Lonely Monsters

one

day zero: 00
Today was going to be a good day. The end of my work week, my paycheck was already in my apron. I was going to clock out at nine, and tomorrow everything was going in the bank. It was a great end to a great week. Someone had reviewed a few of my stories, and sent some awesome complements my way. Through on of my blogs, and a friend of a friend, a person asked me to help collaborate on a comic series. The weather in early January was a little annoying, but this year was off to a good start.

I just held the tray of dishes and moved to one of the bus bins. I dumped the load of dishes, half finished Pepsis and pizza crusts and went to the window to retrieve another load of orders. The Pizza Papalis I worked wasn't super busy, just the regulars coming in for early dinner and later lunch. 

One regular, a man that was handsome and chatted up the other waitresses rather easily, came in on my days. He would sit in my section for request, and every time before he left, would ask when I was free. He asked for my number the last time, and I'd declined his offer. 

"I can give you the world." he said, sounding a bit too much like Aladdin. "We can go anywhere you like on your next day off."

"Sorry Mr. Hearne," I apologised, setting his order on the table. We had known eachother for a little under a two weeks. I just... wasn't interested. "I gotta stay loyal to my one true love... An honest day's work. And school."

As I turned to leave, he grabbed my hand, holding it in his like I was his princess. Through the small bit of contact, I felt my toes curl and electricity travel down my spine. My heart beat erratically in my chest and I felt my breath hitch. 

"Meela, the world is your oyster and you only say the word I will give it to you." he said, his voice velvet and silk. 

Jared was handsome, looking like an Adonis in a suit was probably an understatement. He had dark hair that was combed and gelled back,but soft curls sprung near the top of his head then down to his nape. He had a medium skin tone, and features that made me gauge his country of origin somewhere in East Europe. Silver-grey eyes, long lashes, strong jawline, broad shoulders and fit form. He was dressed like any of the business men that ventured in our establishment.

Specially tailored suit that cost more than my car. The way he anunciated his words had me believing English was his second language. Which begged the question, why me?

So, not only was he well off, foreign, good looking, and well out of my league. 

A part of my me felt hazy, and was readily agreeing to his advancements when one of my coworker's gripped my shoulders. She apologised to Jared Hearne, but asked that he not lay his hands on me. I couldn't see straight for a moment, and was stumbling as she led me to the kitchen area. 

When I got there, my manager was going to chew me out for lolly-gagging and fraternising with a customer. I was conducting myself unprofessionally. I was shaking and everything felt wrong, before the manager spoke a word to me, tears were flooding out my eyes. 

"Please make him leave. I can't go out there." I said my fingers digging into my arms. "It won't happen again. You can even change my shift, I'll work at another chain, just.... don't let him touch me again."

They looked at me like I was crazy. I felt like I was. Two seconds ago, I would have happily melted into his arms, but right this moment I felt sick to my stomach. My skin felt it was crawling.

"Did he say anything inappropriate to you?" my manager asked, holding my hands. 

I shrugged. "He asked me out... I said now... then he grabbed my hand..." I was a blubbering mess. "I'm sorry. I don't even know why I'm crying."