Beautiful With You (Norman Reedus)

Chapter 4

I woke with a start and groaned as the pain radiated through my neck as I moved it. I don't remember falling asleep and I don't remember ever covering myself up, unless I was half asleep in the middle of the night and did it. I swung my feet down and stretched my arms above my head, trying to get the kinks out of my back, neck and arms. I felt stiff and wondered what time it was. I picked up my phone and looked to it and groaned, five in the morning. Why was I up? Today is going to be a long day. I didn't have to be into work until seven. I might as well shower and get ready. I did just that, taking a nice hot shower and let the spray hit the sore spots. I finished after washing my hair and body and got dressed for the day, I blow dried my hair so that it would be straight, deciding not to pull it back today. I did pull back a small piece of my bangs and used a bobby pin to pin it back. That was so I didn't have to worry about my hair getting in anyone's food or in my face.

I finished and grabbed my schoolbag, grunting with how heavy it is and made my way out of the building and to the parking garage to get my car. I was tired, but I could always get a cup of coffee at the diner before my shift. I knew I was going to make it there somewhat early and that was okay with me. The people there were like my second family and had taken me in when I needed it. They were the ones that helped me get back on my feet. I was forever grateful for them and always will be.

I opened the door to the diner and smiled at Rosie, who was at the cash register ringing up one of her customers. I made me way to the back of the diner and grabbed an apron, punching in with my time card. I looked at the schedule, to see my tables and looked to the front. It was quite dead and I saw no one at my tables and I sighed, leaning against the counter and looking to the sugar canisters and the salt and pepper shakers. Maybe I should fill them to help pass the time. I could also roll silverware and fill the napkin containers. I moved to where we kept the sugar and grabbed it along with the big thing of salt and pepper. I started with the shakers and containers along the counter. I hummed along to the tune that was playing on the radio and I couldn't help but sway my hips a big as I poured some sugar into the container that was half empty. I continued to fill them as I hear the bell ding above the door. My eyes snapped up and I tried to hide the smile on my face when I saw sunglasses guy (Norman) coming in. I heard Rosie greet him and he greeted her back. He seemed more talkative this time around.

He looked around and spotted me, giving me a smile and I couldn't help but let feel myself smile at him. He pointed to a table and I gave him a nod, walking over he sat down and looked at the paper menu. I put the sugar container down and moved over to him with the coffee pot. He had flipped the cup over and I poured the bitter liquid into it.

"Do you need some time?" I asked him, my hand in my apron waiting for him to say if he was ready or not.

"What do you recommend?" He asked, as he removed the sunglasses from his eyes and I could see that he looked tired.

"I recommend the scrambled eggs with cheese melted in, bacon, and toast. It's my favorite. But if you love sausage, you can substitute the bacon for sausage. Really depends," I told him, although I was shocked at how strong my voice came out and how it didn't waver. I guess when it comes to work it was much easier to talk to people. I knew what to say, because it was on a menu.

"Then I will get that," he said, I nodded and went to set the coffee pot down and put his order in.

"You look tired," I commented as I walked around, it being somewhat quiet in the diner as the sun begins to ascend into the sky.

He just shrugged his shoulders and played with the rim of his coffee cup, "I am, but I'm not If that even makes sense."

He didn't even look at me as he took a sip and I felt like something was bothering him, but I didn't dare ask. Why would he tell me when we hung out just one time? I took him in as he sat there, the sun's rays bouncing through the window and shining on him. It created a heavenly look about him, almost as if it were a spotlight and it was sent there to highlight him. I shook my head at the thoughts, but I couldn't shake them out. Why was I thinking like this? I hardly knew the guy! I only knew he was a great actor and he seemed to be a sweet person; paying for my lunch the other day and showing me to a place he loved. I could feel myself swooning in my head but I was broken out of it when Jose shouted that my order was ready. I grabbed the plate from the warming station and headed over to Norman's table. Gently I set the plate down on the table along with some butter and jam for the toast.