Their Cursed

Chapter Two

Fortunately, the rest of my day was relatively uneventful. No unruly customers or chaos ensued. Cleaning up took longer than usual because I was really sluggish by the end of the day. I was finally headed home by midnight. I put my headphones in my ears as I set off on my 20-minute walk back to my apartment from work. Luckily, Jessie was going to pick me up in the morning so I would not have to walk. She gave me a ride whenever we were on the same shift and I appreciated it a lot.

I listened to some soft music as I walked down the dimly lit streets. I wasn’t scared of walking home at night, but I wasn’t ignorant of the risk. I focused ahead of me, just wanting to crawl in my bed and get some sleep before my next shift. A chill ran down my spine and I got the feeling that I was being followed.

I knew the logical thing to do was to go anywhere but home. I looked over my shoulder, seeing nothing behind me. I continued to walk checking again after a minute. Still, no one around me. I decided that I was just tired and continued on my path home.

I made it home with no other event, although the looming feeling of someone following me did not go away. I climbed the stairs to my third-floor apartment, my feet dragging in exhaustion. I was full blown sick now and regretting all the extra hours I was picking up.

I unlocked the door and entered my little studio apartment. It was small but cozy. I did not need too much room since I haven’t had a boyfriend since high school. I had my bed in the corner. There was a window that was the very end of bed adorned with curtains. I kept a small table right up next to it with a few plants that I struggled to keep alive. Across from my bed was the kitchenette. I had a two-burner stove and sink with a couple cabinets. A year ago, I got myself a toaster oven with the bonus the diner had given us and that combined with the microwave allowed me to cook just about anything. I had a small fridge next to all that was enough space for me to hold a couple weeks of food, so I didn’t have to shop too much at once. I had a very small table that I placed near the kitchen and it had come with only one chair. On the other wall was an old, beaten up love seat. Jessie’s grandma had passed away a while ago and her mom had offered it to me for $20. I knew I could never score a couch that cheap, so I scooped it up and her uncle graciously helped me get it in here. I had no TV, but I did have stacks of old books next to the couch. I frequented the little thrift shop down the road and they always were getting used books. They sold them cheap as people were buying less and less paper books. I couldn’t help it; I loved the feel of a book in my hand. I could not afford a TV or cable anyway so reading was my free time entertainment. There were mismatched blankets and pillows throughout my apartment that went great with the piece meal cooking and dinnerware I owned.

Everything in my apartment I had bought little by little over the past few years. I left home with almost nothing. Sometimes, I looked around my small home and felt proud of everything that I had accomplished on my own.

I dropped my bag on the table. I had a small dresser next to my bed. Walking over to it, I let my clothes fall to the floor and pulled out a pair of soft sweatpants and a shirt. I pulled them on before going into my bathroom to grab some medicine. I had a little bit of nighttime cold medicine that I swallowed in one gulp. I desperately hoped it would help my symptoms subside for a little while. I flopped onto my bed, not even noticing that my pillows had been moved from where I left them after making my bed this morning.

-

My body ached all over and my head was far more stuffed than it was yesterday. We were mid lunch rush and thankfully the hostess was trying to not seat too many in my section, but it was Saturday so of course we were busy. I was in the kitchen grabbing a table’s food when Jessie came in.

“Your super tippers are back, and they requested you,” she said in an annoyed voice.

“What?” I asked surprised.

“Yea, they asked if you were here and to be seated in your section. They are out there now,” she said. I let my head drop back and I let out a sigh. “What? You could leave the rest of the day with another great tip like that! You kinda look like you need it anyway.”

“No, I am fine. I feel like crap but that is not it. I tried to give it back yesterday and the guy refused. Now this is going to be awkward!”

“Just pretend it didn’t happen. Treat them like everyone else,” she said shrugging.

I grabbed my table's food and left the kitchen. After delivering the food, I headed towards the group at the table. The same four faces greeted me in pretty much the same manner as yesterday. Gentry smiled happily at me, Cullen had an angry look on his face and did not look at me, Jaime seemed more interested in her phone than being in a diner and Calder had an odd expression as he watched me carefully.

“Welcome back. I am Remi and I am your server again today. Drinks anyone?”

“Good afternoon Remi!” Gentry said happily. “How was the rest of your day yesterday?”

“It was pleasant. But I just worked then went home. How was your day? Gentry, right?”

“You remembered! My day was pretty boring actually. But today is looking up!” His smile was infectious. I smiled back.

“Glad to hear that. How about I get you guys all some drinks?

