"An extracurricular club?" You set the stapler down on the table and turned to look at Haley. "You think I should join a club?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Uh huh! I think it would be good for you! Get out, learn new things, make new friends..." Your brows furrowed. "But I already have friends... and doesn't this already count as an extracurricular activity and a place to make 'friends'?" You gestured around the detention room. Haley sighed as she set down her papers. "Listen sweetheart, detention is not the kind of place you want to make friends- Gilbert don't you dare." Your head snapped around and you saw Gilbert lower what looked like a bloated water balloon, pouting childishly. She turned back to you. "Seriously, just think about it. Okay? I think you'd have a great time! There's all kinds of sport clubs, theater activities, art groups..." You sighed. "Yeah, yeah I get it. I'll think about it." Haley flashed a satisfied smile before sending a warning glare at Gilbert and Francis as you collected your things. "Bye Haley." She waved as you headed out the door. "Good bye (Y/n)! Have fun at work!"
-Later-
You hummed quietly to yourself as you dried the warm, recently washed dishes and set them in the drying rack for the night. Business had been good this evening, so you were relieved when you had been asked to wash and dry the dishes instead of continuing to bus tables. You sighed happily to yourself. This really was a great place to work. The customers were usually pretty nice and the staff were all fantastic. Not to mention the owner...
"(Y/n)?" You set down a bowl and turned around. "Yes?" Mrs. Karpusi smiled warmly at you. "You may leave for the evening, I'll finish these up." You nodded and stepped away from the dishes. After placing your apron back onto the hanging rack, you picked up your bag and slung it over your shoulder. "Good night, Mrs. Karpusi." She threw a wave over her shoulder from her spot as your replacement dish dryer. "Good night (Y/n)! Stay safe walking home." You smiled slightly at her concern before heading out the back door into the light of the street lamps.
You strode purposefully down the sidewalk, eager to get home and be somewhere you felt safe. Almost. Your step skipped a beat as you felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. Who the heck is texting me at this time of night? You moved to stand against a building, out of sight, before turning your screen on and reading the message. It was from your brother, Aiden. Dad's pissed. Don't go home.
Damn. He wouldn't text you unless it was serious. You took a sharp intake of breath before looking around quickly. Every instinct you had was screaming at you to do one thing. Find someplace safe. Your eyes landed on a well lite, open cafe across the street. You shoved your phone back into your pocket before jogging nervously across the road, your eyes catching on every shadow, and pushing open one of the green and pink doors. Hesitantly, you looked around the small place before deciding on sitting in a smaller booth near the back until you could figure out a plan for the night. The green 'leather' squished comfortably as you plopped down into the seat. The cafe was very warm and smelled strongly of coffee. Perfect. You sighed, feeling relieved as you felt a warm, safe feeling envelope you.
You still jumped ever so slightly though as a middle-aged waitress appeared beside your table. She blew a small bubble with her gum before popping it and tilting her head to the side in order to look at the small notepad she held up in front of her face. "What can I do ya for, sugar?" You shifted and looked down at the table. "Um, just coffee for now would be nice. Thank you." She scribbled down your request before walking away. You pulled out your phone again and texted your brother back, thanking him for the head's up and making sure to tell him that you'd stay clear of the house.
After sending the message, you began trying to come up with someplace you could go for tonight and maybe tomorrow as well, considering it would be a Saturday. Well... the boys all live too far away, especially Dylan, so they're out. Al- no. Definitely not... I don't really know of anyone else that would take me besides Haley, and I don't have her number! Stupid... Um... Maybe Mathew? But then I'd have to deal with Alfred... Which isn't so bad. You nodded to yourself. Perfect, I'll ask Mathew.
The waitress arrived with your coffee moments after you sent your distress message to Mathew. "Can I get you anything else?" You smiled and pulled the coffee towards you. "No thank you, I'm all set." She nodded and left. Almost happily, you reached across the table and helped yourself to a handful of flavored creamers. Mmm, sugary coffee... Suddenly, your phone vibrated from it's place on the far end of the table. Setting down your mug, you turned on the screen to read the message. It was from Mathew. Our dad and mom aren't home right now (they're on a cruise actually) but Alfred just called and asked if we could have a friend over. They said yes! But it might have something to do with the fact that it's like 3 in the morning over there... Oh well :) Do you want Alfred to pick you up? You sighed happily. And after politely stopping the waitress, getting the cafe's address, texting Mathew back, and paying for/drinking the rest of your coffee, it was almost one in the morning.
You were just finishing up a plate of french fries that the waitress, who you had discovered was named Barb, had brought you 'on the house' when you saw the lights of Alfred's red truck pull up. You set your tip for Barb down on the table and gratefully thanked her as you headed out the door. She called after you before it could close all the way. "You take care sweetheart!" I will most definitely be visiting this cafe again. You thought to yourself as you pulled the passenger door open and climbed into the truck next to Alfred. Your eyes locked with his the second you pulled the door shut and turned around. He was studying you, but it was hard to tell if it was out of curiosity or worry.
"You doing okay?" You nodded and smiled at him. "Better then ever." He continued to watch you, eyes narrowing slightly. You shifted, almost uncomfortable. "Um Alfred, if we don't get out of here, the people in the restaurant are going to think that we're having a problem..." You both turned to look at the seven or eight people, mostly wait staff, still inside the cafe. All of then were indeed staring at the two of you. Or at least trying to considering how dark it was, even with the streetlights. Alfred blushed and quickly put the car into drive, pulling away from the curb easily.
You both sat in awkward silence for several minutes until you just couldn't take it any more. "So... how far away is your house?" Alfred grunted. "A fair distance." You waited. Nothing. Wow Alfred, way to help start a conversation. You took a breath and turned to look out the window as the landscape shifted from urban subdivisions to more rural, forest-y landscape. "I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience to you..." Alfred grunted again, this time in surprise. "Inconvenience? Never. Mattie... and I are happy to help you out." You glanced at him and smiled. "Thank you Alfred." When he responded, you noticed that he was careful not to make eye contact with you and you were sure you saw his blush darken. "No problem."
You settled into the leather seat comfortably and leaned against the door, pressing your face up against the cool glass. Your eyes felt really heavy all of a sudden. "Hey Alfred?" Alfred glanced sideways at you before looking back at the road. Another smile curved across his lips. "Don't worry. I'll wake you up when we get there. Just go to sleep." You sighed as your eyes drifted shut. "Thank you Alfred.." you mumbled quietly. He chuckled. "Of course. Good night beautiful."
But you were already asleep.
Writer's note- Whew... that took me awhile, sorry! But I'm on spring break right now so I'll probably have another chapter out within the week. (fingers crossed...) Thanks for reading, I hope you liked it! :) Peace-Berries and Beans