toast more bread. "No thanks, mom. I'm uhh a little late today. I'll pick up some food on the way to work."
His dad gave a small frown, looking back from the stove. "Are you sure? There's plenty. Your mom can pack some up for you quickly."
"Please, no no." Jay insisted, giving a nervous laugh "I would love to join you both on a normal day, but not today. I really am late. I'll see you guys this evening okay? Love you, mom. Love you, dad.”
He heard his parents bid him goodbye as he left the front door and proceeded to his car. He felt slightly guilty. He really wasn't going to eat breakfast. At least not a full one. He would probably get a drink from Snarlbucks and maybe a muffin. That would suffice.
His parents seemed happy that morning. He loved the sight of his mom smiling. It put him at ease. She was his world and he'd do anything for her. Either way, this morning was peaceful. And Jay didn't want to break that bubble.
He took in a deep breath as he entered his car and started the engine. Let's do this. Only six hours to go through. Let's hope this day doesn't go downhill, huh?
The arctic wolf entered the store with a cup of caramel latte, his bag on his shoulder.
The store was divided into two areas - one for the smaller mammals, and the other for the larger ones. He worked on both sides, for he could aid both parties with ease. Unless they were like mice or so. He wasn't required in those situations.
He went to the back of the store, the common room, to greet his colleagues before his shift. Which he dreaded. It wasn't that they were bad. Well, not all at least. It's just that he didn't like interacting much with them.
The wolf perked his ear to see a tiny black mouse running to him atop a counter, close to the entrance. He smiled softly at the small neatly-dressed rodent as he out his bag and cup on the counter. "Hey, Cole. And yeah, I did. There wasn't much to do at home anyway. So, I thought I could come for the extra money."
The small mouse laughed, and shook his head. “I like your commitment, Jay. They had a pleasant chat, a bit about how yesterday went and Cole cheering him up. “Come on. Come on. Drink up. We have to be out in a few minutes.”
Jay nodded, as he watched the mouse, happily walking away. He finished his drink as he made small talk with the rest of his colleagues until it was time to head out. He took out his work jacket from his bag, a black one with a small inscription of 'PB&J', in cursive, on the left side of his jacket, near the chest. He wore it slowly and looked at himself in a mirror placed by the door. A day at a time time, Jay. One day.. At a time.
He went out to the main store and watched as customers started to walk in one by one. He put on a brave face and a strained smile and walked ahead.
"Hi. Welcome to PB&J! How may I help you?"
Annnnd that's the next chapter? What I thought was portraying a bit of both sides. One from mine and the other from Jay. That way you get to see both. 😋 I tried portraying you as well as I could, my love. 💕 @nexijay I hope I did well. 🙈 I hope you guys enjoy it andd I'll post again soon. 💕
Written by: @laverne-wildhopps