Paint Over my Scars

Chapter 11

Gilbert stuck feet out his window as they drive through the city. It turned out to be a broken toe and it had to be bandaged with his other toe, much to Gilbert's dismay. After the doctor fell from his chair from Gilbert breaking it, Monika first scolded him and now she just stayed silent which Gilbert hated. He hated silence, he would go insane if he was deaf. 

"Monika, I said sorry," Gilbert whined, looking out the window. Lights in shops began to shut down, but others lights  irradiated the city.  

Monika rolled her eyes and kept them on the road, "I know, just don't do it again. That is if you go back anytime soon." 

"It's wasn't my fault, you made me drop the weight," Gilbert exclaimed, jokingly, crossing his arms and his legs. 

Monika flushed slightly, "How did I?" 

"I looked over and saw you lifting that heavy thing with only a sports bra one. It was quite a nice sight," Gilbert chuckled and glanced at Monika's chest. She now wore a thin jacket over it, covering most of her torso. It was quite a nice sight considering it hugged her body and showed her curves, but not nearly as good as the sports bra which showed her abs. 

Monika's blush deepen, "D-don't say things like that," Grumbled her, tightening her hands on the steering wheel. 

"It's true, though!" He said loudly enough for everyone to hear him from the outside. He looked back at the stores and gasped, "Is that place new?" 

Monika glanced at the bright restaurant, it's bright red sign at the front read 'New Place! Discount!'. It looked to be an Italian restaurant and too romantic for Monika's interest. "Yes, I think it's Italian,"    

"Can we go? I'm starving," 

Monika could agree, she was famished and some salad would be great right at that moment. Without verbally agreeing, she quickly turned to the busy parking lot. 

Gilbert smiled brightly, "I didn't think you'll do it!"

"I'm pretty hungry too," She parked the car and opened the door and walking in with Gilbert. 

They were ushered to their table outside. It was the only possible place where they could sit without waiting too long. It was breezy outside with firm winds and the snow was melting, but it seemed to be hotter with the candle in the middle of their table and the plastic roses wrapping around the pergola above their heads. It was finely lite by strings of lights tracing the pergola and it made the night seem so beautiful. 

Monika glanced around once they were seated. Most looked like couples going on a date, eating clean food as they stared into each other's eyes longingly. She crossed her legs and tried her best to act nonchalant so they didn't appear as a couple. 

"This place looks cool!" Gilbert stared up at the lights and roses with wide eyes. 

"It is," Said Monika, stilling searching the place for anybody who may know her. 

A woman blocked her view and for some reason her flowery scent was familiar to Monika. 

"Moni! Gil! What are you two doing here?" Felicia recognized, holding a notepad in her hand along with a pen. She was dressed in the uniform and proudly wore a smile on her face. 

"What are you doing here?" She asked quickly. 

"Me? I work here now!" She combed through her hair with the pen.

"When? Were you going to tell me?" 

"I was going to give you my paycheck at the end of the week as a gift for helping me all these years, It was supposed to be a surprise," She whimpered the last part shamefully, bowing her head.