Chapter Text
The Owl Cafe was like a second home to Luz Noceda. Remembering the first time she met Eda by literally running into her after being chased around by some mean kids in middle school. Eda was a strong and scary woman. Having the kindhearted soul to help anyone, she had scared off the mean kids with some random owl shaped cane she had for some apparent reason but didn't need.
Shouting protests at them and almost ripping their heads off by swinging the cane around at them. Along with the help of her cute little dog, King, barking at them too. Those mean kids surely didn't mess with Luz after that.
While Luz being the curious kid she was back then and wanting to repay the favor, followed Eda back to her Cafe. She'll admit, their relationship was a little rocky as Eda kept telling Luz to go back home and there was no need to repay her back for the help. But that didn't stop Luz from coming by everyday to visit and finding a way to repay. And that's what led to their beautiful mentor/apprentice relationship to begin. Over the years, they found each other to be like family.
Now when Luz was given the chance by Eda to make some quick cash and pay off student loans in college by helping her around her Cafe by being a waitress. She thought it would be a piece of cake. How hard could it be to take a couple orders from customers and keep an ongoing bubbly personality to showcase proper customer service.
It was practically like Luz just getting a chance to be herself while doing work at the same time. It wasn't like she didn't have experience in the retail and fast food industry. Luz had worked before in a couple other locations but all resulted in her quitting because it didn't meet what she quite wanted.
So today was her first day on the job. With the hope Eda would go easy on her but of course, she didn't. Eda was aware Luz knew all the tricks to running this place. As if she hadn't come to visit Eda before at work countless times to grab free food before classes in the morning. Or even helped Eda with some her side hustles, selling antiques but more like trash she discovered from other's garbage cans.
As the day went on in The Owl Cafe, Luz felt the rush of taking orders and delivering them go by way too fast, as rush hour had hit. Customers shouting back and forth, asking for more water or extra bread. The collar of the button up white shirt she wore was almost drenched in sweat from the multiple times Luz had to run around to the kitchen and back to the lobby of the cafe to send out orders.
And once things had died down, she finally got her break. Sweet fifteen minutes to her self. Seating herself in the backroom, along side King, Eda's sweet old pet dog. She decided to check out the new Great Witch Azura movie trailer, as it was coming out soon.
King laid in his soft bed in the corner of the backroom, designed solely for him, snoozing himself to sleep. Jealously filled Luz, wishing she could do the same back home.
Watching the trailer, as the climax was soon coming up, Luz heard the shouting of Eda calling her back in. It hadn't even been five minutes, and Eda was already on her back again to get back outside. The older woman walked into the backroom, crossing her hands across her chest with a pity look on her face. Holding a spatula in her hands, as she probably was cooking up an order.
"Sorry Kid, there's one more customer out there waiting for an order. And our other worker decided to leave early for feeling sick. Could you handle it please?" Eda kindly asked, pointing out the door.
Luz knew it wasn't Eda's intention to force her out from a break so early, but that didn't help the aching pain in her feet from racing around the Cafe all day. Sighing, she nodded. Getting up from the seat, and pushing it back into the small round table. She followed Eda out the backroom, and through the kitchen to the lobby.
"Thanks Luz. I'll save a treat for you at the end of the shift." Eda remarked, shuffling Luz's hair before she headed out to the Lobby to take the customer's order.
Luz playfully shoved Eda's hand away, and gave a soft smile back at the older woman. Watching as she left to the kitchen to go back to cooking. Luz fixed her white apron on her black dress pants, removing her notepad from her pocket. Looking around, she noticed the single customer at the back of the Cafe near the window in a booth.
She was the only one without an order taken yet or a drink on her table. Luz clicked her pen to prepare beforehand to write down the order. Honestly, Luz didn't even need to take any double glances to make sure that was the customer Eda was talking about. Her bright green hair stood out enough. It reminded Luz of Azura's hair color.
Luz made her way to the booth, notepad in hand along with her pen. Looking out the window, she didn't have the energy to make eye contact with the customer right now. The weather outside seemed a little gloomy as rain was pouring down.
"Hello, Welcome to The Owl Cafe. How can I help you today?" Luz blandly asked.
Her quirky and joyful battery ran out from rush hour. Not giving enough energy to put her bubbly personality on. She'd hope to at least get a decent tip for taking this order. The green haired woman below her eyed over her menu once more, before giving an answer to Luz.
"Hmm, you know I'll take the famous special.... Hooty mix?" The woman questionably answered, taking a closer look at her menu.
Luz wish she could have laughed at the ridiculous name Eda made for her famous dish. But she didn't want it to look insulting in front of the customer and make her leave. Writing it down on the notepad, she now peered over to the girl sitting in the booth. Not taking in account how pretty she was earlier.
Her entire attire screamed professional and rich. She was dressed in one of the most expensive blouses Luz has ever seen, as the tint of gold pattern seemed to match her eyes. That blouse probably cost more than Luz's paycheck. From the way her gold dangle earrings swished back and forth slowly as she tucked her hair behind her ear, to get a better view of the menu without her hair in front of her face.
If Luz could, she'd tell this girl to go to an actual fancy restaurant rather than The Owl Cafe. Like who shows up to this place dressed like they were about to go to a press conference? Luz would admit she loved The Owl Cafe and the food was amazing, but for someone like this girl to dine here, it most likely wouldn't fit her desires. She looked like she deserved high class in everything.
Luz could feel her hands get clammy now with sweat, realizing she was dealing with an important customer.Nor the fact she was dead drop gorgeous and could be a model for all anyone knows. But if she messed this up, and made Eda loose an important customer, she would never hear the end of it.
