The Space Between Us

ten <3

I walked the stone steps to my front door. I turn around and wave Caelum goodbye before entering.

What the fuck just happened.

There's no way that just happened!

After Caelum gave me that compliment things got super awkward and I asked him to take me home. On the ride here he proposed we work on our project tomorrow. I told him it has to be at his house because Aunt Tess has off work for her moms birthday.

Grandma doesn't like me very much. I'm the spitting image of my mother, so she tends to be quite rude when talking to me. I get they had a past, but I'm not my mother.

I walked upstairs and went straight to my room. I put on some comfy clothes and relaxed until I have to go to work tonight.

Fuck, I work with Caelum. Of course.

I set an alarm for 6 and drifted into a deep sleep.

********
My alarm blares and wakes me up. I do not want to go into work.

I get out of bed and enter my bathroom. I turn the shower on and hop in. I wash my body and hair thoroughly. After I finish up with my shower, I throw on my work clothes and pin my hair up.

I make my way downstairs and I'm greeted with a very annoyed looking Amaris.

"What are you about do you?" She asks.

"Go to work?" I reply.

"What about dinner?"

Oh shit.

"I'll order a pizza to the house, I really have to get going I'm already going to be late." I mutter

"Half pepperoni and half cheese!" She shouts to me from the living room.

I exit the house and drop a twenty on the porch. I make my way over to my bike and hop on it. I dial the Pizza Place that's about a mile away.

"John's Pizza!"

"Hi, can I place an order for delivery?" I say out of breath.

"Yeah of course, what did you want?" He replies.

"One large pizza, half pepperoni half cheese." I answer

"All righty! What was the address on that?"

"35 Brookdale Drive." I reply.

"Perfect! Our driver will be there in 10!"

"Thank you, there's a 20 on the porch. Tell them they can keep the change."

"You got it!"

I hang up.

I reach the side of the diner and lock up my bike. I make my way to the back door and let myself in. It's already 6:35. Betty is going to have a fit.

"Wow Peach, you're five minutes late! What a rebel." A familiar voice conveys.

"Good one Caelum." I reply.

I make my way out into the dining area and start taking orders like never before. I'm constantly going back and fourth between the kitchen and the tables while still helping Caelum along the way.

"What time do we get off again?" Caelum asks.

"Ten thirty." I reply

"Sick, we only have like an hour left!"

"Really? Wow this is going by fast." I state thankfully.

I turn away from him and make my way back out to the tables. They're empty. Most Tuesdays are anyways. I sanitize all of the counters and wipe them down thoroughly. Then I sweep and mop the floors.

After I finish up with the dining room I go back behind the desk.

I wipe down everything back there as well. The computer, the mouse, the counter and the card reader.

Betty approaches me, envelope in hand.

"Hey kid." Betty says.

"Hi Betty, how's your night going?" I ask.

"Pretty good, here's your pay." She replies handing me the envelope.

"Thank you Betty." I smile at her.

"Of course, you can clock out for the night. I'll sit up here until close. I doubt anyone else will come in." She states.

"You sure?" I ask.

"Positive."

I untie my apron and set it under the counter where it belongs, I turn and clock out on the computer and make my way towards the back door. Caelum goes out into the dining hall area and I proceed to go outside and unlock my bike.

I kick my leg over and start making my way back home. I am so tired. You have no idea.

Soon enough I turn down my street and veer into my driveway. I open the garage and a car with bright lights passes by and turns into the neighbors driveway. I press the button to close the garage door and the car speeds off.

That's the second time now?

Still weird.

I run up into my room and kick off my shoes. I peel off my sweaty work clothes and throw on my hoodie and shorts.

Again.

I grab my deodorant and apply some under my arms before laying down in my bed.

I double check to make sure my alarm is set for tomorrow morning and slowly drift back into my well desired slumber.

I cant help but think about Caelum. What was that earlier? Did he seriously compliment me? Did we actually have a genuine conversation that I enjoyed?

I hated to think about enjoying time spent with Caelum. But for some reason, I couldn't wait for school tomorrow.

Much less our project session after school.

********
a/n SORRYYYY
I KNOW I KNOW
this chapter sucks.
it's a filler chapter. I had to add something in between all of this mess.
we really have gotten ourselves into something huh?
Excited for the study date?
i mean.. project session ;)