The Travelin’ Soldier’s Waitress

Order Up!” I heard. I blew the hot air out if my lungs, and huffed. I had just sat down to enjoy a glass of iced water. Of course Remy would finally finish that order as soon as I decided to finally take a minute for myself. Standing up, I heard the little bell ding above the door as someone else entered. I groaned. Walking to the window, Remy looked up at me, and jerked his head over at the corner booth. I rolled my eyes and glanced over. A man was sitting there, covered from head to toe in Army Green. Of course, I should have known. Some of the locals were filtering back in from over seas. The war was ending, and the government was starting to being the troops home. I grabbed the two plates of hot food and carried them over to the table that seated Mr. and Mrs. Randall, the couple that lived just across the street. They visited almost every night and ordered the same dish. “Alright, can I get you anything else?” “No, we are okay honey.” Mrs. Randall told me. I nodded and walked away. As I headed towards the soldier, I pulled my writing pad and pen from my apron. Making it to stand before him, I smiled and flipped to a clean page, “Welcome to Remy’s Homecooking, What can I get you to drink?” I looked up into the soldiers face, and was startled to see the stormiest grey eyes I had ever seen before in my life. “Hello Miss. A coke will be fine.” He said, and smiled. His teeth were perfectly straight and brightest white. “Of course, I will be right back with that and a menu.” I headed back to the counter. I have seen this soldier before, but I am not sure where. He mist be older than me. I made quick work of getting his coke and grabbed a menu. “Here ya go, Do you need a few minutes to look over the menu?” Usually patrons wanted to look, even old Mr. and Mrs. Randall always looked, and they got the same meal every time. “Uh, actually, no. I know what I want. Would you mind sitting down for a while, and talking to me? I am feeling a little lonely.” He looked down at his hands, and then back up at me a moment later. My face must have shown distrust or shock, I am not sure which emotion I was feeling at the moment. “I won’t hurt you. I just want some company.” “Um, well. I am the only waitress today, and we are a little busy right now. How about I sit for just a few minutes while your order, and I can keep coming back and forth for now?” I asked. What am I doing? I don’t know who this man is, even if he is interesting. I wish he would take his helmet off. He smiled, “Okay. That will be nice.” I smiled back. Looking up to the window where Remy stayed hidden, I made sure my tables were taken care of for the time being., I sat down. “So, what is it that you will have to eat?” I asked. I didn’t know what else to discuss. “I would like the largest bacon cheese burger that Remy’s has to offer,” He replied. I laughed, he must have heard about that challenge going around town, eat the biggest burger, get your meal free. “All of the way?” “Yes.” He shook his head in agreement. “What is your name?” “Rebekka,” I said quietly, “but everyone calls me Beks.” “Nice to meet you, Beks. You have beautiful eyes.” I looked down, immediately, blushing. My parents would be furious that was sitting here talking to a soldier. Telling him my personal information, well, that’s definitely forbidden, but I couldn’t help myself. “What is your name?” I asked, trying to keep my gaze steady. I could do this. I was almost an adult. He laughed. “I am Brigham.” Brigham, I had never heard of a name like that. “Where are you from Brigham? Your name is not from here, is it?” I couldn’t stop myself. “Oh, well. I actually did grow up about 20 minutes south of here. My father is dead, but my mother is still alive. I am just passing through here on my way home. My mother doesn’t know that I am back from war, yet. I have never been to this part of the state, though.” Well, I guess that explains it. Why does he look familiar to me, though? “I see. Well, Brigham, let me put your order in so I don’t keep you from your mother much longer.” I frowned. I got up, and went to the register, rang up his order, then turned around. Remy. Uh-oh. “Beks. What are you doing?” He asked. “He asked to talk. I was doing no harm speaking to a customer.” I responded with indignation. “What if your parents had walked in?” He asked me, fear evident in his face. “I don’t care, Remy. I do not agree with their views. It’s about time they realize it.” I sighed, my stomach twisting in knots just thinking about it. “Beks, you will be of age in just a few months. Then, you can have an opinion.” “That’s not fair Remy.” He wrapped his arms around me. “I know Beks, but that is life. Until then, you have to follow their rules. Now, let’s get that man his food. What is he ordering?” He took the order and made his way back into his kitchen to the grill. I turned on my heels and went back to check on my other tables, refilling drinks and handing out checks. I refuse to sit back and wait for my birthday to be able to just talk to someone who I want to talk to, just because they have different beliefs. People are different, and that is ok. Brigham is different, or maybe he isn’t. I want to find out. “Order up!” I heard Remy holler from the back. I went to pick up the plate of hot food and took it to the Brigham. I smiled at him, and offered him more coke, which he told me he was good on. I frowned, I want to know more about him. *** All of my tables were clear except two, and Remy was cleaning the grill. We were officially closed for the night, just waiting for our last two guests to finally leave. Brigham had eaten, and left. Remy never gave me enough time to go sit and talk to him anymore. “Yo, Beks, when are you off again? We should like hang out or something before school starts back.” Trevor said walking up to the sitting bar where the register sat. I snapped my head up to look at the brown headed arrogance in solid form. I had no interest in this moron. He had been trying to get me on a date for a few months now, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I don’t have any days off.” I said, I enthusiastically. I turned and walked towards the door that opened into the kitchen. “Remy, could you do me a favor?” He stopped drying the glasses and looked at me. “Could you finish checking out Trevor and Jack? I will dry those glasses.” Remy clicked his tongue, but he did as I asked. He was like a big brother to