“Got any fresh coffee?” he asked.

“I would be happy to make you a pot,” I told him.

“Thanks, doll!” he said with a wink. I blushed.

“Um, it's really no problem! What can I get everyone else?”

“Coffee,” said Jaime and Cullen nodded at her words.

I nodded and looked at Calder. His head was slightly tilted like he was trying to figure something out. “Water,” he finally said.

“Coming right up,” I said, shoving my order book into my apron and turning around. I felt eyes on me as I walked away. I went to the back and started the coffee pot. While it brewed, I delivered a check to another table and ran to the restroom. Standing over the sink, I splashed water on my face. I sniffled just wishing I could clear my clogged sinuses. Standing there with my eyes closed, I silently willed my cold to go away. The medicine I took this morning had reduced the fever, but I still felt weak and sluggish.

I reached over to the paper towel dispenser and grabbed one. I dried my face and opened my eyes to look in the mirror. But I quickly realized I was not alone. Hard grey eyes stared at me through the mirror. I let out a small yelp, jumping and turning quickly to his large form behind me.

Clutching my chest, I hissed, “This is the women’s restroom!” He simply shrugged. I took a second to steady my breath. “C-can I help you with s-something? Cullen, right?” I asked, trying to sound polite and lite. Unease was slowly pouring through me.

His eyes scanned my face, his expression still cold and hard. He reached up, grasping my chin in his hand. His grip was firm but still gentle. He tilted my face back and forth before pointing it forward again to look at him.

“I would appreciate it if you let me go,” I said very quietly. He dropped his hand. He turned to leave, and I just stood there baffled. What just happened? Before my mind could catch up to everything, he was gone. I took a deep breath trying to gather my wits and left the bathroom. Cullen was not in the hallway waiting for me luckily. I went to the kitchen to grab their coffee and headed back to the table.

I approached it hesitantly. Cullen once again acted like I was unworthy of even a glance. I set all their drinks down. And tried to escape when Gentry grabbed my arm.

“Hey, Remi, I have a question,” he said. I froze before slowly turning back to him.

“Um, sure. How can I help?” I asked, trying to be as calm and nice as possible. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Calder’s eyes were on me.

“Are you feeling well?” he said, his cheery facade now indicating some concern.

“Yea, I am fine. Why do you ask?”

“You look a bit pale and almost green…” he said. His tone was not completely accusatory but did imply that he knew I was lying.

“I am just a bit tired. Didn’t get to bed until late last night,” I said with a half-smile. I just wanted to get away from them for a moment.

“You shouldn’t be working. Can’t you go home sick?” he asked.

“Haha. I appreciate that but no can do. You are stuck with me. Unless you would rather I get you guys another server…” I trailed off.

“No,” Calder piped in surprising me. My eyes went wide at his sudden outburst. “I mean, there is no reason. We will make it easy. Burgers all around and you can bring the check with it,” he said then looked away from me.

“Uh, okay. Four burgers. I will be right out with those and your check,” I said slowly turning around. I went back to the kitchen, putting in their order. While I waited for their food, I took care of my other tables. The hostess had stopped seating my section so I could take a break once all my tables were finished. Jessie came into the kitchen cashing out her last table before she left for the day.

“Girl, you look terrible. Are you sure you can stay?” she said. I stood there sipping water.

“Yea, I am fine,” I said, trying to give her my best smile.

“I am about to tell Angela to send you home. You look like you are ready to vomit…” she said. I could hear the worry in her tone.

“Really, I am ok. I think I just need my break. Would you mind taking my last table’s food and check out? They want it at the same time. I will be back to cash them out,” I asked.

“Sure. Go sit and maybe eat some crackers. Your rent isn’t going to matter if you kill yourself working,” she said.

“Well, then I wouldn’t need to worry about rent any more, would I?” I laughed at her. She scowled at me. Throwing my hands up, I said, “Okay, okay. Going on break. I’ll be out back.” I grabbed my sweater from the back room and a couple packs of soup crackers on my way outside.

I sat down in one of the chairs once again leaning my back against the wall. I sighed realizing I did not eat anything yesterday and had skipped breakfast this morning when I had slept until the last possible second. I opened a pack of crackers and nibbled on one. One of the cooks came out with a cup of tea for me. He was a really sweet older man that always made us food free of charge and didn’t tell our manager. I thanked him for the tea and sipped on it when he went back inside. It warmed me up a bit, soothing my scratchy throat. I grabbed another cracker, knowing I needed to put something in me to make it through the rest of the day. Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against the brick wall, holding the mug in my lap.

