My Waitress (NOT EDITED)

Chapter 22

So I'm thinking this is the color of Nicole's eyes, but her eyes itself are a little different, more deep set.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

BACK TO NICOLE'S POV

It's been 5 days, 7 hours, 37 minutes, and 26 seconds since I found out my bracelet has gone missing.

28...29... 30...

I don't know what to do now, counting won't solve anything. The only thing I did was telling Ethan, but I don't think that will do anything either. At least he was being supportive and positive.

"Don't worry too much, Sunshine," he told me over FaceTime last night. "You're overreacting. You probably misplaced it. It could be right under our noses..."

I snorted. "Yeah, no. I've been checking my studio everyday ever since the day it went missing, Sunday. It's not here, Ethan."

"Speaking of your studio, are you sure you don't wanna leave it and stay with the Katzons? You don't have to pay for your heat."

He always brings this up whenever we speak on the phone. "For the thousandth time, Ethan, I'm fine. I actually like my studio. I'm not living in luxury, but I have my own personal space."

"But—"

"No matter how many times you ask, I'll decline your offer."

He cursed under his breath. "Fine." I don't exactly know why he was so upset about it, I suppose he just wants me to be safe under his supervision. I'm fine on my own, I've been for a couple of months. Besides, I wouldn't really feel comfortable with Mr. and Mrs. Katzon. I still remember their odd behavior at church. They seem so distant now, I'm not sure if I can call them close family anymore.

Fortunately I've reunited with the only close family I have. "Would you like more coffee, Mr. Matthew?"

He smiles and places his mug down after his sip. "That would be nice, thank you, Miss Nicole." It's a lovely Friday evening at Susie's Diner. The sun is halfway down the horizon, the sky is painted purple, pink, orange, and yellow with scattered cotton-candy clouds.

"You don't have put a 'Miss' before my name anymore."

"I may not serve the Millers anymore, but I'm still living my duty as your butler. And friend."

A smile creeps across my face. "Let me know when you need anything."

"Of course."

I wipe a few dirty spots on the counter with a rag before strolling to the other side of the counter, where the jukebox stands. And since it's a Friday, the jukebox is crowded with Northview high-schoolers eating food and drinking sodas and milkshakes. I see Ashley, Naomi, Malachi, and Jace in the crowd as they dance and awfully sing to a popular song I've heard before. If you're facing the exit of the diner, basically the left side is teenagers only and the right side is normal consumers, where Mr. Matthew is.

I've been constantly going back and forth to not only serve but to talk to Mr. Matthew. For the past few days he's been coming to the diner to see how I'm doing, when he has the time, and to bond as well, catching me up on his summer. He's told me about his family, how his granddaughter is growing up, and his trip to Italy. He doesn't bring up the crash, because it'll ruin the mood. But my mind continually sticks pictures of its terrifying memories all over the wall. I keep that to myself.

"Order up for booth #4!" The cook shouts as he taps the bell and slides two plates of cheeseburgers and seasoned fries. I balance both plates on a tray and exit behind the counter. I proceed to booth 4 when suddenly a hand wraps around my waist.