An older man stood at the top of the stage, his voice catching the attention of many students.
"It has been five days now since Angelina has fallen into the coma she is in," many eyes stared at him from his position, some filled with worry, others filled with an uncaring vortex.
"Today, we received the news that Angelina has woken up during the night," hopefulness filled many, "and she is getting better from day to day, so we all hope that she will be coming back to school very soon."
Many nodded at the information, while some others whispered to their fellow scholar's about the subject.
"In other news," the Principle had to raise his voice for the last piece of protocol he still had to announce, "Ms. Galloway has reached her thirty-year milestone as a teacher," many clapped.
"Congratulation! And we all will hope that she stays for another thirty years on top of that!" Many laughed, "That is all," the director commentated as he finished his speech. "Thank you."
Alejandro's jaw dropped. How the hell did their Principal find that out, this quick?And how was it possible that such important information leaked to the school in general? It was a mystery waiting to be solved or maybe his mother just knew too many people, but still, stories seemed to spread like wild that day, when the hospital had called his family on the house phone, the Nurse had eagerly told them about the good news.
The morning seemed to have been too eventful for his family from that point onwards, but what bothered Alejandro the most was what his sister had said when she had awoken…"are we there yet?" which made Alejandro wonder a lot lately. His sister must have been dreaming something the other hand, he had been very busy himself. Alejandro had been studying for a while at the library every day, trying to stay away from the house. He could not put a finger on it, but something was off between his mother and father, something was wrong.
'Dad has been off…' he discussed with himself inwardly, 'he doesn't seem too happy anymore and he doesn't seem to visit Angelina at all.'.
He juggled with his thoughts, 'mom has been bugging me a lot lately…she is either in the house cleaning or at Angelina's and actually said, I can understand that a little better.'
What was his world coming to?
I had finally arrived at the restaurant, the Baratie. This eatery was floating in the middle of the ocean, soft waves whipping at its wood work. When I had seen this 'ship' for the first time, I had actually thought I was dreaming another strange dream. The massive boot seemed to be in the shape of a giant fish. I thought it was so cute.
I had gotten the job straight after I had my interview with Honor Zeff, which was a great success in my opinion. The elderly male had a braided moustache, which was extremely weird and a peg leg, not the most common sight in my life. I took the opportunity to be a waitress on his large floating 'castle' and I regretted it soon after. It seemed that I was the only girl here in a ship full of guys. WEIRD guys.
So I did what any normal girl would do, I kept my pepper spray with me at all times. My main concern from the bunch was the second chef, Sanji. A blonde, young and slim man with abnormally long legs and a black suit yet, nothing in this world was normal so it might as well be considered as 'exceptional'.
I considered him the hotshot here, because he flirted with so many girls that I had lost count after twenty-three. John had nothing on him.
The uniform I had gotten for this job was way cuter than the former one. I had to wear formal attire for being a waitress here, which explained the standard I had to look out for. The customers were so friendly and the male figures flirted so much.
I absolutely loved the tips as well! The only thing I had to work on was my fear of the cooks in the kitchen. One reason might be the fact that they have major moods swings, worse than some women I knew. But another were the rumors, someone once whispered to me that the workers here had been I did not talk a lot with them, I kept my distance when I could.
They thought I was shy, but in reality I was afraid. If you looked at them from on-view, they had a normal appearance, they did not seem dangerous or anything, but when you knew the bunch, you realized that they were abnormal.
The things they did, such as picking fights with each other, carrying weapons around, and shouting in their foul language, frightened me. It would take a long time to get used to them.
"Oi, where the hell is Sanji?" A chef complained loudly, seemingly annoyed. The gruff voice came from the stuffy kitchen.
"Bet he's flirting with the girls again while we are slaving over the flipping stove." Carne stated abruptly to the chef, equally in a bad mood.
Carne sighed, chopping his fish in the same way Sanji would, "…sometimes I wonder why we even bother questioning his absence."
'It'll take a very long time to get used to them,' I thought inwardly, snatching a few plates off the side tables, 'and I very much hope that they are in a better mood later.'.
As I turned around I tried to balance a few heavy plates, with success, "darn I am getting better!" One saucer had steak with vegetables neatly placed and shaped and the other carried fresh salad. I swiftly walked towards one of my tables, placing the dinner in front of a customer.
The heat from the kitchen reminded me of the gym back at the school. It was all humid and very dry, but sometimes I could leave the stuffy area and serve a client outside. That way I got a taste of the cool ocean breeze every once in a while, which was one of the best parts of my day.
