FINDING LIFE

IRISH COFFEE

  CHAPTER - 3

Another day passed at school; my school is pretty nice. Teachers are understanding and somewhat adore me and kids aren't bullies- just a bit loud and mostly less of drama. But my workplace is definitely eventful and that's where I am headed right how. I work as a waitress, help in the kitchen or sometimes handle the counter. So, in my 4-hour shift I am all over restaurant. The restaurant is very beautiful with serene classic vibe going on and it tends to get busy during evening.

"Hey there Kevin!"

"Hello Athena, and Amanda is in the inventory with her boyfriend Richie...so, don't tell the boss because it's supposed to be a secret."

"Well thank you gentleman for answering a question that I didn't even ask and I feel sorry for you because if Amanda got to know that you spilled the beans then she is gonna serve you in a platter."

"Oh, come on you can't tell on me and also you are supposed to fill in for her until she comes back."

"Okay, I will be back in a few after putting on my uniform and I won't tell anybody because I am sure you would have already done it yourself."

With that I walked away to staff's only restroom that we often use as changing room and changed into my uniform before making sure that the door was locked. after quickly changing, I walked out and made eye contact with Kevin to which he nodded toward table number 6. Nodding back, I picked up notepad with pen and walked over to the table which had a family of four seated discussing what to order though the youngest was only worried about ice-cream.

"Excuse me, if you are ready may I please take the order?"

"Sure, we will have grilled chicken, tacos and stew."

"And ice cream." the younger one chipped in right after the mother finished ordering. I looked toward parents for their permission to include ice cream in the order though I sure no one can say no to the little guy. Receiving a green signal from the parents, I assured the little guy.

"Sure champ, we have the best ice cream here. Which flavor do you want?"

"I want Choco chip cookie ice-cream."

"It's my favorite too. I will be back with your food and best ice cream in a few minutes" with that I walked with a smile to kitchen to place the order. As I was walking back to the counter, a customer suddenly stood up and pushed the chair back. While doing so he rammed his elbow in my stomach and walked out of the restaurant without even muttering a sorry. Immediately pain erupted in my abdomen since I was previously injured, it made breathing even more difficult and had to fight back the tears since almost everyone was looking at me. And just in time, my boss walked in... probably due to the little commotion.

"What happened, Athena?"

"Nothing MS. Garrison, just a minor situation and I have to take my next order so please excuse me." I slightly bowed to my boss and tried to walk away with the fakest smile that I could muster but it was difficult to walk with straight body so I hunched forward. I know Kevin was looking at me so, I passed him a reassuring smile and went ahead to a table occupied by a man in his 50s. He had a certain authoritative aura around him and had expensive solid suit on with equally expensive watch. While I was studying the man, he was doing the same to me and suddenly I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes before they were back to a cold stare.

"Hello sir, are you ready to order or shall I come back in a minute?"

"I will have an IRISH Coffee (coffee, whiskey, sugar, cream)."

"Anything else, sir?"

"No, that would be it."

"Okay sir, I will be back with your coffee in a minute" and went to counter so that the Barista can prepare the coffee but I can still feel the man's eyes on me but not in a creepy manner. Ignoring it, I went back to work and served lunch to the family. The kid's eyes lit up after seeing his ice cream. My Vincenzo loved ice cream...the pain in my heart overpowered the pain in my body. I can bear this physical pain all my life, just for a glimpse of him.

"Coffee is ready." the barista yelled.

"Okay." Picking up the coffee, I went to the man's table to find him still staring at me which was definitely making me nervous.

"Here sir, enjoy your coffee and have a nice day." Before I could walk away, the man stopped me.

"What is your name?" The man asked.

"Athena Williams, sir."

"Have you ever been to Canada, Athena?" I have never heard someone say my name with such tenderness, as if he was reminiscing something. As if it is the most precious thing.

"No sir and please excuse me, I need to get back to work but please visit again." I said with a small smile, a real smile.

As the evening was approaching, the restaurant got even more hectic though Amanda joined me soon enough...well as soon as she could. After number of servings and cleaning tables, it was now time to head home. But not before receiving my weekly pay and bidding goodbye to my workmates. Part timers are paid every Friday, which is good because that way I am able to meet my expenses but sometimes my parents take it away. I try to keep the tips separate and save them for emergency.

"Athena, I would like to see you in my office before you leave."

"Yes Ms. Garrison, I was just coming to you to collect my wages." and I followed Ms. Garrison to her office. There was a frown at her face and her shoulders were tensed. Seems like I am in trouble.

"Ms. Garrison, did I do something?" I questioned as soon as I entered her office, while she took her seat at the table and passed an envelope toward me.

"No, you didn't do anything wrong but I don't have some good news either. Just so you know, you have been very diligent at work and I completely admire you for that." Ms. Garrison had a sorry look on her face. I waited for her to continue.

"You know this restaurant is solely owned by me but now I am selling 60% of my business along with managerial rights to my new partner and to cut off cost he is making few changes...one of them being letting off the part-time staff." I was stunned. To me this job was more than just a way of earning. It gave me a ticket to my freedom, to have a bit of normalcy in my life.

"But I have been working here for so long."

"I know but it's something that I can no longer help you with. Things had been legally decided and he doesn't want a teenager messing around. I am sorry, Athena but that's just how things are and this is going to be your last pay." Picking up the envelope I walked away.

Working here, interacting with people made me somewhat happy but that's something that I am not allowed...or probably someday I can be happier?