A/N: Hope those 'allergies' have gotten better. I can't guarantee that allergy season is over yet either. So let's see how Chuck's interview went and how our favorite waitress/diner owner is fairing.
Disclaimer: Don't own Chuck
Chapter 4
"Molly, I know it's Saturday and it's early but I need to go to work and you have to come with me. Judy is home with her bad knee, so you will need to come to the diner with me," Sarah pleaded.
"Mmmnnggg," groaned the little girl as she wiped the sleep from her eyes, a pout on her face. One eye cracked open and looked at Sarah with a very disapproving expression. Sarah had to stifle a chuckle at how cute she looked.
"Come on. I already got your clothes laid out. Just get dressed, brush your hair and teeth then we can go. I'll fix you breakfast at the diner," Sarah called over her shoulder as she left to finish getting herself ready.
Sarah stood at her bathroom vanity and stopped for a moment to look at the woman staring back at her. She barely recognized the ghost of herself staring back at her. Dark circles around her slightly, red puffy eyes. The long days and sleepless nights were taking a toll on her physically and emotionally. The person on the inside felt far more broken than the woman that others saw. All she did was work from dawn to dusk, 6 days a week and then nearly as much on her one 'day off'. What little time she was not at the diner she was trying to spend as much time with her little sister as she could. Sarah was all that she had now, they were all that each other had. There was no time for anyone or anything else. Sarah leaned on the vanity with both hands, staring down into the sink.
With all of the conflicting thoughts and emotions swirling in her head, she could really use someone to talk to. She hadn't had a relationship, someone to share her thoughts, hopes, problems with in over two years. Not since she dropped everything in Boston to come home to be with her mom at the end. The reality was that even before she left, she still didn't have those things, not really. While she thought that her relationship with Bryce had promise, she quickly became painfully aware that he was not one for things like 'commitment' and 'monogamy' apparently. To find this out while sitting vigil beside her dying mother had been a devastating blow. Beyond the grief for her mother, she was initially hurt and angry. But the more she thought about it she came to realize that she really didn't see herself settling down with him. In fact, she likened her time with Bryce as little more than staring into the refrigerator and picking something out of boredom, more so than hunger. Bryce was not a supportive, nurturing or caring person. He was arrogant, conceited and self-centered, so if it didn't directly involve him, he wasn't interested. She initially confused his personality traits as simply being confident, a real go-getter. Hindsight is definitely 20/20.
Pulling herself from her thoughts she put on a small bit of makeup, just enough to try to mask the weariness. She then packed Molly's bag with more books, activities and snacks. She paused for a moment when she saw the picture Chuck had colored. She pulled it from the bag and admired it. There was something about the picture that warmed her, made the weariness seem not so oppressive. She felt 'lighter' somehow. She smiled and shook her head at herself but then put the picture on the fridge with a magnet. She didn't have time to think about that now. Collecting Molly and their things, she made her way to the diner. The blue, rose and amber colors on the horizon as the day began seemed so peaceful. If only it could be, with the never ending barrage of questions from the back seat.
"Is Mr. Chuck going to be here again today?" Molly asked with hope in her voice.
Sarah smiled at the little girl's excitement and had to admit she was wondering the same thing. "I dunno Peanut. He said he had a job interview today, so I don't know if he'll make it or not," Sarah replied, the small frown on her face matched that of her sister in the back seat. They found a parking spot and the two sisters walked hand in hand toward the diner. As they turned the corner of the building they saw someone sitting on the bench outside the front door of the diner. This side of the diner was still bathed in shadow, so the figure was difficult to identify. As they slowly approached the front door, the figure stood to a menacing height. Molly's grip on her hand grew tighter as she clung to Sarah's side. Sarah instinctively pulled Molly close, putting herself between the shadowy figure and her little sister. As they closed the distance they heard the man finally speak.
"Morning ladies," the kind, cheerful voice cut through the early morning air. They both recognized the voice as he came into view.
"Mr. Chuck!" Molly belted out. "What are you doing here?" His broad smile could now be easy seen as he stood before them at the front door to the diner. Sarah was certainly surprised to see Chuck here this early, since the diner would not open for at least another forty minutes.
