forgetting me

33

New York City
August 27th, 2002

Two o'clock couldn't come fast enough.

William messed up his last two orders, his mind racing and unable to comprehend a single thought that didn't have to do with Amanda. Maia kicked him out of the café five minutes early because of that.

He was buzzing with excitement.

William carefully unfolded the piece of paper and stared down at Amanda's number. He paused outside of the café to dial her number.

William took a deep breath and then pressed the call button.

The phone rang.

And rang.

He began to think the worst. But then came her voice.

"William?"

William's heart skipped several beats, almost stopping all together.

"Yes. Hi, Amanda," he answered.

"Hey! How was the rest of your shift?"

"Long." William exhaled deeply and started walking back to his apartment. "Very long." He heard Amanda let out a small laugh on the other end. "What about you? What have you been up to?"

"My usual. Work." There was a pause as Amanda sighed. "It's always all work and no relaxation."

William frowned. "Surely you can take some breaks?"

There was silence. William bit his lip, waiting for a reply.

"It's a 24/7 job, for the most part. Trust me, I wish I could have time off," she finally said.

William could understand that. He wasn't a 24/7 worker, but he sometimes worked rather late or came in early for the coffee shop, convincing himself the pay was more important than his well-being. He had two other people to support now, and until his father got a job, his job at the café was their only source of income.

"Hello? Are you still there?"

"Yeah, sorry." William scrambled to think of what to say next when there was a crash from Amanda's end. "What was that?"

"Oh, god," Amanda whispered. She cleared her throat. "I'm so sorry, I have to go. I'll see you later?"

"Oh, okay." William ran a hand across his face. "Bye, I guess."

She muttered a quick goodbye and then the line cut to nothing.