Standing at the front of the establishment I bowed with a large smile as I used my most cheerful voice "Thank you, have a great evening." I waited for the familiar chime of the bell. A few seconds passed until I heard the bell followed by mumbling. Stand back up tall I dropped my friendly smile and let out a sigh. Thank God! Thank Buddha! Thank every Deity ever that they left. What an absolute nightmare! I took a deep breath trying to wash away all the negative feeling I became plagued with after dealing with those people. Turning around I was surprised to find Eri right behind me.
She gave with an understanding smile "That bad, huh?"
I gave her a nod. I could never hide my emotions from my friends, especially Eri she was able to read anyone like a book. I looked ahead at my section a five tables push into one with twenty-three chairs. "Not sure if it could have been any worse," I mumbled. I worked at an up and coming traditional cuisine restaurant with a modern interior and uniforms. It is called "New." Large groups were not our usual clientele. We mostly had couples on dates, small or medium families or friend groups. Looking down at my watch I nearly died, '1:00am.' One! One they kept me here three hours past the end of my shift! They ordered a bunch of alcohol they better have tipped me good! I approached the table that reminded me of a post war battlefield. Carcasses were plentiful as the battlefield dripped with blood.
"God this is a mess! They spilled their some glasses, sauce dishes, and there's food scraps everywhere. Seriously me two year old nephew has better table manners! Kagome would you like some help?"
"That would be great," I quickly stated. Little by little we cleaned the table filling the bust tubs full with dishes. We had to make two trips back to the dishwasher just to clear the table. The black table cloths littered the floor, so many in fact i forgot what color the floor was. They had continuously requested extra throughout their three-hour stay. Eri collected them and took them to the stock room hamper. Meanwhile, I was left with wiping down the table and chairs. Picking up the black ticket book I reminded myself this will make it all worth it. My fingertips managed to find the corners and pull them apart. Inside I was greeted with a note, unfolding it, two pennies rolled out making their grand appearance as they spun and spun.
Tip: (My two cents)
Your service was so bad your lucky I'm a generous person.
1. Have waters ready. The glasses half full of ice and on coasters.
2. Be sure to personally show customers to your OWN tables.
3. Don't be fake.
4. Don't smile at another girl's man, AKA my husband!
5. Have fake flowers, not real. People have allergies.
6. Check every 5 mins until our food. Then check every twenty, you interrupted many conversations.
7. Bring appetizers 10 mins before the entrees.
8. Bring extra sauce, don't be stingy.
9. Never let the ice completely melt in a drink.
10. Don't use dishes with hard water stains.
My eyes scanned the notes entire front and back, and the list goes on and on. And no actual tip. Their bill was $560.00 and they couldn't even leave me a decent tip?! I huffed and quickly untied my apron, throwing it on the table "Eri!" Eri who just returned to the room rushed over to me her voice filled with concern "Kagome what is wrong?"
"I quit!" I stated with no hesitation.
"What?! No, you don't! Come sit at the bar I'll pour you a strong drink. On the house of course."
"I make no promises, but I'll take you up on that drink." I found a seat at the bar and waited for Eri to serve me a super special drink. I was soon greeted with a sparkling green, purple and blue drink with a red apple slice on the glass's rim. Staring at the odd drink I couldn't help but wonder, "What is its name?"
Eri couldn't help but laugh "Geez Kagome you are so formal. You make it sound as if its a person. But I call it 'Queens Apple.'"
Taking a sip the flavor was completely indescribable, it was a jumbled mess of flavor. My senses were overwhelmed. I could smell strong western liquor, my throat burned with each gulp, all I tasted was apple and honey. My head felt as if bees had built a nest and were buzzing around. My face felt as if I had a fever and I felt strong and confident! My eyelids grew heavy as I was surprised that my drink was still over half full.
"How's that treating you Kagome? Understand how snow white felt?"
