After smoothing my hair and splashing cool water on my face, I step out of the bathroom and take my seat in an empty booth near the window. I pick up a menu, but stare at it blankly, not really caring what it is I end up getting.
A tall boy who looks about 18 waltzes up.
"Hello, I'm Brenden and I'll be your server today." He seems nice but I wish he would skip the introduction and just get me my food.
"What can I get you to drink?"
"Oh uh... just a water."
"Do you need more time to decide your order or..."
"No!" I say quickly "I think I'm good. What is the fastest thing you can make me?"
He gives me a strange look, then peruses the menu in front of me before looking up and saying "I know just the thing."
"Thank you." I say, suddenly remembering my manners now that I know I will get food.
After several minutes, Brenden returns with a cup of water in one hand and a heaping plate of fries loaded with toppings in the other. My stomach lets out another growl just at the sight. He carefully sets them both in front of me and I thank him eagerly.
"Uh... this might seem stupid but how much was it?" I ask.
"It's on the house." He smiles "I can tell you really need it."
Between mouthful of cheesy, potato goodness, I tell him thank you once again.
"No problem." He replies, and chuckles at my strange behaviour.
I scarf the heavenly fries down, then use my fork to scrape together the last of the toppings. When I sadly reach the bottom of the plate, I notice Brenden cleaning tables next to me. I get up and straighten my raggedy shirt, figuring he deserves a more heartfelt "thank you" after all he's done.
"Brenden?" I almost whisper, embarrassed by my previous behaviour. He turns and acknowledges me with a boyish grin.
"Yes?"
"Thank you again... for the meal, and for, well, just being friendly."
"You got it. But can I just ask one thing?"
"Depends." I grin " What do you wanna ask me?"
"What happened to you? Why are you here all by yourself? Not that it's any of my business."
"Well, you're right it's not. But it's ok." I hesitate "I've been through a... rough couple couple of days. And I'm here all alone because I'm new here. Just passing through, you know? I most likely will be gone before tomorrow."
He nods, considering what I've just told him as he moves the salt and pepper shakers aside to wipe beneath them.
"Ill admit it's a bummer you're not planning to stay long. We're hiring, and you seem like a good candidate for the job. Who are you travelling with, anyway?"
"I'm travelling by myself."
"Uh huh... how old are you?"
"Old enough." I state firmly, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. I start to make my way towards the door. Brenden reaches out and grabs my wrist, surprising me.
"If you decide to stay, just come back here, k? We pay well, and it's a family business, so I know all of us here would be grateful to have a new hire."
I try not to show how worried I really am that he might have known who I was. I swallow hard and break away from his grasp.
"I'll consider it." I lie.
"Have a good day then" He calls as his boyish grin returns.
"You too."
I make a hasty escape through the dirtied glass door and wait in the street outside while I let myself calm down.
"That was too close." I whisper to no one in particular.