[Sim Daejung]

I haven't returned to that bar since I fought that perverted piece of shit. That means I haven't seen Della, either. For what I know, she might be there slaving off for her final paycheck. There's no way she'll stay after how that brute treated her that day.

She deserves a lot better than someone who exploits her and then expects her to be grateful for the emotional abuse that comes with the rest of the package: overworking, underappreciation and mistreatment.

It's sad I didn't get her number. I couldn't even follow her to the ER. I only wished her a quick recovery as the ambulance arrived, but that was it. I have to make up to her for that. How am I supposed to do when I don't have her contacts, though?

I have to come up with a plan. I have a bad feeling about her still potentially in that abuser's power.

***

The waitress that's serving me at this other bar is nothing like Della. She's a lot more impatient, short tempered and also sounds arrogant and cocky. When I try to ask her name, she dismisses me in a snotty manner, pointing at her name tag. "Read it, sir. I don't have time for pointless questions."

I try to protest, not standing her rudeness, but she leaves as soon as another customer calls her. Honestly, I'm appalled at this staff's level of hospitality. Are they all as brash and impolite as that lady?

Fortunately, another waitress, this time a black woman, maybe in her thirties, comes to my help. She apologizes for what happened a few minutes ago, even if it isn't her cue. "Sorry for that... Alice is quite moody and can be a little blunt... Anyway, have you already ordered?"

"Yes, just an orange juice," I answer. "By the way, I'm Daejung."

She gives me a confused stare. "Nice to meet you, I guess... It's the first time a customer introduces themself, at least here." She scribbles something in her notepad. It must be a recap of my small order, along with my name. "Oh, sorry, I should've introduced myself first. I'm Leah."

"Okay... Do you think it will take long?" I ask, hoping that at least Leah will do her job properly unlike that other girl, Alice.

Leah shakes her head. "No, no, your order will be ready in no more than five minutes. While you're waiting, enjoy yourself." She excuses herself and rushes to the counter, where Alice is already there, her arms crossed and a blazing glare plastered on her face.

I can clearlly overhear the two of them arguing over something I perceive as trivial, but might be more serious under someone else's point of view. Me. I don't know why, but I feel the urge to listen to their 'little discussion.' While I actually stay at my seat, their voices echo through the entire bar.

"Stop giving that bozo the special treatment! He's a sleazebag like others!" Alice's words are so loud and filled with bitter hatred that I'm tempted to plan my payback on her on the get go. Maybe I should trip her and pretend it isn't an accident. That'd be a good idea... if it wouldn't cause me trouble with the police.

Leah responds in my defense. "You don't get to call customers names, Alice! Who do you think you are? For your information, you don't even know Daejung, so why are you assuming traits of his personality?" Her eyes lighten up as she asks this question.

"How the fuck do you know his name, Leah? You aren't supposed to be buddy buddy with him, or any other customer. Stay in your place, or I'll get you-" Before Alice can finish the sentence, Leah turns her back at her and serves me my orange juice. She flashes a smile, but I notice tension took over her state of mind.

"Thank you. By the way, you look nervous," I point out. She looks down, embarrassed at the shouting match she's just had with Alice. I continue. "Is it for that other waitress? Alice, right? You don't get along."

Instead of hiding behind a professional façade, she admits. "She's on me since day one. I've always done my best on my job, not only serving customers, but also making them feel at home." That's heartwarming; it's proof of true commitment to her mission. 

Still, I feel like she's the only one in this place who does what she preaches. Everyone else, as soon as they're done serving, hide behind the counter to gossip. I noticed that as soon as I came inside.

"It's three dollars fifty, plus table service, so five dollars." I extract a bill from the back pocket of my jeans. I know, keeping money in such an unsafe place isn't a smart move, but it's my business only. Plus, I've never been robbed so far.

As I hand the five dollars to Leah, Alice interrupts and snatches the bill from her hands. She then glares at me. "You forgot something, sir," she says, curling her lips in disgust.

I ask, startled at her statement. "Excuse me, what?"

She extends her left palm, expecting a tip. I ignore her and give Leah two extra dollars instead. Alice fumes, much to my disdain. How can she be so petty and get away with that? She needs a lesson.

Leah leaves as soon as a new customer shows up. This means it's just Alice and me, face to face. She hisses. "Give me my tip, or everyone will know you're just a sleazebag taking advantage of my colleague and me." Is this a threat? If so, it's really feeble. I yawn. She isn't going to get a single penny from me.

"I've already tipped your colleague, Leah," I explain. "Why should I give an extra tip to please you? It's not like I'm forced." Alice slams her hands on my table and gives me another of her glares. I want her out of my hair as soon as possible.

I consider calling for the manager, but she anticipates me. "Sorry, darling, you won't be able to call the manager, because I am." I'm doomed. Either I give in to this bitch's blackmail, or Leah will face serious consequences such as dismissal.

I open my wallet, extract a fifty dollar bill, and swing it on her nose. She tries to pick it, but I hide it in my pocket. Instead, I take my phone and snap a picture of her making a scene at me. I smirk. "I guess everyone will know you're an abusive asshole who mistreats customers and blackmails them, other than being an incompetent manager."

Alice is cornered. All waitresses, including Leah, stand around her, hands on their hips and ice-cold glares on their faces. Now I have a way out.

I apologize. "I'm sorry if my visit here caused you all trouble. I hope neither of you lose your job because of me." As I collect my stuff and prepare to leave the café, Leah stops me.

"No, Daejung, you've been a great eye opener to all of us," she answers, after which two other ladies nod. "Alice is not new to such behavior. If you manage to catch her true colors, she'll silence you or bully you out. This is how poor Della Bozarth got the sack."

Has she just pronounced that name? Does this mean... I have a chance to contact Della again?

Anyway, Alice approaches Leah and sneers. "Pack your stuff, Leah. You're fired. Oh, you won't get a penny for your last month's work." She then turns to me, but I don't care. "And you, you're banned from ever coming to this café, okay?"

I deadpan. "Don't bother. I'm not coming ever again. Oh, and your little picture will end up on Instagram regardless of your stupid threats." I chuckle, while Alice's face turns blood red. She's done with her pathetic bullying. "Let's go, Leah."