Fiona's Forecourt Fantasy
Written By: Sisi Burks
Edited By: Bazzle
Date Finished: November 8, 2023
Chapter One
Parking in my usual spot, I looked out at the side of the red brick building, my breathing still hard from my late-night workout that I had only just finished. I could have easily walked the short distance to the gym and then on to here, but I am at heart lazy. The sky above me was pitch black compared to the startling bright flood of lights that came from the forecourt. I felt at ease, almost as if it were like my own home. Being so used to this place, I knew what to expect from it, especially at this time of night. It was rare there were ever any other customers aside from me, making it a peaceful, quick errand. I took my time getting my purse over my shoulder and adjusted my spandex pants that were digging into my hips, as I sat still and listened to the ten o'clock headlines on the radio. With nothing of interest happening, I turned off my car ignition and got out, almost confidently walking across to my salvation of the moment just the other side of glass doors. I was too quick and eager, I had to momentarily pause to wait for them to slowly slide open.
Having quickly walked up and down the aisle choosing some snacks. As I got ever closer to the front of the store. I stopped whilst looking up and we ended up smiling at each other, I didn't even have to tell the man behind the counter what I wanted. He knew exactly what I was after, there had been several years of me doing this, around the same time, and needing the same thing. It was the closest gas station to my apartment that stayed open all night. As such it quickly became the one I would use. Being a sucker to routine, and a night owl that I was, it was normally around ten a night when I would show up getting my energy drinks, snacks, and most importantly my cigarettes. Seeing as every day was very much the same, I saw the same man working the register every night.
A young man in his twenties with dark skin and neatly cut black hair. His name was Rohan, something I didn't know for the first couple of years of shopping there. I was not much of a conversationalist, enjoying my solitude at home and when out and about, most of the time. I always got in and got out of the store as quickly as I could. Almost embarrassed buying my cigarettes. But Rohan was a very talkative and friendly person.
"How are you, Miss Fiona?" He was already turning to the side, his arm outstretched, his fingers grabbing the exact pack of cigarettes we both knew I needed. A pack of 20 Marlboro menthol special blends. My much needed daily fix.
Even after years of the same question, I shifted the can of my energy drink closer to him, forcing myself to make eye contact as I smiled though it didn't cover all my nervousness. "Well enough. Can't complain." I answered as blandly as I could as I slipped my card out of my wallet and focused my attention on the card machine and paying instead of the way that Rohan looked at me. He always had that kind smile that seemed so genuine. I could never look for too long without my cheeks going red. "How about you?" It was only polite to ask as we waited.
"It's been fine. Still working on that math class, I told you about. Just getting the hang of it." Rohan motioned to the side where his textbook was open and papers laid out on the counter. It was obvious he was giving it some effort.
"I have never been good with numbers. I don't see how you do it." My eyes came back over to Rohan's, hearing the receipt being printed out.
He reached over and ripped it off before scrunching it up and tossing the paper into the trash bin under the desk, knowing I never wanted it. We did this routine every single night. Everything was well rehearsed like a mundane performance. "Oh? Well, it just takes practice," Rohan chuckled. "What do you do for work, Miss Fiona?" This was the first time he asked me a personal question since we exchanged names months ago.
"I'm a fiction writer." It was the best way I could think of to say it. I had multiple published and mildly successful books out. Couldn't really say all that. This job found me, because I have a wild imagination that lets me tell amazing stories. It really does come in handy.
Rohan got my things put in a small plastic bag, looking back up to me with a sparkle in his dark brown eyes. "Really? That is so interesting. So, you are good with words then, Miss Fiona?" His kind warmth shone through.
"Better with them than numbers. That's for sure." I let out a small nervous giggle as I took my bag from him. "Thanks. Have a good night."