Final Nightmare

1. Force of change [1]

Zariana Cruz:

"Alright Z you know it's time to close up and yet you're still here cleaning."

Looking up at my boss a smile crept on both of our faces.

"You know I just have to have everything in place before I leave, who would want to come to this restaurant if everything is still icky?" I whipped my hands on the apron and scratched the back of my neck. I scanned the place smiled to myself, approved with what I did.

"You're right, but this isn't a 24-hour diner. It's closes at three and it's four darling you need your rest," Mrs. K patted my shoulder. "I'm not leaving until you get your things."

Rolling my eyes playfully I untied the apron from behind and pulled it over my head.

"Yes, ma'am mama K."

Laughing I walked off to go into the employee locker room. Throwing my apron in my locker I grabbed my purse and other inexpensive things and closed the locker behind me. Walking back into the dining area I put my hands up and smiled.

"See I'm leaving." Pointing to the door I pushed opened the glass doors and waited for Mrs. K to lock the door behind.

"Now sweetie do you have a ride?" Making sure Mrs. K locked the door I shook my head no.

"No ma'am, my place is right around the corner, I can walk there if I wanted to," I gave her a quick hug before placing a small kiss on her cheek.

"I'll see you tomorrow Mrs. K."

"No, No, No I will not allow you to walk home in the dark by yourself I wouldn't feel right," Mrs. looked at me with pleading eyes.

"But I live just right there Mrs. K," I sighed lightly. It really didn't make any sense for me to catch a ride when I'm right there, literally just turn the corner and it's right there.

"Zariana, if you don't get your butt in this car I'm going to drag you in and strap you down," She warned with her voice as stern as possible.

Sighing again I really didn't want to take the offer, but I had no choice. Walking over to the car I opened the passenger side door and slipped in. The leather seats cool as the back of my thighs met them.

"You have a really nice car Mrs. K," I told her once she slipped inside of the car and closed the door after her.

"Well thank you, now why don't you have a car?" Mrs. K looked over as she pressed the start button and put the gear in reverse.

"I honestly don't have the money to, I pay the bills that I have and then put the rest on groceries," Shrugging lightly that was my life. I work a twelve-hour shift to just get by. Don't get me wrong it's getting me by well. I do have a roof over my head and food to eat. I don't too much worry about the clothes but hey as long as I have majority of the things I need I'm fine.

"Oh no, no is you serious?" Mrs. K looked at me shocked.

"Yes ma'am," Nodding my head slowly I looked at her as well. I didn't understand why she was so shocked.

"And you never told me?"

"What is there to tell Mrs. K, that I'm struggling?" Shrugging once again, I didn't too much care. I'm alive, I'm working, I'm just making it day by day.

"I could at least help Zariana," Mrs. K's voice cracked. The tears started to swell in her eyelids as the sympathy shown.

"Aw Mrs. K please stop," Rolling my eyes I sighed heavily while leaning my head on the window. I didn't need the sympathy. Not now not ever.