Between You and Me

~~1~~

Today was the day that my mum and I were moving into our apartment in a small town a couple dozen miles away from my home. It was my senior year in high school, and I wasn't happy that we had to move before I graduated. But the only reason why we left home is because of my dad.

The apartment in itself isn't anything to be proud of. Two bedrooms, one bathroom and a small kitchen with a dining table. I got to keep all of my things from my bedroom, however my mum wasn't so lucky. I never saw the savage side of my dad before the divorce.

I found that I couldn't put any of my pictures of my friends from home up on my new wall, or else I would be stuck in the past. That's not what I plan to do here. I want to move on. Get a job and support myself. Make a few new friends and get good enough marks to earn a scholarship to a good school.

Speaking of supporting myself and getting a job, I was looking to do exactly that today.

I had already stopped at a few places in the middle of town, but the sports bar down at the end of Main Street had caught my attention.

Working there would ensure that I stay caught up with the drama during every game. I would never be behind in scores for my favourite teams.

My mind has been made up.

Walking into the cool building I see posters for countless professional teams hung all over the walls. The only breaks are spaces for 60" flat screen TVs in every corner.

I step closer to the bar in the centre of the large room and lean down on the rich wood, "Hello?"
"Hang on!" A deep voice yells out to me from the kitchen resting behind the bar.

I run my fingers along the bar. Dad used to have one like this: a deep caramel colour.

"Hello. What can I do for you?"

I look up at the voice and spot a man, maybe in his forties. He wears a SnapBack cap on his head, which covers whiffs of light brown hair. Crow's feet are the only marks on the man's face, and they frame a pair of eyes that match the bar.

"Hello. My name is Sage King. I just moved out here and was wondering if you were looking for any help?"
"Well, do you have a resume with you?"

I take one of my many resumes out of my portfolio and hand it to Dan. His large rough hand takes it from me before he scans it quickly.

"How badly do you need this job?"
"Well mum works nights now, and I should be communicating with her regularly, with a phone I don't have. I also had to quit my job before we moved here, I'm not used to having no cash flow. Plus, it's my senior year and I need to start saving now."
Dan narrows his eyes at me, and then smiles brightly, You've got the job, Sage. When can you start?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm back, mum." I call out once I open and shut the door to our apartment.
"How did it go, Sage?" My mum walks out of the small kitchen and takes a seat beside me on the living room couch.
I smile at her, "I got offered a job at the sports bar at the end of the street."
"Already?" She gasps, "How many places did you check out?"
"About five. This place pays the best though. It's 13.30 an hour."
"You aren't old enough to serve alcohol, dear." She stands up and wipes her hands on her cherry red apron, making her way back into the kitchen.
"I know. I'm serving as hostess and cashier. "

I stand up and follow my mum into the kitchen. I pick up a mini chocolate cupcake she just baked and shove the whole thing in my mouth.

"How lady like of you, dear. Remember your manners."
"Sobby bom" I apologize with my mouth still full.

My mum shakes her head at me, but I still spot the smile that graces her lips.

My mum has always attracted attention from men of all ages, including the occasional boy my age. I find her sandy blonde hair to be a much better option than my natural brown, which is why I dye mine. I have my dad's eyes, though. They're a dark hazel with lighter flecks on the inner edges. My mum once again got the better side of the deal as her eyes are the lightest of honey.

After the divorce a year ago, I counted four men who came to our temporary home and asked for my mother's hand on a date. She rejected them all, saying it wouldn't be fair for her to rebound her newly broken heart with them.

She's too nice.

If it were me, I would have said yes to each one of them, shoving my father's divorce papers up his-

"Sage? Did you hear me?" My mum walks over to me and places both of her flour covered hands on my shoulders, raising her motherly eyebrow in question.
"No, I didn't. Sorry mum." I feel my cheeks warming slightly.
"Are you alright, Sage? You're not yourself since we moved."
"It's just overwhelming, moving to such a small town." I move from my mum and take a seat at our small dining table, "I don't know anyone, I'm nervous for school."
"Oh, sage. There's no reason to be nervous. Your a wonderful girl and you'll meet people faster than you think. You have a job now, people will notice you there. You always used to come home from summer camp or your first day of school with a long list of friends."
I sigh, "Your right, mum. I'm always nervous for no reason. Thank you."
"Of course, dear."

I stand up and leave my mum to her baking. After all, I'll come steal more later when she isn't looking.

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