"Uh..yeah, Mr. Chuck," Sarah parroted. "What 'are' you doing here?" she asked quite perplexed. Chuck cleared his throat and moved toward Sarah, handing her a slip of paper before stepping back and clasping his hands behind his back. Sarah looked at him in confusion and then looked down to the paper she was handed. Glancing across the page she could clearly see that It was one of her applications. Her brow furrowed as her confusion grew. She shook her head and looked up at Chuck. "I...I don't understand," she confessed.
"You'll see that my references are all in order," he said as he pointed to the aforementioned location on the application. She was taken aback and still thoroughly confused.
"I'm sorry, what?" She looked back at him, clearly at a loss. He cleared his throat again and took a deep breath.
"As I understand it, you're looking for a cook," he stated as he pointed to the 'Help Wanted' sign in the window. "I'm not a classically trained chef, obviously, but I believe that I can make the items on your menu," he added. He just stood there looking at her expectantly.
"You...you want a job? A job...here? But...but you have a job interview today. You said…" she trailed off, pointing toward the booth he had sat at yesterday.
"Um..yes ma'am. It started about three minutes ago…. I hope…" Chuck gave a sheepish shrug. "So far it doesn't seem to be going so well," he swallowed thickly, trying to put on a smile. Sarah shook herself from he dazed state and moved to unlock the door, ushering Chuck and Molly inside.
"Here Molly, go find a booth and get your stuff setup. If you're still sleepy, just use the bag as a pillow and take a nap for a bit," Sarah motioned to a table. Molly nodded and climbed into Chuck's booth and laid down, ignoring the direction Sarah had pointed. Sarah just watched her for a moment, a smile growing across her face. She turned back to Chuck, trying her best to hide the smile. "Why Chuck? Don't you already have a job? One that probably pays way more than what I could ever hope to pay you," she sighed, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Well...first, I'm sort of between projects right now, so I need something to do in my downtime. Second, and most importantly, my friend- No… my...my 'family' needs help." He stood tall looking down at her, preparing to stand his ground. She raised her gaze to meet his, utterly speechless. She searched his deep, chocolate eyes as if trying to peer inside to see how this incredible creation worked. What magic must be at play to make someone so kind and caring. How could he be real? Feeling a bit lost, she broke her gaze and looked around the diner, searching...searching for an answer.
"I….I...I can't pay you much right now, but-" she started but Chuck broke in.
"Hey. Don't worry about paying me. OK? How about…. how about you let me work for food? You let me eat here and we call it even," Chuck suggested. She began to shake her head, not happy with his offer. "Sarah, Please?" he pleaded, his expression looking almost desperate. She couldn't say no to that face, no matter how much she didn't like this arrangement. She felt like she was taking advantage of the kindness of others. Remembering the little speech he gave on their walk, she found some comfort in knowing that he was doing this because...because he cared. She still wasn't entirely certain that she was deserving or that he knew what he was getting into, but she suddenly didn't feel so lost and alone. She closed her eyes and nodded her head in acceptance. She heard a clap and opened her eyes to see Chuck rubbing his hands together with a celebratory "Yes". "OK...OK. I, uh...I'll get started in the kitchen," he pointed, the toothy grin on his face, like a kid at Christmas. He turned and started toward the kitchen, only to stop after a few steps and turn back around.
"Sarah?" he called, pulling her attention back to his eyes. "Thank you. I'm not gonna let you down. I promise," he declared, a serious look on his face. He then turned back to his task without giving a chance to respond.
"Oh, Chuck. I just hope I don't let you down," she whispered to herself.
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Sarah was talking with her first customers, pouring coffee and chatting about the goings on around town. She was about to ask them for their order when she heard the bell ring from the kitchen window followed by "Order up!". She and the couple at the table were both confused as no order had been taken yet. She raised a finger to them "Will you excuse me for just a moment?" as she backed away and headed behind the counter and into the kitchen.
"Chuck? W-What are you doing? There aren't any orders yet," Sarah exclaimed.
