the hamptons | t.chalamet

07

it's almost midnight and i know if i don't figure something out fast, my dad's security team will start sweeping the peninsula for me and it'll only be a matter of minutes before they inevitably find me.

he doesn't hire just anyone to work for him.

the streets are empty and all the shops have turned in for the night, leaving only a few lamp posts and the moon as my sources of light.

i had to put my uniform back on because i was shivering when the temperature dropped from a boiling 35 degrees to a chilling 12.

maybe i could go to gen's house. she'd help me for sure.

but she lives a block from me up on the hill in the hamptons and i'm pretty sure the last bus was at sunset.

then by that logic, i'm totally on my own because every contact in my life lives up on the hill.

i sigh and walk around the corner in darkness. until a flickering sign makes me look up.

chalamet's 24 hour diner

i didn't know there was a 24 hour diner in town. but then again i come down here maybe once a month so i'm not the most qualified tour guide.

i head for the little shop and peak inside to find it void of any people. but the come in, we're open sign on the door urges me to push.

a little bell goes off when i do and i wait to see if someone will appear. no one does so i help myself to a booth in the corner.

the diner is relatively small compared to the places i usually go to but the compact space feels more welcoming and intimate so i put my bag down and relax.

"sorry, i was in the back stocking some stuff and didn't hear you come in." a girl's voice says.

i turn and see a girl about my age come around the counter. she runs a hand through her short brown hair and sighs exasperatedly before stopping in front of me with a tired smile.

"what can i get you?" she asks.

i open my mouth to say something before i remember i have no money. she'll probably have to kick me out.

"i uh... i don't actually have any money." i say a little sheepishly.

she stares at me in confusion until i realize she's not staring at me. she's looking at the st augustine's crest on my blazer.

"ok... so what are you doing here then?"

i avert my gaze back down to the table.

why am i here?

because i can't go home? because i don't want to?

"i don't know. it was cold outside and i saw your sign said open." i answer pathetically.

the girl puts one arm on her hip and gives me an amused look.

"and what were you doing walking around here at midnight? no chauffeur?" her eyebrow lifts at the end at her obvious jab at me.

but i'm too exhausted and drained to retort so i just shrug.

my lack of response annoys and confuses her because her eyebrows furrow together and she frowns. maybe she can see how empty i feel. i really hope not. the last thing i want is another person wondering how i'm doing.

"alright well you can't stay here without buying anything." she says and i prepare for the boot. "but i do need some help in the back so if you want, i'll let you stay in exchange for light labour."