Another Day

Chapter 23

I didn’t know I was waiting for him until I realized that Danny wasn’t coming home. For two weeks, I did nothing. I sat on the couch and stared at the door, waiting for him. Waiting for anyone. Linda showed up once to talk, but no more that that. I wasn’t surprised. She was too busy wrapping herself up in Paul.

Maybe if I stayed home I’d get fired from the diner and never have to leave. Maybe I’d never have to see anyone. Maybe I’d died here.

As much as I didn’t want to though, I had to work. Bills had to be paid and now that I didn’t have Danny’s money to help I should grab all the shifts I could.

So one morning I dragged myself to my feet and got ready, slipping on my shoes and sticking my hair in a high ponytail. Numbly, I left the apartment and headed down the stairs when I suddenly felt lightheaded. Spots danced before my eyes and my head spun. I reached out to catch hold of something, but there was nothing. I wobbled precariously on the edge of the stairs and then tumbled down them.

It wasn’t too far of a fall, but enough to hurt and leave me a little dazed at the bottom. My side stung. I leaned against the wall at the bottom of the stairs to catch my breath for a bit.

No work today.

The next morning, I figured the dizziness had come from not eating any breakfast, and ate something before I left.

As soon as I walked in the door, James poked his head out of the back and smiled when he saw me.

“Well if it isn’t Miss Sunshine! Where ya’ been Donna?”

I hung up my coat and grabbed a cup of coffee. “Oh you know, out and about.”

James dumped a batch of bacon on the stove and wiped his hands on a rag. He joined me with a cup of coffee. We sat at a rarely used table shoved against the wall opposite the door to the diner. Neither of us spoke as we sat there for a moment.

“Linda told me about Danny.”

I glanced at him and nodded, wondering how Linda had known, and why she would just tell start telling everybody. “Yeah” I said, because I didn’t know how else to reply.

We took a sip in silence.

“Are you ok?” he asked quietly. I didn’t even look at him. “Not really, but it’ll pass.” I mumbled. Not wanting to wait for a reply I left the kitchen quickly.

Just as I walked out, Linda appeared.

“Hey!” she said. “How are you doing?”

I ignored her question. “How did you know Danny and I broke up?” She smiled. “I saw his car wasn’t outside your flat.” Linda pulled me into a hug. “I’m proud of you.”

I stepped away from her. “He was cheating on me, Linda.”

She frowned. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

I wanted to cry. But I didn’t, it was too tiring. “It’s ok though, I was going to break up with him anyway.”

A man came through the door, initiating the start of the breakfast shift. Linda squeezed my hand. “Back to old times then.”

For a whole day, things seemed like normal. Best friends, Linda and I waited tables and chatted lightly with customers. We worked with smiles on our faces and a laugh in our throat.

The day was busy, no times for breaks, thank goodness.

When Ruth came to let James go, she gave me a big hug and said she missed me, that she was thrilled to have me back. I hugged her back. It felt good to be shown a little real love.

I didn’t feel so empty. My mind was busy with work and I didn’t dwell on two certain individuals. The mood stayed light and I actually felt my age for once. Young.

That night when I went home, alone, I didn’t let the sadness get to me. In high spirits I went to bed, and for once, I didn’t mind that I slept alone.