(Reggie's POV)
"Take all of your wasted honor. Every little past frustration. Take all of your so-called problems, better put 'em in quotations. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say. Say what you need to say."
A blaring of my phone awoke me, I was confused as to where I was at first, then it all hit me again. I rubbed the gel on my hand and checked my belly button piercing. Thoughts rampaged my head about what I had done last night and things I have discovered. My life always seemed to be a wreck, and I still don't understand why. Son of a gun it was Monday. I had school, Otto should be getting ready for school by now. My head was slowly spinning, reeling, catching a new sight. It was not a day to get ready for me, not at all. I stepped into a pair of boy shorts and a pair of black sweats with Rugby scrawled down the left pant leg, and Rocket 8 written down the right. Yes, another article of Otto's clothing. Pulling on a blue tank top coated in multi-colored stars, and pulling a The Doors shirt over my head. I tossed eyeliner on and stepped into a pair of black sandals, I was happy enough.
"Morning Reggie." Uncle Andrew said to me as I wandered through the halls, not even remembering where I was going, I nodded lightly to him. I walked into the kitchen to see breakfast wasn't started yet so I walked into the bathroom and brushed my teeth and threw my hair into a quick bun. Amanda had walked into the house and into my room to change. The last two people I wanted to see were Nikkie and Brandi, I know I should listen to their story, but it was the last thing I wanted to do. Walking into the computer room I sat down to type my dad a quick e-mail.
'Hey Daddy,
How's everyone back in Ocean Shores? Nikkie and Brandi are here, and thanks for sending my purses. I miss you and the warmth of Cali. It's not that bad here though, I've made a few new friends so I guess that's a good thing. I'm almost done with driver's ed, Saturday is my last drive. Means I can get my license soon, but no car to drive. Aiden lets me drive his jeep and he let me drive his Corvette the other day, that is one SWEET ride.' At that point I heard the door creak open to see those brilliant blue eyes staring at me, it was indeed Brandi. 'Well, I have to finish getting ready for school, much love, Reggie'
"Reggie, please listen." She started.
"Sorry I have to go to school." I said leaving the room grabbing a pancake from the table, grabbing my bag, and sitting in Amanda's car. I locked the doors until Otto and Amanda got there.
In the wood shop I didn't speak to Amanda and I worked on my pole, that was all I did. I finished gluing in the pegs and was coming back in lunch and advisory to put a coat of finish on it.
"Reg, you okay?" One of the boys in the class asked.
"Yeah, just thinking." I muttered.
"Oh, well I called your name like five times, I thought you had gone deaf." I eyed him carefully.
"I'm sorry, truly. Did you need something?" I racked my brain for his name, I don't know why I couldn't conjure it.
"Oh, I was just going to ask if you could hold my boards while I nail them together."
"Oh, yeah no problem Andy." Andy, there it was, why couldn't I remember that? I held his boards together while he nailed the pieces together I was waiting for a dirty joke from someone, but it didn't come which almost made me relieved.
"Thanks. And you know, I have a study hall next period I could toss a coat of varnish on that for you, it'll be dried by fifth period. All you would have to do is re-sand it and toss another coat on, you could probably take it home today if you wanted." He smiled lightly.
"Well, thanks that's sweet of you. If you have nothing to do go for it." He smiled as I sanded down the sharper edges of the post. The bell dismissed us to our next class. Trig, I did the work and got it over with, it wasn't a good day. I missed talking to my best friends and it was hard ignoring Amanda. Onward I went to English, we discussed what we thought the book would be about, I couldn't say anything because I'd read it already, numerous times. I easily blew through physics, that class is such a joke. PE, wow the boys played rugby today, like I could honestly resist playing, that's so funny. The girls all stared at me like I was crazy, I'm a natural born Cali girl who loves sports, like I'm going to deny myself the right to play sports. Spanish three, that's also a joke, come on I was in Cali I know a lot of Spanish already. And now I was supposed to be attending lunch but here I was going back to the wood shop, my safe haven.
The smell of the burnt wood brought a smile back to my face, "Reggie, nice to see you again." Mr. Bell called to me.
"Nice to see you too, do you know where Andy put my post?" I asked eyeing him carefully.