"Is that all you'll like?" Luz questioned, trying to keep calm.
The greenette girl turned her attention to Luz, her mouth gape open sightly as her eyes hovered up and down over Luz. Her eyes focused up to Luz's, silence going on for a little. She then turned her head back down to the menu. Her cheeks tinted a light rosy color across them. Luz couldn't tell whether she was looking over her dirty waitress outfit, from how many smudges of food she got on it while handling orders.
"Do you have recommendation for any of the hot drinks?" She asked, peering over the menu once more, dragging her finger along the words. "I think a warm drink would suit this weather today."
Even her voice sounded elegant and wealthy. Luz tensed and leaned over to peer over the menu with her. She hand't had the whole menu memorized but there was always that one drink Eda made for Luz that she loved, whenever she came by to visit. The drink had a nice warm cinnamon taste with a hint of mint spice in the back.
Luz spotted it and pointed towards it, leaning over the girl's shoulder. Luz's finger dragged to the large printed name of the Menu. She could feel the presence of her green hair near her as their shoulders were almost pressed together.
"This one is definitely the best drink." Luz suggested, not realizing she was practically all in this girl's personal space.
The girl turned her head to align with making eye contact with the waitress. Once again, her cheeks were blushed. Eyeing again at Luz as she did earlier. The greenette girl closed the menu shut as Luz redirected her finger back. Realizing she might have gotten a little too close, it was a problem Luz had when meeting new people, always feeling comfortable and being too open with others. Her Mami swore her extrovert personality was a blessing for making new friends but sometimes she felt it could be the opposite.
Luz now stood back up from leaning over, and cleared her throat. In hopes she didn't push her out from discomfort. Holding her notepad and pen back in her hands, ready to write again. The woman held out the menu towards Luz, with her eyes peering at the notepad in her hands.
"I'll take whatever you suggest. You seem to know best, Luz," She spoke, as Luz took the menu from her hands.
A sudden wave of flush came over Luz as she heard her name transition out of a pretty girl's mouth. But wondering how she managed to figure out who she was.
"Of course. Did you take a wild guess there with my name? You must be real smart if you figured it out." Luz playfully asked, while smiling.
Luz held the menu between the placement of her arm, tilting her head over towards her. It caused the green haired girl to chuckle, as her hand slightly hovered over the lower half of her face as her other arm crossed her chest. Luz could still make out the perfect smile behind her attempt to cover it up.
"No, not really. Your name tag is right on your chest." She answered, as she pointed towards it, with her smile still across her face.
Now Luz felt like an idiot. Trying to suppress the embarrassment, she tried to laugh it off. Completely forgetting it was even there in the first place. How would a stranger just know her name right off of meeting her? Her cheeks tinted a deep crimson red across her face. Wanting to scream at her horrible attempts in making conversation with such a pretty girl like her. She would probably leave and think she was an idiotic waitress who assumed people just knew her name even though her name tag was platted across her chest.
"Right, right! Just messing with you! Alright, lemme go get your order now." Luz nervously laughed, while speed-walking away.
Not looking back towards her, Luz launched herself into the kitchen, to place the order. Handing it to one of the chefs. Getting straight to work, the chef began to prep the food. Luz really needed her fifteen minute break after that occurrence. Leaning against the open door of the kitchen, she sighed and crossed her arms across her chest. Trying to gain her confidence to go back out. Luz then felt a prickle on her shoulder, being startled she jumped up slightly, yelping.
Only to be met with Eda again, as the older woman laughed at how easily scared Luz was. Luz rolled her eyes, and shook her head. Grumpily holding her arms tighter across her chest now, looking towards to the lobby as a result. Luz couldn't help but her eyes wander back to the same girl that she recently took her order from. As she sat there, reading over a book.
Eda squinted trying to catch what Luz was looking over at too. Her eyes widened, now putting the puzzle pieces together. She grasped both her hands on top of Luz's shoulder, practically shouting right next to her ear.
"Is that a Blight in my Cafe?" Eda shouted.
Luz felt her ear drums explode, as Eda yelled right into her ear. Rubbing the side of her head, she looked over towards Eda with a dispair look across her face.
"Eda, did you have to shout in my ear?" Luz groaned. "And who's Blight?"
Eda scowled, removing her hands from Luz's shoulder. Shaking her head back and forth while tapping her foot at the ground. Disappointed, that Luz had no idea who the Blight family was or are.
"Luz, the Blight family runs the town Bonesborough! Their family has lived here for ages and I even went to school with her snobby, prissy parents. I think Lilly even tutored her once." Eda mentioned, pointing over to the girl across the restaurant, making it obvious. "And either way, I never expected one of them to ever dine here. Whatever, I bet she won't even come back after one meal. Blights always make it known they only go to the best of the best places, as if they were royals. Even though my Cafe is the best!"
Eda bragged while still going on about the horrors of the family. Honestly, if Luz was to base off what everything Eda was saying about the Blights, she probably would have never spoken to that girl. Her family sounded like awful people. But so far what she's taken account of the girl seated at the booth across the restaurant, she hadn't displaced any bad intentions towards Luz. Well, maybe not yet.
As Luz got lost in the endless complaints of Eda next to her, she heard the bell ring from the serving counter. The food must have been ready. Her head coming up from leaning against the doorway, she looked over and saw the plate prepared and her drink. Now worried, having to go back and serve the brunch to her. Luz slowly leaned off the doorway and made her way to the serving counter.
"I'd love to hear more about this later. But I gotta serve the dangerous Princess Blight first." Luz joked around, while grasping the plate and drink off the serving counter, being careful not to spill or drop anything.
"Yea, just beware Kid. Telling you, Blights are bad news." Eda warned, waving her off.