I quickly grabbed another few finished dinner plates and set them down in front of two gentlemen. I guessed one was around fifty years old. He did not have a lot of wrinkles, but he had white hair and an equally colored beard. The second one was probably his son. I continued my guessing game and looked at the younger adult a little harder. He was around twenty years old, maybe more. He had dark brown hair with dark hazel eyes.
"Enjoy, sirs," I announced and smiled at them, "just call for me for desserts!"
After I had placed the plates on the polyester and cotton tablecloth both gently acknowledged my movements, the older gentleman taking off his hat while thanking me. They both licked their lips as they saw the food.
"We shall enjoy, miss," the older man replied as he dug into his light salad while his possible 'son' stared at me intently, smiling all the while. I nervously returned the gesture.
I heard some people laugh and took a look behind me. Sanji was flirting with his customers again, which he shouldn't be. I was already used to this behavior since my job at Applebee's. Is this something waiters just have to do to receive more tips? I frowned upon this act of his. We, the women, are not allowed do this, simply because others will call us gold diggers or whores, while the males can do this freely and without anybody bothering them.
…something went awfully wrong in the process of evolution…
I glanced to the side, seeing more customers arriving or waiting in the front of the ocean restaurant. I pulled myself together, sighed inwardly and walked over to them with a smile.
"Welcome to the Baratie," I bowed slightly.
"For how many people might the table be?" I questioned nicely, grabbing the menus from the podium placed beside me.
"Just three people, please," the female of the group replied kindly. I nodded.
"Please follow me."
I led them to the table next to the opened window and beckoned them to take their seats. As they sat down, I took note on what they looked like. There were two girls and one guy. One of the girls had bright orange hair with blue eyes.
She wore a beautiful dark blue dress with a white design crossing here and there. The other looked older and had blonde hair with the same blue eyes, but she wore a rosy red dress with black designs. The male figure on the other hand had red, fluffy hair and brown eyes. He had a formal suit on, black, like it should be. I was beginning to think that they might be a rich family, since they wore some perfume and were well-dressed.
"Are you possibly family?" I asked them carefully, laying the menus in front of them. They started to laugh, seemingly amused by the question.
"Is it that easy to tell?" the man questioned in a low, smooth voice, a chuckle escaping his throat.
"No," I smiled a little, " I just guessed, it doesn't seem that obvious," I explained, "it is just because you and your wife sat so closely together, while your wife and your daughter have the same beautiful blue eyes," I laughed, clasping my hands together in front of me, a bright smile plastered across my face.
"Thank you very much," the woman replied, bashfully.
"My name is Angelina, and I shall be your server today," I told them courteously as they scanned through the menus.
"Would you like anything to drink?" I asked them a little louder, and with that stated I started my 8th day at this awkward job. Days passed, and more and more customers had come to visit. About half of them were men. I had two regular clients, Hiro and his father Datsuki. They came every Sunday for lunch between twelve and half past one, while the Chyoku family came in every Wednesday for a bit of family time. They all left really big tips which I liked, but sometimes they didn't. Today was Monday. Last night Honor Zeff had announced that we were booked up fully for tomorrow.
Last Night
As we ate together, Honor Zeff ordered for our attention. I was halfway through eating a lovely, juicy steak while the others were gorging down and stuffing themselves with meat and more various foods. Not a very appetizing sight, but better than most I had seen them do.
"Tomorrow we have special guests, the marines are coming to eat at our Baratie," he explained with calm face, "so no screw ups." I gulped down the half-chewed meat. The lump slowly went down my throat and into my stomach, as I remembered what happen at Shell Island. I would probably have heartburn later on.
"So what about it Zeff," Sanji questioned his boss, un-amused and unfazed. "They are people, like any others," he added as he finished his meal.
"That means," a staff member looked at him warningly, "no fighting or beating someone up Sanji, no matter how big of an arsehole they are, it just isn't in this time."
Patty, the man who really did look like a buff Popeye in disguise, grinned cheekily.
"So don't even think about doing anything." With that said, he crossed his arms, happy about his phrasing.
A few seconds later though, his victory was blown away by a strong, right leg, his face now imprinted with a large shoe some reason Sanji did beat up the customers…that was if they complained about the food on board the Baratie. He punished them all, all but the women.
"Oi Sanji!" Patty got back on his legs, steam puffing out of his head, "that was uncalled for!" They were about to beat each other senseless, their eyes shooting lighting bolts at each other.