"No! I am no delicate princess or shard collector! I'm not tool or weapon, okay?! I was a naive prince! I woke the princess who I didn't know I stuck to the tree a long time ago. I somehow forgot, but when I freed her. Was she grateful? NO! She tried to cut me in half! I sat her time and time again. Sit. sit. sit. sit. I can say it as much as I want now and no mini-quakes or bitching. She compared me to HER first Prince again and again. He could aim, he was pretty, he was sexy, he was he was he was. Know what he was dead! Cuz they were stupid and had a bad relationship! The airhead couldn't understand the difference and never could not even until the end! I destroyed monster after monster, and was always bailing her out of heartbreak and danger constantly! I said I love you I love you and she never said it once! Not one! I DIED! He still didn't say it! Ugh! Heartless ass turd! Bastard! But ass turd works! I ever get a 'thanks'? Nope. We destroyed the spider after a few years nothing changed, I never got my happy ending. Being a princess is stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"
"Kagome you know I'm always here from you but I have no idea what you are talking about. You said you were a prince but then called yourself a princess. Why did it take you years to find a spider and why was that so important. Is this drunk talk or did you have a weird dream?"
Unable to hear and process her words I screamed "Table 301! Sit! Sit! SIT!SIT! SIT!"
"Kagome do you have Tourettes or something?" Eri's words only fueled the burning fire within my chest.
"Oh yeah. I guess so." I said half serious.
"Kagome, I'll call you a cab."
That was the last memory I had of that night. Eri told me I talked with a few of her customers who tipped me instead of her sympathy. I got a guys number and surprisingly a girl's. I drank three more 'Queen Apples' and fell asleep. She said I refused getting in a cab screaming stranger danger. She sat me in a booth where I fell asleep until Hojo came, he drove me home and helped me to my room. I guess he called her because I was suggesting some lewd activities to do in my room as a thank you. Upon hearing about my drunk self I felt completely appalled. On top of all of that I was told my resignation was accepted and my services could not be accepted at 'New' again
"Great. Now I have to find a new job," I said with generous amount of sass. Grabbing my head I moaned, I spoke too loudly. God I'm never drinking again! It hurts to think. This is the price I pay for having attitude. I guess even I act a bit like Inuyasha. How annoying. Guess I just spent too much time with him. Looking across the table I saw gramps reading the paper. He flipped through the paper, seeming to pay no attention to how loudly it crinkled. To him it was unnoticeable to me it sounded like nails on a chalkboard being amplified with a megaphone. It made me nauseous. "Gramps could you not be so loud?!" I scolded.
"Ah so you are alive. No can do. You did this to yourself, I can't miss the precious news." Cramps rudely stated.
Trying to control my raging temper, keyword trying. My internal battle was short lived as I heard another series of thunderous crinkles. "Gramps I'm sure the world will not end today nothing to worry about."
"Perhaps not but I can't miss the hot gossip."
"Then buy a gossip magazine."
"No I mean political gossip and world gossip." He fiercely and loudly stated.
After realizing I would not win this battle, sighed "Fine. Could you at least pass me the classifieds with job listings?"
"Eh what for?" He mumbled in a crackly voice.
Geez what is with him today? He has more sass than I do! "I'm looking for a different job. I need a Change of pace."
"Nonsense you can work here. You're more than qualified and the pay is not half bad, might I remind you. Also, the boss is a great man and pretty forgiving and reasonable." The words and tone he had chosen both clearly indicated he was referring to himself. He peeked over his paper trying to gauge my reaction, "So what do you say?"
My irritation had made me completely forget about my headache until I yelled "No way!"
"but why? You have more spiritual capabilities and experience than I or the generations before I. You are a genuine priestess a rare artifact indeed."
"That's just it gramps. I'm tired of that life I came here to forget it not relive it or be a sideshow freak. So I'll take a crappy minimum wage job thank you." Determined to make my point even more clear I stood up and stormed out. I'll feel better after brunch. Maybe I'll even get some ideas for a new job. All I know is I need coffee now. I'll shower, change then text them all. Marching upstairs I passed Sota and Hitomi, who were on their way for their second, official, unchaperoned date. I smiled and waved at the now blushing duo. Making my way to my room I decided to pick out my outfit. searching my closet I found a pink and white striped T-Shirt and pair of short blue overalls. I found my pink vans and random ball cap. It's just brunch, cute casual works. With my mind made up I decided to skip the bath and use some dry shampoo instead, I didn't get sick so I'll be fine. I quickly put brunched my hair and found a white flower headband. Better than the black cap. Placing my hair threw it I began Putin on my makeup. liquid foundation hides the evidence of my late night, powder to blend and some blush. Deciding I didn't need eyeshadow I instead focused on doing a great job with my eyelashes. One Don I grabbed some gloss, my cell, bank card and ran out of the house. Get ready world here I come! I will not be rejected! I silently declared. The buzzed in my overall pocket startled me as familiar Keisha song played. Mentally I began to sing along and unlocked my cell.