Luz laughed at hearing Eda sound so worried about one girl. She slowly balanced the plate and drank between her hands, moving through the Cafe towards the greenette at the last booth in the back. In hope, she didn't mess up and say anything stupid again this time. Luz edged near the booth and gave a small smile towards the green haired girl sitting.
As she was still focused onto the book in her hands. It seemed awfully familiar to Luz the book cover, but she couldn't clearly make out what it was. Her eyes hovered over it. Not wanting to be a creep and bend over to get a better look at the book cover, she decided to ignore it for now.
The girl completely ignored Luz's presence as she was placing the plate and drinking down in front of her. She was definitely really into that book. The clatter of the plate and drink didn't cause her to look up once from the pages she was flipping. Luz awkwardly stood in front of her, awaiting to see whether she'd at least look up or admire the food near her. Holding her hands together in one, Luz's small smile was slowly evaporating as she tried to hold it together.
"Anything else I could get for you?" Luz kindly asked, awaiting for any reaction from the girl below her.
Without a blink of an eye, she kept on reading. But answered the question while focusing her attention still on the book.
"No, that be it. Thank you." She simply answered. Leaving it to that.
Sighing, Luz nodded and left. I mean what had she expected? It wasn't like Luz wanted to talk more to her, and possibly ask what book she was so invested in. Either way, she had a job to get too and focus on. Luz didn't think Eda would like her slacking because she couldn't stop admiring the most beautiful girl to step into The Owl Cafe.
Either way, Eda did warn her she was a Blight and they thought better of themselves. So maybe she had higher expectations than to want to associate with a waitress? Pushing her hair back, Luz made her way back to the backroom, to finish her break time.
-----
Maybe Luz had gone over her limited time for her break, as she was so exhausted and interested in reading over many theories about the new The Good Witch Azura movie coming out soon. Anyways, Eda insisted Luz take the full break time instead of constantly running back and forth without stopping. She had done enough for the day after covering the majority of the orders throughout the Cafe.
But that hadn't stop the stinging in the back of her heart. Luz did want to go back out and see the Blight girl once more to attempt to make better conversation than the last time. But the anxiety of messing up again, or that fact she could have just thought Luz was just some weirdo, made her not want to even try anymore. It was clear she had no interest after completely ignoring her after the food came out.
Luz turned her phone off after her eyes became weary from staring at it for the past half hour. Setting it down on the table, she sighed and leaned against it. Placing her head down onto the table, resting her eyes. The illuminating light above her in the small backroom was the only source of light here, and if she could she would have turned it off and taken a small nap.
Right as she was resting her head, the small clacking of shoes she knew too well, came into the backroom again to see her.
"Hey Kid, you got a little gift today," Eda stated, while coming around to talk to Luz at the table.
While keeping her head on the surface of the round table, she didn't lift it up to make eye contact with Eda. Her voice was muffled, as she had wrapped her arms around her head.
"What do you mean?" Luz muffled underneath.
"Go check the Blight's booth," Eda replied, while she went to pet King as he still laid across in his bed all day.
That dog was certainly living his best life. Luz slowly got up and made her way once again out of the backroom. The Owl Cafe was almost empty as it was soon close to closing time. Making her way through, she remembered clearly where the girl had sat earlier. Seeing the empty booth, it was cleaned up from any dishes but only what was left was the receipt and a small sticky note.
Luz eyed it carefully and picked up the receipt, looking below it laid two fifty dollar bills. In shock, Luz felt her mouth go dry. What kinda person tipped a hundred dollars?! It almost felt like a prank in all honesty. Putting the receipt down, she didn't want to touch the money as if it was curse. She now ripped the small sticky note off the table and drew it near her face, able to read it. The handwriting was perfect and in cursive too. Almost like it was printed.
Reading across the small note, it caused Luz's heart to do black flips.
A shame I didn't get to see you again, Luz. The food was amazing, I'll always take your advice surely. Until next time we see each other - Amity
P.s The book I was reading was The Great Witch Azura, you seemed interested in knowing.
Luz smiled to her self. So Amity was her name? Amity Blight? She would surely remember her.
-----
It hadn't even been a week and Amity had shown up again. And when Luz saw her come through those doors while she was working, her entire world flipped over. Especially remembering the note she had last left her and the big amount of tip too. Luz had cherished the note way more than the money either way.
While Eda was so confused as to why a small piece of paper made her so excited instead of cash. Luz immediately announced she would get the next customer, which was Amity. Honestly, none of the workers cared if she claimed to be the only one to take her order.
Double checking this time, to make sure her uniform didn't have any stains or smudges, she rushed out the kitchen to go take her order and talk to her. Anxiously, Luz marched her way to the booth Amity was seated in. It was the same booth she sat in last time. Coming towards her, Luz suddenly came right in front of her.
"Hi!" Luz exclaimed, while having a wide grin across her face.
Being startled by the quick shout from Luz, Amity jumped a bit in her seat. Placing her hand over her chest from surprise. Then taking in quick notice who the waitress was, a small blush came into her face. Amity was of course, dressed fancy as ever. Wearing the similar amazing attire as she had last time. And Luz took notice she curled the ends of her hair a little this time. Her book bag was leaning against the side of the booth, as Luz could see visibly into the bag the same book Amity was reading last time she was here.
"Oh, sorry I didn't mean to scare you there." Luz apologized, noticing she had said hi a little too loud.
"No, no! It's fine." Amity reinsured, shaking her hand. "You just surprised me there. It's nice to see you again."
