As Long As We're Together

Work

Three months had passed since Nathan found out Sophie was pregnant; both teens were certain about keeping their child. Nathan was halfway through his ten-hour shift at Johnson's dinner. It was safe to say the teen wasn't enjoying his shift, not that he ever did, but considering he had worked five days straight; at least seven hours a day and worrying about Sophie, exhausted the young man.

"Nathan, take this to table two." He nodded and walked towards his coworker, sending him a smile as he takes the plates of food.

Nathan walked towards the second table in his sector. Every server has their own sector when their work, which differs every shift.

As the teen approached the table his eyes were drawn to a normal sight. A family of four around the table. It was a normal sight, families going out to eat at 6pm, but that didn't stop the teen's heart aching when he saw them. Nathan had told himself for years, that family is overrated, but still wanted to feel loved, safe. Two things he hasn't felt since he was six.

Pushing his thoughts aside, Nathan walked over.

"Okay," Nathan began, getting the attention of the family as he forced a pleasant smile on his face. "I have a cheeseburger and chips," Nathan began, listening for whom the order belonged to.

"Me." Upon hearing the voice, Nathan placed the plate in front of the younger boy that spoke.

This continued until every member of the family had gotten their food; the task requiring another trip to the kitchens. As the teen was preparing to leave, one of their sons he assumed, spoke up.

"Can I have a refill of Coke please?" The blond-haired teen asked, causing Nathan to turn to him.

"Of course," Nathan responded, taking the glass and placing it on his empty tray.

"Do you know where the bathrooms are?" A woman, who Nathan assumed was their mother, asked.

"Just go towards the back and upstairs," Nathan supplied.

Walking back towards the table with the full Coke glass, Nathan couldn't help but hear the conversation between the two teenage boys at the table. The eldest having asked Nathan for the refill.

"Here's your Coke. Sorry it took so long we're busy tonight," Nathan apologised, placing the drink on the coaster.

"I can see that, don't worry about it," Lucas reassured, smiling at Nathan.

Nathan returned the smile before walking away from the family, to deliver his next order.

Smiling to himself, Nathan looked at the clock that read 6:30 pm. After starting work at 11, he was ready to get home. As Nathan was walking towards the office to clock out, his boss stopped him.

"Where are you going, Nathan? I didn't say you could go on your break," Tomas questioned, glaring at the teenager.

Nathan sighed, used to his boss attempting to make him work extra hours.

"I am going home, my shift is over," Nathan responded. Just wanting to go home.

"Look, Nathan, it's busy. I'm not losing one of my best workers. Can you just stay for another hour? It'll just get busier."

"I have already worked more hours than I should. This job is only meant to be part time, yet you have me working full-time hours, sometimes five days a week! If I'm not at college, I'm here. You are breaking the law by keeping me any longer." Nathan sighed, not willing to work anymore that night. He knew he could leave and get another job, but he doubted it would pay the same.

"I know that, Nathan. I'm trying to hire more staff, I just need you to stay an extra half an hour, then you can go home. Can you do that for me?" Tomas questioned. Nathan knew when the man was asking, he was desperate.

"No. You promised me you would change my hours months ago and you still haven't! I refuse to stay. I know it's busy, but I can't stay any longer. You've had me working six hours this week and probably the same tomorrow. I can't do this anymore! I'm going home. I'm sure you can call someone in to take my shift." Nathan didn't wait for the man to respond. He clocked out and placed his things in his locker when he reached the office, before leaving the building and began the half an hour walk home.

Around five minutes from his home, Nathan's phone vibrated. Lifting it, he saw a text from Sophie.

Sophie 7:02

Hey Baby! Are you still at work? Xx.

Nathan smiled and began typing.

7:03

No, thank God! Boss tried to get me to stay, but I just refused and walked away. Not dealing with him." X

Sophie 7:05

Good! My parents were on about you getting another job. They keep forgetting you're only 16.

7:06

I know. The hours suck, but I don't have a choice. It's pretty much impossible to get a better-paying job. Xx.

Sophie 7:08

In two years you might get a part-time job in writing. Put your grades to use. Do you want to come over for dinner? I didn't know if you had plans tonight. Xx.

7:07

I can't wait for that day! Yea, sure. I was going to go out with Scar, but she has a date. So I'm free. What time do you want to come? X

Nathan walked into his apartment and placed his keys in the bowl on the counter beside the door. He then walked into his bedroom and changed into joggers and a shirt, and placed his clothes in the lining bin. He then got a bottle of water from the fridge and turned on the tv. When he checked his phone, he saw a message from Sophie.

Sophie 7:12

Just spoken to my dad. Said he can pick you up after work if you want xx

7:20

What time? X

7:21

He finishes at 8, should get to yours around quarter past Xx

7:22

See you then, love you xx

7:22

Can't wait, love you too xx

Nathan had completed all of his chores the previous day, and his revision for Monday's test complete. He had nothing to do but wait.

After an hour of watching the horrible Friday night tv. He heard a knock at his door. Getting his jacket on and picking up his keys, he opened the door and smiled when he saw Simon.

"Are you ready, son?" Simon questioned when he saw the door open.

"Yep," Nathan replied, as he stepped out and locked his door, and got into the elevator with Simon. Excited to spend the evening with Sophie.

Nathan smiled to himself as he opened the door to his apartment. He still couldn't believe he was going to become a father in four months. If he wasn't called into work on Sunday, Nathan had planned to go with Sophie, her mother and Samantha shopping for their baby's supplies. His crazy, unpredictable work hours have prevented them from doing a lot together. Sophie had already gotten a cot for her place, and some toys, but she wanted Nathan there to shop for clothes. They had already decided they would wait to find out the gender of the child; and the baby would spend most of the time at Sophie's. Nathan wasn't happy about that, but knew his work and school would prevent him for giving his child the attention they needed.

These thoughts were still with him as he drifted off to sleep that night. His worries trampled by the excitement.