Just Because I Met You

Chapter 1

"Ari, just come! Its supposed to be fun!" Jaycee yelled through the phone.

I held the phone between my shoulder and ear, "Jaycee, I told you. I'm at work, and I'm going to be tired when I get off. No!"

She growled, "All you do is work, work, and work! Do you ever have fun?!"

"Yes, I read."

I could feel her roll her eyes, "Ari, reading is not fun. My god. Its the summer, and we're about to be Seniors. All you do is work, it's like you don't even want to hang out with your friends anymore, mostly me. I thought you were my best friend, but it is starting to look like work is your best friend an-"

"ALRIGHT." I cut her off. "I'll hang out with you guys. And you know that's not the reason. I can't help my work schedule. The diner is busy during Summer, so don't play the guilt trick on me."

I heard her chuckle, "It works every time..See you at 9:30 babes. I seriously love you."

I sighed, "I lo-"

"FISHER! I KNOW YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR CELLULAR DEVICE. AGAIN.." My boss's loud voice boomed through the kitchen.

"I gotta go." I hurried and pressed end and stuffed it in my pocket, turning around slowly. I smiled sheepishly, "Hey sir, I was not on my phone.."

He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow, "What were you doing then, Ms. Fisher?"

I scratched my head, "I was uh.. I was.. Just checking the time?"

He stood there with a stern look, making me sweat on my forehead. Bryan was sure intimidating, and he was strict. He was the type of boss that wanted you on time, sharp and not a minute late. The type of boss that if you mess up an order, you're fired. You talk back, you're fired. Or even you crack a joke at a serious time, you're fired. He wants you at task at all times.

I've done all those and I still have this job. I've seen many workers get fired over those reasons and yet I'm thankful I still have it. I love this job, and it helps with my social skills.

Bryan held his hand out, "Phone, please. You won't get it back until your shift is over." I looked at the clock and it read 6:08 PM. My shift isn't over til' 9. I sighed heavily, and slapped it in his hand. He began walking out of the kitchen, yelling at everyone to get back to work that were staring at us.

"Arianna, we got a party at the door." A worker Chantelle yelled through the opening. I dusted myself off and walked out to the front desk, meeting many people.

"Hi, welcome to Elige Diner. How many people do you have ?" I forced a smiled.

"A table for 17, please. It's my sons 7th birthday!" The overly happy lady said.

I wanted to sigh, cry, and pout on the floor. It was going to be a pain accompanying these little kids.

∆∆∆

At the end of my shift, Bryan called me back to his office to get my phone. I walked in and he told me to have a seat. Then I knew.. He wasn't just giving my phone back.

"Look, Arianna.. I really love having you work here and all but-"

I held my hand up quickly, "If you're firing me, don't say it. Just tell me to go home and have a nice night. I don't wanna hear the words."

He leaned up in his chair, "Go home and have a nice night..knowing you have one more chance, Fisher."

I exhaled after holding my breath, "What?"

He crossed his hands, "I'm giving you one more chance. I have rules I have set for everyone to keep this job and you haven't clearly followed them all. I fired multiple people who needed this job but some couldn't follow my rules. You on the other hand, I have kept because we get good feedback due to your personality while serving our customers. You know, the more we get good feedback, the more we get recognition and money. I don't want to lose that, but if you cannot follow these rules after today. I'm going to have to let you go. Its not fair to the ones who make one mistake then get fired right on the spot while you're still working and make many intentional "mistakes". You know what I'm saying?" He questioned.

He had a strong point and I respected him for all the chances he gave me. I understand, yet it makes me utterly scared. I nodded, "Yeah, I know what you're saying and I understand where you're coming from. I'm sorry.."

"No don't apologize. I want you to come to work Tuesday, ready to do everything right. Okay?"

"Wait, you're giving me five days off?" I questioned horrified.

"Yes. You could use it." He said.

I shook my head, "Um, okay..Sure."

He smiled satisfied, "Have a nice night Fisher."

∆∆∆

I dragged my feet and bag through my front door wearily.

"Hey dear!" My mom greeted me. I shot her a blunt wave and began to progress up the stairs.

"Hold it, young lady." She said. I faced her, impatiently. "Hard day at work?"

I nodded, "Yeah, Mom. Look I don't have that much time to talk. I have to get ready to go out with Jaycee and I'm trying to get there and get out, ASAP." I began to walk back upstairs before Mom could ask me anymore questions.

I was mixed emotions. Tired, annoyed, somewhat guilty, and angry. I stripped my clothes off to hurry and shower. When I got out, I didn't even bother drying my hair and straightening it. I just put on a pair of Skinny Jeans, a black Camisole, and a pink Zip Up Hoodie. I put on my black Vans, grabbing my car keys and phone then going downstairs.

"Be back soon Mom!" I yelled.

"You should eat before you go Munch." My mom said calling me by my nickname only family could call me from the kitchen.

"No, I already ate." I told her.

"Are you sure?, I can cook you something real quick if ya want." I shook my head, smiling, "Mom. I am oookay."

She gave up, "Fine, sweetheart. I'll see you soon." She stepped out of the kitchen, all dressed up in black mid-Thigh dress and heels.

"Mom! Where are you going?!" I yelled.

She looked at me startled, "I'm guessing I look terrible at your reaction."

"N-No! Of course not. You look.....hot!" My eyes scanned her body. The dress she had on, hugged her in all the right places, and it was mine!

She blushed, "Thanks sweetie."

"No problem and yes, you may wear my dress. Now where are you going?" I asked her again.

She began to put on her jacket, "Out with my girl, just like you are." She said, smiling.

My nose scrunched up, "Are you going clubbing?"

"You say it like its a bad thing!"

I smiled sheepishly, "You're like 50."

She gasped, "Arianna Jane! I am 37! How dare you?!"

I laughed, "Joking, Mom. You're like 20."

She chuckled bitterly, "Right. I'd be currently pregnant with you if I was 20.

Now, I don't know about you but I don't have the time to be joking around. I'm about to go have some fun!" She told me.

I watched gather her things.

"Now, peace to the middle east." She held two fingers. I smacked it down, "Don't ever say that."

"What? That's not what you kids say?"

"No!"

"What do you say? Deuces? Chao? T-t-y-l? See ya later alligator? Outtie like a shawty? Ca-" I cut her off.

I face palmed myself, "Ew, mom please stop!" I turned her around towards the door.

"Just tell me what's hip! What do y'all say?" She interrogated further.

I patted her shoulder, "What we say is, Goodbye, have a nice night." I pushed her out the door.

She went jogging to her car, her heels clacking against the cement. "Bye honey! Hit my line if you need some time!" She laughed obnoxiously and got inside.

I shook my head and grabbed my keys getting ready to leave. If Mom was about to party tonight, so was I.

Meet Arianna Fisher at the top of the page.