Slowly the awkwardness came in between the two of them. Amity tucked a strand of green hair behind her ear, as waiting for the brunette to say anything else. She seemed lost in words in how to talk with Luz. While Luz uselessly too, had no idea how to interact with Amity. Trying to figure out any good cheesy pick up lines she could use on her without driving her away from scare. But Luz pushed that idea for another time.
"I guess you really liked the food last time, seeing you came again." Luz stated. "So what can I get you this time?"
Amity looked towards the menu that laid across the table, not even opening it once. Her hands placed together over her lap, she glanced at the menu and looked up towards Luz. Not exactly answering her question.
"Surprise me."
Confused, Luz squinted her eyes down at Amity. Never had she had a customer rely on her to take their order like this before.
"You want me to surprise you, Amity?" Luz asked, saying the girl's name for the first time. Remembering it clearly.
It caused a bit of a reaction from Amity, seated across from Luz. It wasn't like Amity had forgotten she wrote that note last time she came, but realizing now she might have been a little too open in it, made her feel embarrassed now thinking about it. Knowing she couldn't wait to see Luz again in person.
"Well, last time you suggested a good meal and you know the menu better than I do. So I entrust that you can do it again." Amity quickly spoke. "If that's not a problem."
It was in fact true Luz did know the menu better but it hadn't meant she was a professional at choosing meals for everyone. She personally had no idea what Amity liked, but she did want to get to know her more. So, Luz decided to take up the challenge.
"Ok, I'll pick a perfect meal for your liking." Luz accepted, smirking. "But don't be upset if you don't enjoy it."
"Oh I doubt I won't enjoy it." Amity remarked. "You look wise in making meal preparation choices."
Luz didn't know whether Amity was trying to complement her but she took it as one. All those years spent in the kitchen with her Mami, would surely pay off now. Especially when she overlooked it back then and felt annoyed having to cut up a bunch of vegetables. Luz would have to thank her Mami later when she had the chance. And she couldn't mess this up, wanting to impress Amity.
"Alright, Amity!" Luz announced. " I, Luz Noceda, will prepare you the best lunch you will ever have!"
Luz shouted out while extending her hand in the air to represent herself. Amity looked up towards Luz in awe seeing her get all excited about it. Not having any concerns, Amity knew Luz had already given her an amazing experience.
----
The meal Luz had prepared for Amity, had surely been her favorite even though she only had two so far at The Owl Cafe. Even though she had the Hooty Mix, the special of the cafe, something about this meal when Amity was eating it, made her love it twice more. Amity usually never went out to diners or cafes, as she always went out to large and fancy restaurants with her family. So she didn't have a lot of experience in going out to fast food.
But The Owl Cafe had a star on her map for any place she would go out to eat, oppose to all those fancy restaurants she spent her endless times at for business meetings with her parent's business partners or gatherings. All those fancy restaurants just contained small expensive meals, that wouldn't fill her up.
Amity had only stumbled upon this cafe when making her way out of the University Of Hexside, and extremely fatigued after not eating for a long period of time from studying for her recent exams. It was the closest place to get a quick grab to eat.
And thankfully she had came here, because she would have never gotten to meet that cute waitress. Amity had finished up her meal, and now seated across from her was Luz. Luz decided to take her break now, to be able to actually get to know Amity as opposed to having constant customer and waitress conversations.
The two girls engaged in small talk as it developed into more. Figuring out that they both went to the same college, stroked a shock in Luz. Luz never once saw Amity around University Of Hexside but it was most likely from their different majors. As Amity was majoring in chemistry while Luz was doing journalism. So of course, both sections of those majors were on the opposite side of the school. But surely now Luz would keep a more open eye out, trying to see whether she can spot Amity through the crowds of students.
It was almost like a little date, Luz imagined as they shared the booth together. Instead it was just Luz on her break time trying to flirt with her, but somehow being successful. From never having much experience in the romance department except those horrible fails in high school. It wouldn't stop Amity from giggling at her stupid cheesy pick up lines.
"So, I couldn't help but notice that you have one of The Great Witch Azura books! What edition is it? Luz curiously asked, her eyes weighing down to Amity's book bag.
Luz bit into her small apple pie, as she was also hungry from working long hours already at The Owl Cafe. Amity sat at the edge of the booth, while grasping her book bag off the floor, to obtain the book from the bag.
"It's actually the sixth edition." Amity answered, while sliding the book across to Luz on the table.
Luz could feel her mouth slightly open hearing those words out of Amity's lips. The sixth edition was the newest book and Luz desperately tried to get one. But it sold out so quickly online, that she never got to it. Witnessing it in real life felt like finding treasure! Luz watched as Amity had the book down on the table of the booth. The hardcover was shiny and had Azura with Hecate battling on against the evil wizard. The crumbs fell from the side of her cheek as she gazed at it with such joy.
Amity slightly chuckled seeing Luz's reaction.
"You know, I never met anyone who liked The Great Witch Azura as much as I do." Amity said, while looking towards the book. "If you want, you could borrow it. I finished reading it awhile ago."
Luz didn't even dare touch the book, in fear she might get it dirty and now Amity was offering for her to borrow it! Luz shook her head. It seemed too good to be true.
"Oh, I couldn't. I'm too scared of ruining the perfect clean pages." Luz said, while kindly refusing the offer.
Amity frowned, pushing the book towards Luz with her hand, to get it closer to her.
"I insist you borrow it Luz." Amity urged. "It's extremely well written and I'd be upset knowing you never got the chance to read it. Anyways, I would love to talk about with my theories with someone too."
Luz felt the book prodding into her arms. The brunette gently edged the book back towards Amity, shaking her head again. Amity raised her eyebrow seeing Luz reject the offer again.