"Oh...right. Right. I know, but they order the same thing every day," he pointed to the two plates in the window. "Woody gets the short stack with bacon, extra crispy, and Mary gets two eggs, sunny-side up, whole wheat toast and sausage links." Sarah just stood dumbfounded.
"Right but...h-how do you know that, Chuck?" she asked a bit exasperated.
He looked a little apprehensive, " Well, I've been watching and listening from that booth for weeks. Watching everyone. Like..like a TV show, I guess. You learn all about the characters on the 'show'. You learn their family lives, the foods they like, who's going to what college and...who's sleeping with whom…" his ears began to turn a little red. She just stared at him, completely confounded, finally just shaking her head as a smile spread across her face.
"Chuck, you never cease to amaze me. Tell ya what. From now on, wait until I give you the order slip. Even if you are right, you have to set customer expectations. Otherwise they'll begin to think they should get that kind of 'omniscient' service all the time," she smirked. He chuckled and nodded his understanding. "And good work by the way. It looks great. What mix did you use for the pancakes? Those look way fluffier than usual," she admitted.
"Mix? For pancakes? Uh.. I don't think so. Not in my kitchen," he said adamantly. His eyes went wide, realizing what he just said. He held his hands up, as if begging her not to shoot him. Sarah just burst into laughter at the petrified look on his face.
"Chuck. It's OK. I'll let you refer to it as 'your kitchen' while you're cooking in it, as long as you understand where the ownership really lies," she stated with a wry smile.
"Uh, yes ma'am," he replied with a wry smile of his own. Chuck returned to his duties.
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"Sarah?" Woody waved her over after she had finished taking an order from another table.
"Sarah, do you have a new cook in the kitchen?" he asked, somewhat accusatory.
"Uh..yes as a matter of fact. Is...uh..is there something wrong with your meal?" she asked, a bit concerned.
"I'd like to talk to him about these pancakes," pointing at the partial stack still remaining.
"I'm sorry if there's a problem with them. I assure you.." Sarah began to try smoothing over whatever set him off about the pancakes. She was beginning to regret this already if she was going to have to defend him to every customer today.
"I'd just like to have a word with them," the older man interrupted very insistently.
"Al-alright. I'll go get him for you," she said with a smile. She turned and headed toward the kitchen. Woody could be a real piece of work sometimes and was one of the biggest talkers around town. She really didn't need this today. She took a breath and opened the door to the kitchen. "Chuck! Can you come here for a moment please?" she barked.
"Yeah, Sarah. What is it?" his smile fading at seeing the flat look on her face.
"Follow me please. A customer wants to speak to you. If they get nasty, just don't say anything and I'll deal with it OK?" Sarah just gave him a raised eyebrow. Chuck swallowed hard and nodded.
"OK. I'm sorry Sarah. I don't know what could have gone wrong," Chuck looked forlorn.
"It's alright Chuck. Whatever it is we'll fix it. OK?" she lead him to the table.
"Woody, this is my new cook, Chuck. Chuck, this is Woody and Mary Adkins," she introduced.
"Sir. Ma'am," Chuck nodded to both with a courteous smile.
"Chuck….I have been coming to this diner for near on twenty years. Of those twenty years, I have ordered pancakes almost every time. Son, I like my pancakes. I have come to expect my pancakes a certain way, both here and at home. Young man… these have got to be...THE best damn pancakes I have ever had," the older man declared. Sarah and Chuck were both standing in bewilderment as the man continued. "You realize that I am jeopardizin' nearly forty years of marriage with this admission," the man chuckled. "Would you be willing to pass along to my wife, here, whatever your secret is?" Woody pleaded. Chuck took a moment to collect himself.
"I-I am beyond flattered, Sir. However... if I were to part with that secret, then you'd have no cause to come visit us every morning. Now, we can't have that now, can we?" Chuck smirked at the older man. Woody's face became very serious, his jaw working back and forth. Finally he set his jaw and his stoic face started to turn up as a smile began to grow. Nodding his head, he pointed at Chuck and turned to look at Sarah.
"I like this one. He's got spunk. Well done, Sarah. Well done. We'll have to come back and see what he's got in store for lunch and dinner, " the older make smirked.
