Disiplinary

Chapter 10

Later on in the evening, me and Simon have just finished dinner. We were both towards the end of the meal. It may be a difficult time for me now, but this was what I definitely needed.

"Wow", I stated, with my mouthful, "that was amazing!"

"See", Simon responded, "I told you they do the best grub here."

"I can't wait to try the dessert" I replied.

"No worries. I've already let the waiter know we were looking".

I smiled back as a thank you. But all I noticed as I was looking that Simon keeps staring at me. I double checked to see that it was just me. And I can confirm that it was.

"What?" I asked.

"You just look beautiful", Simon replied.

I was strangely flattered by the complement. "Thanks", I replied. "It's not very often that I go out. I'm quite new to all of this."

Simon was shocked by it. "Really. How come you never go out much?"

I was hesitant to say anything.

"It's okay. You can tell me."

I took a deep breath, "Okay. Well I come from a working-class background. So I never had much growing up. My mum died when I was young, and my dad was demoted to a part time wage. So I had to start work at 14 just so we can basically survive."

Simon was curious, "Was school hard for you?" he asked.

"Yes. But they were really supportive. And because I knew I needed help; I got As and A*s all around. So at least that was one good thing that came out of it."

"I wish I could do what you do."

"What?"

"The job. You're literally the superheroes of covid. Making sure we have food on our plates during the most stressful times".

"Well it hasn't always been plain sailing. Especially now."

"Of course".

"What about you? You mentioned that your parents were addicts due to grieving a stillborn. But have they always been like it?"

Simon knew he could confide in me, "No. They were very wealthy. They had their own business. One of the best in the country. But since the stillborn, they spent all the money they made on drugs and alcohol. I just don't want to be like them."

"And you're not", I answered, comforting him.

We both clocked a look at eachother. I could tell he had something to say, and I encouraged him to say it.

"You know, I've always liked you Lydia".

"Since when", I asked, confused.

"Since you first started. My grandma used to take me all the time shopping after school. I saw you and I just wanted to talk to you, but I guess I was shy." I listened, intrigued. "But whenever I did have a chance, my grandma would step in."

"Typical grandmas" I replied.

"I know", said Simon as we both chuckled, "But seriously, I wish I came to her sooner after. I would do anything to spend time with her again."

This then clocked me, as suddenly I started to have flashbacks. I had one of Simon mysteriously picking up a product, and then was interrupted by Deidre. Then another one of him picked up a Halloween style pick n mix, and then was interrupted by Deidre. I was then back to reality and saw that the waiter was waiting to take my order. This then made me realise who was behind everything.

"Are you okay?" asked Simon.

I made an excuse to leave, "Uh no", I replied, "I just had a text from Arthur. Someone called in sick, so he'd asked me if I'd cover a shift and I said yes."

"But what about dessert?"

"I'm alright thanks. But it was lovely to see you. Take care."

I hurried out of the door. Simon just watched on, upset and surprisingly enraged. 

The next day, I barged into the office.

"Lydia, you do know you can't barge in here without knocking" Arthur stated, "And you've not even due to be in today."

"No one knocks when there's an emergency", I replied, "I know who was behind everything. And I know you can't, but please try and convince head office that we need the CCTV footage to help me prove it." Arthur was unsure.

"Please, I'm begging you!"

"Well lucky for you", he revealed, "This is your lucky day."

He then showed me the footage of all the dates I mentioned. And my suspicions were right.

"Call the police Arthur. I've got a visitor to see."