The first chapter of “Spaceman” a novella by SC Rose. A new chapter is posted every Monday. Chapter two will be posted on 11/23/08.

Latte Moccachino. The bitter flavored frost layering an even more bitter scorch of poor tasting flavored water. The Worlds most sold cup of java and it’s cut bagged and sold at “Bean Junkies”. The worlds largest coffee shop and the source of numbing work to thousands of Americans. The constant crowd jockeys about for the next available stool. A space to rest their laptop. The garbled sound of conversations everywhere settle in to a peaceful hum. The trash barrels sag and leak juice about the floor. A businessman talking on his bluetooth, scrolls through his blackberry unaware that his expensive shoes sit like twin islands in the center… or maybe he just doesn’t care.

A man in a WORLD, a world he knows nothing of, George, pushes a bucket around the coffee shop making sure to stay as far away from interaction as possible. His greasy balding hair cover many small psoriasis scabs on the top of his head. The thickest glasses made rested on the pimples covering his nose. The longing and disappointment etched into his face. His protruding belly tents his uniform blouse taut above his waistline. The smell of cheap cologne barely covers the smell of old cigarette smoke and warm garbage. Permanent sweat stains decorate his armpits. He stops at the businessman and stands next to him staring for several seconds hoping that the man will notice and step aside. Not a word spoken. He pulls the mop from the bucket and rings it dry. He pushes it about the man’s feet but the leak continues to flow from the corner of the bag. Six seventy five a cup and most cups end up waste on Georges shirt. George pulls the bag form the metal frame receptacle and lugs it through the back of the shop with purpose. The way he maneuvered throughout the day, with undying purpose.

Dusk darkened the ominous alley behind the “Bean Junkie”. A ray of light shoots from the opening door. George waves a flashlight. He looks around before entering the alley using the flashlight to keep the door open. He taps the dumpster a few times and listens for a sound. The bag leaks over his uniform blouse as he hoists it into the dumpster. George walks through the door back inside.