"I'll hold ya to it, Woody," Sarah pointed at him with mock seriousness. She waved to them as she drug Chuck back the kitchen. Once inside, she spun him around. Chuck looked like a deer in headlights, fearful that he may face the full wrath of Sarah Walker.
"Chuck… I'm sorry," she said with an apologetic look. Chuck was surprised and confused as to what she could possibly have to be sorry for. "I automatically assumed the worst. I assumed that you had messed something up and I was wrong. Very wrong. I should have had more faith in you and I'm sorry."
"Sarah. Hey, No. Look...you don't really know me that well and it's my first day in 'your' kitchen. You have every right to be skeptical until I've proven myself. That just makes good business sense. So you have nothing to apologize for. Besides, you said you had my back out there. I trust you." Chuck admitted "I need to get back to the griddle over there," he motioned with his head. Sarah nodded and handed him the order she had taken before the Woody situation.
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"Order up!" Chuck's voice rang out with the ding of the bell. Sarah was afraid she was going to have to have the conversation with him again about making orders before they were actually ordered. She approached the window to the kitchen.
"Chuck, everyone has their food," Sarah exclaimed, motioning to the customers eating.
"Not everyone. These are for you and Molly. You haven't had breakfast yet," Chuck stated, pointing toward the booth where Molly was now sitting up and coloring.
"Well...how do you know I didn't eat at home?" Sarah questioned, being a bit defensive. Chuck just snorted.
"Because I could hear your stomach growling from back here when you picked up that last order," Chuck interjected. "So take a few minutes and go sit with your sister and eat. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I made you guys something special," Chuck pointed to the two plates that were covered with cloth napkins. "No peeking until you get them to the table though," Chuck pointed at Sarah, giving her an amused evil eye.
"Fine," she relented with an exasperated sigh. "Thank you Chuck." Sarah carried the plates to the table where Molly had been sitting quietly.
"Make some room Peanut. Mr. Chuck made us some breakfast," Sarah announced as she stopped at the table.
"Really?! He made breakfast for us?" the excitement she had was contagious. Sarah just nodded with a huge grin as Molly frantically cleaned up her crayons and coloring books. Sarah sat the covered plates in front of them and slid into the booth, sitting across from Molly.
"OK. Go ahead and eat," Sarah instructed as they both took off the napkins to reveal their breakfasts. Both sisters gasped at the sight but Molly was the first to speak.
"Oh, WOW!. That's so awesome. Look Sarah! This one's a teddy bear...and this one's Mickey Mouse! They're so cute I don't wanna eat 'em. Well...almost," she admitted with a grin. Sarah just stared on in amazement. Chuck had created character pancakes for both of them. There were some parts of the pancakes that were darker than the rest, allowing some details to show up in a darker brown. They may not be perfect, artistically speaking, but they were still pretty damned impressive. And seeing the look on that little girl's face just made her heart melt. Chuck had done it again. He knew just what to do to make her little sister happy. Well….maybe not just her sister.
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The lunch rush had died down and Chuck was eating his own lunch, seated at 'his' booth across from Molly. The little girl was rambling on as she colored, telling stories about some goings on at the school. Sarah was standing behind the counter watching the interaction. Chuck was giving Molly his full attention, as if what she was saying was engaging and insightful. Given she was only in the second grade, Sarah highly doubted it. Still the look of enjoyment on his face, his tender smile, stirred something within her that she couldn't quite place. There was just something so...comforting about him. Like curling up on the couch with a blanket on a cool fall morning or slipping into a hot bath, where the warmth just envelopes you completely. Whoa! Reel it back there a little Sarah.
She was pulled from her musings with the ding of the bell as the front door swung open. She looked to see Mr. Kellogg, her mother's...and now her, attorney. She straightened up as he approached.
"Miss Walker," he greeted. "Do you have a few moments that we could talk?" he asked, his expression very business-like.
"Uh...sure. Let's go back to the office," she pointed as she began to make her way from behind the counter. On her way past their booth, Sarah called to them. "Guys, I have to talk with Mr. Kellogg for a few minutes. Molly you sit there and listen to Mr. Chuck. Chuck, could you keep an eye out for customers?" Chuck seemed to avoid looking toward her, only glancing out of the corner of his eye, but he nodded his head in acknowledgement, as did Molly. It seemed rather off, but she dismissed it and proceeded to the office with the older man in tow.