“Is that your whole meal?” came a deep voice right in front of me. My eyes shot open and I looked in front of me to Calder staring down at me.

“W-what?” I asked stupidly. He nodded his head toward the half-eaten crackers sitting next to me. “Oh, uh, I-I guess,” I said. I had a terrible habit of stuttering when I was nervous.

He crouched down, coming to my eye level. His hand reached out and stroked my cheek. I froze under his touch. His head tilted like he was thinking about something. “You should go home and rest,” he said.

“Um, I-I appreciate your co-cocern b-but I am okay,” I said quietly. His finger continued to stroke my cheek in a soothing fashion.

“Hmmm,” he said. He stood up giving me one last look before walking away, leaving me alone once again. He rounded the corner back towards the diner’s entrance and disappeared from sight. I let out a breath I did not know I was holding in.

Jessie came out the door to the back just then. “Hey, your table is asking for you. I tried telling them you were on break, but they were adamant,” she said with a contrite look.

“It’s okay, I am coming,” I said. “I’ll just grab a fifteen later or something.” I grabbed the remaining crackers from the table and the tea and stood up. I took a big swig of the tea as I walked back in, savoring its warmth inside me.

“You really should go home, Rem. You are looking terrible,” she said. “Just tell Angela you are sick. I am sure someone can cover tonight.”

“It is tempting but, you know I can use the money. I just gotta power through and I will sleep my entire day off, okay?” I told her. She scowled at me again.

I put my sweater away and made my way out to the floor again, heading towards the table. I noticed Angela talking to them. I approached them, saying, “So how are we doing?” I tried my hardest to put on a good smile.

“Actually, Remi, if you would be so kind as to take their check then meet me in my office,” she said to me. She turned to the table and said, “I apologize again. I will handle this all immediately.” My face dropped as she walked away. I tried to wipe away my worry as I turned back to the group.

“I guess you guys are ready to pay?” I said meekly. Was I about to get fired? Was this because I sent someone else out with their food and went on break early?

Gentry handed me the check folder and stood. I stepped back as they all began to exit the booth. “Here. Keep the change,” he said, giving me a tight smile. I nodded trying to smile at him. He turned to leave quickly followed by Calder. Jaime followed them, now absorbed in her phone again. Cullen lingered, his hard stare coming over me before he too followed.

My face dropped as I went back to the register to cash them out. Opening the check folder, I pulled out $500. My mouth dropped open. There was no way this was real. None. I got their change and put it in my apron pocket, grabbing a copy of the receipt as well. I was going to tell Angela even if she was firing me because there was no way this was happening two days in a row with the same group, especially seeing as they complained to management.

I walked back to her office, ignoring Jessie’s word glance as she passed me. I knocked on the door before going in. “You wanted to see me?” I said softly. Angela stood behind her desk. She nodded her head.

“Your customers had some interesting things to say,” she started. I hung my head, looking at the floor. They were odd enough, but I cannot even imagine what they had to say about me. “They brought something to my attention that was a little concerning.” I held my breath. “Remi, why would you come in with the flu?” she asked annoyed. “Not only are you not taking care of yourself but what if you got someone else sick? You are serving food to people and talking to them. You are touching their plates and cups. I really thought you were smarter than this!”

My head snapped up at her words. She was mad because I was sick? “So, do you have any explanation for your actions?” she asked expectantly.

“I, uh, I needed the hours. And I didn’t want to just call out…” I said meekly.

She sighed. “While I can understand personal finances may necessitate working as much as possible, you cannot do your job properly or safely when you come to work with the flu. You are going home until you are symptom free. And if you come to work sick again, you will be let go. Am I clear?” she said.

My eyes watered. I nodded my head but did not move.

“Is there something else?”

I sniffled. “The last table, they tipped me too much.”

She sighed. “You really want to complain about a big tip when I am sending you home early?” I shook my head. “Then go. Go home, get better, and call me when you can come back to work.” I nodded my head and ran from the room.

I quickly went through to the back, clocking out on my timecard and going to get my stuff. Jessie caught me before I could leave. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Angela is making me go home. She told me she would fire me if I came to work sick again…” I said.

“Oh, Rem. How did she know? I mean you look like crap, but she stays in her office so much I didn’t think she would notice unless we told her!” Jessie said.

“My table must have complained. I don’t know but I need to go before I make her angrier. I will talk to you later okay?” I said.

“Sure you don’t want a ride?” she said. I shook my head. “Okay. Be safe,” she said, giving me a wave. I nodded and left through the back door.