Wanted

3

Red
The morning met me up. I was laid on my bed, still in the same spot from last night. My eyes were burning from lack of sleep. How could I?

Work wasn't on my mind. Nothing was on my mind after last night. There was no effort for anything anymore.

Tears once again pooled in my eyes as I looked down at my blood stained sheets. I held my head in my hands as I began to sob.

I began to snivel loudly, recapping everything from last night in my mind.

Every languid move corresponded with my mood.

I did my usual morning routine, pushing my dark sunglasses on, hoping they'd conceal my puffy eyes.

Once I was finally dressed, I plodded out my door. It wasn't until I began speed walking to my car, that i realized how afraid I had become to be outside in the open.

I locked my doors and sped out onto the road as the sun peeked above the horizon.

Once again, tears spilled down my eyes and I wiped them quickly as I stopped to a red light. I hoped my manager would grant me the privilege of wearing my sunglasses on the job.

The light flickered green and I scooted faster than usual. My mind was racing. Cars whooshed pass me, as if it were a racing game.

My mind kept trying to replay last night, which was what I was trying to avoid since I got out of bed. My body fought with my mind, and my emotions just stood there, vacantly fading in between.

Finally, I arrived in front of 'Hopper's Diner' right on time. The clouds were grayer today, birds sang less and the buzz of work was kinda dead.
Or is it just me?

I dragged myself toward the entrance door, taking a long sigh before entering. I met usual smiles, reoccurring customers and the infamous smell of oily food.

My stomach turned, but I suppressed the urge to vomit. I mean, I just got here, right?

Once I tied my apron on, I was already getting yelled at to whip up some 'curlies'. I began preparing people's meals like I always did, avoiding all eye contact or contact in general.

"Red," Tony, my coworker nudged me.

I jerked away on reflex as soon as his hand touched me, causing his brows to furrow in confusion.

"S-sorry," I muttered, averting my gaze elsewhere, "what is it?"

"Some guy out there," Tony pointed behind himself with a bandaged thumb, "said he wants your number."

I thought back to when I watched the man leave my room. Would he come back tonight? Will I have to dread every night? I could simply call the police. It wouldn't be too late-

"Red?" Tony mumbled, looking sharply at me, as if he could see through my sunglasses.

I scoffed, "no."

Tony simply shrugged and turned awkwardly on his heels before trampling away.

Weird.

Time moved slow, especially since it was early. We usually got a boatload of customers at night. I don't think I'll be working one any time soon.

Three long hours passed and my sunglasses  were still perched up on my nose as sweat trickled down my face.

I fought back tears as my mind involuntarily brought me back to the horrific nightmare. Why do I keep crying?

Wiping away the stray tear, I was happy nobody spotted my shaking. I shook whenever I cried. It was a habit instilled from the age of 3.

"Hey," Alex, another coworker approached from behind, "you okay?"

I felt her cold hand touch my shoulder and I almost sobbed, but I contained my feelings. My back was still facing her, as I was still holding back tears.

"Red?"

I slowly twirled, still wearing the glasses, "what's wrong? Nothing."

Alex was a great coworker, always looking out for me when I needed a shift covered or just some moral advice.

My hair hung as I avoided her gaze, that was so patronizing.

"What's going on here?" Mr. Coleman called as he approached.

Alex spoke quickly, "sorry sir, Red and I were trying to get the deep fryer on."

Coleman halted his steps when he glanced at me. His facial expression went from plain to enraged in less than five seconds.

"What is the meaning of this, Red?" Coleman asked, motioning to my sunglasses.

This time Alex went silent, the two of them awaiting my answer.

I reluctantly slid the cold metal down the bridge of my nose, sniffling a little.

Alex gasped and Mr Coleman became pale.

"Do you need to speak to me in private?" Coleman inquired, placing his hands behind his back.

I took two steps back and shook my head, "it's no bid deal, sir."

I knew Mr Coleman genuinely cared about his employees, but I wasn't sure if my problem was such a "boss to employee" discussion.

"Take the rest of the day off," Coleman insisted, rocking on his heels, "you don't look too good, Miss West."

Music to my ears, but I had to know if it was because of how hard I cried and caused my puffy eyes that were STILL puffy to manipulate his decision.
Of course, I love to work so I would never try to get off easy.

Alex smiles warmly and gave me a strong hug, "whatever you're going through, I hope you get better!"

My eyes welled up once again, but I blinked them away before they could regain anyone else's attention.

I pulled my apron off and washed up, before thanking my boss, Coleman and biding my goodbyes, before slipping out through the double doors that connected the kitchen to the diner.

Three families were seated at different tables, enjoying their meals, while one guy sat alone, reading a book.

I shrugged and was about to leave until I heard a familiar voice call me over. Slowly, I turned around to see the orange haired man sat alone across the restaurant, at the bar table.

God please, no.