Eat Fresh

Monday specials

Diego entered the Subway on Monday, his classes had taken longer than usual but he was still able to get there before Elias. Diego got to work quickly, cleaning the tables and putting out fresh food. Knocking over a couple of boxes of cups and utensils set Diego back a few minutes, but he was able to catch up. The day began quickly, with a line of people entering the shop at once. Diego was used to starting the shop alone, but only for a few minutes, and then Elias would show up and help. Today something felt different, emptier. The customers kept coming and coming, minutes passed and Elias never walked in.

Diego was there when Elias called his parents yesterday. Diego didn't mean to eavesdrop, but it's hard not too when the voices on the phone are screaming. Diego didn't have to listen to the words being said to understand, Elias's creased eyebrows and the loudness of the phone call said it all. When Elias hung up he didn't say much, just thanked Diego for everything again, and walked to his car. That was the last Diego had heard from Elias. 

Diego's thoughts were never allowed to complete though, the line of hungry customers filled every empty space in his head. The customers and Olivia. Diego didn't have much time to digest the news when he first read the texts. Between not wanting to read them, and Elias asleep in his bed, Diego didn't get the chance to read the texts until later that night. Olivia had already picked him out a suit by that time, one that would match her dress. Diego had a few days before the actual event, but his body felt sick of it already. 

Diego was halfway through his shift when he noticed Elias walking through the backdoor. Confused, yet relieved, Diego grabbed Elias's apron. Elias shook his head, not accepting the apron. 

"I'm afraid we're gonna have to close the shop for a few days," Elias told Diego. Elias knew Diego would never hurt his feelings, yet his hands still shook. "My parents were angry. I didn't tell them I was spending the night with friends, and got angrier with every text I didn't respond to." Elias finally took the apron and put it on. "We'll finish today and resume next week," were Elias's final words to Diego as he greeted a new customer. 

The day went by slowly, less customers and even less conversation between Diego and Elias. Elias didn't say much and Diego didn't know what to say. The line of people eventually ended, and once again it was time to close the shop for the night. The air seemed to still, making it seem quieter than it was. Diego normally went home while Elias closed, since Diego opened everyday. But Diego stayed tonight, watching as Elias cleaned the tables. Diego didn't actually "watch" but would glance as he packed his things slower than normal. The sun slowly sank out of sight, leaving the parking lot in a dark void. Diego was just about to brave the outside when he saw Elias look his way, in the window's reflection. 

"How have you been Elias? Besides your parents." Diego asked, not daring to turn around. But he watched as Elias stopped cleaning. 

"It's been alright," Elias replied, his towel becoming his sole focus. "How have you been?" Elias asked. Walking behind the counter, closer to Diego. 

"Elias I drove you home sloppy drunk the other night, something's wrong." Diego said, finally turning around looking at Elias, who seemed to only look at his towel. The air thickened, sweat began beading out of Elias's forehead. Not just because Elias was nervous, but because time seemed to slow. Sweating was the only thing he could do to stay present. Elias didn't know how to respond. What isn't wrong? You were with Olivia? Because you caught me leaving? 

"There's just a lot going on," Elias said, and resumed drying the different utensils. His hands seeming to shake the slightest. 

Diego watched as Elias radiated nerves, something was on Elias's mind. Something Elias would rather not share with him. Diego got the hint Elias was going to leave it at that. 

"Just before I saw you leaving the theatre," Diego began saying, "Olivia wasn't really talking to me. Some old man noticed, a really old man, and told me to leave her. His wife even came over to talk to me because Olivia wouldn't." Diego laughed at the memory, the man meant well, Diego hoped he could clear the paralyzing air around them. Diego slowly walked over to face Elias, watching Elias's body language. Elias's hands always stayed close to each other, his shoulders slouched, and his head bent over a fork that had already been cleaned. 

Elias slowly turned to face Diego as he made his way next to him, playing with the fork in his hands. Diego was taller than Elias, but normally they stood further apart. Diego standing right next to him made Elias have to look up the slightest. 

"Why didn't you?" 

Diego had been thinking over those words since that night, why didn't he leave Olivia there? Why doesn't he leave Olivia now? But every time he tried to come up with an answer, all he could think of was Elias. Olivia knew Diego liked Elias, and if Elias ever found out things would never go back to the way they were now.  So, when Elias asked him those words now, Diego's mind went blank, just like it had been every time the thought came across. 

"Because- Olivia was my date, and I don't leave mid-date." Diego finally decided would be the appropriate response. Elias nodded, seeming to understand but noticeably disappointed. Diego listened to the silence in the air, both him and Elias not saying a word. Diego was beyond tempted to break the stillness around them, but he couldn't seem to form into the words. Words that would tell Elias everything.

"I'm sure you and Olivia will have a grand time on your date in a few days then," Elias's words cutting through the silence like a knife, sharp and right to the point. "Now if you could please leave so I can finish closing?" Elias turned around and began counting the money made that day.  Not that he could really add them up, but he had to be doing something besides talking to Diego. Elias's heart needed to calm down, and it couldn't if the accelerant was standing right there. To Elias's disappointment, Diego didn't leave, but came a step closer. 

"Will you not be there?" Diego asked, the words heating the back of Elias's throat. 

"Well if I can't even run the shop, what makes you think I'll be able to go to a fundraiser?" Elias snapped back, he couldn't stop himself. Taking a few steps back, Diego prepared to gather his things and leave. 

"Well if you can come, I'd like to see you there," were Diego's final words to Elias as he walked into the void that was the parking lot.