Among the stars

Chapter four:

Chilly air and the smell of winter blowing in the wind had Harper shivering with anticipation. November flew by and December had arrived quicker than she realized. She hadn't heard from Jonah since that night they made ground rules and thought out a plan. Harper was excited about one thing though, winter break. No school meant more work, which meant more money. It also meant more free time to plan the finer things without worrying about homework. She worked at a diner down the street from her house. Harvey's Diner. It was never really crowded since her town wasn't very big. There were the regulars of course and occasionally a love-struck couple on a date. Harper had a great reputation with the regulars. They were her second family.

"Oh dear, you're more frantic and anxious than usual."

"Uh, yeah. Next semester starts after break." Harper replied with a half smile. She wrote the check for Ms. Draven, setting it at her usual table.

"Please hon'. I know you better than that. Is it a boy?" Ms. Draven raised one eyebrow suggestively.

"Wha-what?" Harper widened her eyes in shock. "No, you know I don't care about that stuff."

"Okay then, what is it?" She watched Harper expectantly.

"It's just the holidays. It was hard without moth- uh, mom. And now Adrianna.." Harper replied with a half-truth. It was the holidays without Adrianna, but it was also the much anticipated trip right around the corner. She'd leave all of this behind, even Ms. Draven's kind face and compassion.

"Honey.." Ms. Draven responded with an understanding and sad smile. She opened her arms and Harper gratefully accepted the embrace. "I know the holidays are harder this time around, but we are all here for you deary. I am here for you. Knuckle-head Joe is here for you. Everyone you serve at this diner will always be here for you." At the mention of his name, Joe who sat behind Ms. Draven, turned his head with a support smile.

"You're like another daughter to us regulars. Our children are grown and flew the coop. You think we just come here for the cup-o'-jo?" Joe smiled patting her back as Ms. Draven released her from the hug.

"Thank you both. Really. It means a lot." Harper smiled. Just then the bell rang above the diner door. Fully standing Harper set the check down on the table. "Well duty calls." Spinning around, Harper flipped her pad to a new sheet.

"Welcome to Harvey Diner. Would you like a booth or a tab-" Harper stopped once she finally looked up from her pen and pad.

"Well, well, well. Harper working at Harvey's. That has a nice ring to it, no?" Jonah stood in front of Harper with an amused smile.

"What are you doing here?" Harper replied, an annoyed look on her face.

"I love the waitress get-up. Very classy." He smirked avoiding the question.

"Whatever, if you're not here for food, you can just leave."

"That's no way to treat a customer, I'd like a seat at the bar." He replied with a, very fake, hurt expression.

"Yeah, sure. Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right over to take your order." Harper said with an exaggerated smile.

Turning on her heal, she made her way to the kitchen. Once she reached the doors, she busted through them with an irritated look on her face. Jasmine, the best cook in town, turned with her eyebrows raised. Setting down her pan, Jasmine fully faced Harper with her hands on her hips and an expectant look.

"Insufferable! Just randomly shows up and makes my day harder. Isn't there another diner other than this one? He could've gone anywhere else. But NO, he has to be here with his stupid face, and his stupid smirk, and his stupid remarks!" Harper ranted, huffing once she finished. "What?"