A message opened revealing Hojo's picture beside it,
From: Hojo
To: Kagome
"Hey Kagome. How are you feeling?"
Received at 10:45
I wish he would stop being so nice. I don't deserve it. I've led him on, broke his heart and still he is nothing but nice. I quickly replied with the fact I was feeling better and couldn't wait to eat and grab a refreshing drink. Not even a second later I got a reply.
From: Hojo
To: Kagome
"No alcohol, right?"
Received at 10:46
In disbelief, I read the message over and over. The more I read it the angrier I became was the meaning to put such attitude in his text? Or was it a mistake? Either way, this is one reason I never was into him, he acts like a dad. Overly caring and even noisy, it's sweet but irritating. I mean, geez I'm not a drunk. I just wasn't prepared for the strength of those drinks. My irritation was clear for all to see as I tapped harder than I needed to on the screen.
From: Kagome
To: Hojo
"I'll be having some drink variation of coffee or some juice. Sorry about last night."
Received at 10:48
From: Hojo
To: Kagome
"Oh Good. I was worried. You were just discharged from the hospital due to a head injury and with your frail health in the past, I was worried you'd have more health problems."
Received at 10:50
I stared at the messaged and put my phone down, Damn it! I wish I could tell everyone the truth. Tell everyone that I was never sick, except for that one cold. I hate how everyone is constantly worrying about me. I feel like a fragile child. If they knew what I did and had seen what I did they wouldn't underestimate me or my physical strength. I really want to tell them especially since it's all over… Maybe I'll think about it.
From: Kagome
To: Hojo
"I'll be having some drink variation of coffee or some juice. Sorry about last night."
Received at 10:53
"HEY! KAGOME!"
Looking up I couldn't help but smile as I say Ayumi's smiling face. She wore a cute pink ruffled shirt with white capri pants and tan sandals. Her hair was different it was it was now a beautiful light auburn styled into a cute wavy bob. She wore a pearl necklace and earrings. After a quick hug I felt a familiar buzz, Hojo messaged me, again. I quickly messaged him back I was at the dinner with Ayumi and we were getting a table. I did not feel another message. Our waiter walked us over to our table and we got our drinks. I a vanilla latte and Ayumi no surprise a glass of orange juice. She was always eating healthy and acting very feminine, made sense since her family was very traditional. They were a lot like mine in fact. Now that I think about it her and Hojo would be perfect. Both sweet, kind, health-oriented, and hopeless romantics. I was getting a bit bored anyway, so I guess... challenged accepted. Operation Hojumi or Ayjo whichever is now in play.
"So Ayumi, how have you been? So still dating that foreigner guy?"
"He who shall not be named, no, not exactly. He sure made a great impression, we had some great dates the first month we were dating. He seemed sweet, noble, sensitive and hot. But as time continued, he shows that he was actually rude, dishonest, a womanizer, evasive, frivolous, a gossip, haughty, Ignorant, hypocritical, Impatient, indecisive, jealous, judgemental, such a know it all, needy, possessive, and stingy."
"Is that all?" I said nearly laughing like a hyena.
I watched as Ayumi took a sip of her drink before putting it down and turning away as she blushed "On our last date we went to the zoo and he started off making some jokes. As the joke continued they became increasingly morbid. Talking mostly about animal group sex, I began to feel extremely uncomfortable. He openly checked out other women in front of me, complimented them. He began telling me about his famous former lovers and girlfriends telling me how I compared and what improvements I could have done to my body to make me hotter. Summing up everything he has told me this past week, I needed breast implants, lip injections, bleach blonde hair with extension and that I could lose a little weight, how I should wear sexier and sluttier clothing, I couldn't take it anymore, I knew I was going to break it off but when I found him cheating that really drove the last nail in the coffin."
