Absence of Peace

Part 3

Walking to work was time for Irene to think about her life. It gave her time to listening to her music while walking the streets of the community which she loves. Watching the people go about their mornings, watching the kids walking or riding their bikes to school, and watching Mrs. Wright set her chair out on her porch to watch. 

The shops opening up for the day, the store clerks sweeping out the dirt and turning on the neon sign OPEN. The asian grandmothers practicing their Tai Chi together in an abandon alley way, wearing loose clothing while slowly and precisely moving their arms together. The Serpents and Hell Ridings making their rounds around their territory, always waving at Irene or giving her the head nod. She made sure to give them a smile.

Mr. Jay's diner was full of life as she came for her shift. It was filled with the elderly and kids playing hooky, while simultaneously avoiding the police who stops for a quick cup of coffee and pastry.

Irene waves to MJ before stoping in the back to get herself ready for her shift. She stretches her legs and arms for the hours she will stand on her feet and carrying plates back and forth from the kitchen to the customers. One last head roll she walks out tying the apron around her waist with the notepad and pen she uses. 

"Hey MJ! How was your night?"

Wiping the sweat from his forehead,

"It was great! I'm all wiped out from the trick Mr. Myer learned the other day an-"

"That sounds awesome. What tables do I need to take?"

He chuckles at the blush forming on her face.

"Tables 5 through 10. Mike has the others."

She nodded her head and went to work. Plastering a smile on her face, she took down the orders and brought them to MJ, in-between the time it took for the food to get made Irene would wipe down the other tables and get it all ready for the next group of customers to come in. 

***

It was around 3 when Irene was able to take her well needed break.

"MJ!"

MJ looked up from the stove.

"Yes sweetie?"

"I'm gonna take my break now."

"Ok babe, do you want me to make you anything?"

"I wouldn't say no to French fries."

"Ok, go head to the back and I'll bring them out when they're done."

"Thank you!"

Irene headed to the back room and sat on the old sofa that always had a spring digging into your ass no matter where you sat. She puled out her ancient flip phone and texted Xavier.

Hey! How are you feeling?

I'm fine.

Don't pull that bullshit. How are you really feeling? If I was you, I would feel like I got ran over by a bus.

Ok. I'm not fine.

You irritate me.

:)

:(

"Here are your fries."

She got up from the sofa.

"Thank you MJ."

"No problem sweetie."

She takes the plate from him and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Irene sat down at the table, eating her fries, and on her phone. This is how she spent the rest of her break.