"What is it Mr. Kellogg? It doesn't seem like good news," Sarah began.
"Well, I do have some troubling news. The bank has seen fit to finalize their foreclosure filings. It has been three months since their first notice and we've done all we can to push the date back. I have it on authority that they will file them by Wednesday at the latest. That gives us two, maybe three business days to reinstate the loan," he revealed solemnly. Sarah slumped as if the wind had been knocked out of her. She began to look around the room, covering her mouth with her hand.
"However," he added to interrupt her spiraling thoughts, "I may have some good news." Sarah immediately perked up, looking on in anticipation. "A company called the Orion Group has come forward and expressed an interest in becoming an angel investor in your business, Sarah."
"What...what does that mean? Do...do they want to by me out?" Sarah asked, both scared and confused.
"Well, in simple terms, an angel investor would give you money upfront to help you and your business and in exchange, they would typically ask for a percentage ownership in your company, thus receiving a share of your future profits," he explained. "The Orion group has made a substantial offer. They are offering to cover all outstanding debts the diner currently has. In addition, they will provide three hundred thousand dollars for any renovations, updates or upgrades to the diner or its equipment."
"What?!" Sarah exclaimed, her mouth agape. Mr. Kellogg smiled and continued.
"There's more. They are asking for only fifteen percent share in the company, and are deferring profit sharing for five years, instead asking that you re-invest that money back into the diner. " He looked at her expectantly but she still seemed lost.
"So, let me get this straight. They want to pay all the debts, give me a ton of money for updates and they are not asking for any money back for five years? My Dad used to say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So what's the catch? How are they trying to fleece me in the end?" Sarah's brow was furrowed as she questioned the man.
"That is an accurate summary of what they are offering. After that five year period, you would then owe them fifteen percent of your profit for the duration. Although, you will have the option to buy them out at any time. You would have to provide them with all of the initial startup money plus their portion of the projected profits for that five year grace period. Aside from that, they will be silent partners, having no input into the business. That is unless you decide to sell at some point, then they reserve the right to purchase it at fair market value."
"I just don't understand why? Why me? Why this place? It's just a little hole in the wall diner in a small town. It's never going to make huge profits. Why bother? It seems like such a huge risk for very little reward," Sarah paced the floor, chewing her nails.
"I don't know the exact reasons, but typically angel investors are more interested in fostering entrepreneurs and small businesses… a little more philanthropic if you will. To provide assistance but also making a little return on their investment. I really don't know why they chose you. Perhaps the owner or owners of the group stopped and ate here and liked what they saw. Maybe they're originally from the area. I don't know. What I do know, Sarah, is that this is an incredible opportunity for you. I would highly recommend you take this offer. The alternative … well frankly, the alternative is to lose the diner completely," the older man concluded.
"Well, I guess I don't really have much choice, do I? But the offer really does sound incredible. It could really be the shot in the arm we need to turn this place into what Mom dreamed it would be." Sarah sat down in her desk chair and thought for a moment. "OK. Let's do it. What do I have to do?" Sarah asked, letting out a sigh.
"I can call them back and have a representative bring over the necessary paperwork for you to sign. Hopefully the beginning of the week. The sooner the better." He turned and began to exit the office, turning back to address her one last time. "I really think this is going to be a great opportunity for you. I think Emma would be really proud. If you don't mind me saying so...we all are," he gave her an approving smile as he left the office.
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The last customer had finally left and Sarah locked the door behind them, turning off the light for the sign. She leaned against the door and let out a long breath. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She just wanted a long soak in a tub, but she still needed to feed Molly and herself and then get her to bed. Chuck came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands with a towel and then throwing it over his shoulder.
"You look beat," Chuck offered with a sympathetic smile. Sarah just returned the smile and pushed off of the door to get herself moving again.
"No rest for the wicked. I need to get that one home and get us some supper," she replied, pushing some chairs under their respective tables. Chuck's hand started to rub the back of his neck as a contemplative expression decorated his face.
