As We Grow Old

Chapter 2

For the rest of the summer we went back and played at the court until noon. Trever warmed up to G and I, and the six of us soon became close friends.

At this point, today was the last day of summer vacation, and tomorrow we started school. Mom, G, and I went shopping a few days ago for new clothes and such. Our bounty wasn't big, but it was all we needed.

G was fifteen, but because he missed a majority of the previous school year he was in the same classes as Trever, who was fourteen. G said he didn't like it. He was going to be the oldest kid in the grade, and it really showed. That's why, while he was making my pancakes, he kept messing them up.

"Ah, sorry Blake. I just-I hope this year turns out good for me."

G usually came off as cold and intimidating, but in truth, he's mostly just an introvert. I went over and flipped the pancakes he burned. "It's okay man. Don't worry about it too much; besides, you got Trev. I doubt he'd let somethin' bad happen to you. You're just gettin' too worked up. Let's head down to the diner after we're finished eatin'. I'm sure Mom would love the help." He quietly agreed, and then we ate the burnt cakes.

When we got to the diner Mom was hustling around with orders. It was a Sunday, and the breakfast hours were always harsh. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted us; "How 'bout the two of you boys head to the back and start washing?" 

"Yes, ma'am." We chimed in unison.

We took a right after passing the granite counter, and into the door marked 'Employees Only'. Once inside the kitchen, G and I put on our white aprons. At the stove, Archie was cooking. Archie was the main cook at the diner, and he was usually always there.

"Hey kiddos, what's poppin'?"

Both G and I gave him the stink eye. He responded defensively, "What, I'm jus' tryin' to be cool! Ain't nobody think an old guy in his fidies' is cool wit' the kiddies."

The two of us simply sighed and walked over towards the sink. Archie called to us over his shoulder. "Two o' yous don't got no respect! Next time, be nicer, or Ima tell yer Momma!" We turned our heads back, snickered, and started the water.

Three hours later, Mom came into the kitchen.

"You boys ready for lunch?"

G's stomach was grumbling even before she walked in. "Yes, ma'am." He said. I turned to her, "Yeah, I'm pretty hungry too." With a satisfied look on her face she said, "Good, because we've got us a new worker startin' soon, an' I want the two of yous to help her out."

We both looked equally confused. Us? Help her? Mom gave G two plates of food, and gave me one. "This is lunch, an' this one- " She pointed to the third dish in G's hand, "that one's for Diana. She's out there waitin' at table four." I looked at G, and he just stared back at me. "Get to it!" She cried, "Get, get!"

I walked out the door first, and held it open for G. We looked around the diner for a woman sitting at table four. Unfortunately, we were unable to find one. We walked to table four, and I questioned the girl sitting in the booth.

"Hey, uh, Miss? Sorry, but is there a Diana that was sittin' here with you? We've come to talk to her 'bout the job."

She looked up at me, and by gosh, she was pretty. She was definitely older than me, but she wasn't any older than G. Then, she extended her hand.

"I'm Diana, nice to meet you fellas."

G and I exchanged quick glances, and then I shook her hand. G handed her one of the plates, and the two of us sat opposite Diana in the booth. She started talking again, and she started talking a lot.