*RAES POV*
It's dead at the diner lately, I kind of love it because, Shawn, our new manager, is super relaxed and let's me study when it's not busy!
"Hey Rae, if it stays dead tonight you can head home a little early if you would like!" Shawn says emerging from the kitchen.
"I might take you up on that!"
"Alright you just let me know alright?"
I smile up at him. He's such a nice guy! Our old manager left to work at some other diner because he thought we were going to get shut down but the owners just sold it and now the diner is becoming a 'Patsy's pies!" cute huh?
Shawn's also hired a couple new waitresses from some program, all fresh off parole. I think it's great to be honest. Hopefully Amy isn't a parolee that gets her old job back.
An hour goes by and we haven't had a single customer, Shawn comes out from his office looking a little more tired than before, almost strung out.
"Hey, Rae! I'm going to close up early instead! You can just head on home, alright? You need a ride?"
"No, I'm alright I got a car! You okay Shawn?"
"Little sleepy that's all!"
"Okay" I give him a sympathetic smile while I grab my books and leave.
Instead of heading home I head over to the Gallaghers place and walk in.
No answer when I call out a 'Hello' so I head out to the backyard. Everyone is sitting quietly sitting outside drinking, clearly just finished swimming.
"You guys finally got the pool up?"
"Hey!" I get a loud greeting from my second family.
"Yeah, just finished about 2 hours ago-ish, off work early?" Ian ask handing me a beer.
"Yeah, my boss was being weird and decided to close up early."
"Weird? He harrassing you?" Steve asks more concerned than needed, causing everyone look at me with panic written all over their faces.
"No, no, no! He just looked a little...um...like Frank after a long weekend?"
"Ha! Or any time!" V says louder than I expected.
"So what have you been up to? Where's Lip?"
"Ian just got home, Debbie and Carl went to bed about 10 minutes before you walked out and Lip, I think is at Karen's?" Fiona fills me in.
"Yeah, "studying" for exams tomorrow!" Ian says with air quotes.
"Ugh, don't remind me! I should actually go soon, my exams at 8! What about you?"
"I don't have one tomorrow! Mine are next week. Just stay! You'll be fine!"
"Okay, but only like, an hour more!" I say looking at my watch.
I really shouldn't I can't afford to fuck up on these exams. I'll go crazy if I don't keep my grades up. The principal said I have a chance at getting a scholarship if I can't afford school. Which would be great since I only have one job now and the Patsy's is only doing okay.
Next thing I know that hour turned into 3 and I'm falling on my bed at 1am. Those Gallaghers sure know how to entertain. I set my alarm and pray I do okay.