"Yeah, he sprayed it in the back room, should definitely be dry by now." He smiled watching the kids enter the class room, that's when I saw Aiden, oh boy. I didn't know he was in this class. Running to the back room I brought 210 grit paper with me to run it over my post without being seen, I sanded it carefully, and took it to the sprayer to lay on another coat of the sweet varnish. Evenly with the nozzle I hosed it down with the spray and smiled at the beauty of it. Then I thought about it, how on earth am I getting this thing home if I have driving after school, work after that, and dance after that. Walking from the back room I smiled as Aiden caught my eyes.
"Hey you!" He yelled running at me and hugging me. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. How are you?"
"I'm pretty good, just screwing around, you know." He smiled lightly at me.
"Yeah. I know the feeling. Did you drive your jeep to the school today?" I asked praying by some miracle he had.
"Actually, yeah it's out back, I had to go to the yard with Bell this morning to get some wood. Why?"
"Because right now you are my hero!" I squealed and he raised an eyebrow at me. "Think you could bring the post to my house? I have driver's ed after school, then work and dance. I mean you can just like leave it on the porch if my Uncle isn't home."
"Heyyy, breathe. Yeah, I can take it home. When will it be dry?" He asked.
"Should be after 8th, thank you so much!" I yelped hugging him again.
"It's no problem, so I'm guessing you're okay?"
"Yeah why wouldn't I be?" I eyed him carefully.
"Amanda said you wouldn't speak to anybody."
"Oh, that." I stared at the floor.
"Did you talk to Brandi yet. Or Nikkie? I know what you did to her too." He asked lightly, I can tell he knew how hurt I was.
"No..." I muttered.
"You really should you know you mean the world to them. I get your Twister situation now, I was informed of it all... A hook up doesn't mean love..."
"It was more than that..."
"I was told about Lars too..."
"Oh, I see."
"Sounds like a lot of drama, but you know you can move on. Just because Twister loves Brandi doesn't mean anything. Things will always get better." He told me quietly.
"But it's supposed to be me..."
"It's not always meant to be, he's your brother's best friend... just forget him as a lover, he's your best friend too."
"Thanks... I guess." I muttered. The bell would ring in a mere three minutes to dismiss us to our final class. Which is a class I had with both Aiden and Amanda, was that really my luck?
"You know you mean the world to him, just as a best friend though. He's a good kid and it's high school things could always change."
"It's going to kill the group." I muttered grabbing my bag off the table.
"It won't, no matter how bad the break up. Trust me you guys are too close for that."
"If you're wrong I will punch you, I promise." I muttered as the bell rang, but I don't thing he heard me say it.
"Let's get to history," A bright smile crossed his face. We walked together, silent but smiling all the way to history. Amanda was already there and a smile took over her whole face when she saw me walking in with Aiden.
"Hey, sweetie are you doing better?" She asked as I sat down next to her. I only nodded.
"Hey now, that's new." She said pointing at my hand.
"Yeah, I got it last night."
"It's cute! I like it." She smiled at me.
"Oh, here." I said handing Aiden seventy-five dollars, but from what anyone saw it was just a bunch of singles.
"What's this for?"
"My tattoo."
"You only needed to give him twenty-five." He said looking at me carefully.
"Yeah, the other is for you."
"What? No. I have the money this is yours." He pushed the fifty back at me. "I'll give him the twenty-five when I drop off the post."
"No, take it back."
"Reggie, don't start. I have the money to sacrifice." I shoved the money in my bag and growled. Class was over and I headed out to wait for the driver's ed car, freezing my tail off.
"You look a little cold." A voice said behind me. I turned around to face Zane.
"Eh, only a bit." I smiled, this wasn't the weather I was used to. I loved the warmth of Cali.
"Here." He said handing me a black hoodie with Zane etched into the back. And Colorado Ballers on the left breast.
"Oh, no I couldn't take your... rugby?" I smiled lightly.
"Yeah, rugby. And yes, you can borrow it. Don't worry about it. Who are you waiting for?"
"Driver's ed. And we should play rugby sometime, just get a big team together."
"You play rugby?" He asked with a smile cascading from ear to ear now.
"Yeah, back in Ocean Shores it was one of my favorites to play." He wrapped me into his arms to keep me warm once I pulled on the hoodie.
"That's good, we will play in the spring, it'll be a blast."
"I think that's my ride." I muttered seeing the car come into the lot.
"Alright, I'm gonna need your number girl so I can call ya sometime and we'll find something to do." He smiled.
"714-5874," he called my phone so I'd have his number. "Alright later. Thanks for the hoodie."
"No problem." He said walking off into the parking lot to a sea foam green camaro, between 97-00. Man how I'd love to ride in that.