"That's sweet of you Amity. But what if I ruin it? I can be a bit clumsy at times. I'll just wait to buy my own when they restock." Luz objected. "I bet your theories are amazing, maybe your friends would be interested in hearing them?"
Amity furrowed her eyebrows and sent the book back to Luz. This time shoving it with more force. Luz tried to push the book back to Amity, but she really had a good grip on it. Not letting Luz give it back to the owner. Even though Amity was shorter, she really was strong at how hard she was putting into not letting Luz give her back the book.
"My 'friends' would just think this is stupid." Amity said, rolling her eyes at the word friends. "But I'm not leaving until you agree to read this book. It would be an amazing thing to share with someone else for once."
Luz didn't mind if Amity stayed with her at The Owl Cafe all day, but by the way Amity looked when saying she wouldn't leave until she agreed to borrow the book, she seemed true to her words. Giving in, Luz gripped the book and Amity loosened hers from it. Luz looked more closely at the cover, seeing the details of Azura and Hecate in the cover.
Excitement came over her, getting to finally have the sixth edition in her hands. Eyeing over towards Amity, the green haired girl watched as Luz was practically fangirling right now.
"Fine, I'll read it. But I have one request only." Luz stated.
Amity crossed her arms across her chest, questioning what Luz could want.
"Alright. What is it?"
"I'll do it, in exchange for your number." Luz smoothly answered.
Amity smiled, getting out a small sticky note from her book bag and her pen. Clicking the pen in hand, she scribbled the numbers across it. Sticking it right onto the cover, as Luz held it still in her hands. The phone number was written across it and at the end of it had a small heart in the corner.
"We have a deal then, Luz Noceda." Amity said, with a smug look across her face.
-----
As a few weeks go by, it was like the same little routine Amity and Luz had together. Amity would come in almost everyday from the week. Leaving little sticky notes for Luz and tipping her a little too much. Even though Luz insisted for her not too, Amity just kept on doing so. Both of them were almost always messaging each other or FaceTiming each other. Whether it was during classes or work. Eda had to even tell Luz a couple tells to get her eyes glued off her phone.
Throughout knowing her, Luz still hasn't had the chance of seeing Amity outside of work nor witnessing her at school. Sometimes they both would have the same hour of class, when Luz would text her about being so bored while Amity replied telling her the opposite, that she was fully invested in her class.
Luz had the urge to ask Amity out, but didn't know how. She never got any chances to see her other than work, and chatting up with her during her break times. Luz wondered what Amity did other than school or going to The Owl Cafe. I mean, last time she checked, Amity did say she was extremely busy all the time and The Owl Cafe was the closest place to go to near the University without leaving out too far.
Stating she had a lot of work to be done for her parent's business and schooling along with it. From the multiple times, Luz had asked if she wanted to hang out or do something together, it was the same answer.
So obviously, Luz went to the people she trusted most for advice. Gus Porter and Willow Park. Her best friends since she came to University of Hexside. Luz knew Willow would know things about relationships since she was in one with Hunter. He was like a brother to Luz, but they did have their fair share of moments not getting along. And knowing Gus, he was a smart young intelligent guy. He probably knew something even though he had no romantic interests.
Luz laid across the bed of Willow in her small apartment, she shared with Gus. It was honestly more like a dorm because it was provided by the University but they just called it an apartment. Luz threw a small rubber ball in the palm of her hands, up and down, catching it while laying down. Gus watched as his friend was in a helpless thought, as he was seated in the beanbag at the corner of the room.
Willow leaned back in her wheel chair, near her desk, eyeing her dear friend too. After the long explanation Luz had given them and with a bunch of stories side tracking, it was a bit too process. The two of them were attempting to find a way to give helpful advice too Luz.
"So Amity Blight, is the girl you're talking about?" Gus asked, pointing at Luz.
Luz only gave a low hum in an agreement, continuously throwing the ball up in the air. Gus had no other ideas left in him to ask or give out. Looking over to Willow, in hope she would be better at this than he was. Willow stared back at Gus and then towards Luz.
"Have you tried seeing her outside of The Owl Cafe?" Willow questioned, trying to bring an idea into play.
Luz stopped throwing the ball and turned over onto the side of her, to glance over at her best friends. Now just catching the ball back in forth in her hands. Her wary face, holding the clear answer.
"No, that's the problem. She's always so busy. Like I've asked her what she does in her free time and she basically said doing homework." Luz said, sighing. "The only reason why she comes to The Owl Cafe so she doesn't have to go out so far from school. And her constantly seeing me in my dirty waitress uniform isn't shining any good light on me."
Willow crossed her arms, and shook her head.
"Hunter did tell me Amity was like that." Willow mentioned.
Luz immediately stopped throwing the ball in her hands as it fell from her palm and onto the ground rolling. It felt almost like slow motion as it landed onto the ground, rolling over to Gus on the side of the room. Gus shot an alarming look over too Luz, seeing as she just stopped throwing the ball around. Luz sat up right away and went towards Willow at the edge of the bed, being close toward her face.
"Hunter knows Amity?!" Luz yelled out in shock.
"Uh yea, Hunter hangs out with her twin siblings time to time. Their bound to bump each other sometimes. ." Willow stated, trying to recall any memories.
The fact Amity had closer connections to her than she thought, made Luz feel like she was in space from not realizing. Even though Luz had only recently moved to Bonesborough, she felt very behind in knowing everything.
"Or why don't you go to Hunter for help?" Gus questioned.
Luz stuck her tongue out in disgust, thinking of asking Hunter for advice on romance was weird for her. It was like telling someone who was their brother their personal love life. Luz had met Hunter through her Mami's vet clinic, as he urgently came too when his cardinal bird, which Luz wondered how he even kept as a pet, strained their wing.
