the usual - p. ballard (Hiatus)

monday

Benny's Burgers was never busy. They only ever had the occasional truck driver stop by for a quick meal before hitting the road again or the lab workers from down the road coming in for their lunch break.

It has never been as busy as this.

I scrambled through the kitchen, quickly stacking trays of food into my arms, careful not to drop anything. I was the only waitress in the diner (more like I was ALWAYS the only waitress in the diner). It was such a small place that Benny only sufficed for one, so on days like these, when a whole family reunion came in for lunch, it was horrible.

Hurriedly rushing over to tables, I handed plates around to a family of five. "There you go, ma'am." I breathed out, giving them a small smile. "Is there anything else I can do for you?" They shook their heads no, and I went back to the kitchen to grab more plates.

"Benny, what on earth are you gonna do when I'm gone?" I uttered with a small smile. He glanced over at me as he continued to flip burgers.

"I think I'll just have to shut down the business." He chuckled and placed some plates into my arms, the bottoms slightly burning my wrists. I shook my head and rushed out the door, heading to serve yet another table.

Being Bennys only waitress for the past two years has brought us pretty close. Now, I look up to Benny as a father figure. When I didn't get enough tips for the night, he'll make sure to pay me extra, and when I was in high school, and my shift was over, I would work on school work at the bar. He would almost always help me out if I were struggling.

I handed the family their food, and they thanked me. As I began to walk away, I heard the bells ring as someone entered the diner. I turned my head, my eyes widened in surprise, and a smile made its way onto my face.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Wheeler!" I gave her a small wave. "How's work going?" I asked as I followed her to her table, smiling down at her.

"Same old, boss is still mad at me." She sighed, picking up the menu even though I knew she would order a coffee as she usually does.

"And the kids?"

"Still a pain in the ass."

I chuckled and went to the back to pour her a cup of coffee, dropping three sugar cubes in and adding a splash of cream. I hurried back to her table and slid the mug over to her.

"Well, I'm sure you'll catch a break sometime. Remember what I said, I'm always open to babysitting for free." I suggested, and she only shook her head and waved me away.

The day came and went. Before I knew it, I was flipping the little wooden sign that hung over the big windows to closed. I reached over to the coat rack and grabbed my jacket, slipping it over my arms.

"I'm heading out. Goodnight, Benny!" I yelled, waving. I saw him peek out from the order window and wave back. I opened the door and closed it shut behind me. The autumn wind blew against my face as I hopped onto my bike, riding through the woods to my apartment building. The leaves crunched under the tires.

I only had to bike for about five minutes before I got home. I shoved my bike into the building's bike rack and took my keys from my pocket. I climbed up the stairs and stuck my key into the door, unlocking it. I shut it behind me and flipped the lock.

I let out a long tired sigh as I leaned back against the door, taking the tips I earned out of my pocket. I counted the cash, flipping the thin paper between my fingers, $25. I groaned and threw the money onto the kitchen counter. Nobody here could fucking tip well.

My eyes burned from exhaustion, and I couldn't even bother to take off my uniform as I dragged myself to my bed and flopped down, almost immediately passing out.

Tomorrow is another day.

A/N:
No Peter in this chapter, sorry!
Also, please tell me what you think so far and give me some suggestions if any come to mind, thank you for reading!