Clack, clack, clack..
Each step of Svetlana’s stilettos overpowered the miniscule sounds of the coffee shop. It was 8:30 AM, and Svetlana had arrived for a morning drink.
“ Listen closely, I don’t repeat. I want a double ristretto venti Half-Soy Decaf Organic chocolate Brownie Iced Vanilla Double-Shot Frappuccino, steamed to 104 heat with light whipped cream.” Svetlana asserted in a casual tone, reaching to her wrist where she pulled a butterfly crested hairband and used it to tie back her hair.
“ Uhh..” The cashier stuttered, unable to even repeat the complex order back to Svetlana. She stood dumbfounded twisting her long brunnete hair around her finger, until the manager of Sweet Seven, Vanessa, walked behind the register pushing her aside.
“ I’ll get right on that, Svetlana.” Vanessa assured forcing a smile, she walked to the back and began to prepare the ingredients.
“ You know nothing of service border bandit.” Svetlana laughed, hysteric eyes looked back at the unfamiliar cashier.
“ She’s my daughter, Alondra, trying to introduce her to the family business.” Vanessa replied for her daughter, pouring the ingredients in the mixer.
“ That explains much.” Svetlana looked back at the girl, looking her up and down admiring the resemblance.
Creeaaaakkkk...
The front door of the coffee-shop opened and the clank of steel-plated boots entered the room. A once chatty crowed, had become silent. People put their coffee down, heads turned, and children stared. Officer Claudio stood in the door way, hand on his utility belt. The stench of tobacco being chewed, filled the room. He spit the tobacco into the drink of one the regulars, who’s face cringed in disgust.
“ Attention maggots, whores and old women!” The officer walked towards the counter, pulling out his gun and making childish poses. Every-once and awhile, he stopped and pretended to shoot one of the customers. He reached the counter and put an open hand next to the register, a grin stretching across his face.
“ You know, I feel like.. there are some poets in here.. This wouldn’t be a poet facility would it? Writing workshop? Hmm..” He laughed, tapping his fingers impatiently on the counter.
“ Officer Claudio.. How nice of you to stop by, I have nothing for you.” Vanessa replied, handing Svetlana her finished drink. Officer Claudio’s fist clenched in anger and he lifted it only to slam it down on the register.
“ Get out of my store, and go find another way to fuel your addiction.” Vanessa continued putting both hands on the counter top, staring Claudio dead in the eyes. Claudio paused for a moment, and then raised his hand slamming it against her Vanessa’s face. Vanessa collapsed onto her bottom behind the counter, sobbing quietly in pain.
“ Huh? You’d like to turn yourself in? Is that right poet?” Claudio said, grabbing the hand-cuffs off his belt and walking behind the counter.
Svetlana grabbed her coffee with one hand, and then looked over to Alondra. She sat dazed, hesitating to even move to help her mother. Svetlana quickly grabbed Alondra’s
wrist, and pulled her along to the back door. As they made their way out, the cafe became more noisy Vanessa struggling with Claudio.
“ My mom! Let me go, I have to help her!”Alondra now realized screaming, attracting more attention than Svetlana needed.
“ Don’t be stupid, do you have weapon? Do you have gun? You want to die, stupid?” Svetlana said with haste, as she reached into her purse and pulled out her car keys. She unlocked her silver truck with the press of a button, and then quickly helped Vanessa in.
Svetlana jammed the keys into the car, trying to start it with no success. The engine barely responded, gunshots now echoing from inside. Getting the truck started, Svetlana began to pull off, Alondra wept in the back seat, warm tears running down her face.
[ 30 minutes later;;]
“ Quit you’re crying, boo hoo. I will need boat for your river.” Svetlana said sarcastically, practically unable to sympathize.
“ My mother’s probably dead.” ... Alondra cried, in a quiet tone hugging her knees as she curled up in the backseat.
“ You know nothing border bandit.” Svetlana replied, slamming her foot on the brake, the truck came to a stop. Svetlana unbuckled her seatbelt, and opened her door getting out of driver’s seat.