Raven and the Titans Vol. 1

"Different Tastes, Similar Pasts" (3/4)

Chapter 2: "Different Tastes, Similar Pasts" Part 3/4

As we walk through the white-framed glass doors, I can smell spices, bread, and the alluring scent of a lavender field on a late summer evening. I see the kitchen from a long, rectangular opening behind a white bar with purple cushioned stools while a red jukebox decorated with blue stars is situated in a corner. From the kitchen, I hear pots clattering and chefs laughing. I see a young man with brown curls and a white sailor cap leaning on the bar and flirting with a pretty, black haired girl sitting on a cushioned chair. At the end of the bar is a register surrounded by jars of various colorful hard candies and lollipops. An elderly woman with a sunny expression and light pink, curled hair is in charge of the register.

I smile lightly at the liveliness around the diner as I hear a man singing about piña coladas and rain. We pass most tables only seating couples staring dreamily at one another and drinking from the same milkshake with their respective straws. On a few booths, happy families with energetic children are eating hamburgers and occasionally throwing a fry or two at each other. I can only see one or two solitary people sitting at a round table as they glance at their phone or read a book while they eat. Though the diner is vibrant and jolly, the noise of laughter and conversations isn't deafening.

It kind of adds to the diner's charm.

We find a booth near a corner, and because I want to be sitting next to the wall, I scoot inside first on the left side of the table while Starfire takes a seat after me. The boys choose to sit in front of us; Beast Boy immediately plonks himself in the purple seats before Cyborg can sit. Luckily, the booths are spacious enough in seating capacity because Robin takes a seat after Cyborg without having to be sitting on the edge.

A young lady with long, wavy, black hair dressed in a light blue, vertical-white-stripped A-line dress that stops at her knees comes toward us. She has white tights and blue Mary Jane shoes. On top of her dress is a white apron edged with frilly lace. As she halts at the booth, she removes a white notepad from her apron along with a pen.

"Good afternoon, y'all. Welcome to 'Rock'n Burgers 'N Roll'n Pizzas.' I'm Melissa, and I'll be your waitress for today. What would you like to drink?" she says as she glances at Cyborg.

"I'll have a coke, thanks," he responds.

As she directs her gaze at Robin, he says, "A coke, too please."

"Wait, what is the 'coke'?" asks Starfire.

"It's a type of beverage, Starfire. Would you like one?" inquires Robin.

Starfire contemplates her decision before responding, "Yes, the please."

The kind waitress smiles at Starfire before she moves onto me. I dislike most soda drinks, so I opt for a more natural choice.

"I would like a lemonade, please," I order.

Being the last one, Beast Boy adds, "I'd want a root beer, please and thank you."

Melissa smiles adding minuscule crinkles around her gray and green speckled eyes. She returns the notepad to her apron pocket and hands us each a menu.

"Okie, three cokes, one lemonade, and one root beer coming right up. In the meantime, here are the menus. When I return, I'll take y'alls orders," she remarks as she slightly glides to the kitchen.

Robin questions, "So a cheese pizza?"

"Nope! I want a triple meat topping pizza. Pepperoni, ham, and tiny meatballs are my favorite," comments Cyborg as he gestures with his index and thumb fingers about the size of the miniature meatballs.