me, and he already knew who Trevor was. A few minutes later, Remy came back, tip in hand and glasses dried. “That boy is going to get blindsided one day.” “Yes, probably by a girl.” I laughed. He is so full of himself because of who his family is. Remy handed me my tip, which turned out to be twenty dollar, always the beat part of Trevor coming to Remy’s, and headed back out to the register. The last couple came to pay, and we were done. I went to lock the front door behind them. Time to go home, just to come back tomorrow. *** Finally, getting out of my work clothes, I dump all of my receipts and tip money onto my bed. There was a piece of paper folded up neatly in the middle of the pile. I grabbed it and unfolded it, reading the note quickly. “Meet me in the town square tomorrow morning at 8am.” -Brigham When did he put this in my pocket? I wondered. Excitement rose in my chest. Was he staying in town tonight? Why didn’t he mention it? Where was he staying? Ao many questions about this unknown mystery soldier with the stormy grey eyes and weird name. He even laid for his burger, even though he won the challenge. He was the only person that has won it so far. I left the note folded up on my bed side table, grabbed all of the change and deposited it i to my piggy bank. I out the cash into my purse. I had to work tomorrow evening. Tomorrow morning, I was off. I had planned to go meet Suzy and see a movie. Maybe I can reschedule. Maybe Brigham can go with us. No, we can’t talk at a movie. I want to talk to him. I need to talk to him, see those eyes. Oh!! Mom, and Dad. I paused and smacked myself in the forehead I cant do anything in town if they’re around to see. Maybe we can go one town over. What am I even talking about? I do not know Brigham, but I feel like I have known him all of my life. I decided to quit pondering it for now and went to get into the shower. I would phone Suzy in the morning. I laid down and glanced at my clock. Quarter til Midnight. I am exhausted. *** “Hello? Suzy? Hi, it’s Beks. Can we see a movie tomorrow? Yes, I got in late, and would like to sleep in. Then, I have a meeting at work, before my shift starts. Yes, it’s dreadful. Okay, thank you Suzy darling. Chat with you later.” I hung the phone up, hopped up out of the bed and ran to the shower. Washing my hair, getting dressed, drying my hair, styling it, and being ready in enough time to be at the town square on time was hard, but I did it. Then, as I waited for Brigham to show up, I played with the hem of dress. I sat on the bench and stared around me. So many families were already up and moving today. The day was nice with a cool, crisp breeze blowing around me. Only time would tell if this was a dumb decision. Mother and Father always told me not to speak to strangers, but Brigham didn’t feel strange. I wonder what his age is, and if he graduated high school. “Beks!” Someone hollered at the bottom of the hill, waving their arms through the air, drawing attention to us. I waved, shyly. Brigham jogged up the hill in dress pants and shirt. Civilian clothes. I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe if someone who knew me, and my parents, wouldn’t ask any questions. “Hey,” I said, quietly. “You look completely different out of uniform.” Smiling widely, he looked down and patted his pants legs, “These? I bought them, especially for you. Do you like them?” “Yeah, you look nice.” “You look beautiful, Beks. May I?” He reached his hand out for mine. I hesitated. A proper gentleman, those were rare these days, ever since the war started. The war changed everything. Most of the boys these days were expectant of girls, to bow down to them, to serve them. Like my mother served my father. No, relationships were a two way road. My mind twisted. My stomach jumped. I placed my hand into his softly, and he bent to kiss the back of it. “Beks, I feel like I have known you forever, and I only met you last night. I want to get to know everything about you. I was supposed to travel home last night, but decided to stay in town a few more days. I hope that is okay with you?” He stepped a little closer to me, I could feel his breath on my cheek. I faltered and took a small step back. “Uh, um..” I started, “Yes. That is okay with me. Brigham?” He looked at me with those grey eyes, and my breath caught. “Yes, Beks?” He waited, and while my thoughts gathered, I heard a clearing of someone’s throat. My heart hammered in my chest. A girl of my stature and age should not be alone with a man, even if in public. I turned quickly. My uncle, Harlon, stood there. Thank Goodness. Harlon was always on my side when it came to my parents, but he was a bit over protective. “Uncle Harlon!” I ran up to him, and threw my arms around him. He was only a few years older than me. “What are you doing in this part of town?” “I was headed to your house to see your father young lady. What are you doing here with this young man?” He eyed Brigham. “I met him at Remy’s last night. He is in town for only a short period of time, and we just wanted to talk. It’s in public, and I see nothing wrong with it.” I said, crossing my arms. Brigham decided at this moment in time to introduce himself. “Hello sir, I am Brigham Young. Marine in the United States Military, just passing through. I was entranced by Miss Beks at dinner last night and asked her to accompany me today around town. I am new here.” Harlon froze. He lifted an eyebrow and turned towards me slowly. “Beks. Really? You know, I am not the one to lecture you, and I won’t say anything about this, but be careful. Do not let your parents find out about this little rendezvous. I will soeak to you later. Nice meeting you Brigham.” Uncle Harlon left quickly. He believes the less he knows, the better. I turned back around towards Brigham. He had a questioning look on his face. I could only imagine what was going through is mind. We were Americans, he is an American soldier, yet my family is completely against the war and all things and people who were on the opposing side were traitors to the cause. In my opinion, my family was the traitors. “I know you have questions about what just happened. I would too, unfortunately, they will have to wait. We need to go somewhere less public.” Brigham looked around, “Beks, what are you hiding?” I shook my head, “Not here. I promise, we can talk, we can get to know one another. I have questions, too.” Shaking his head, he said “Okay. Lead the way.”