The Guy Who Gave Up His Jersey (New Version)

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The afternoon passed away like any other Monday, slowly. I was glad the cafe didn't get too busy like most other days. I got the chance to clean up behind the bar, the other two workers here tend to leave their unfinished work and my mom has told them countless time to finish what they are doing before clocking out.

I locked the door and took in a deep breath. A few tables needed cleaning and I could leave the last few dishes in the dishwasher. Mom likes us to hand wash the dishes since the dishwasher doesn't clean entirely clean the dishes how it's supposed to. I'd have to remember to tell her I left dishes so she can have someone hand wash them tomorrow morning.

I grabbed the gray bin from inside the kitchen and began to clean up the tables. Mom asked me not to close today, she needed me to get my dress fitted one more time before we pick it up Thursday. She mentioned Alejandro would close but seeing him like a zombie, I told her the cafe got too packed for him to be on his own.

Quietly, I dropped the cups into the gray bin, making sure I didn't make too much noise. It didn't take me long to clean the tables, sweep and mop the floors, and I decided to finish washing the dishes. By the time I was wrapping up cleaning the cafe Alejandro was sitting on top of the bar, watching me clean. I hadn't noticed him since I had my headphones in and was listening to music. I turned around to head to the kitchen when I noticed him sitting there. I fidget back, startled by him.

"Seriously?" I yelled. "You're always sneaking up on me."

He laughed. "Sorry. It's entertaining watching you clean."

"That's creepy."

He laughed nervously. "That came out wrong. Anyway, why did you let me sleep until now? I could've helped you clean up."

Couldn't he tell I was trying to be nice? If he was on my bad side I'd have left him here on his own to deal with the customers, knowing well enough he needed to rest. Alejandro had something to comment about my actions, always.

"You seemed to have needed the sleep." I shrugged.

"Well, that's nice of you." He grinned. "But I would've been able to help you out anyways."

I needed to alone time. Although my mom took care of all the preparations for the party, my nerves were in a bunch. Mom and dad haven't been talking much these last few days. I don't know how we are even going to be able to be good hosts for the relatives coming from out of town without them fighting. I tried making a solution in my head, but all my plans seemed to be a bust. I ended up giving up on trying to come up with a plan to keep my parents from fighting. All I hope is they can behave until my party is over.

"I needed the alone time," I confessed. I untied my apron and fold it, before placing it underneath the cabinet.

"Things still bad at home?" He asked me quietly.

I sighed. "I don't think they ever got better."

He frowned. Alejandro has been around long enough to know my family is dysfunctional. He's been at home numerous times when my parents decide to bicker. I don't understand why he doesn't feel uncomfortable with their screaming. He acts like he can't even hear their screams.

"Yeah, things haven't gotten any better at home either. They've never really been okay, to begin with. My dad is gone most of the time and my mom takes vacations with her friends most of the time. it was a miracle she was here planning Mindy's wedding."

"So your parents are never home?"

He shook his head. "No, I guess that's why I'm always at your place." He chuckled. "Your family may not be the happiest but at least your mom is more around than mine is."