❦Chapter 6: Pre-Party Shift❦
"You're going to a party after work?" Ellie asked interestedly, clearing one of the tables and making sure it was clean for the next customers that came along.
"Yeah, my mother's hosting it and she's forcing me to go. At least I'm not wearing the dreadful dresses she wanted me to wear." You sighed as you picked up some pristine wine glasses.
"How come she's holding a party? Is it someone's birthday?" Ellie's curiosity bubbled to the surface and you shook your head in answer to her question.
"Nope. Apparently she just holds them so that "Upper class citizens can mix with their own kind" or something like that." You faked a posh voice when you imitated your mother, making Ellie giggle.
"Wow, your mother sounds awful." She said honestly - not holding back.
"You're telling me. Where's Lucas today?" You switched subject; genuinely curious as to where the sullen teenager was.
"Ah. He uh...had to go visit his mother today. His younger sister Lucy and him take turns looking after her." Ellie delicately explained.
"Looking after her? Is she alright?" You were prying slightly but you just couldn't help yourself.
"Their mother gets sick easily; weak immune system I guess. So I usually cover his shifts and work double. Luckily Amy pays me for overtime." She helped you pour wine into the glasses, her expression one of sorrow.
"Is that why Lucas is so...?" You didn't want to insult him - so you faintly trailed off instead.
"So moody? Yeah, Lucas and his mother were close. I'm a family friend, so I don't mind doing these things for him. I know Lucas seems a bit sulky but please bear with him, he's going through a rough time." Ellie's face was earnest and you nodded at once.
"Of course. I'm sure he's a nice guy deep down." You easily agreed.
"There's a quote that I really like - by an author. "All the hardest, coldest people you meet were once as soft as water. And that's the tragedy of living." I think that describes Lucas perfectly." She thoughtfully remarked, watching you place the glasses of wine onto a tray.
"Yeah. Well, if there's anything I can do to help let me know." You offered your help; knowing how tragedy and loss felt like. You didn't even have memories - which to you felt like you didn't even know who you were. And that in itself made you feel different from everyone else.
"Thank you, (Y/n)." Ellie smiled, grateful as she walked off to serve some more people.
"Anytime." You softly called after her and took the tray to the right table, placing the drinks down and taking in orders. After you wrote their orders down you spotted Ferris sitting alone again - great, your stalker was back.
"Hello again, stalker." You sighed as you passed his table, giving the ticket to the kitchen and going back to Ferris's table. Service was slow this evening, so you could afford to talk to him for a bit.
"Must you be so harsh? I'll complain to your manager if you don't start being nicer to me." He threatened, an evil smile stretched across his features. He was clearly joking though.
"Oh shut up. What do you want this evening? One Budweiser?" You guessed with a grin, rolling your eyes as you whipped out the notepad.
"Aren't you a smart little cookie?" Ferris retorted slyly and dipped his head to confirm that's what he wanted.
"Mmhm~" You stuck your tongue out at him whilst you fetched the drink. It was weird how you two got along - you definitely liked his sharp tongue and dry wit. The only thing you didn't like about him was how he knew you so well. That or he was just being creepy on purpose. And the stalking wasn't exactly welcomed either.
"Mind if I ask you something, sweets?" The fedora-wearing male asked casually, taking a hearty swig out of the beer before focusing his attention back on you.
"Depends what it is. One night stands are off the table, just a little FYI." You warned in amusement and wondered what he was going to ask.
"Fair enough. Do you believe in telekinesis?" He shrewdly questioned; his eyes hardening as he waited for your answer.
"Do I believe...? Like...do I believe it's real?" You tilted your head - a little confused by his question. He gave a curt nod, wanting to know what you believed in.
"I mean, I find it kinda hard to believe. Moving things with your mind? Come on. Do you believe in it?" You laughed loftily, quizzing him on it too.
"What do you think?" Ferris traced the outline of the beer top with one finger - his grin growing wide again.
"I think you're crazy enough to." You lightly replied as you checked to make sure there weren't any waiting customers. Nope. All clear.
"I knew someone who could do it." He was proud of that, his tone full of smugness.
"Oh yeah? And just who might that be?" You drawled smoothly and raised your eyebrows.
"Just a special someone. She could do all sorts of powerful things - in fact she was the best telekinetic girl I've ever laid eyes on." Ferris declared.
"Well if you ever find her, give her a call and tell her to prove it." You smirked before seeing a customer standing at the entrance. Time to do your job. As you stood up, his hand curled around your wrist; his grasp tight and firm.
"Gladly. If I get her to prove it will you believe me then?" He jauntily inquired, acting like this was literally life or death.
"Of course, now let me go do my job. See you around, stalker." You answered arrogantly - only agreeing so he'd let go of your hand.
"See you around, sugar." Ferrris repeated, watching you pull your hand back and walk to the table that had just been seated via Ellie.
After serving the table, you pondered over Ferris's words - knowing that the telekinesis thing was complete bullshit. Come on, get real. This wasn't a dream world, this was reality. There's no way telekinesis actually exists...is there? And his so-called "proof"...what did he mean by getting this random girl to prove it? Who was he talking about?
You felt like you knew who he was talking about; like she was somewhere near you. After you finished your shift you walked home to get ready for the party, stifling a groan of despair when you saw your mother waving at you from the doorway.
"Come on sweetie! We've got less than an hour to make you look fabulous! Andale, Andale!" She chided loudly, steering you towards one of the dressing rooms in an obnoxious fashion.
You patiently let her help you into the pretty garment; the pearly dress gently pressed against your figure as she zipped it up at the back. The dress resembled a tutu-like style, the netting flowing down to your knees and the shoulder parts embroidered with flowers.
Your mother then moved onto your hair - piling it up and tying it into a tight bun, a few strands falling down at the sides. You actually thought that added to the cute hairstyle, almost enjoying this moment with your mother. Almost.
"Mother, do I have to go to this party?" You made a last stand, your face pleading and earnest as you looked at her reflection in the mirror. She held some pearl earrings in her hand, her expression serious yet sorrowful at the same time.
"Yes. I want to stand by my last living daughter and feel pride as we live together. Your little sister would want you to do this...for her. She-She adored you, and you loved her in return. So please, please don't disgrace me at this party." Your mother begged.
Her words tugged at your heartstrings; you were the only person she had left, her other daughter had gone due to a tragic accident. She probably held these parties to distract herself from her grief - not to flirt. Your words yesterday were harsh and unintended, making you feel guilty. And if your sister liked them too, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
"Alright. I'll do it."
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen2U.Com