Fourty minutes until they had to open the business, and yet barista was the second one to show up. First one, responsibly, was Mrs. Morrison. The owner, and Abdiel's mother. An average height lady, with her red hair always in a neat bun, and with few laugh wrinkles on her face. She looked great for her age.

Mrs. Morrison always could make anyone feel at home, and definitely helped Steven cope with the tragedy. The boy lost his parents in a just last winter, when they all got into a car accident . It crushed his soul. So much so, that for next two weeks after the funeral he could not bring himself to leave the house. Naturally, the fox got seriously concerned. He went to his friend's house just to witness Steven turn into a walking corpse. Ever since, great anxiety fills Aby's heart whenever they don't see each other for a long time. This tragedy lead to Mrs. Morrison showering barista with motherly love even more than before, on behalf of Steven and her son knowing each other since they were toddlers.

- Steven, dear. Come here for a moment. - Called out the owner. Barista looked around, shaken out of deep thought, a little perplaxed. As soon as he came over to the lady carrying a beige clipboard, she continued.

- Could you make sure the cats are fed before we open ? I need to keep an eye out for the delivery man, he should be here any minute.

- Yes ma'am. - Said simply, and rushed to the cat room. He opened the glass door to be greeted by 5 hungry fluff balls, swirling between his lanky legs, whining for attention. Despite the fact that he did not own any of those cats, he loved them wholeheartedly.

Boy opened doors to the back room, letting only one cat with him. Anais, a blue eyed ragdoll was the oldest of the cats. While Steven prepared breakfast for the fluffy bunch, she watched him patiently sitting on a little table beside the door, swiftly moving her puffy tail. Brunette glanced over to the animal and smiled. Reaching to her with a hand, he stroked her soft head, making her blink trustingly.

- Look at you. Such a pretty, elegant lady you are. So smart. - Barista complimented the animal, and she meowed quietly in response.

After the task was completed, brunette made sure to put everything back to it's place. Upon entering the dining area Steven met an unpleasant surprise. A long haired, ginger girl with black eyes and a soft look on her face. Nobody could play on his nerves like Vivian, Abdiel's older sister. She took her grey gloves off and smiled at the barista. Him, however, hastily turned around pretending not to notice her, and walked around the counter to squat and prepare himself for cleaning up all tables before they open. Copper-haired followed him resting her hands on the counter.

- Hey Steve! What are you doing there? You're not hiding from me, are you? - She said jokingly, but little did she know how right she was. Steven rolled his eyes at the sound of her voice and looked up at the girl, hesitating to stand up. He grabbed cleaning supplies and finally straightened his pose.

- No. But shouldn't you be in school right now? - As the words left his mouth, redhead's face begun to turn pink. She starred at him like a dear in headlights for a while, then a shy smile returned to her face. Pale hand squeezing the other one on the counter.

- Mum forgot her keys, so I had to bring them and... I just haven't seen you in a while too, so I thought I'll say hi.

- I see. - He answered bluntly and proceeded to wipe the first table. Vivian followed him and continued, refusing to take the hint.

- Do you know about the trip? Maybe you can come with us?

-Yeah, Abdiel mentioned it today. I'll think about it.

- Really? Maybe we can have rooms next to each other?

- It's fine, I think I'll share the room with Aby. You know, the one with double bed? It will fit us both just fine. - He said with a gentle, fond smile. Steven was actually happy about the trip, however knowing that Viv will be there scared him a little. Since they were kids she always tried to be close to him, and got upset over Steven playing with Abdiel. Now, they were just kids back then and there would be nothing wrong with it, however her petty behaviour continued on. Brunette simply grew tired of Vivian overtime, but since she's her best friend's sister, there is no way of avoiding her. At the sound of Steven's words, ginger's smile faded. Shoving pale hands into her coat's pockets she answered.

- Oh... Right! Yeah, maybe that's a better solution.

- You're here darling! Do you have the keys? - Mrs. Morrison came just in time to save him from her daughter. As she lead the girl away to the back she gave Steven a warm smile. Boy sighed, letting the frustration leave him with breath.