The Waitress (GxG)

12

The bodega wasn't too far from my apartment so it wouldn't be a long walk, but it was extremely cold already. I havent had to walk anywhere too far these past few days so this was a rude awakening.

I passed the different buildings as I continued down the cold street until I spotted the bodega. I walked into the corner store and a wave of warmth washed over me.

This is one of my favorite places to go, and has been an important part of my life since I got to New York.

"Mariah is that you?"

And upon hearing that a smile instantly grew on my face.

"Hi Ramona." I said to the woman who came into my line of sight.

Ramona is the owner of the bodega and is also like my second mom. Similar to Ethan when I first moved to New York Ramona was there for me and helped me when I really needed it, and I mean really needed it.

It was pouring outside and I had just landed in New York. I didn't pack an umbrella because the forecast said a light drizzle. I was 100% regretting listening to it now.

I was standing out in front of the airport waiting for my uber to arrive. The estimated time for the uber was 5 minutes and I was entirely grateful. I was so ready to start these new beginnings.

About 8 minutes have passed and still no sign of anything. I was sitting on the bench under a canopy, away from the rain but that didn't get rid of the fact that it was still freezing out here.

I kept checking the app to see where my uber was and still nothing. I covered my face with my hands, until I felt my phone vibrate.

I read the notification that said the driver canceled my uber, and took a deep breath.

I got up off of the bench and started walking away from the airport, hoping that I could run into a taxi on the short walk.

I was completely drenched before I was able to find a taxi.

I was internally grateful as the bright yellow car pulled over and I opened the back door.

I sat down, gave the driver my apartment address and stared out of the foggy rain covered window.

When we arrived at the apartment I paid the driver the fare, which was more than I was willing to pay, but at least I was out of the rain.

I got out of the car into the busy street and walked toward the sidewalk, I opened my phone to make sure I was at the right place and walked in the lobby. My shoes squeaked against the tile floor as I walked over to the front desk.

"Hi, I'm Mariah Breaux, I was talking to you out of state regarding the apartment, I had sent everything in and I was wondering if I'd be able to move in today?" I said to the older man behind the desk.

"Last name?" He said typing on the computer. I guess he didnt hear me the first time.

"Breaux."

"Oh, you're the one who was emailing me, yes I received everything in the mail, we just have a few things we need to finalize in person and then you're good." He said to me.

"Great, can we get started now?" I asked him slightly leaning on the front desk.

The man hummed in response, and opened a drawer next to him and pulled out a stack of papers.

That looked like more than a few things.

Once we were finished after what felt like forever, he handed me the key to my apartment and I walked deeper into the building. I looked around and saw a stairwell, "The only way up is by the stairs?" I called out to the man in the front.

"Yup."

I looked at the luggage in my hands and internally sighed. I carried the heavy bags up to the third floor until I found my apartment number.

I dropped the bags near my front door and put the key in the door. I turned the key and the door wouldn't open. I pulled the key out, put it back in and turned it, and the door still couldn't open.

I made my way back to the front desk to confirm that this was the right key and the man said it was.

I walked back up the flight of stairs back to my room and tried it again... and again... and again.

I was now sitting on the floor leaning against my door, gathering the strength to go back down the stairs and ask the guy for help.

I was staring at the door across from mine when I noticed a woman walk up the stairs from my peripheral.

"Is everything okay?" The older woman asked me, with a thick accent shining through as she talked.

I was currently debating whether or not I should tell her I can't get the door open, cause what if it was a set up? What if the guy gave me a bad key and sent the lady up hoping I would say I needed help, then she knew how to open the apartment door forever and then one night she comes to the building and-

"Hello...?" She asked approaching me.

I threw out all of my irrational thoughts when I said, "I cant open the door."

The tan woman then reached a hand out in front of me, "Let me see, my brother lives in this building, he had the same problem."

I stood up from the floor and handed her the key, watching as she put it in the door. She jiggled the key then pushed her body into the door.

Watching as it creaked open. I could have burst into tears right there.

"Thank you so much..." I trailed off completely shocked.

"You're welcome baby, if you need help again or anything I work at the bodega on the corner." She said with a smile.

"Thank you." I said once again, it felt like that was the only thing I could get out right now. She softened her gaze and pulled me into a brief hug, "You looked like you needed one right now."
We stayed like that for a few seconds before she pulled away.

"Remember, im at the bodega if you need anything, she said walking back to the stairwell going up.

I stood there for a while before I pushed my luggage into the almost empty apartment, staring out at the window, as I looked at the sun shining through the dark clouds.

~~~

"I haven't seen you all week, where have you been?" Ramona asked, while approaching me.

"You would have never guessed what happened this week." I said watching as she went behind the counter of the deli section.

"So you want the usual?" She said putting an apron on, smiling at me.

"Always."

This felt like a breath of fresh air.