I hated it. I disliked it when anyone fought. Why couldn't they just talk about it or rather, be proper, sophisticated gentlemen? Was it so hard? I continued to nibble a piece of meat.
"String Bean, Patty! That is enough bickering for one night!" Honor Zeff sighed, his dark orbs demanding them to stop. It was sure enough that they would obey him, but even so I really had wished for him not to scream right into my ear. I still was flinching from his loud voice.
"Whatever, Ol' geezer," Sanji stated plainly, smoking his cigarette and puffing a few clouds of smoke, "but I cannot promise anything."
I woke up really early to get myself properly dressed and ready for the day. I chose to wear black, skin tight shorts that would come up to my knees, a white ruffle blouse that was easy to breathe in and black boots that somewhat resembled Sanji's. I took my time with my long hair, tying it up in a high pony tail. It now fell past my shoulders almost all the way down towards my elbow. I always brushed and maintained it, or at least was late in the afternoon and I had one more group to serve before my shift ended.
These marines were friendly, but the higher ranking official had no manners whatsoever. Officials were "fresh", as my mother would put into words. They softly touched my arm, made sure that they stared at me, and sent me the flirtiest smiles; only one had the nerve to touch my butt. I "accidentally" hit him hard with my tray as I turned around. Even back home some men did try to get a feel and back then my handbag was my only weapon.
"Good afternoon, what can I get you?" I question my last group, smiling as cheerfully as I could. This group seemed rather normal, at least something refreshing for this day.
Menus in hand they did not bother to reply straight away. Some lifted their gazes and glanced at me with only one opening his mouth, "you in my arms, sweetie." Never mind, I guess I spoke too soon…
I huffed inwardly, he seemed to be the 'leader' of the group and he was rude enough not to look up from behind the menu. The lads smiled at their boss and started to laugh while keeping their gaze fixed on me. They all eagerly waited for my response it seemed and I would let them have one. I could feel my mouth twitching and my smile fading a bit. My temper burst, I had just about enough for today.
"People like you are the reason why people like me need psychological treatment and medication every day," I countered carefully, "because failure rubs off," I added with a smirk. His comrades roared with laughter and so did he.
"She got you, Lieutenant Briggs."
My smirk ceased when I heard his title fall. Great…another rotten lieutenant that liked flirting with me, what a happy and pleasant day this had been…sometimes I could swear that these 'high class Marines' had no manners or honor whatsoever.
"Let the little girl have your orders boys," he began, "this treat is on me," he announced proudly as he took his comb out of his right pocket and combed his light blue hair. His eyes were dark, misty and shallow; the tiny glimmer was nothing more than idiotic pride. He was definitely lying through his cream colored teeth; I assumed that he would leave them with the bill later on. All night they drank gallon after gallon of beer, ordering meat and ate like cavemen.
As I expected, he did leave them the bill, which didn't seem to go down that well. Throughout my shift, nobody left a single tip for us waiters. The marines were so cheap. I had been hit on by perverts, death-threatened by the drunks, and touched inappropriately by all sorts. I wanted to go home.
After my break, I went to a place where no one could hear me. It was outside on the back of the ship. I looked out into to the ocean, watching the water sparkle and started to cry quietly at first. After a while I did not only cry with just tears, it felt like everything fell down my cheeks.
My nose stuffed up as I cried more than ever before, my throat starting to hurt. I bit into my shirt, trying to muffle my cries so no one could hear me. I missed everyone and everything. I missed my friends. Lisa, my best friend, how she had helped me plan the events for school and go to them in the latest style. John, my latest friend in senior year had helped me in physics, that jock. I tried to hold in a hiccup, choking a little. I also missed my family.
My mother, who cooked for me and helped me, made me my favorite pancakes and spaghetti when I asked her to.
My Father, who lectured me on life itself and colleges, how most boys, only wanted one thing in a relationship.
I even missed my little brother Alejandro and how he had always annoyed me to no end. The little squirt had grown on me. No one in the world had this feeling right now. The feeling of loneliness had consumed me more and more every day.
The only thing I wanted was to go home to my family, to be safe…away from in this world and its inhabitants. It was full of evil pirates, corrupted marines and from the god awful government. I let out one loud sob. I went down to my knees and tried to compose myself before anyone saw me.
"Angel-swan," a voice behind me called out quietly, a happy vibe towards it. I quickly peeked behind me, my hand reading itself to get out my pepper spray if I had to. Though my grip loosened and I regretted letting him see me in this position, tears still ran down my face like little rivers. My blouse was wrinkled at the front and my nose was still stuffed with my mucus. His former smile turned into an unhappy frown.