I crawled into the driver's side of the small, silver camry. Boring ride, but what can you do. It was literally the easiest drive of my life pulling up to a curb and driving around.
"You've been practicing I see."
"Yep, I drive a lot. It's a blast."
"Alright, you can head off to the Ranch." I smiled taking a left at the light and heading to my job. "So you know Zane?" He asked.
"Yeah, I met him while he was working. He knew who I was because I apparently was one of the best skaters in Ocean Shores."
"He's a good kid."
"Yeah, how do you know him?"
"He's my kid." He eyed me carefully, I think sizing me up, seeing if I was worth his son's time or not.
"Oh, that's cool." I said pulling into the lot and parking into a space.
"Alright, good job Reggie, I'll get ya tomorrow." He said with a light smile. I nodded and headed off into the building where I quickly changed and hit up the restaurant.
"Hey Maude!" I yelled running in with my pencil and note pad in hand, not that I used it that often unless I was noting something special they wanted.
"You're late."
"Whatever." I said heading over to the podium to seat an elderly couple. "Right this way." I had a gleaming smile on my face.
"You're new here." The woman said with a touch of happiness in her voice.
"Yeah, I'm Andrew's niece I'm staying with him for awhile."
"Oh really, that's interesting." The gentleman said as they sat down.
"Yes, I suppose it is quite interesting. Any drinks I can start you out with?"
"Iced tea." Said the woman gingerly.
"Coke." The man replied and off I went to grab the drinks. I was back in less than a minute and they had a smile on their face.
"Fast service little lady." The man replied.
"Well, I'm trying. Are you ready to order or would you like some time?" I asked.
"Well, my grandson told me about this amazing grilled cheese here." The woman replied, I raised an eyebrow.
"Who is your grandson?" I asked lightly.
"Aiden Drune." She replied.
"Oh! I know what he's talking about then." I smiled lightly. "Is that what you'd like?"
"I believe it is what I would like." She said lightly, her husband nodded lightly.
"Alright, I'll get right on that for you. And my name is Reggie, just so you know. And if you need anything just call out my name."
"Thank you Reggie." The man replied. I really hoped that Aiden or his parents hadn't mentioned me. I ran off to the kitchen to make the grilled cheese quickly, avoiding the glare from the chef.
"You may have to teach me how to make that."
"I guess..." I smiled lightly tossing one on the plate and throwing fries along side it. I let him make the second one and off I went with the two plates in my hand.
"Here you are." I smiled lightly laying the plates upon the table.
"So you are the girl our Aiden has been talking about. Much different then he said though."
"Oh, what did he say?" I asked avoiding the glare from Maude.
"That you were extremely bubbly and peppy. But he said your name was Cyn."
"Oh, my. No that's not me. That's his ex."
"Oh, okay then. Makes more sense, you seem like a much sweeter girl." The woman told me.
"Well, thank you. That's very kind. I hope you enjoy your meal." I slinked away to see why Maude was fussing.
"We have a party coming in, in fifteen minutes and we have to set the dining room."
"How many people?" I asked praying it was a small one.
"Twenty five." She replied and I groaned, I went to work moving tables and chairs while Maude took the rest of my orders. Shortly after I finished I checked up on Aiden's grandparents.
"How was your meal?" I asked with a light smile on my face.
"Delicious, I'd like to give the chef my best words." The man retorted.
"Well, you're looking at her." I smiled.
"Wow, really? You cook around here too?"
"Well, kind of. I only do it on occasion, I love to cook it's a passion." I smiled.
"Then you did a brilliant job. How much is the check?" He asked reaching for his wallet.
"12.90" I recited.
"How do you know that?"
"Well, each meal was 5 dollars, plus the two drinks, plus a 7.5 percent tax its 12.90."
"Did you just do that in your head?"
"Yeah, I like math." I said grabbing their dishes and the thirteen dollars the man handed me. I cashed it out, tossed the dishes in the sink, and came back with their dime.
"Alright, you have a great night." I smiled walking away to seat our lovely party of twenty-five.
"Hey folks, I'm Reggie and I'll be your waitress for the night." A smile was plastered on my face as they all sat at the table. "Can I get you started on your drinks or do you need a minute?"
"You can take the drinks." The man replied. Starting at the base of the table, and jumping across to each person, I took their drink orders never needing to write it down. Returning to the table with half the drinks on a waitressing palette, I began to hand them out.
