Soulless

Ten | I hold it together

TW: Abuse & Domestic Violence

Lunden Evergreen

Usually, I wasn't one to mind a weekend shift. It took my mind off the noise that remained in my head. But instead, this time, I found myself anxious and sick as midterms ended and finals emerged. I knew I fucked up; I'd known I'd fucked it up.

I knew I had failed my midterms, which had yet to be submitted. I was anxious, more than anxious. It was a feeling I'd been able to manage for so long, something I told myself I wouldn't let myself feel again or not as bad. But here and now, I was worried, but I needed a distraction to keep my mind at ease.

"I need your help with these tables when you're all set, Lunden," My Co-Worker Cathy yells from the side room. I fixed up my collar and adjusted my apron; I worked at a nice restaurant in the city. It paid for my own necessities and my dorm at school. It was a gift somehow that I even earned the job here. But I did a damn good job.

"Lunden, come on, quit daydreaming." I looked up to see Cathy. Her black hair was pulled back in the tightest ponytail in existence. She seemed more annoyed than usual, hinting at a busy dining room.

As I stepped out I acquired my tables and began a busy shift. The complaints were fewer than usual, which helped my unsettled stomach. I enjoyed the busyness of this job; it kept my mind afloat and at ease.

"Table number four was just seated by the hostess. The lady has been here before. That's why Benjamin gave you his table. She's kind of a critique from what I heard," Cathy mumbled, staring at the woman from afar.

"Well, maybe Benjamin had something up his ass that day, and she wants to try again. Why would she come back here?" I suggest, and rather than debating, Cathy simply nods in agreement.

"Go kick ass, Evergreen. Better see that apron work!" She teased.

I approached the table slowly, taking a deep breath. As I stepped in front to greet the couple, my stomach dropped.

In front of me sat Dr.Thayer and a strawberry blonde with a sour look on her face. He had yet to notice me, but as I cleared my throat shock filled his face as he looked up.

"Good Evening. I'll be your server tonight. Can I get you started with anything?" His eyes remained glued to me, and his face was shocked.

"Babe?" She questioned him, confused, and he shook his head.

"Yeah, sorry, Lunden, I had no idea you worked here?" He sits up more formally and his attitude changes, slightly less miserable than it seemed.

"Well, bills do not pay themselves," I joked. "Plus, I think it's fun to spend hours waiting tables just to run into you someday hopefully." He rolled his eyes, and then she cleared her throat.

"You two know each other Atlas?" I looked back over to her and nodded politely.

"I'm in one of his classes, just a student. It's lovely to meet you" She stared at me weirdly and then back to Atlas, a smile formed on her face.

"My man, the sexy professor," She teased, "You must just admire him, huh?" She suggests, I knew the game she was playing and it weirded me out slightly.

"No I'm positive I hate him, you should check your food and drink before indulging Dr.Thayer" He sucks in his lips trying not to laugh and I place down two menus.