Murder House (Part One)

The Ballerinas

"Emma," Amanda called out from the dining room. "Someone is here to see ya. Probably friends of yours?"

Every part of me prayed it wasn't Jake because what happened last night made my skin crawl. I didn't feel like going back to the apartment.

'I am sorry but the number you have dialed is not reachable at the moment. Please try again later.'

I sigh, looked at the overnight bag next to me, and turn off my phone. 'Maybe I will see her in the school?'

So taking a deep breath, I walk out of the employee lounge and see Brianna, Ralph, Brutes, and Andrew all waiting for me at table nine.

"Hey girl what's up?" Brianna called out.

I sigh in relief and hand them the menu cards. "It is fine. So what will you guys have?"

Brianna hummed, "I would like everything on the dessert menu. Do not worry, my big brother is paying."

"Like hell, I would." Ralph yelled dropping the menu cards "Besides I am not hungry."

"I am," Andrew said looking at the menu. "I would like the breakfast sandwich please."

"I will take the Lemon Iced Tea," Brutes said closing the menu.

I take their orders and go to the counter. Within a few minutes, I come back with their food. No, Brianna did not get the whole dessert on the menu but a piece of our famous chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream on the side. As they ate, I attended to the remaining customers who came and left. Soon it was break time, I joined them at the table.

"So, what brings you here?" I ask.

"Oh, dropping the waitress act now?" Brianna cooed making a face at me. Ralph hit her on the head as an answer to her question.

"We want to invite you to my cousin's penthouse to celebrate his birthday at the end of the summer," Andrew said with a grin.

My eyes grew wide in shock. "Your cousin has a penthouse?"

"Well yeah," Brianna said out loud. "It is located near the beach where there are clear skies, blue seas and the best barbecue ever! Not to mention that they have the best seafood there."

"Too bad I am not a fan of seafood." Brutes solemnly said.

"Then don't eat it party pooper." Snapped Brianna.

I ignore Brianna's insult and look at Brutes. "What is wrong? You don't like seafood?"

"Uh," Brutes pushed up his glasses. "I am allergic to it."

The shocked look on our faces said it all

"If I eat it, my cheeks will blow up like a puffer fish." He explained.

"Oh," Brianna hummed in thought. "But that does not mean you shouldn't have fun. Don't worry I will make sure you do not eat anything that would jeopardize the highlight of this summer vacation."

"I hope you are not allergic to nuts," Ralph said.

"No. I am not." Brutes answered.

"Okay, so it is no seafood." Brianna stood up and pumped her fist in the air. "And you won't eat any of it. I promise."

"I highly doubt that you will keep that promise," Ralph said with a grim look on his face.

"Then you babysit him, tough guy," Brianna fired back.

Brutes sighed. "I do not need a babysitter. I can take care of myself so stop acting immature."

They stopped arguing and waited for my reply but giving a huge sigh, I say, "I am sorry guys but I can't go."