Her name was "Ella." Said so on her name tag. She didn't answer me right away - but reached down and flipped over my coffee cup and started filling it up. Kid musta been psychic or somethin' because I didn't ask for it, but sure as hell needed it.

"You want any cream or sugar with that honey?"

"Honey!?" I'm probably three times this kid's age.

I put my hand over my cup as I answered.

"Naw, black's good - don't ruin it."

She smiled and I watched as she dropped the little plastic cream containers and sugar packets back into her apron pockets. Then she pointed to the menu in front me.

"Chicken and waffles, right?"

"Yeah – and make it the half a chicken and Belgian waffle thing."

She didn't write it down and before she could turn to leave the table, I added a few things.

"Hang on there a sec' Ella, I'm gonna want to 'stupid-size" that with – uh…"

I glanced back down at the menu and jabbed at it with my finger.

"…two eggs over easy, grits and… oh what the f… sorry… hell - throw some cheese on there too."

When she walked over to the counter to place my order with the big happy man working the grill, I cranked up my audio to the max. She spoke quietly, but I could easily hear every word.

"Pops – the guy in the corner… there's something - he's weird. I… his eyes… I think he's a robot or something."

Holy shit – that is one perceptive kid "Pops" has working the tables here!

The guy behind the counter just kept smiling and didn't even look over at me as he spoke quietly to Ella. By the tone of his voice, I could tell he really cared about her – Pops was a good guy.

"Robot? Well then, I suppose this ticket should have a cup of 30 weight and side of anti-freeze on it? Lemme see here… hmmm why – bless my soul – it looks like this is one of themrobot that likes chicken and waffles!"

He patted her affectionately on the shoulder and gestured to the otherwise empty diner.

"Ella girl, you been watching too damn many of those Transformermovies. AND you've been working a little too hard too. Why don't you go on home early today? Almost no one comes in on a Sunday afternoon anyway."

"Yeah, but what about…"

I saw her gesture over to me then stop. I pretended not to look as I drank my coffee.

"I got it covered – Once I grease that "robot's" gears with what I'm cookin' up, he'll be one of our regulars. Now go on and get outta here before I change my mind."

I watched Ella out of the corner of my eye as she put her apron on the hook next to the counter and grab a coffee pot. She walked right up to me and it was really hard to detect any nervousness in her. Only the slight contraction of the muscles around her eyes as she smiled, gave it away.

Brave kid.

"Can I top you off Mister?"

I slid my cup over to the edge of the table.

"Sure."

I watched her pour. It was pretty damn steady. Barely a flutter. Once it was full, she gave me a sweet smile.

"My shift's over – so, uh, Pops is gonna be taking care of you. Is there anything else I can get you before I go?"

"No, I'm good – two cups of oil is all I can manage."

I nearly burst out laughing as I watched her go stiff with fright. Then I reassured her.

"Relax kid – I'm just foolin' with you. I heard you talking to your boss over there. It's just the contact lenses I'm wearing. They're the fancy kind that change your eye color – sometimes they catch the light weird."

She laughed softly and I could tell she was really embarrassed – but the relief I felt coming off of her as she apologized was like a tidal wave.

"I am SO sorry Mister… I had no idea you could hear…"

"No worries kid – if the chicken and waffles are half as good as this coffee – all is forgiven."