"So...I uh...I was thinking about getting a pizza. There's always more than what I can eat. Would uh...would you mind going out with me? I mean...sharing me? Duh uh… sharing food..the food with me.. At the ...the place. The both of you. For ...for food," Chuck closed his eyes for a moment sighing, silently berating himself for sounding like such an idiot. Sarah began to laugh out loud. A hearty, full out laugh. That made Chuck's blush intensify three fold, his shoes now becoming quite interesting. It was certainly not the first time that he had been laughed at when asking a girl out. Even though in this case he meant it as largely platonic, he supposed he shouldn't have expected any different. She was so far out of his league, in so many ways. Plus she was his 'boss' now and that might seem inappropriate. Right, like THAT would be the deal breaker. He tried his best to put on a smile, to laugh along with her but his heart wasn't really in it. He just felt embarrassed and wanted to crawl in a hole.
"Yeah. You're right. That … that is pretty ridiculous. I'll uh...I'll just-" he motioned toward the door with his thumb, a tight, self-deprecating smile attempting to mask the hurt within.
"Oh, Chuck. No...No," she tried to stifle her laughter and took hold of his arm. "I'm...I'm so sorry. It's just ...just the way you kept putting your foot further and further in your mouth was just so ...so hilarious. I'm sorry," she took a moment to collect herself, still gripping his arm. "I've had some rather bad days lately and I think I just … just needed a really good laugh." As he was still staring at the ground, she craned her neck and body down to bring herself into his field of view. She gave a sad, apologetic frown."I'm sorry, Chuck. Really. Pizza sounds really good. Just the way you were stumbling over yourself was just..cute...and sweet," she added with a bright smile.
"Wow...thanks. Sweet. I feel like I'm eight," he let a wry smile escape his face as he glanced at her. She gave an exasperated huff and released his arm only to give it a playful slap.
"Yeah. Well...maybe that's why Molly likes you so much," she returned the wry smile.
"Touche," he chuckled. "Too bad you're not into younger men." The words just spilled out as part of their playful banter. He then replayed the words in his mind. His expression turned to one of shock and his eyes grew large as saucers. He was about to apologize, but Sarah just continued on.
"Eh, you never know," she retorted with a smirk as she made her way to help Molly collect her things. Chuck just stood there with his mouth hanging open slightly, his brain going through a power cycle. After he regained his senses and tried to play it off as nothing more than a joke he finished his cleanup and walked out with the two ladies, the youngest holding his hand.
Sarah walked behind Chuck and Molly, their joined hands swinging playfully as they made their way to Veto's pizzeria, a couple blocks away. The scene was so heartwarming that for just a moment she entertained the thought that this was a glimpse into her future. That she would have a beautiful, blonde haired little girl, who would skip down the sidewalk holding her father's hand. Suddenly the implications hit her and she stopped in her tracks, her body and brain grinding to a halt. Sarah had never really considered the idea of children of her own or even marriage for that matter. Until now, there was nobody she had ever met that she ever felt that way about. Nobody she had ever dated in high school or college. Certainly not Bryce. What was so different now? Why did those prospects suddenly not seem so frightening? She watched as the two ran in circles up ahead, Chuck allowing Molly to catch him and him making a grand production about how fast she was. Something stirred in her stomach, like the fluttering of butterflies, and that's when she realized what had changed. It was him. That goofy, nerdy, compassionate, caring man. She had never met anyone like him before, not even close. The way he treated Molly, she could clearly see that he would do anything for that little girl. Just when her little sister could use a father figure in her life, here came Chuck Bartowski. If only she had someone like Chuck in her life at that age, things would have been so much different for her. If only she had someone like Chuck in her life... But she did, didn't she. He was right there. Literally right in front of her face. In just a few short days of really getting to know him, he had become such an important part in their lives.
"Sarah! You coming?" The voice of her little sister yelling down the street broke her from her daydream.
Sarah just smiled and playfully retorted, "I'm comin'. I'm comin'" She picked up her pace to catch up with them and then grabbed Molly's hand, opposite Chuck's. The three practically skipped, their joined arms swinging as they headed toward the restaurant.