He didn't want his uncle knowing about the injured bird so he left it at the vet clinic for some days, the bird Flapjack, was one of Luz's favorite animals she worked with. Luz would occasionally volunteer and help around with animals at her Mami's clinic, as a way to spend time with her Mami when she could.
But when Hunter would constantly come around almost everyday to check up on Flapjack, it caused a bit of disturbance for Luz. As he would make snarky comments to her saying that wasn't the way Flapjack liked to be cared for or handle. Her Mami had to break up a fight once between them when they argued about what type of material of blanket Flapjack would prefer to sleep in more. Afterwards, when Flapjack healed completely and was sent off with his owner, Luz couldn't help but keep in touch with Hunter. Wanting to just see the bird once a while.
"If I were to tell Hunter any of this, he would only be laughing his ass off at me." Luz commented in annoyance.
"Or maybe you don't have to ask her out somewhere new? Just be straight up with her and do it at work with a cute gesture." Willow added on. "I mean the worst she could say is no. But I don't think she would. Seeing Amity was interested in you first."
Willow did have a point there. I mean Amity did spark interest first towards Luz, leaving her the first note at The Owl Cafe. But worry sparked over Luz's body. What if Amity did say no? She would probably stop coming all around the cafe after rejecting Luz and not have anything delicious to eat after school anymore. Amity was such a busy person, how could she ever make time for Luz. Instead, Luz decided to punch all her negative thoughts away and come forward with Willow's idea.
"You're right. I'll just ask her out when I see her next time at work. And I'll for sure do it! Right when she walks through the doors!" Luz announced, excitedly as she jumped off Willow's bed.
Now giving a hug to both her best friends, thanking them for their help. What in the world would she do without them.
----
Luz had it all worked out together on how to ask Amity out. When Amity would sit down at the same booth, and finish her meal, Luz would tell her she has something for her and bring out a little surprise to her. It'll look like a box of dessert, even though Amity didn't order it. Luz will just simply tell her it's a new idea for the menu, and she wanted her to be the taste taster for it before it was given out. And once Amity opens the box of dessert, it'll be a small cake with icing written out in it, will you go out with me?
She'll be so impress and flattered by the offer, that hopefully she'll end up saying yes. I mean who doesn't like cake? Luz had texted Amity to check if she was stopping by The Owl Cafe today, to just make sure the cake was fresh when she came.
Amity replied saying Yes. As Luz stood by the register of the Cafe, she heard the bell of the door open. Luz felt her heart skip a beat, witnessing Amity come through those doors. As Amity walked in something was off. She hadn't looked too happy to be here today.
While Amity was making her way through the Cafe, two other people made their way into the Cafe as well.The both of them towering after Amity, laughing and talking behind her. This made Amity look even twice as upset than she had earlier coming in by herself. Sitting in the same booth as she always did, two older people sat in front of her. They must of been twins cause they looked identical. And Luz wouldn't lie if she wasn't interested in who these people where.
Coming to thought, she took in account that they were no other than Edric and Emira Blight. Amity's older siblings! This was not apart of the plan Luz had in mind, now feeling a little more nervous about going through with it now. I mean, the bigger the show, the better, right? Is what Luz thought.
Sensations of her hands becoming sweaty as they once did before when she first met Amity. This would be her first time meeting them, and she didn't want to make a bad impression. Walking through the cafe, Luz was now present in front of the Blight family. Doing her usual part of the job as a waitress.
"Hey Ames," Luz softly spoke, a nickname Luz had created for Amity and was also her contact name in her phone. "I wasn't aware you were bringing in special guests today. What could I get you guys?"
Amity bit down at the bottom of her lip, still looking angry as ever. Luz had seen Amity upset before only when she would go off about assignments for school or how her parents have put her through a horrible day. But this look was new for Luz. Her cheeks were flushed out and her glare looked deadly.
"I didn't plan on bringing my siblings along but they forced themselves. After spying on me!" Amity hissed, watching as her siblings had devilish grins on their faces.
The Blight twins had the same exact sense of appearance just like Amity always had. Dress to impress. Emira chuckled to herself as she read over the menu, her fresh done manicure was noticeable as the shining glitter almost blinded Luz from looking at it. Edric peered over the menu with his sister, Luz felt the urge to say embarrassing things about Hunter in front of his friends right now even without his presence here. But she had a mission to do, and couldn't get distracted.
"We just simply wanted to hang out with you Mittens." Emira said, slightly teasing Amity. "We rarely ever see you these days. Oh and I'll have the fresh strawberry smoothie. I heard that they were good here."
Luz went down to write Emira's order in her notepad. So it seemed Luz wasn't the only one having problems trying to see Amity. Also, she would surely tease Amity later with that nickname.
"Yea. Either way, we wanted to see this cute waitress you're always talking about and gushing over. " Edric added, with a smirk. "I've never seen you have a crush this bad before."
That was the tip of the ice burg as Amity's face had completely turned red. She attempted to cover it by brushing her hair forward in front of her face.
"Cut it out you two-" Amity whispered-shouted, but Luz ended up talking over her.
"That cute waitress must be me she's always talking about." Luz commented, with a wide toothy grin.
Amity could feel her insides burn hearing Luz announce herself to her siblings. The Blight twins turned their heads so fast over too Luz, it as if they gotten whiplash from it. Their eyes widening in eager to finally get to meet face to face the person who their sister was head over heels for.
"You're Luz right?" Edric questioned. "Hunter has mentioned you before to me. What a small world we live in. "
"Yea, but I doubt anything Hunter said about me was probably not true or good on my part." Luz answered, knowing the blonde boy and his snarky attitude.
