My Match Mate from Hell

July 2nd, 2008.

          "It's getting dark sweetie, just make sure you're home before the street lights turn on, okay? We love you."
          "Okay, I will. Love you too. I'll text you when I'm home."
          "Okay bye, be careful!"
          "Alright, see ya."
*click*

          "Sorry, she likes to keep me busy." I said trying to slip my phone in my purse.
          "Oh, that's no problem, mine's the same way!" said the waitress. I started to wonder how she knew who I was talking to but figured my phone must have been louder than I intended.
          "Sometimes a blessing, most times a curse." I said trying to keep a light conversation.
           "Is there anything special I can get you today?" she said.
           "Yes, I was thinking of trying out one of your new salads. Surprise me?"
           "Not a problem. Anything to drink?"
           "Uh sure, just a water please."
           "Of course."
           "Thank you."
           "Not a problem."
As she walked away I wondered what was so strange about her compared to all the other waitresses. Maybe it was the way she dressed or how her hair was styled. I just knew something was off and couldn't quite pin it. My thoughts must have got in the way of my hearing though because when I looked up I saw a man asking if he could take the extra chair at my table.
I figured the man would just pick it up and drag it to another table but instead he sat in it and began to talk with me. Surprisingly, I enjoyed his company and learned a few things about him. His name was Bennett, he served in the Navy, he had a pet named Roscoe and had recently lost his best friend in a fire. While some of these things seemed personal to tell a complete stranger, I never noticed because of how I enjoyed his company. By the time my food came I ate without offering any up and he paid afterwards. It was a rare offer so I just accepted it with grace. After I decided it was time to leave I gave him my number in case he ever wanted to catch up and I watched him stick it in his pocket so I knew he wouldn't just throw it down like my last date.
Later that evening I made it home by the street light and got a call. I figured it would be Bennett but instead it was a stranger claiming to have thought I shared a number with someone by the name of Tracy. After not hearing from Bennett all night I decided to turn my phone off and rest for my college finals in the morning. I was going to need all the rest I could get.