Unforeseen

Fast Forward:

It stormed pretty well last night. I didn't mind the rain, I actually liked when it poured. It was the loud cracking of thunder that I didn't like. The storm continued for most of the night, a continuous steady rain accompanied by flashes of lighteningthat lit up my bedroom followed by the inescapableroaring of thunder. It was because of these factorsthat I didn't find myself drifting off. Unintentionally I had slept in later than normal. Sometime in theearly hours of the morning I must've fallen into a deep sleep only to wake and find myself running late.

Eleven forty a.m. was the time the clock on the wall read, jumping out of bed I ran into the bathroom to use the toilet and brush my teeth. I was in such a rush I didn't even have time to pull the sheets up on my bed. Frantically running around my room, I could not find my uniform or apron. It wasn't until I searched all my usual spots that I remembered the night before I had to wash them both. Heading out to the laundry area I grabbed my uniform that I had hanging on the clothesline, and I pulled my apron out of the dryer. Back in the bathroom, I was disappointed to find out that my uniform was still wet. My apron was not but it was covered in wrinkles and had a chill of its own. With no other choice, I put both of them on along with my socks and shoes. Taking a look at the time the clock read eleven fifty-five a.m. On the way out of the door, I grabbed a hairband and a few pins before leaving the apartment.

Walking down the stairs I pulled my hair up in a bun and secured it with my hairband, attempting to feel around my head for loose hairs to pin back. Lucky for me I walked into the restaurant at noon on the dot. Everyone turned and stared at me in shock as I entered the door, since I was always early for work, and it was unexpected for me to be just on time and unheard of for me to ever be late. I tried not to let the start of my day be the focus and continuation of the rest of it. Taking a few deep breaths, I began my normal routine.

Before long I was behind the counter making a fresh pot of coffee when I heard the cow bell on the door ring. Leaving the register Giorgia asked me to please seat the customer who had just come in because she had to check on a special order in the kitchen. After she moved past me, I turned to grab a few menus and wrapped silverware sets. Walking around the counter I went over to the podium to greet the customer who had his back towards me. From what I could tell he was an average size man;he wore a dark hat and a long high collared coat. He had a newspaper tucked under his right arm, and both hands were shoved in his pockets. He seemed to be looking off into the distance at something, I almost felt unsure if I should interrupt him. I found the easiest thing for me to do is to try clearing my throat to get his attention. After my subtle attempt,he slowly turned to face me.

"I'm sorry, did I have you waiting here long?" His voice was soft and his eyes were kind. He was unlike any man I had come in contact with before. 

"Not at all," I said with a small smile. "How many today?"

"Just one please." 

"Okay, booth or table sir?"

"Table," the man said.

"Follow me please."

 As I began to lead him to an open spot in the middle of the restaurant, I heard him ask,"Actually, may I please have that, over there?"Pausing, I turned to see which one he was referring to, it was at that time I saw him pointing at a table for two that was directly in the center of the front window. "Oh sure, as long as you don't mind the view of the street?" Isaid, happily chuckling after answering.

"I don't mind," his tone and face serious.

After he was seated, I almost felt as if I had insulted him. He seemed like he was irritated with me. Handing him the menu I felt the need to say, "I'm sorry if something I said offended you in any way, that wasn't my intent."