"Either way." Emira said. "You for sure got the cute part right Amity."
Emira sent a wink to Luz as her eyes peered over the menu. Luz now felt flustered just as Amity was. Her face now felt warm. The comment wanted to send Amity into rage, seeing her older sister making comments like that. Not because of jealously or anything. Amity Blight was never one to be jealous, considering her self to always be a confident person. Amity tried to contain herself while gripping her hands together tightly.
"You guys are taking forever to order. Hurry up so I don't have to spend any time longer with you two." Amity gritted through her teeth. "And stop bothering Luz, Emira! She's trying to do her job."
Edric ended up just ordering as Emira rolled her eyes at Amity's rude persona. Soon ordering next after Edric. Luz wrote them down and finished off the order. She asked if that would complete their order, but the Twins witnessed that Amity hadn't even gotten anything for herself. In confusion as to why, Edric asked his younger sister.
"Amity, aren't you getting anything?" Edric asked.
"Yea." Amity expressed with a short answer. Not wanting to engage much with her siblings.
"Then why aren't you ordering?" Emira implored.
Amity ignored their questions and went onto her phone. As she thanked Luz for withstanding them for the meantime.
"Oh, its because I always surprise Amity with a new dish every time time she comes. It's a little thing we do." Luz answered for her.
The twins awed hearing the response from Luz, with a glow in their eyes as they looked over at Luz. The both of them holding their hands in unision while admiring the waitress.
"That is so adorable!"
"It's like such a couple to do. Like when the partner comes home and their spouse cooks them a little surprise meal every time. You get what I'm saying?"
"I guess so-" Luz shyly admitted, but Amity now stood up from her seat, walking over to Luz.
Amity placed her hands behind Luz's shoulder, lightly shoving her off. Walking her away already from the booth where her siblings sat at.
"Ok, that's enough chit-chatting. Next thing you know you're gonna get Luz fired for occupying her time so much." Amity told them, in spite of the fact she did the exact thing herself whenever she came on her own to The Owl Cafe.
The Blight twins groaned in protest, but Amity had gotten herself and Luz out of their view. Making her way towards the end of the cafe at the kitchen door with Luz. Stopping in their foot steps as they got to the door. The both of them standing face to face.
"Sorry about them. They can be a lot to handle when they get like that." Amity apologized, looking up to the taller girl. "Had to get you out of there before they start attacking you with so many questions and thoughts of theres."
Luz rubbed the back of her neck, laughing softly. Looking down at Amity, the kitchen light from outside held a golden hue over Amity's face. Almost like she were a goddess in Luz's eyes. Not wanting to get distracted in Amity's present, she still had a job to do.
"It's fine. They are fun to talk too." Luz said, trying to find a way to describe how talking to Edric and Emira would feel like.
"I guess if you enjoy withstanding their horrible pranks, then yea there fun. Well, anyways I better get back to them now before they go around looking for me. Also, I wouldn't mind if you were to put some poison in there food without me knowing." Amity sarcastically commented, while turning her way back to the booth.
Luz grasped the kitchen door open, watching back at Amity.
"Sure, sure. I'd love to be the face of your siblings' death Ames." Luz joked.
Before Amity was out of Luz's view, she could have sworn she saw a small smile come from corner of her lips overhearing Luz's joke.
-----
After Amity and the twins were done with their meals, Luz was mentally preparing herself for mission asking out Amity with her yummy cake. While Eda had set it freshly bake in a box on top of the table back in the backroom, Luz was preparing the check for them. Eda watched as Luz chaotically got everything together in the backroom.
Holding the receipt of there order in her hand while opening and closing the box so many times, to make sure nothing was out of place. King got annoyed by all the slamming and closing of the top from the box, he had barked twice at Luz. Eda had to admit too, Luz was going into this too much and overthinking it.
"Wait, let me just-" Luz insisted, but Eda had turned Luz away from the table to the door.
"Kid, you're overthinking it. She's gonna love it and she will for sure say yes. If she rejects you then she's banned for life from The Owl Cafe. Go out there now!" Eda pep talked Luz.
Luz felt a shove from Eda as she forced her back into the lobby of cafe. Almost as if it was the first time she was meeting Amity again, the butterflies swarm all over her stomach. She needed to stick to the plan and not panic out of spite. Taking a big breathe in, she made her legs walk over to the booth.
Making her appearance known at the front of the booth, everyone's attention shifted to her. It was now or never. The ongoing conversation between Emira, Edric and Amity stopped once Luz came around.
"Here's your guys check. I also uh have something to give you Amity." Luz sheepishly spoke. Setting down the check at the table.
Amity gripped the check before Edric or Emira had the chance, shooting them glances before going back to hearing what Luz had to say. As Amity was doing her regular routine of like always overtipping Luz even if it wasn't needed. The countless times Luz had just told Amity she didn't need too because seeing her was enough as a tip. Either way, it worried Luz from the hundreds of dollars Amity would give away to her, would cause her to go broke one day.
"Oh, what is it?" Amity asked, unexpected this sudden surprise.
"Well, I had-"
"Ooh a grand gesture, huh?" Emira teased at.
Luz nerves were already all over the place and the twins made them spark up even more.
"I mean, it sorta is but besides-"
Not even getting to finish her sentences, the twins were already over speaking on Luz. The waitress stood there in front of them, in worry she wouldn't ever be able to go back to the backroom to receive the small cake. The twins kept on asking and poking over at Luz with random things she didn't even know or understand. Amity got them to shut up by shouting at them, giving Luz the chance to escape the bubble of questions. And as she thought she was finally making process of just leaving to go grab it, Edric said something that made her stop in her tracks.
