Scattering Lilac Ashes

Chapter Ninety-One

"Welcome to McDonald's- oh. Hiya, Lila. Asher," a chirpy voice sailed from the left of them. Lila jumped, her eyes snapping to the source of the voice. Elise was manhandling a bundle of trash from the rubbish bins, her face extraordinarily pale and even gaunt.

Lila hadn't been prepared for Elise to be right there. She hadn't even prepared what she wanted to say to Elise.

"Hi," Asher said smoothly, shuffling towards Elise. "Is Isaac on?"

She stood up, tying the top of the garbage bag with a double knot. "Yeah. He's working front counter today, but we've been flooded with drive-thru orders, so he's helping present mainly. I can let him know you're here."

"Thanks," Asher smiled warmly at Elise and she smiled back. It didn't reach her eyes, under which were horrendous-looking dark circles. Elise fluffed out a new garbage bag and put it in the rubbish bin.

"I feel like it's rare to see you guys here," Elise commented idly, taking out the recycling bin's rubbish. "Is your private chef off tonight or something?"

Lila and Asher exchanged a glance. He inclined his head encouragingly and Lila inhaled deeply.

"A-Actually, I wanted to see you," Lila said, fiddling with her hands. "Since we wouldn't be hanging out these holidays. I figured if you were working so much, I'd just come to you, you know."

Elise looked touched, a genuine smile taking place of the old one. "Aw, that's so sweet! Well, I was thinking of taking my break in ten minutes or so anyway. We can eat together. You too, Asher."

Asher shook his head politely. "Nah, I'll let you guys have some time to yourselves. Since, like Lila said, it's not like you'll be hanging out over these holidays. I don't mind eating alone, so don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?" Elise asked, tying the top of this rubbish bag too.

"Completely."

"Alright, well, if I tell Isaac you're here, he might come and say hi," Elise said, dusting her hands. "I'm sure he'd love to see you. Hasn't stopped complaining about the fact that you've ditched him."

Asher's face turned an interesting shade of red, his expression entirely remorseful. "Yeah... I'll have to make it up to him somehow," Asher responded, looking down towards the floor.

"Eh, don't worry too hard 'bout it," Elise replied, waving a hand dismissively. "He's been taking on a whole bunch of hours. Any casual shift that comes up, he grabs 'em. He's working like a machine. I doubt he'd have much time for you at the moment either."

Elise finished up with the bins, collecting both full garbage bags into her hands.

"I'm gonna run this rubbish to the back, then I'll see if there's anything I need to do before checking in with my Manager and clocking off," Elise rattled, already moving towards the counter. "I'll come find you, Lila!"

"Okay, see you then," Lila called out. She wasn't sure whether Elise heard her, but it didn't really matter all that much if she did or didn't.

"I'll sit with you while you wait," Asher said, looking over at Lila.

"Are you sure? I don't want to make you move once you get settled."

"Doesn't worry me," Asher smiled. "Besides, we can talk more."

Lila's face turned slightly pink as Asher led her towards a booth in the back of the Maccas.

"Do you reckon Elise knows why Isaac is working so much?" Asher queried as he flumped into the seat opposite Lila.

"Not at all," Lila chuckled, sliding into her own seat. "She probably just reckons he's doing that 'cause you've ditched him."

"Man, every time someone says I've ditched Isaac, I just feel more and more guilty."