"Alright, we have a coke, lemonade, tea, coke, coke, coke, root beet, sprite, root beer, punch, raspberry tea, mountain dew, sprite, and coke. I'll be right back with the rest." I walked over the Aiden's grandparent's table.
"Do you really have all their drinks memorized or are you cheating somehow?"
"No, I know them." A smile crossed my face.
"You've got a talent little lady." He said, and I caught Maude glaring again.
"Sorry, I have to go finish the drinks, you have a great night. Tell the Drune's I said hi, if you see them." I said walking away. Filling the rest of the cups I headed back to the table and finished handing them out.
"Are you ready to order?" I asked looking at the table. They nodded.
"Aren't you going to write it down, miss?" One of the children at the table asked.
"Well, I don't need to, but would you like me to?" I asked crouching down to their level.
"You don't have to. I wanted to know."
"Alright, then. What's your name sweetie and what can I get you?"
"My name is Timmy and I want... Mac and cheese!" He squeaked and everyone smiled. I finished taking the rest of the orders, and names and quickly put them in the computer.
"Need help?" I asked the chef as he stared at the order filling the screen.
"Yeah, sure if you want to." He said. I headed back out to check the lobby and saw Aiden's grandparent's had left so I went to wipe down their table quickly. And was in shock and awe to see a fifty dollar bill sitting on the table, I knew the man was rich but who leaves a tip like that for a thirteen dollar meal? I saw a note scrawled on a napkin and a business card for Marcus Drune sitting above it. I read the note carefully 'Thank you for the meal and great hospitality, I could use your memorization skills and math at my firm. You'd make a great asset little lady. You call the number on that card sometime and I'll set you up with a job. Signed, Mark & Lydia.' I stood there stunned with a a business card, fifty bucks, and a note ensuring me a job somewhere. I shoved them all in my pocket and headed back into the kitchen to help fill the orders. I phoned for all the help I could find to help me put these plates on the costumers tables. Otto, Robby, and my uncle came in to help with it. I lead out with the first tray laying each other with precision in front of the guest who ordered them. Otto came out behind me and looked lost. Grabbing the plates from his palette I dispersed the plates, I followed the suit with my uncle, and Robby's palettes too. The costumers were astounded that I knew who ordered what.
"Alright, is there anything else I can get for you?" I asked holding a palette still in my hand. I refilled three drinks, and the man at the head of the table beckoned me over and whispered into my ear that it was Timmy's birthday.
"Alright, Tony, I'll scrounge together something spectacular. Wandering back into the kitchen I pulled out some ice cream and threw together a pretty wicked sundae and heaped it on top of a warm piece of chocolate cake. Walking back out with my brother, Maude, Robby and my Uncle in tow I began singing happy birthday the others followed in suit.
"Who wants the check?" I said grinning. I didn't actually have a check for them, it was in the computer but I'd calculated it all.
"That's me." He said holding his hand out.
"Alright want to make a game out of it?" I asked.
"Sure, what's the game?"
"Alright, if I can tell you what your total is and am off by no more then five cents I win. If I'm more then five cents off, you win and I'll take fifteen dollars off your check."
"Sounds fair enough. Wait, don't you already know the total?"
"No, I have no idea what is. I put stuff into the computer, but I did it in my head. Do you want me to write it down or say it?"
"Both." He said grinning like a mad man. I wrote down the total.
"You want me to say it now?" He nodded. "234.37."
"That's what the napkin says. But you could change the total when you get the receipt."
"Then, I won't get it. I'll send Maude to get it." She walked over to the computer and printed the receipt. "Do you want to read it or have Maude do it?"
A giant smirk was blasting on his face, he was thinking there was no way I was right. "Let her read it."
"234.37." She muttered and was astounded, she didn't believe it herself. Tony looked at the napkin.
"Good lord she did it." Everyone clapped as I handed him the receipt.
"Have a great night guys!" I howled walking away. Once they left I straightened their tables, brought the dishes back, wiped down the tables, and collected my sixty-four bucks sitting on the table and another note thanking me and how they'd be back sometime soon. I helped wash the dishes and now it was almost 8:30 and Aiden had just arrived to pick me up. I climbed into his car and we took off to dance the night away.
Finally, I climbed through the living room door into the house and clamored to my room to see Brandi sitting on my bed. Wide awake, waiting for me. That soft look in her eyes, tears had rolled down her face.
"Hi..." She said.
