StrangeFryingPan's Book of Pokemon One-shots

The Lady at the Bar

AN: This Thanksgiving, I am glad for 10 seconds of breathing room so I can finally sit down and try to write. This takes inspiration from a particular episode of Better Call Saul.

Also terribly sorry in advance to anyone that actually speaks Spanish, I had to use a translator app.

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"¡Gracias! ¡Por favor, venga otra vez!" Nemona said with a smile and a polite wave as her table of customers got up and left.  Her customers responded with their farewells before leaving the restaurant. As they headed out, Nemona wasted no time in clearing their table. Once they were gone, Nemona got back to work, grabbing a bin and placing all the dirty dishes, utensils, and cups inside to be taken away and cleaned later.

Spotting a few bills on the table, she quickly scooped them up and tucked them into her apron pocket. This table had at least been worth her time. The night was dragging on slowly, and she knew what that meant: another wasted night at work when she could be at the local arena duking her little heart out in a battle.

She wipes the table clean with a wet rag and laid some utensils for the next set of customers, before returning to the station. Letting the door close quietly behind her, Nemona finally felt comfortable dropping the professional appearance, letting out a long sigh as her shoulders sagged in relief.

Grabbing a cup of water, the young waitress chugged greedily, letting the cool water flow through her parched mouth and down her throat. A co-worker walked in, giving her a quick nod. "Noche lenta, ¿verdad, Nemona?"

Setting her glass down, Nemona replied with a quick "Si." as she watched him carry a tray of food back outside. She closed her eyes and leaned against the station's table, listening closely to the soft jazz music playing over the restaurant's speakers. The hushed chatter of other patrons and the bustling sounds of chefs preparing meals all blended together into a surprisingly calming hum in the background.

"¡Nemona! ¿Dónde estás?"

A shout jolted Nemona out of her daydream, which she recognized is the manager calling for her. Poking her head out the door, she replied, "¡Estoy en la estación! ¿Pasa algo?"

The manager nodded and signaled her to come over with a wave. "Una señora del bar quiere verte. Ven rápido."

"¡Voy!" Nemona sighed and ducked back in. She straightens out her uniform, straightens her hair, and adjusted her name tag to be nice and visible.  Nemona heads out of the station and towards the bar, where indeed sat the silhouette of a woman seated on one of the stools, likely the one who called for her. Nemona quickened her steps, taking a deep breathe and prepared her friendliest smile.

"Hola, ¿estaba solicitando mi presense, señora?" Nemona asked.

The woman turned around and looked at Nemona with a slight smile. "Si. Me gustaría hablar con mi hermanita." As she turned around, Nemona was able to get a good look at her. The guest wore a black leather jacket with stripes around the forearms, a green polo shirt adorned with the company's logo, and a pair of lightly ripped jeans and hiking boots. Her hair is done up simply with a ponytail. Green streaks decorated her otherwise black hair like shooting stairs, and a jagged scar ran across one of her deep, green eyes.

"Ja-!" Nemona gasped, before catching herself and lowering her voice. "Jackie? It's so good to see you! It's been a while!"

Jackie smiled, her green eyes shining like gemstones in the dim light. "Yes, too long."

Nemona stuttered as she struggled to think of what to say first to her big sister. "H-how were your travels? I've been getting your photos, but I want to hear it from you."