Natalie

two

**

Natalie

I'd been staring at my cracked ceiling for maybe an hour or so, and I still couldn't sleep. I had to wake up early tomorrow and I can't risk being scolded by Nathan for 2 days in a row. What if he cut my salary? Where were I supposed to live if I couldn't pay my rent?

I decided to call my mom. We used to live in Atlanta, our hometown, but then I moved to California when I was 18 to learn more about cooking. Actually, that wasn't quite right. You see, I loved Atlanta, but my life there wasn't as beautiful. High school was never pretty. I was alone in my first year of high school, ignored by people and even the teachers. I was invisible, and I became very quiet and introverted. I didn't talk about how I feel anymore, nor did I talk about my opinion. I knew that nobody would care to hear what I wanted to say, so I buried my thoughts and feelings.

In year 2, the bullies started to get to me. I was considered as an easy target because of my personality, and I was bullied for the entire year of high school. They spread rumors that I had sex a lot and that I had STD when in fact I was still a virgin even until now. They called my mom a slut, and they told the whole school that I had a crush on this guy when I didn't. They called me names that I didn't even want to remember. And even until now, I still couldn't understand what was the fun in picking on people. It was just stupid.

By the end of year 2, I've reached to a point where I couldn't take it anymore. I was driven to the point of insanity and all I wanted was to end my life.

It was horrible, really, and that was actually the main reason why I left Atlanta.

"Natalie? Honey? What is it?" I smiled. I just realized how much I missed hearing her voice.

"Hey mom,"

"Okay, now tell me what is it."

"I can't sleep,"

"You want me to sing you to sleep?"

I chuckled, "I'm a grown up, mom. I'm turning 25 in 4 months."

"Yes, that's true, but that doesn't change the fact that you're still and always will be my little girl."

"I know,"

"You have work tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah. And it's already past midnight.."

"Close your eyes, sweetheart. I'll sing you to sleep."

She started to sing. My mom used to be a singer before she was pregnant with me, and I had always loved her voice. Especially when she sang me 'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Elvis Presley. I knew it was a bit weird, but only that song could bring me to sleep.

**

"Nat, go clean table 2 and 7." Eric ordered, "and bring me the sauce in the storage room. Go!"

I staggered to my feet, my brain was still processing his words. I was only washing the dishes and completely spaced out, so I didn't react fast to his order.

"Natalie! I'm already out of sauce here!" He shouted, glaring at me and putting up a face that said 'are you stupid? Go and do what I told you to do!'.

"I-I'm sorry. I'll get your sauce right away." I looked down, making my way to the storage room. The rack was supplied with all kinds of sauce, which made me realize that I had no idea what kind of sauce did Eric need.