"I see, sounds like a compulsive jerk! He will get what is coming to him. He'll probably die sad and alone, or he'll end up with some gold digger." I fiercely stated.
"Hey there!" Eri said all cheerfully with a big smile that shined just as brightly as her yellow and white plaid sundress. Her black hair had grown a lot dipping to the middle of her black, though its length was hidden by her current updo. Think curls placed delicately on her head creating a signature fifties bun.
Yuka stood side by side, holding Eri's hand "Oh you guys talking about Zeke?" Yuka wore a very formal navy suit that hugged all her curves, her jacket remained open revealing her spotless white shirt and beautiful yellow bow tie. The yellow bow tie was easily Eri's old ribbon, the one she used to wear every day. She wore matching yellow flats and a confident smile. Her hairstyle appears similar to the one she had in their school days. She dyed her hair to black, chopped most of it off creating a cute pixie cut which was nicely combed.
"Wow I feel very underdressed," I stated rather trying to quickly change the subject. That may be one reason I did it, but if I'm being completely honest I'm a bit embarrassed. Everyone quickly reassured me that I wasn't. Our meal consisted of just the four of us as Hojo became a no-show, his excuse a family emergency.
"So Kagome, you never really told us how things are going with Inuyasha," Eri hinted.
I couldn't help but notice all eyes were now on me and decided again to try and shift the attention away "Eri now that you and Yuka are engaged. Do you know who will be your maid of honor?"
Ayumi and I were both competing for the spot and were trying to win favor all month. Ayumi was out picking invitations with Eri while I was at work and I sent Yuka and Eri one of those bouquets made out of freshly harvested fruit. I gave Eri some free lunch at New and Ayumi had taken Yuka out for a spa day. Yuka smiled sipping her black ice tea "We are not deciding anytime soon, your gifts are quite nice it's hard to pick."
"So how did things end up with Mr. possessive," Eri asked.
Ayumi quickly followed "Yes, tell us. You said you were going to move to his hometown and help out his family farm. But after that, we haven't heard anything. We were all surprised you came back."
"You guys are?"
Yuka shrugged and went on to explain "Well yeah, you guys were totally nuts about each other but constantly fighting like an old pair of crows. So we thought when you left you guys would get married or at least elope. But you came back and haven't mentioned the guy even once. So what happened to your hot and cold relationship that was our soap opera through middle school and high school?"
"To be honest. I left him." I said rather unsure how they would take the news. Afterall my family were quite surprised and thought I was joking because we had a small fight. But after a month of me not returning and Inuyasha not visiting they finally realized I was serious and there was no going back.
"What?!" Everyone screamed in unison.
"Yeah. Well that girl he always preferred over me died nearly four years ago. He has not moved on or even tried. I've been there everyday for him emotionally and he never in those four years even considered us trying to date. It became clear he didn't see me that way and I don't think I should waste my entire life hopelessly desiring his love and attention and forget to live my own life in the process. Since having him in my life I became a person I didn't want to. A whiny desperate girl, the totally 'Notice me Senpai,' type."
Eri clapped her hands together "Oh! Well, are you going to finally give Hojo and honest shot? You know he's basically been in the same boat just as long as you have been."
"I know and that is why I'll free him by making my feelings clear. I don't see him that way." My
statement made everyone go a bit quiet and their faces were deeply engraved with surprise and worry.
"I'm fine, I just need some time to live my life just for me. I think I'm over Inuyasha but I don't want to just jump into anything right now and if I and Hojo dated it would be extremely serious since I know his true feelings."
The rest of our brunch peaceful we talked about all sorts of topics. We talked about how Yuka proposed to Eri and what their wedding was going to be like. We then talked about how Ayumi and Hojo would make a cute couple. She blushed and changed out the topic to Yuka's blossoming career. The conversation soon steered towards me and some great job opportunities.
Please review to let me know how many of you are awaiting the next chapter. I plan to have it out shortly and to make the next chapter the true begining of this love story.
