Let Me Go

Insomnia

*Two years ago*

My first night serving at the local joint called The Bistro. I don't know who came up with the name but it sounded kinda dumb in my opinion. I wrap my apron around my waist tying it securely and put my hair up in a messy bun to keep it out of the way. I grab a few pens and my pad and shove them into the pockets of my apron.

First actual job after graduating college and it's serving, because god forbid any one wants to hire a graphic designer hot outta school. Stupid requirements that you have to have at least 1 year of experience, blah blah blah.

I wash my hands and leave the restaurant's bathroom and head to the nearest station to clock in. Dinner rush is supposed to hit in an hour, here goes nothing.

I walk up to my first table and it's an old couple. I greet them, take their order, check on them at least once. Ya know, the usual server tings. Dinner rush hits and it turns into a mad house... and by mad house I mean, I dropped a drink on a customer, spilled another customers dinner all over myself because I apparently didn't realize gravity was a thing, and let's not forget running into my boss while he was on the phone with a huge pitcher of water in my hands. Thankfully nothing spilled... but I owe him a new phone.

I clock out at the end of the night and start walking home. Due to not being hired straight out of college, I still live at home with my parents... don't judge me. I'm embarrassed enough as it is. Thankfully my walk isn't long and I'm home sooner than I expected. I walk through the front door and am greeted by the sound of my parents fucking. I gag at the thought. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great they still love each other but sometimes I really wish I was born deaf. I head up to my room, shutting the door and turning on some music in an attempt to drown out the rest of the world. I strip out of my disgusting work clothes and take a shower before going to sleep.

Except I can't sleep... why can't I sleep.

I toss and turn for a few hours. I look at my clock and it reads 4:38. What's the point in sleeping if I have to be back at work at 7am. I should not have signed up to cover a morning shift. Screw it. I grab my phone and walk downstairs to make a cup of coffee and call my best friend Kiara.

It rings a couple of times.

She picks up groaning, "Bitch what are you doing calling me this early?"

I sip my coffee, "Insomnia is a bitch, not me. You know you love me, plus we haven't talked in awhile. You know I'm back in town right?"

"Yes and there's a perfectly good reason I haven't been by to see you."

I can hear the smile in her voice, and I laugh "Oh really? And what would that be..."

"I've been seeing someone" she blurts out almost quicker than I can process.

"Oooo!" I start bombarding her with questions, "Is he cute? Does he treat you right? He gotta big dick? Does he have a sister? And if so, is she cute?"

She busts out laughing, god I've missed her. "Yes. Yes. You're gay so why do you care. Yes. And I actually haven't met her yet. They're supposed to be back in town this evening from some event they were at. We should all hang out and get to know each other. I'll text Finn and let him know."

I smile, "I'm always down to hang out with you. Can't wait to meet him. Anyways I've gotta get ready for work. Text me the details. Love you boo."

"I LOVE YOU TOO EVEN THOUGH YOU WOKE ME UP!!" she shouts. I nearly drop my phone before hanging up. I get dressed and grab my apron heading to the restaurant.

I clock in and the first people that walk in are a couple of teenagers, great. I walk to their table.

"Morning, my name is Hayden. What can I get for you two?"

The guy smiles at me, "Um I'll take a coffee and the veggie breakfast deluxe. What about you Bil?"

Without looking up from her phone she replies, "Water. Burrito."

"I'll get that right in."

I roll my eyes after turning away from them. I can't wait until my shift is over. I check my phone seeing a text from Kiara.

-Come over after work Finn and his sister are free for the night.-

I grin and do a little happy dance. I grab their order and take it to their table.

"Let me know if there's anything else I can get you."

The girl finally looks up from her phone, "Yeah, how about your phone number mamas."

I chuckle, "It's kinda rude to hit on someone in front of your boyfriend, plus I don't typically give my number to people I don't know." Before I can see her reaction I walk away smiling, satisfied that I shut her down.

After they leave I go to collect my tip from their table and I notice a $100 bill there. I shove it in my pocket before anyone else notices. It's probably pity money but I don't care. Noon rolls around, I clock out, and head to Kiara's house. I notice a new car in her driveway, it's probably her boyfriends. I open the door and wrap my arms around Kiara hugging her tightly.

"I missed you Ki!"

"I missed you too!"

We let go and she goes to introduce me to her boyfriend.

"Hayden this is Finneas." she says.

My eyes go wide. It's the same guy from the restaurant this morning.