"Lucinda if you don't get up from your bed immediately and find yourself at work you will regret it" Elena my roommate said as she hopped onto my bed "For Christ's sake your alarm has been going off continuously."
"Ughhhhhhh Okay fine, I'm up," I said rubbing my eyes as I rushed into the bathroom washed my face gaggled some mouthwash and left for my shift at my miserable job. I took a bus to work because I couldn't afford a car, I was five minutes late, and I could sense my boss's anger at the entrance of the restaurant.
"Emma your shift started ten minutes ago," Henry the owner of the restaurant said with clenched teeth. For the hundredth time my name isn't Emma, I'm growing tired of correcting this man, but I'm not about to argue with him today.
"I know and I'm so sorry, the bus was taking longer than usual_"
"I'm sorry that's all you can come up with Emma." He summoned.
"At least I have the courtesy to apologize" I manage to say without realizing I said it out loud, covering my mouth at the realization.
"Excuse me?" my boss said turning around to face me.
"Ugh! Nothing"
"Who takes the lousy bus anyways?" he questioned.
"I do"
"It seems as though you have grown wins overnight Emma,"
"No sir"
"Go get dressed" he barked as we parted ways.
I got into my work attire and began my shirt without wasting any more time. From the corner of my eyes, I couldn't help but notice the way a gentleman has been staring at me, for quite some time, so I played it safe and head over to his table.
I flashed him a soft smile. "Good evening, would you like to try our special?" I asked after I handed him the menu card. He didn't say much, he nodded his head as if he has a speech disorder.
"Okay, great I will be right back," I said turning on my heel and making my way into the kitchen where I placed the order.
As I made my way out of the kitchen, I felt someone grab my arm pulling me into their path,
"Ouch" I yelled in horror as I turned to see who it was.
"Emma, sorry if I hurt you but table four needs a waiter." what was it with this? I questioned all he had to do was call, he's always creepy I said shaking the Smug off my face.
"Henry I'm sorry but I'm already working on table six," I said as I rub my arm gently.
"Do you want the job or not" I heard him say.
"Okay fine," I said turning on my heel as I marched over to table four. I summoned a fake smile as I greeted the guests.
"Hi, my name is lucy and I'm here to take your order."
"Oh, finally a pretty one," one of the gentlemen said.
"Can I order your number?" another gentleman said swinging his beer to his filthy lips.
"Hey men don't be rude to her, she's being polite" the third one out of the group speak.
"A menu card, please?" he said extending his arms to mine
"Sure," I said as I placed the menu card in his hands, he took one look at the menu card before placing his order. I took their orders and left.
I went over to the bar where I grabbed a tray and told Alex the bartender the order. Alex has been hitting on me since the minute I walked through the door of this restaurant.
"He wouldn't stop staring at you," said Alex.
"Who" I said whipping my head around to see who he was referring to.
"Table four" he said sparing me a glare.
"OMG Alex, I've completely forgotten about them, I hope I don't lose my job because of them."
"You need to stop worrying; besides I think he likes you."
"Why would you make such an accusation?" I said as placed the drinks on the tray.
"Because you have your head so high up your ass that you haven't noticed that every night, he's been here staring at you."
"I don't know what his deal he wouldn't speak to me instead he just stares at me like a lost puppy," I said as I picked the tray up and walked towards his table. Come to think of it he's been here every night for almost 2 months I'm not sure if he's intimated by me, but I have these weird vibes coming from him.
I pretended as though I wasn't uncomfortable with him, but I couldn't lose my job I need the money, besides it's a decent-paying job. As I grew closer to his table, I managed to summon a smile.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting longer than you anticipated," I said as I placed his drinks on the table.
"It's not a big deal" he joked exposing his perfectly white teeth, he speaks I said to myself, based on my little observation from the way he was dressed and well-mannered it was obvious he was a rich guy and rich guys are nothing but trouble.
"Anything else before I leave?" I added.
"When does your shift usually end?
"I'm sorry?"
"You heard me, ″ he said with raised brows.
"I'm sorry but I have to go," I said as I rushed to the kitchen and retrieve the table's six orders.
The remainder of the night was caustic and Lucinda was so busy she hasn't noticed when the stranger from table four left the restaurant, as she was leaving the restaurant, she saw a blue Bugatti Centodieci flash its light at her, as she walked slowly towards the parked car, she saw the stranger from table four seated in the driver's seat.
The car confirmed Lucinda's thoughts about the stranger he was rich.
"I'm sorry did you forget something?"
"Get in!" he said as he leaned over to the passenger seat and opened the door for her.
"Why must I do such a reckless thing? where is your friend? " Lucy was hesitant but eventually went into the car, besides it was after 12, and it was reckless to call a cab at this time of the night.
" He had an emergency," he said before starting the engine.
" So why are you parked outside of the restaurant?" I added before reaching for the seat belt.
"I didn't see you leave so I figured you were still inside, and I thought u may need a lift."
"Nice of you"
The ringing of the phone brought our conversation to an end
"Hello" I answered without looking at the caller id.
"Lucy, you need to come home as soon as possible" my mother's voice was weak I could have sensed that something was wrong, and the thought of losing my mother sent chills through my body.
"What is wrong, is Lucas's okay, I've just ended my shift at the restaurant and I'm very tired," I told my mother.
"Lucas is fine it's about your father."
"My father." I couldn't wipe the thought away.
"I'll be there soon," I said as I ended the conversation with my mother and turned to the man sitting next to me.
"Can you please take me to the train station?"
"At this time of the night? he sounded worried, "you haven't slept."
"Yes, I'm aware of that, I have a family emergency I need to attend to."
"Can't you deal with it in the morning? when you have enough rest, your body will not function effectively."
"No, I can,"
"Fine" he drove me to the train station in complete silence as if he was disappointed, he knew nothing about me, but he still showed so much interest, in my health, or maybe this was his way of making me feel as though he cared for me.
I bored the train and left for Stewartville to visit my brother and mother, the train ride was smooth and successful, I took a cab to my hometown and arrived at my destination around 4 pm. completely forgot to ask the stranger his name, I texted Elena and notify her of changes and notify my boss that I wouldn't be coming to work for a few days until I get things sorted out at home. I paid the cab driver and existed the cab and couldn't help but notice the expensive car parked outside of my mother's house. without further thought I guessed it was my father's car, how can he afford an expensive sports car meanwhile my mother and I struggle tremendously to make ends meet? I questioned myself. I struggled to summon enough courage to face him, what would I say to him? as angry thoughts flashed through my minds I rang the doorbell twice, and I heard the sound of keys giggling in the lock of the door before my mother swung the door open eagerly and pulling me into her arms for a tight embrace.
We stood there shedding tears of joy, happy to see each other after 24 months.
"Look at you, lucy," my mother said wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand.
"Mother," I said trying to pull myself together.
"Come inside," my mother said opening the door widely so that I can walk inside, my brother was seated in his wheelchair with a wide grin on his face, I leaped over and give him a hug.
"Lucida" I heard a man's voice call out my name with excitement. I didn't have the courage to meet his gaze,
"Father" i said as i turned my gaze to my mother as she stood beside my father.