Julia Lelieveld and the fifth element

~13~

The old man was still sitting at the bar with a large cigar between his thumb and forefinger.

"Daan, there you are again."

"Hello Bertus."

"You must have canned it, haven't you?" he asked me with a wink.

"2-0 sir", I said, winking at Daan.

"That's the spirit." The old man took a long drag on his cigar.

"Thank you, Bertus!" And Daan gave the key to the old man.

"You can always come, Daan, you know that."

"Yes I know."

"We're going to eat something, are you hungry?" Daan looked questioningly at the old man.

"No, son, you two go have a good time. I expect company soon."

"Have a nice evening Bertus."

"Good evening, sir."

"You children too, enjoy it," he said good-bye like a sailor.

We walked into the cold evening air. Fortunately it had stopped raining.

Daan glanced at his watch.

"Eva and Bas won't be back yet, can we have something to eat here in town?"

I was fine with anything as long as I could eat something. I don't know how it happened, but I was really hungry.

"I am fine with it."

I saw him smile.

"Come on, let's leave the car here."

He took my hand and I let him lead.

When I saw the direction we were heading, I knew immediately where we were going.

We went to the diner opposite the police station. On the one hand I didn't like it, being so close to my father. But it was the nearest diner in the area and I was really hungry.

Daan held the door open for me and I could already see Maria standing behind the cash register. When she saw me come in she smiled broadly. She left her work for what it was and walked over to us.

"Daan and Julia, how nice to see you. Table for two?"

"That would be nice, Maria," Daan agreed.

"Follow me."

She walked to the back of the shop and stopped at a table in a corner. It was surrounded by beautifully decorated flower boxes.

"Look." She pointed to the table and placed two menus on it.

"Would you like a drink already?"

Daan looked at me questioningly.

"Water please."

"Allright. And you Daan?" She looked at him questioningly.

"I'll have a Coke."

"I'll bring it to you in a minute."

"Thank you," we said in unison.

I was amazed that she still knew who I was. Even if it was yesterday. Waitresses saw so many people daily. But on the other side. Dad had to be a regular, so she probably recognized me for that.

"A regular here?" I looked at Daan questioningly.

"I often came here after work in the elderly center. But that doesn't matter. Maria remembers everyone who has been here. It's just scary how good her memory is."