(Ashley's p.o.v)
-A couple weeks after the party-
It's been about two weeks since my party. My mom got an apartment down the street from us and I drive over there everyday to visit.
My dad is back at work and I started working on Monday and it's going great. Right now I'm in my office and counting inventory. The dinner rush is about to start and we are missing someone.
"Has anyone heard from Jackson today?" I shout out to the staff. "No miss." They respond. I sigh and pull out my phone to call him.
I dial his phone number but it goes to voicemail. I call a few more times and still do not get an answer. If he's not in tomorrow I'll call his emergency contact.
I finish inventory right before the dinner rush and go to the front.
"Alright, Avery, I need you in the back tonight ok? I'll cover your area." I state. She nods and goes into the back. "Thank you." I call after her.
"Ok, let's get started." I say enthusiastically to my other employees.
I walk over to my first table with a family of four. "Hi, I'm Ashley, I'll be your waitress for tonight. Can I start you out with drinks and an appetizer?" I ask.
"Coke." The oldest child says. "Sprite." Says the younger child. Both parents want lemonade. "Would you like any appetizers?" I ask. "Yes, we'd like the nachos with no jalapenos." The father states. "Ok. I'll give you a few minutes to look over the menu." I say and leave their table
I make their drinks and bring them out to them. "Are you ready to order? Or would you like another couple of minutes?" I asked smiling at them. "Can we have a few minutes?" The mother asks. "Sure." I reply and walk off to the front counter.
I went into the kitchen to see how they're doing. "Hows everything going back here?" I call out "we're good boss." The head chef calls back. "Ok. If you need me just let me know." I reply going back into the front room.
I notice a few of my waitresses talking at the counter. "Hey. What's going on?" I ask them when I get to them.
"There's a couple asking to speak to the manager." Emily states worriedly. "Ok. What table?" I ask rubbing her back to calm her down. "58." She responds and I walk over.
"Hey! I heard you were asking for a manager?" I asked when I get to the couple. "Yea, where is he?" The man asks in a rude tone. "SHE is right here. How may I help you?" I asked again.
The woman looks at me. She looks like shes got alot of foundation on just one eye and it looks slightly swollen. "I ordered a steak well done and it was slightly pink. Hes just fussing over it. It's ok." She explains
"Oh, well if you'd like I can have another one cooked. No charge?" I asked politely. She goes to answer but her date interrupts her. "That would be great." He replies simply. I turn to him. "She can speak for herself." I said to him and turn back to the woman.
"That's ok. Thank you though." She smiles sweetly. She Pat's my hand leaving a little piece of paper in my palm.
I smile once more before walking away. Once I get back into my office I read the note.
'Help me please, he keeps beating me and he kidnapped somebody. Please help us.'
It reads. I read it again in shock and pull out my phone.
'911 what's your emergency?'
"Theres a woman here, she says she is being beat and her boyfriend kidnapped someone."
'Ok what is your name and address right now?'
I tell her and she tells me she'll send someone here.
As I walk out of my office I act as if nothing is wrong but I am actually freaking out on the inside.
All the food ordered has been delivered to their tables and the kitchen staff is cleaning up.
I had John take my tables order when I went into my office.
"Hey. How is it? Everybody good?" I asked. "Yea. Its delicious." They reply. I set their check down. "When you are ready." I tell them.
A few minutes later a police officer comes in. "Hi, you get the call?" I asked. "Yes, I'm here to talk to the couple." He replies. "Ok just follow me." I tell him and lead him over to the couple.
"Hey, this officer would like to speak to you." I tell them and walk away.
A few minutes later the police officer comes back dragging the man in handcuffs. "I'm gonna kill you, you bitch." He spits at me. I roll my eyes and look at the woman. "What's your name?" I ask. "Mary." She responds.
She frowned and looked at the floor. "You ok?" I asked. She nodded. "Yea, I just don't have anywhere to go." She shrugged. "Here sit down." I told her patting the stool at the bar. "I'll be right back." I said and went into my office again. I dialled my dads number.
'Hey babe, what's up?'
"Hey dad, this woman here at the restaurant was being abused and now doesn't have anywhere to go." I explained.
'Ash...'
"Please dad?" I interrupted.
"Alright. One night. That's it."
"Thanks dad I love you!!" I smile through the phone.
"Love you too babe."
After that we hang up and I go talk to Mary. "hey, my dad says you can stay for the night." I tell her. She hugs me saying thank you over and over.
I smile at her. "I just have to close up and we can go." I tell her. "Ok." She nods and I start cleaning the tables. When I'm done I lock up and we head to the apartment.
-the next day-
I woke up to my dad shaking me awake. "Come on Ash, you have school." He say's still shaking me. I groan but get up.
"Mary still sleeping?" I asked looking at my dad. "Actually she was up before me making breakfast." "Oh." I said surprised.
I get dressed in a forest green short dress, a cardigan and some flip flops. I go to the kitchen and sit down. After breakfast I head to my car to go to school.
When I get to my car I see a white envelope with my name on it. I frown but open it.
'Dear Ashley,
Since the moment I saw you there was an instant connection. It was like something I've never felt before. I will get you, you will be mine soon, I won't let you go, you'll be mine.
Sincerly
Your one true love'
The letter says. I laugh nervously. "Haha guys, nice try. You know I don't scare easy. Come on out. Who's idea was this?" I ask the empty garage full of cars belonging to residents in the building.
When I hear nothing I get into my car and drive off. I'll talk to my friends when I get to school.
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*A/N: who do you think it is? Thank you for reading. Vote, comment. Let me know what you think.
