Through My Window

Original Edition: 15. The Incident

-15-

I consider myself a hardworking person.

I have to be. I like helping mom out and it also gives me the chance to buy my own things that I know she can't afford to give me, not because she doesn't want to, but simply because her salary as a nurse is barely enough to pay mortgage, services, her car, etc. We are a team.

However, today I didn't want to come to work. I thought of 100 excuses not to come but I really need the money and classes start on Monday so it's my last day to work double shift. When I start school, I will only be able to work some nights and weekends, without exceeding the allowed hours for a minor like me in school time.

It's been almost a week since I last saw Ares. To be honest, I didn't expect to miss him. I've only spent some time with him. How can I miss him? I think I just miss stalking it. That was a strange hobby of mine that gave me excitement and adrenaline and now they are both gone.

In our small changing room, I sigh, picking my things up and stuffing them in my backpack. To say that I've had a bad day is not enough.

I've been distracted and yawning every now and then. My boss called me out three times and we had to give free French fries to a customer because I confused his order.

I take my McDonald's cap off and shove it in my backpack. I consider changing my shirt but I don't even try. I'm too lazy to go to the bathroom, I'll do it when I get home.

"Bad day, huh?" Gabriel's voice makes me jump and I hit my shoulder with the wall next to me.

"Jesus! You scared me."

Gabriel gives me an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Gabriel takes off his cap, letting out his reddish hair and I can see his factions better. He has a cute baby face, "So I'm curious, Any reason to give Nuggets to someone who ordered a McFlurry?"

"Oh, you saw that."

"Everyone saw it. You were spacing so bad."

"So embarrassing."

His face falls slightly, "Don't worry. I've been there."

I dare to ask, "Dani?"

He sighs, "Yes," he stares at the wall, deep in thought, "She and I are from different worlds, I'm just the cute guy who works at McDonald's for her, that's all."

"I'm sorry."

"Okay, I knew it wasn't going to work, but I didn't expect her to crawl into my heart so fast."

Oh, trust me, I know about that.

"I don't know what to say, Gabo."

"Tell me your story."

"My story?"

"Why so distracted today?"

I zipped my backpack and put it on, "I... kicked a person out of my life recently, he..." I remember Ares' cold words, "He was not what I expected."

"Disappointment, huh? That sucks."

"Yep." I walk to him, "Alright. I'm off. Goodnight, Gabo."

"Goodnight, Rachel McNuggets."

"Really?"

"I'm not letting slide that easily."

I flip him off, and he acts surprised, "Later alligator."

Walking home has never been as depressing as today. The sound of the cars passing by on the avenue, the orange lights of the posts illuminate the streets precariously. It seems as if my surroundings have shaped to match my mood.