Hypnotic || H.S

twenty-one

I sat with my mother as we grabbed a bite to eat before heading to my doctor's appointment. She chose a closeby diner that was famous for their burger challenges. Their walls were painted a dark red covered with pictures of old newspaper clips. Their booths were the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat on. "Who told you about this place." I groaned inpatient as we waited for somebody to give us a little attention.

My mother didn't seem to mind if anyone attended us soon, she was too busy watching the kids run in the rain. "Bailey told me they have the best hotcakes in all of Queens." She answered, then turned her attention over to napkins folding them back up.

"Don't-" I whined, hoping she would just stop.

"What?" She objected quickly looked at me. My mother had a habit of fixing everything that needed to be fixed even if it wasn't her job too.

I didn't bother to explain to my mother that it wasn't her job to fix the napkins or get started on a conversation about how she always finds something to fix. An older man passed by the booth, he dragged his feet all the way to the counter to complain how quiet it was and demanded music.

The wind whistled from outside, we sat watching the kids try to keep clear from the rain under the bus stop. "I don't understand the youth these days. We parents buy you guys umbrellas, but you guys refuse to use them. Where is the logic in that?" my mother sighed growing exhausted looking away from the window.

She did have a point, she always made a point. I couldn't speak for the other kids, but I used my umbrella. I know Daisy never used her because she thought it was cooler to get wet, but knowing Daisy, she probably just wanted to get wet so her clothes could stick to her body. I shook my head. "They think umbrellas aren't cool." I shared disinterested in the lives of those kids.

I heard her cough. "And getting sick is cool? I am so happy you have sense." She mumbled with an honest smile.

I laughed turning my head looking behind my mother as the old man was walking back towards us with a very displeased expression. I couldn't wrap my thoughts around why older people were always so unhappy. A sudden movement caught my attention in the corner of my eye as one of the women working turned the radio on. Dancing Queen began to play, bringing some life into the diner beside the crabby old man and us.

My mother started to sing along, moving her shoulders to the beat making me smile. "Please don't," I hide my face embarrassed.

"Sorry for the wait, I will be your waitress. I am Cindy, can I get you two started on some drinks?" An energic voice boomed from nowhere making me uncover my face. My mother still moving in her seat with a smile.

I glance up at the waitress, her hair was braided to the side. She had the most prominent hazel eyes I have ever seen. "Turn it up," My mother joked making Cindy crack a smile. "Can I get water for now?" She asked politely.

Cindy nodded scribbling it on her notepad, her eyes dawned down on me. "And you?"

"Strawberry lemonade please." I chirped.

"Okay. Are you guys ready to order or would you like a couple of minutes.?" She asked nicely.

My mother and I shared a look both shrugging our shoulder. "A moment please," My mother confirmed.

"Okay, I'll be back," Cindy stated walking away back to the front.

"Maybe being a waitress will be better. Their tips are good." My mother tried to persuade me. She glanced around with innocent eyes.

I sat back in the hard cushion, shaking my head disagreeing. "I know what you are doing. And it's not going to work."

"I am just saying, you could work close to home, and not in the city. Not to mention, the fare will be going up soon in the new year." She clarified making sure I heard every word as she inspected her fingernails.