Leigha’s First Day

Cyrus had a headache, more painful than usual. Anita insisted on hiring Leigha and Frank had approved the new part-timer, but too many new people were not suitable for Cyrus’ mental health.

"Everything ready for Leigha?" asked Anita when she stopped by his office before work. Cyrus spun in his chair to take out a girl's uniform then pass it to Anita.

"You do orientation. Leigha's already on the morning schedule," answered Cyrus, shutting the door. He heard happy greetings on the other side before they disappeared into silence. Finally, some quiet.

---

Waitressing was a lot easier than med school. Other than the cooks complaining about her scrawl of a handwriting. The tasks came naturally to her, compared to her forced medical studies.

"You're doing so well for your first day," encouraged Anita. She had stuck Leigha with counter duty, much like Miles' first day, but she would be able to wait tables soon.

"Thanks, I can see why people enjoy working this kind of job and why you would choose it to find your soulmate. So many new people to meet."

Anita nodded as she handed a customer their change.

"I haven't seen any sign of your soulmate yet, though. But then again, few people have come to the bar."

Anita turned to her new friend and smiled, grateful to have someone on her side with the search. Leigha and Miles were both supportive like that. It must be a family trait.

"It's alright. Lunch rush has yet to start, so still plenty more hands to look at."

Leigha nodded, giving Anita a thumbs up before grabbing a customer's cup that needed a refill.

"Order for table seven up," announced Shasta, setting a few plates on the counter.

"Thank you." Anita took the plates with a smile. Shasta was avoiding her gaze as he went back to work.

Leigha looked into the kitchen; her lengthy body able to get her head inside. Only something metal flashed in front of her eyes and she pulled her head out. She saw Shasta was the only one close enough. He was pulling out a metal spatula along with a ladle in hand. He scowled at her, then headed to the back of the kitchen.

"A helpful tip. If you value your life, don't enter the kitchen," suggested Sierra. Leigha looked down at the small girl.

"How come you are in there?"

"I'm tolerated so long as I don't mess things up too much. Cyrus less so. Anita can come in, but she knows not to touch anything. Everyone else is a no go."

"Why is Anita special?"

Sierra looked back to Shasta, who was cooking rather fast.

"He's not secretly her soulmate, is he?" asked Leigha in a whisper.

"No."

Leigha pursed her lips to the side, trying to figure out why. "He respects her as the floor chief?"

Sierra sighed. "Not it? Eh, I'll figure it out later." She turned back to the floor to see the other waiter serving customers.

"What's his deal?" asked Leigha, turning back to Sierra.

"Oh, Oliver's an artist. He lives in the attic."

"A tortured starving artist? How romantic," sighed Leigha.

"You like that sort of thing?"

"I don't know. I don't know my type. But I've been catching up at the library by reading manga."

"Manga may not be the best inspiration for romance."

Anita nodded as she joined them. "Romance is best learned through life experience."

"So, you both have dated."

"No."

"Once as payment for borrowing an instrument."

"Has he dated?" Leigha pointed to Shasta.

"Not really. A date or two in high school," Shasta answered.

"Oliver," Sierra called out. the artist turned around and approached the bar.

"Have you dated?"

"No. Although my art club went to museums a few times and some of the members were girls."

The four older workers then realized something.

"So that means…" started Sierra.

"Cyrus is the only person here with actual relationship experience," finished Oliver.

Immediately their expressions blanked at the thought, leaving Leigha confused at their sorrow.