My everything

Chapter twenty - Coming to an end

Luke's POV:

Abby and I have been working for two months. Soon she has to quit because the university year will start. It will be weird not seeing her every day. We live in the same house, but it's not the same. I will do everything possible to spend enough time with her. I know it won't be easy, but I will try. I still don't know what her schedule will be. I might see her during my lunch break. Our house is not far from the restaurant. That means I can go home for a while. Later, I will be back to work. It sounds easy, but it's not. Both of us will be busy. I'm afraid we won't have time for each other, which is not something I want to happen. The good thing is that we live together. Otherwise, it will be ten times harder. Honestly, I am surprised at how well we are doing. We earn enough money to pay bills and buy food. As I have said, my grandparents' money will be only for emergencies. Maybe I will use part of them to pay for Abby's studies. I don't want her to spend her money on this. She hasn't saved that much. Also, what my grandparents have left me is hers too. We share everything. That means their money is not only mine but hers too. Well, we both agree that we won't spend them every day. There is something called responsibility. Since my parents don't care about me, I will do it. It's not that hard. I mean, I am still alive and have food on the table. Everything is fine. Maybe I should thank them for that. Since I live alone, I learned a lot of things. Also, I made some priorities. Well, there is only one, and it's called Abby. She always will be number one on my list. Nothing is more important than her. I promised myself that I would take care of her. Since she is not complaining, I must have done something good. After all, I want us to live well. I will do everything possible for that. I hope we'll have a good life and won't worry about anything.

It's Monday and Abby's last week at the restaurant. She told the owner when she would quit a long time ago. Luckily, he had no problem with that. I don't know if someone will come to her place. Honestly, that is only a job. I'm not here to gain attention or anything like that. I'll be fine without her. At least, I will try. It will be different, but we have to get used to it. Once Abby starts going to university, she can forget about working. I won't let her do it. This girl has to focus on her studies.

I woke up and went to get ready for work. Abby was still sleeping. I will wake her up when breakfast is prepared. Today I decided to make an omelet. I don't know if it's suitable for breakfast. We'll still eat it. Also, it's something easy. I want to learn to cook, but I don't have time. I don't want us to eat the same things every day. When everything was ready, I went to wake up my girlfriend. This time, we'll eat in the kitchen. Soon, she came, yawning.

- Good morning.

- To you too.

- You are still sleepy, aren't you?

- Yes, I am.

- Soon, your sleeping schedule will change.

- I know, but it means I won't see you when you go to work.

- Abby, we go out around 9 am.

- Somedays, I might have early classes.

- We'll get used to it. Don't worry.

- I hope so.

After breakfast, Abby and I went to work. Lance was there as usual. He always comes before us. There is another waiter. Well, he takes care of us. After all, we are the new ones. For now, I will keep my job. I was thinking about changing it one day, but no one knows when this will happen. Abby and I started with the usual. We learned how to do things faster. We set all the tables for half an hour. What has left is for the customers to come.

- How are you today, Abby? - Lance asked

- I'm fine. A bit sleepy but fine.

- Did you have fun last night?

- No. I went straight to bed.

- What type of boyfriend are you?

- A good one. - I said, chuckling

- For sure, you are. So, are you ready for university?

- I am. I feel a bit nervous, but I think I'll be fine.

- You will be great. I see how much effort you put into this job. Everyone will beg you to work with them.

- I won't be so sure, but ok.

The customers started coming around lunchtime. I will miss working with Abby. We don't talk much or do things together, but it was fun. I liked seeing her every day. She might feel well, but I won't. We can talk about this but at home. Here is not the place. I prefer not to do it in front of people. Well, we have a lunch break. I might use this. As usual, it started at 2 pm. I offered Abby to go for a walk with me. All I want is to clear my head. Usually, we are always at the restaurant. Both of us bought sandwiches and went to a park. We sat down, and I looked at her. She was eating so peacefully. It's like there was nothing that could bother her. I pulled her for a tight hug. She rested her head on my shoulder.

- I will miss you. - I said, whispering

- What?

- Nothing.

- Do I have to know something?

- No. Everything is fine.

- Luke, you are a terrible liar. You can tell me what is bothering you.

- Nothing.

- I don't believe you.

- I don't care.

