the diner

prologue

chants echoed in the spaces of my head, the sound of their desperation encouraging me even more; my name leaving the barriers of their lips like parrots in perfect unison. each repetition fueled the fire within me, pushing me closer to the edge of pure euphoria.

my eyes closed as i elevated into view— their chants switching to screams at the sight of me, their voices piercing through the air as if they had been scorched by acid.

a smile tickled the corner of my lips until it blossomed, all 32 of my white teeth gleaming as my eyes opened to the sight of nearly 50,000 people (probably more). the sea of faces stretched out before me.

then the bass from the instruments of my song began to vibrate the stage, the deep, resonant thrum sending a rush of ecstasy thought out my body; the vibrations melding with the rhythm of my heartbeat.

my body surrendered to the music, moving in perfect harmony with the soft vocals of my voice. my hair moving up and down in almost slow motion as I jumped, each leap timed perfectly with the beat. the crowd moved with me, a wave of energy and passion as they begin to chant again.

billie
billie
billie

"BILLIE" my eyes widened as i inhaled a sharp gasp, my day-dream shattering into pieces around me. i looked over at my obvious angry boss, her face a mask of frustration " guest at table ten! — jesus christ , snap out of it."

i bit the inside of my cheek, my lower right eyelid twitching as i nodded, trying to ground myself back into reality, " o-okay".

she scoffed in almost disgust, her eyes glaring at me up and down, continuing to brush past me, rolling her eyes and muttering, " stupid bitch", entering the back kitchen.

her words stung with embarrassment and left me exposed under the harsh fluorescent lights of the diner. i could feel the eyes of the patrons on me, some with mocking smiles, others with sympathetic, awkward grins.

i didn't acknowledge them. instead, I grabbed my notepad and kept my head down, my feet moving swiftly to table ten. the familiar routine of work helping me regain a semblance of control.

" hello, my name is billie, and i'll be your waitress. what can i getcha this fine evening?" i asked, forcing a smile, the corner of my lips twitching, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

the chants of my crowd never leaving from my inner thoughts...

billie
billie
billie