The Vanishing of Mary White

Four

Nearing the end of my shift, I help Bess clean off the tables and prepare for the dinner round of customers. I've never been happier to clock out in my life. I intend to leave Mary a very long, angry voicemail in return to her apology I'm sure is waiting in my inbox. Then I plan to soak in a long bath and read a book I've been anticipating.

I've managed to ignore a confrontation with Pete all day; despite the sitting with the Taylors, and the incident with Lemon. After Josh overheard the things they said, they left quickly, embarrassed from the interaction, or angry. Likely both.

It's been a long time since Josh has defended me against Lemon's petty, interactions with me: but I suppose today he was too angry with Pete to let Lemon get away with it. I don't like being the damsel in distress, but with how terrible this day has been, I find myself grateful to have had someone in my corner.

"I'll go sweep under the back booths." Bess offers, heading into the supply closet in the kitchen to grab the broom while I wipe down the counter, and clean the trays.

I'm tossing the rag into the bin when I feel someone behind me, their gaze peering into the back of my head. I know instantly who it is and have to force myself to turn to face him and his anger that has only grown throughout the day. Glancing around, I note there are still patrons in the diner, but the least amount from today. It doesn't seem to faze my boss if people hear our conversation, though it does add to my nervous condition.

"Where was Mary today?" He questions, crossing his arms over his burly chest, his beady eyes staring into my soul.

"I don't know," I reply quietly, mentally and emotionally preparing myself for the anger I see in his eyes. If I'd had the entire week to prepare for this, I still wouldn't be ready. I have no comebacks, no arguments- nothing. I don't even know where Mary is. This only seems to anger him more as he seems to perceive it as I'm lying to cover for her.

"This is the fourth time this month that she's done this." He informs me, as though I didn't get scathing looks from him each time that she didn't clock in.

"I know," I breathe, twirling the ring on my right hand over to calm myself.

"You're the one who told me to hire her." He continues, his voice rising with the accusation as though I can control Mary and what she does or doesn't do. "You brought me this problem."

My instinct is to defend my best friend: but I can't because it's the truth. She doesn't seem to care about this job, or the problems she causes when she doesn't show up for a shift. It would be pointless to try to argue to Pete any different. "I know."

"You know, you know." He huffs in anger, shaking his head as though I'm the gum he stepped in out in the parking lot. "I should fire you."

My heart drops, and I glance around, noticing some customers are pretending they don't hear while some watch unabashed, not caring that I notice. I don't reply to Pete's suggestion, and continue to twirl my ring, anxiety welling up in my chest.

"Don't come in for your shift tomorrow," He finally says, shaking his head once more and turning to walk away. "I don't want to see you." He adds over his shoulder, just as Bess returns from the back. She moves out of his way, her wide eyes meeting mine, which are stinging with angry tears. She doesn't bother me, only sends a sympathetic smile as she goes to finish cleaning the floors.

I stand behind the counter, my chest caving in with the emotions rising through me. I'm embarrassed by the fact that everyone in the diner knows I've been scolded by my boss. But as I hang up my apron, and grab my things, the emotion most prominent is anger. I'm angry with Mary for not showing up, and I'm angry that I have to take the heat for the problems that she creates.