"Remember how Amity hated those big surprise gestures from all the countless suitors she got trying to ask her out. I mean she's always said no to them and kicked those guys to the curb faster than you could say it. " Edric brought up. "Mom and Dad got the clear message after you moved out."
Luz felt like a deer caught in headlights. She never excepted Amity to not have any past relationships, most likely had an ex there or then. But hearing how Amity despised grand gestures, what if she didn't like this small one? What if Amity thought Luz was like those suitors who've asked her out before? And if Amity had people lined up with gifts and expensive things to give away, what made Luz think Amity would like her cake? Even worst, what if Amity did reject her but didn't want to be friends anymore. Thinking Luz was just some weirdo who just only wanted to get with her for all the wrong reasons.
Feeling overwhelmed with worry, Luz didn't have the courage like she did at the starting of the day.
"Ugh, Edric can you please just shut up! Both of you have just countlessly been embarrassing me today. I'm sorry Luz, what were you saying-" Amity asked, but Luz had already left.
Amity confusingly looked around to see if Luz was near but she had been gone. Upset now that her siblings might of gone too far now with their jokes.
Luz had raced back to the backroom, trying find to some excuse not to give Amity the cake anymore or ask her out at all. Looking around, she saw the Azura book on the shelf. Luz left it there when she to put it down after her break was over, not being able to finish it yet. Luz could just say she needed to give it back and that was it. Nothing more than returning the book.
Maybe it just wasn't the right timing to ask Amity out now. Luz hurriedly grabbed the book, not wanting to keep her waiting too long. Going out back to the lobby, she noticed the booth was empty now. Amity nor her siblings were seated there. Fearful that Amity took note of what was going on and had left with them before Luz even made a move.
It was over now. Amity would never want to talk to Luz again now. Feeling her heart sting again with pain, the ding of her phone vibrated in her back pocket. Holding the book in her hand, she took the phone out and checked the recent message sent to her.
Ames: I'm by the front door. I couldn't handle Edric and Emira anymore so I had to get out.
Luz sighed in relief, knowing Amity hadn't caught on to anything. Looking over to her left, right there was Amity on her phone at the front door. Holding her usual book bag over her shoulder, as she waited for Luz to make her way over. Luz felt guilty for not going through with plan, even after Eda went through all that trouble to make the cake. But maybe it was better this way.
Luz hugged The Great Witch Azura book tightly in her arms, telling herself to calm down. As Luz walked up to Amity, she looked up from her phone and her eyes hovered down to the book wrapped around Luz's arms. Placing her phone away, Amity read over Luz's face, looking back and forth.
"You finished reading the book already?" Amity wondered. It took Amity a while to finish it if she were honest, especially since she was always so occupied with school and other things. How could it been possible Luz had already finished it so quickly?
"I did. It was super good that I couldn't put it down at all. So you can have it back now." Luz lied, holding out the book. She forced a smile over face, trying to make it sound convincing.
"I actually was going to just let you keep it. You know, as way of showing how happy I am too have gotten to meet you, Luz." Amity bashfully confessed, tugging at the end of her hair. "There's no need of returning it. And I did need someone talk to about my theories and here you are."
Luz couldn't have stopped herself from feeling even more guilty. She lied this far to Amity and she looked so happy hearing Luz finished it. Luz just wouldn't feel right keeping it. Pushing the book forward in Amity's hand, she dropped it right into them before Amity could force her to take it back. Amity furrowed her eyebrows at how Luz objected so fast to the thought of keeping the book, to point of forcing Amity to take it. It seemed out of the ordinary.
"Sorry, it doesn't feel right if I kept it. It's your to keep." Luz insisted. "I gotta get back to work before Eda catches me. I'll see you around Amity."
Amity stood there as Luz swiftly turned around to go back into the kitchen. Something felt off but Amity didn't understand why. She couldn't just force Luz around to tell her what was wrong, she was on work hours. As Luz was gone, Amity decided to head out. Her siblings had already left so she was on her own now. Looking down at The Great Azura book, She would have thought Luz would have surely kept it. You know, as a sign of their friendship or whatever they had going neither of them established yet.
Amity stood outside The Owl Cafe, taking a few seconds trying to put together what had just occurred. Her eye caught something sticking out from the book. Opening up the book, their laid multiple sticky notes that Amity had written out from the course of times she's came to The Owl Cafe.
Why would Luz stack them all in here on one page? Surely she would have left one at whatever page she favored throughout the book. Processing it, the light bulb struck in Amity's mind. The sticky notes were supposed to be a bookmark. So basically Luz never finished the book. Feeling a bit sad that she hadn't, why would she even lie in the first place?
But also, this wasn't originally what Luz wanted to give her. There was something else, so she must of just used the book as a decoy as it instead. But why hadn't she given Amity what there was originally? Looking through the sticky notes, she noticed something different from one of them.
The color of it was purple rather than all the pink ones stacked in there. Pulling it out, it had a bullet point on it. In big blue ink it read, order cake by Eda to ask out Ames. As the words went through Amity's brain her mind fried. Luz wanted to ask Amity out! Luz Noceda wanted to date Amity! This should have been the happiest day of her life, but coming to terms, Luz hadn't asked her out.
Is this what Luz had plan? A cute gesture for her to ask her out. It seemed so sweet, but why hadn't Luz done it. Amity still stood outside the cafe, trying to process it all down. Oh gosh, when Edric said the stupid thing about the suitors it must of drove her off. Wanting to scream and beat her siblings up for ruining what could of been a special moment for Amity.
Putting this all together, Amity could have considered herself a detective at this point. Gaining an idea, maybe Amity could switch the roles here. What if Luz didn't have to be the one asking her out?