Zalfie - How to Live

1. McDonald's

16 years previously

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I could hear loud laughter from the door of the McDonald's I worked at. I groaned to myself as a large group of kids entered the restaurant.

I know I should be pleased, since it means extra business, but these kids go to my school.

I fiddled with the large, black glasses I wore each day as the beautiful Grace bounced up to the register, followed by her boyfriend of three years, Sawyer.

Each quickly stated their order, no problem.

Next was Marcus and his curvy girlfriend, Niomi. They ordered after a bit of consideration.

Then Gaby and Caspar came to the counter.

"Do you have pizza?" he asked.

I looked at him in confusion. "Er, no," I said.

"They don't have pizza!" he yelled.

Gaby giggled slightly. "This is McDonald's, Caspar ..."

"I'll have a fountain drink and fries then," Caspar said. I pressed a couple buttons on the register.

"I'll have an order of chicken nuggets," Gaby said. "And, er, a milkshake."

I nodded and the couple joined the others.

Next came Louise and Zoe, the dynamic duo.

"I'll have a Big Mac, fries, and a Pepsi," she ordered. I nodded.

We all looked expectantly at Zoe.

"I'm not hungry," she said eventually.

"Zoe," Louise said incredulously. "You hardly ate anything today or yesterday!"

Zoe shrugged. "I practically gorged myself Tuesday. I'm just not hungry."

It was Friday.

"Chummy, please eat--" Louise began but Zoe cut her off.

"Don't, Louise," she said. And Louise didn't say anything.

As they left, Zoe gave me a look. It was long and sad but with something else tinged to it.

I left the register and began pulling out their orders and handing them the trays.

They took them with a couple of 'thank you's and went to go sit down at a sticky booth.

I felt a certain pull to Zoe and hoped she ate soon.

~~~~~

A couple hours after serving them, the clock chimed six and I punched out.

I stood at the end of the damp sidewalk for awhile until my ride came.

I climbed into the cheap, red car and found Troye and Tyler fighting over what kind of music to listen to.

"Tell him he's crazy," Troye said. "Obviously it's a perfect One Direction day."

"Um, hello?" Tyler said. "The Queen of Pop herself is calling to us. Will you listen to her Alfie?"

I snickered at their argument. "Neither," I said. "Turn up Kiss."

Both boys groaned at me.

"Let's go with Lady Gaga," Troye said.

Tyler blasted up Donatella and we all sang the words.

"Let's go have some fun!" Tyler roared. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's Saturday night!"

Both Troye and I laughed and we drove downtown.