"Nina!" Cecilia yelled. I spun around, almost dropping my silver tray filled with a customer's order. "Can you get them seated?" she asked pointing to a few people who just walked through the door.
"Sure thing," I replied.
It was 4:57 and I was working hard at Val's diner. Today I had to work my shift along with Parker's, who called in sick. It wasn't that big if a deal, but I also have a few reports calling my name. I could already tell it was going to be a sleepless night.
I quickly paced to the new customers at the door and told them they would be seated in a moment. Then I rushed halfway across the diner and served a family their orders. I barely had enough time to remember to breathe before I had to run back to the waiting customers.
"Right this way," I muttered, out of breath.
"Are you alright?" the customer asked. For the first time I actually saw and recognized their faces.
Eddie Miller, Jerome Clarke, Alfie Lewis, Mick Campbell, and of course Fabian Rutter. I noticed it was Mick who had asked if I was okay.
"I've been better. Right this way," I breathed and grabbed a few menus. I led them towards an empty table.
Once they were seated, I put on a fake smile and asked, "What would you like to drink?"
"Coke," Eddie muttered.
"Same," Jerome replied.
"Water," Mick said.
"Ummmm," Alfie stalled. I rolled my eyes. "I guess Diet Coke."
"Coffee," Fabian whispered, his eyes studying the menu.
"I'll be right back," I muttered then stalked off towards Cecilia at the counter.
"What's wrong?" she asked, while getting change for an older man sitting on one of the stools placed nearby.
"Nothing. I need two Cokes, one Diet Coke, and coffee."
"Not until you tell me what's up," she replied, placing her hand on her hips.
I rolled my eyes once again. "Do you see those guys over there?" I asked. I took a quick peek at Fabian and the others. She followed my gaze. "I go to school with them," I said through gritted teeth.
"Who are they?" she asked.
"Eddie Miller, Jerome Clarke, Alfie Lewis, Mick Campbell. And worst of all Fabian Rutter."
"Wait! Isn't Fabian Rutter that ass you're always telling me about?"Cecilia asked.
I nodded. "That's the one."
"Do you want me to serve him?" she asked. A devilish smile formed on her face.
"No!" I yelled a tad but too loud. A few curious customers turned around and stared at me. "The worst you can do to any customer is spit in their food. And we know not to use that or we could be fired."
She shrugged. "That hasn't stopped me before."
"You didn't!"
She placed a finger on her lip. "Shhh."
"Just get me my drinks," I ordered, trying to hold in my laughter.
"Fine," she muttered and turned around to fill my order. She quickly filled a mug with coffee, two glasses with Coke, one with water, and one with Diet Coke. She placed them all on a silver tray and sent me off.
I quickly paced towards Fabian and his friends, making sure I was careful with their drinks.
"Finally," Eddie muttered when I placed his Coke in front of them.
"Sorry about that," I whispered. In fact I wasn't sorry. I wanted to pour his drink all over his head. "What can I get you to eat?"
"Cheeseburger and fries," Jerome said.
"Hamburger with just ketchup," Alfie requested.
"Cheeseburger with everything," Mick replied.
"Do you have hoagies?" Eddie asked.
"I don't even know what that is," I replied.
Eddie stared at me. "I guess I'll have a hamburger."
"Just a small order of fries, please," Fabian asked.
I nodded, writing each of their orders down on a small tablet. I turned to walk away, but Eddie stopped me.
"Hey Martin? Try to bring it faster than you did our drinks. Okay?"
"Eddison, you're lucky if I even bring you back your food," I replied than walked back to Cecilia.
"What happened?" Cecilia asked.
"I told Eddie what was on my mind," I replied, sliding the orders towards her. "Oh and add a bit of your DNA into the hamburger with all the dressings in it," I said thinking of Eddie's order.
"Would you like to do the honor?"
I shrugged. "Why thank you. That would be perfect."
"Nina Martin, I have never been more proud of you. You can't let customers treat you like shit."
I smiled. "I'll be back with more orders."

Thirty minutes later, Eddison's burger was done and my spit was inside of it.
"Here you are. I'm sorry for the wait."
Eddie smirked and took a large bit of his burger.
I had to hold my laughter in by pretending I was coughing. When I was calm again I asked, "Is that all you need?"
There were a few nods and mutters of "Yeah." I nodded once again and started waiting on other customers.
Everything was fine.
Until a bellowing voice called out, "Martin! Your assistance is needed!"
Eddie Miller was obviously out to get me today.
All heads turned towards Eddie, who was lounging back in his chair, his hamburger was completely gone. I quickly apologized to an elderly woman and her grandchildren and raced back to Eddie's table, staring at nothing but the ground.
"Get. Out. Now!" Cecilia boomed. I always hated when she got mad. Word World ||| seemed to start.
"Cecilia, it's alright," I whispered.
"I've got this," she muttered to me. Cecilia turned back to the guys. "I told you to leave!"
Everyone stood up except for Eddie.
"Why should I have to go?" he asked, pretending he was innocent.
"Because I said so," she shot back.
Fabian grabbed his arm and pulled him out of seat. He thrust him into Jerome and Mick's arms. He pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and handed the money to Cecilia.
"I'm sorry about him," he whispered to me. He took out a few extra pounds to me. I glared amazed at the tip he had just left me.
"Thank you," I whispered.
He shrugged and left with the rest of the guys. I smiled at the money and slipped it into my blue uniform pocket.

Thanks so very much for the wonderful response to the story! Gah! I love you guys so much!
P.S. Does anyone watch the new show Bobby Lockwood is in? "Wolfblood" It's so good!