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"In we go," Chuck grunted as he lowered the sleeping little girl into her bed. He took off her shoes and pulled her covers over her, tucking her in. The girl began to stir, a single eye barely open a crack.
"Mmnnngg. Need bedtime song..." the girl groaned out with a frown on her face.
"Sarah's downstairs and I don't know what songs you guys sing. Just close your eyes and get some sleep, OK?" Chuck spoke in hushed tones.
"Mmmnnngg. Pleeeeease," the little girl whimpered with a frown. Chuck was completely defenseless against this adorable little girl. He let out a sigh in resignation.
"Alright….what do you want me to sing?" Chuck asked.
"Mnnn. Don't care" she replied sleepily. Chuck thought for a minute of a song that he knew that might be appropriate. Then a song from his own childhood came to mind as he began. He thought for a second and then began to sing a smooth, soft tone, smoothing her hair back as he sang.
"Stay awake don't rest your head
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake don't close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Stay awake, don't nod and dream"
As the final words dissolved into silence, the little girl was fast asleep. Chuck smiled down at her and tucked her in one last time. "Night Sweetie". He quietly made his way into the hall, silently pulling the door closed behind. He turned to head downstairs when he saw Sarah, her back leaning against the wall, wiping at her cheeks, blowing out a breath.
"Sarah? Are you OK? What's wrong?" concern evident in his voice. Sarah sniffed letting out a one note chuckle as a smile overtook her face.
"Nothing. I'm fine, Chuck. Thanks. Can uh… Can I get you a drink before you go?" She stood, trying to compose herself. Chuck could see that she was not 'fine' but the smile seemed genuine enough so he didn't want to harp on the issue.
"Um… that would be nice. If it's not too much trouble," he returned the smile and followed her down the steps.
"What can I get you?" she inquired over her should as she entered the kitchen.
"Oh. Anything is fine. Surprise me." Chuck leaned on the counter while Sarah poured them both a glass of iced tea.
"Here ya go. I have sugar if it's not sweet enough," Sarah added.
"I'm sure it's perfect." They stood there in awkward silence, sipping their tea. After what seemed like an eternity, unable to contain it anymore, Sarah spoke first.
"So, um… singing to Molly. That...That was very nice of you. You didn't have to do that," Sarah swirled the tea in her glass as she spoke, staring at the whirlpool it created,
"Oh. You heard that huh?" Color began to creep up his neck, his self-consciousness getting the better of him.
"I did. It was… it was very beautiful. My...my mom used to sing that to me when I was little. I had completely forgotten about it until I heard you. It brought back a lot of memories…" she trailed off, her eyes glistening.
"I'm sorry Sarah. I didn't mean to upset-"
"No. No they were happy memories, Chuck. Memories of a time when my world was so small and my worries even smaller. I can remember my mom looking down at me, smoothing my hair and singing me that song…. I miss her," she confessed as huge tears streaked down her cheeks and she started to sob. Chuck closed the distance without a second thought and wrapped her in a hug, just holding her without saying a word. After a few minutes, she slowly started to pull away, patting Chuck on his chest. "Thank you. Sorry about that," she brushed at the large wet spot on his shirt.
"Hey, don't give it a second thought. That's what friends are for, right?" He gave her a tight smile as he wiped a lingering tear from her cheek. The light touch on her cheek felt so intimate, so warming that she nearly flinched, closing her eyes and sucking in a small gasp. "I uh...I should get going. I have an early day tomorrow. I can't be late on my second day of work. My new boss is a real taskmaster," he smirked. "Thanks for the tea and … just, Thanks." He waved as he left out the front door into the night.
A/N2: So things seem to be looking up for Sarah and the diner situation. Sarah has a new cook to help get the diner going. Has she picked up something else along the way? We'll just have to wait for that Joe guy to get off his ass and publish Chapter 5.
Recurring PSA: If you are not already a member, I encourage you to join the "Chuck Fanfiction" group on Facebook. It is an amazing group of authors, readers and then there's me. This group is only for Chuck Fanfiction discussion, as the name suggests. Share links to your own work or discuss your favorite fics. Maybe even post a request or fic challenge to shake things up. Look forward to seeing you there.