Triple trouble

Chapter nine - I don't need you anymore

Kally's POV:

Lately, the business has been slow. There is a new restaurant on the same street as the one I'm working in. They offer almost the same food but at a bit cheaper prices. Not everyone can afford to come to eat with us. Let's be honest. People go there because the restaurant is still considered new. After some time, no one will care. We still have some loyal customers. Sadly, that is not enough. A few customers can't earn my boss enough to pay us the salaries. So far, everything is good. I don't know how long this can go on. I don't need the job, but I like it. My boss is good to me and everyone else. I can say that we are having good relations. Sadly, I can't help him with the business. It has nothing to do with me. Also, I don't know if he will take advice from a young girl. It's better if I don't mess with this. I can always work on something else if the worst thing possible happens. I'll talk to my parents about this. I need to finish my university year. I hope that I won't get fired from the restaurant.

I haven't seen the restaurant so empty since I came. That was more than two months ago. I don't know what is going on. The boss lowered the prices, but it didn't work. I'm afraid that he has to make some cut-offs on the staff. He called us to come to the restaurant in the morning. I finished my breakfast, and I'm going to see what will happen. Later, I have to go out with Addie. I haven't seen her for the past three days. Both of us have been busy with university work. The year is ending in less than a month.

- Thanks to everyone for coming. It's not easy for me to say this. As all of you can see, the business is not going well. We don't have that many customers. That creates some difficulties.

- Can we do something to help? - one of the girls asked

- I have been thinking about lowering the prices. They will be with less than one-third of what they are now. I'm afraid that this won't work. I made a similar attempt.

- We can promote the restaurant.

- No, no. I'll see how long I can survive. Sadly, I can't pay everyone for your services. I won't complain about anyone because all of you were great.

- I saw it coming. - I said

- I'm sorry, Kally. You work a lot, but I can't afford to pay you. In that case, I don't need you anymore.

- It's ok for me. I only wanted to experience the work life.

- I'm sure you will find a better job.

- Well, I'll think about this.

I'm not happy about this, but I can't say anything. After all, I'm the last one who came. I texted Addie to see where she was. I invited her for lunch. Before that, we went to the only class for the day. We'll take the skipped class today on Wednesday. I was thinking about a new job. I can't do that many things. Maybe I can look for something simple. I never know what can happen.

- What is that mood? - Addie asked, eating

- Nothing.

- Tell me.

- I got fired.

- What? Why?

- The business is slow. I'm not the only one. The boss can't afford to pay us.

- I'm sorry.

- Me too. I liked the job. I mean, everyone was treating me nicely.

- Now you'll have more free time.

- Yes, or I can find something else.

- Are you that desperate for money?

- I'm not doing it because of that, and you know it.

- Do you know how many things we can do during the summer?

- My new job might help both of us.

- How? Did you sign up already?

- No, I haven't. I don't know what I'll be. I need to think about this.

- Your parents can help you.

- I know, but they have a lot of work already.

We dropped there to focus on our food. I didn't realize how hungry I was. No matter that I had food in the morning. Addie and I decided to try the new restaurant. It's nice but not different than the one I used to work in. Part of me will miss this. I should look at the positives from this. My boss was a great person.

- What will you do now? I mean, until you find a new job.

- I'll finish some work for our classes. Did you submit the project?

- Not yet. I have to finish the paperwork with the resume.

- I forgot about this. I'll write it when I go home.

- I can send you mine to see what I wrote.

- Thanks. I'll need this.

I started with my homework. I had no idea what I was doing. I went to Addie's house for help. She laughed and let me in. We studied for two hours. Her parents came early and invited me to stay with them for dinner. Addie said that we'll be out. I have no idea what her plans are. She never told me anything.

- It's too early for dinner. Why are we outside?

- Because I want to have some fun with you.

- What do you want us to do?

- Let's go to the mall. We can find something there.

- I didn't take that much money.

- I never said that we have to shop until we drop.

- Fine. I'll leave this one to you.

- I want to cheer you up, ok? Getting fired is not the worst thing possible.

- It has nothing to do with that.

- Then?

- Am I missing too much of the university life? You know what I mean.

- I can't say anything.

- It's true.

- No, no. I think you need to socialize more.

- Cool.