"Angel-swan, are you okay?" Sanji questioned worriedly, he came closer to me with one hand outstretched. I stood up and faced the sea, gulping down a tight knot that had settled in my throat.
"I'm fine," I replied meekly, my voice cracking slightly. He came closer and hugged me gently, almost carefully.
"If you need a hug, you shou-" Sanji's voice suddenly changed and I sadly realized that he had gone back to his usual self. I did not need his sympathy though; I would pull through this myself, all alone. I pushed him away from me.
"I do not need your sympathy," I growled warningly, "you do not know or realize what kind of situation I am in!" I almost shouted everything I said, different emotions pouring out of my voice.
"I do not need your help!" He was not surprised; Sanji didn't seem to mind, even if I had pushed him off roughly.
"Maybe," he replied, my harsh words weren't affecting him at all. He lit his cigar though, which indicated that he was calm.
"Please, do tell me your story, Angel-Chan," he said smiling a little, "I would love to help you my lady." He leaned against the railing.
I sighed; sometimes I could be so jealous of this man. He always seemed to have super cool moments and even if he did smoke at those times, he seemingly radiated a calming aura.
"Only if you tell me yours…" I brought up abruptly, placing my hand onto the smooth railing. He nodded and I turned to face the eerie blue seas. I sighed contently, regaining my composure.
I decided to tell him…at least half the actual truth. I really needed this; I had to talk to someone. I could not go on like a wreck, the secret tearing at my nerves.
"Sanji, I miss my home town. Back there I was safe and content, always happy." I paused, "of course there were those moments in which I had wished to turn back time, but…" I trailed off.
"Somehow, I came here to the East Blue. I do not know what happened to me," talking drained me, but it was necessary at that moment. "The family that found me on the beach took me in and cared for me. They let me work at their bar, as a waitress. Then my old family friend Tsuki helped me get another job," I remembered the Island and the friendly people there, "but as a maid…it only lasted one month," I laughed bitterly.
"I was the worst maid ever." I said, smirking. Sanji grinned a little at that, "then I came here to the Baratie and became a waitress again…but the fear of being killed, raped by pirates, marines, and so many others things haunt my mind every day," I explained to him, trying to hold back another round of tears that were about to spill.
"People think that I am shy or serious, but that is not the truth. The truth is that I am scared of things. I am scared of the cooks inside. I am scared of the marines. I have no one to talk to and I miss my family. I do not know how to reach them or where to go. I have nowhere to go either."
"You have me, Angel-Chan," Sanji declared lightly with a smile. "You can always come with me, you can always talk to me, and I will protect you from the rest of the cooks, marines, and even pirates if necessary."
I stared at Sanji, a weird emotion sneaking up my chest. I could finally look at him a bit differently. I gave him my respect at that point. I smiled a bit.
"So what is your story, Sanji," I questioned him with a sniffle following after. He then told me the story of his life, bit by bit. It was so sad. I never knew this about Sanji and I had never wished for that to happen.
He had been just a child when he met Honor Zeff in the wide ocean. Honor Zeff had been a pirate back then and had taken the loot from the cruise ship Sanji had worked on. Then a storm had hit the vast sea and Honor Zeff had saved Sanji, but sacrificed his leg in the process.
They stranded on a high island, large cliffs surrounding it. Also, Honor Zeff did a very generous thing; he gave the boy back then all the food. After months Sanji and Zeff were saved, but they had been starving all that time.
I swallowed hard, regretting my former behavior and my phrasing of words. There were so many other people who lived in this world and had horrible lives or experiences. Compared to some of them, what I was going through right now was absolutely nothing.
"Then we bought the Baratie and started this restaurant," he added, finishing his long story. The sun was setting, making the water a bit pink, a little purple and dark blue. The sky held its beauty with softer colors. It reminded me of that yogurt with the crazy bunny.
"Sanji that is the saddest story I have ever heard of, I am sorry to hear that so much happened to you" I voiced, concerned about him. I now knew the reason for the constant bickering and fighting. The way he got very angry if the issue involved food.
"Past is the past," he stated calmly, "you cannot change that." I looked at him, sympathy rising in my heart and for the first time I hugged him. But as suddenly as I had felt sorry for him, I equally frowned, his form went very soft. His eyes were filled with hearts and he wore the usual goofy grin.
"Angel-swan….." I was now struggling to breathe as Sanji literally tried to hug me to death. From that point onwards, Sanji and I became just friends…maybe even best friends.