Cherry

Chapter 35

2 months later.
Christmas break.

Cherry

I've been back in South Carolina for a few days now. I almost forgot how cold it can get here in the winter, considering I haven't been home for winter in years. Today is the first day I've left my house since I've been back. My nerves have kept me locked in the house, with the fear of running into Ethan consuming my thoughts for days. I don't know where he is; all I know is that he moved out of my moms' house. My family tries to avoid talking about him around me; probably because they think he might be a trigger for me. I don't think he would still live here in town, but my anxieties keep trying to convince me otherwise.

As I drive through the small town, I watch business owners hang up wreaths decorated in red ribbons and silver bells. There are Christmas decorations everywhere you look, but on my way to Heaven's Diner, a new building that I've never seen before catches my eye. As I press on the brakes slowly once I approach a red light, I move closer to the window and squint my eyes so I can really focus on the building. We never get new buildings in town, and when we do, it's all that people can talk about. We don't get much action here.

From what I can tell, the building is still a long way from being complete, as there's no roof yet, and the building is only grey from the cement, with no paint to decorate it yet. I don't know how I missed it on my way in from San Fransisco.

Suddenly, I hear a car horn behind me, which startles me. The thoughts about the new building exit my mind and I advert my eyes back to the road, realizing the light is now green and I'm still not moving.

Oops.

I press on the gas and make a right, pulling straight into the diner's parking lot. They seem busier than ever, as I almost couldn't find a parking spot from all of the cars. I hope I didn't come at a bad time. I just wanted to see Sylas and talk to him, and I know that he usually goes on his lunch break around this time. I've missed him.

I park my car and get out, getting hit by the cool, December wind. I shiver as I lock my doors and do a quick walk inside.

Once opening the diner's door, I find a swamped restaurant with every booth and table filled with customers. I spot two new waitresses, one named Michelle who's in her forties, like my moms. I've met her a few times since she's one of Cora's friend's mom. The other girl is younger, maybe around Cora's age. I think I recognize her as someone who goes to school with her. You pretty much know everyone when you live in a small town.

"What a surprise, Cherry," I hear Sylas' voice. I look away from the diner's floor and towards the sound of his voice. He just came out of the kitchen, holding a to-go box in his hands. "What're ya doin' here?"

I put my hands in my coat's pockets and try to smile. "I haven't seen you in months. I just wanted to stop by and catch up. Sorry if it's a bad time."

"Naw, I was jus' about to head out to my truck to eat," he tells me with his deep, southern accent. "Wanna join?"

"Yes," I smile and head out of the diner with Sylas right behind me.

The piercing wind hits the both of us as we walk quickly to his truck, trying to make it to warmth like our life depends on it. I make it to the vehicle first, and since he already unlocked it, I hop in the passenger seat and slam the door, making sure to not let any more cold air seep through. Sylas eventually makes it, and I realize his quick-paced walking is much slower than mine, simply because of his build. I watch as he climbs into the truck, starting the engine as he shivers.

"I hope ya don't mind if I eat in front of ya," he says. Once Sylas gets situated in the truck, he begins to open his styrofoam box, which reveals what looks to be a greasy, triple cheeseburger and french fries.