It's not cool at all. I don't need a party to socialize with people. The thing is that part of me is happy being only with Addie. We went to a few stores in the mall. I didn't buy anything except for one T-shirt. I liked it, and it was at a discount. Later, we went to eat ice cream from McDonalds. Of all the places, she chose this one. I like their fries, but that's it.

- For how long do you want us to stay here?

- Are you bored?

- No, but I have nothing to do.

- You can use this as a chance to meet new people.

- Can we not talk about this now? Please. I have had enough of it.

- Alright. We can have a slumber party.

- Addie, we have classes tomorrow. Can't we leave this for summer, when we can stay up late?

- Finally, you said something clever.

- Excuse me?

- But you laughed. It's a point for me.

- Fine. There is an arcade center in the mall. We can play some games.

- Since when are you a gamer?

- I'm not. I have no idea how to play.

- Let's go for food. I thought the ice cream would make it through dinner, but no.

- It's ice cream. How long do you think you can survive on this?

- Enough.

- Let's get you fed up.

- Thank you.

Addie and I went for some snacks. It was more like an afternoon one. I don't want to miss dinner. She got a pancake with cheese. I had no idea this existed. I always thought pancakes had sweet toppings. We were supposed to be out for dinner, but my mom had prepared something delicious. I wanted to try it so badly. Addie was with me. We always come as a deal of two.

- Mom, this is so good. I love it.

- I'm glad that someone likes it.

- We all do it, miss. It tastes like heaven.

- Have you eaten today?

- I did. Too much if you ask me, but I was hungry.

- Nothing will happen to you.

- Kally, weren't you supposed to be at work? - my dad asked

- About that.

- Yes.

- I got fired.

- Why?

- The business is slow, and my boss can't afford to pay us anymore. It's not only me.

- I won't lie that I'm happy about this.

- You never wanted me to work.

- True. I didn't hide it.

- I know.

Addie stayed with us for a while before she went home. We'll see each other tomorrow at university. After dinner, my parents went to a movie in the living room. I decided to join them. I had nothing better to do. The other thing is that I like spending time with them. Maybe my next job should be something I do during the day. My parents are at work, so they'll have more time to see me during the night. I'm sure my dad will appreciate it.

- What do you plan to do since you don't have a job? - my mom asked

- I'll find another one. Simple.

- Why do you want to work so much? I'll give you all the money you need. - my dad said

- Even if you do that, I'll still find a job. It has nothing to do with money.

- Then?

- Can't you appreciate that you want to do something?

- No, I can't. Have fun. Go out with friends. Don't work.

- Dad, this is not your decision. I'm old enough to do whatever I want.

- No, you are not. You are a kid.

- Only in your eyes.

- What did you say?

- Mom doesn't think this way.

- Your mom can't think straight. - he said and left

I have never seen him so mad at me. It's like I'm the villain here. Mom went to talk with him. I was in my room. Getting a job is a good way for me to socialize more. Why can't he understand that? I don't know how to explain it to him. No matter what I say, my dad won't listen to me. Mom came after some time. I believe she won't tell me something good. Hopefully, he is not mad at her. She has nothing to do with this. It was my choice, my decision.

- He is mad at you, isn't he?

- No, neither is he mad at you.

- Then?

- Look. To be able to pay for our studies, your dad and I had to work during the summer before university. He promised himself that when he has a family, his kids won't do the same. Your dad only wants you to enjoy your university life.

- I am doing it.

- Are you sure? Addie is your only friend. I don't mind, but don't you want to have more?

- I'm happy with her.

- I didn't say the opposite. Think about what you want and do this. Don't grow up too quickly. You might regret it later.

- Do you regret this? Dad?

- I don't because I learned many things that way.

- Then?

- I suggest you talk to him. Make him understand your point of view.

- How? He doesn't want to listen to me.

- I'm sure he will. You can be very convincing.

- If that is a thing.

- If you don't try, you'll never know.

Dad and I talked for two hours. I understand him, but he has to understand me. I have no idea what I want from life. That is why I'm experimenting. I might find something that I like a lot. It'll be a new thing for me. At least we sorted out the issue. I won't say it was a problem. From now on, I'll talk with him before I do something. I believe this will make him feel better. I speak with my mom more because she keeps asking me questions about everything. The woman wants to be informed about my life. It's not like I'm complaining. I hope that I'll like my next job.