- Look, I don't want us to argue. It's visible that you are upset. I noticed this last week.

- Do you have to study?

- What?

- Answer me.

- We have talked about this. You know I want to do it.

- But I won't be able to see you at all.

- That's not true. I can come for your lunch break.

- You know the restaurant will be closed, and you won't be able to come in.

- You will let me.

- Abby, it's not the same.

- What do you want me to do? You were the one who told me to follow my dreams.

- Yes, but I want to be part of them.

- We live in the same house. Take this as a bonus. I understand why you are upset, but I can't do anything. First, I need to see what my schedule will be. If I have more free time, I might come to study at the restaurant. Is that ok for you?

- No, you don't have to do this. I'll be fine. I'm sorry about all of this.

- Hey, it's ok. I am freaking out, but I'm trying to look calm. I never thought I would leave my parents so early, but I'm happy I did it.

- You are better than me.

- No, I'm not. Luke, you are the one who takes care of everything. That includes me. I don't know how you can carry all these duties. You are doing it amazingly. Maybe your parents don't care about this, but I do. You make me proud every single day.

- Thanks, Abby. It's good to hear it.

- We have an hour, so do you want us to walk around?

- Yes, sure. I would love that.

Abby and I walked around, and later we went back to work. Lance told us that someone had made a big reservation. It was a last-minute call. The whole restaurant will be reserved. A couple is having their tenth anniversary or marriage. Lance said that they would bring a cake. All we have to do is serve them. There are a couple of free tables in the backyard. Abby and I have never worked there. Since day one, we have been told to work inside. The guests will be here at 7 pm. We had to change all the tablecloths and reset the tables. Technically, we had to combine the tables. Abby and I made two long rows. There will be music as well. We need to make some space. That will be the dancing floor. My girlfriend thought putting candles on the tables would be a good idea. Hopefully, we can get a good tip. We have a good salary, but the owner said all we got is for us.

- Everything is ready.

- I feel like something is missing. - Abby said

- Something like what?

- I don't know. Should we put flowers?

- Abby, these people need space to eat. If we fill the tables, there won't be any space for food.

- Ok, ok. All I want is to make it perfect.

- Everything will be fine. It's already perfect. Just like you. - I said and kissed the top of her head

- Thanks.

Soon the guests started coming. First, of course, was the couple who had an anniversary. I thought there would be a menu ordered, but no. I guess every person will choose what to eat. These people better have money. As I see it, there will be a lot of people. After an hour, everyone was at the restaurant. There were a couple of people in the garden. Lance went to take care of them with the other waiter. Let's say that we told them to leave us alone. We wanted to take care of the big tables. Well, if we can't handle it, they will help us. The guests ordered drinks and salads. Abby and I were running across the tables. At least I will make my steps for the day. Honestly, I love this. It will be weird not seeing her every day.

- How are you two doing? Do you need help? - Lance asked

- No, everything is fine. - Abby said

- You want that tip. - Cassie said, chuckling

- No, I don't. It's my last week here, so I want to make the most of it.

- I will miss you. I liked working with you.

- Not only you. - I mumbled to myself

- Luke, are you ok? - Lance asked

- I'm fine.

- He is upset because I have to leave soon.

- I know it's hard, but it's not the end of the world. You will still see her.

- I'll check the tables. - I said and left

- Don't forget about me. - Abby said and followed me

- Hello, do you need anything else?

- Yes, we would like to order the main meal.

- Ok, no problem. The chefs had prepared a special menu for you and your husband.

- That's so nice. Thank you.

- Let us know what your guests want, and we'll serve it.

Abby and I took care of every guest. We split the tables. She took one of them, and I the other. First, we served the food to the special guests. The chefs deserve credit. The food looks so good. I can't decorate it like that, even if I work on it for five hours. Both of us served the rest of the food to the guests. We are trying to be as fast as possible. Well, we have to wait for the food to be cooked. I have to say that the chefs have great speed.

- If you need anything else, let us know. We'll bring it to you. - Abby said

- Don't eat. I want to take a picture. That is the best-looking food I have ever seen. - the woman said and took a picture

- Can I eat now? - her husband asked, chuckling

- Yes. We would love to see the chefs before we go home.

- No problem.

The guests were having fun. There was some music, but it was mostly chill. Not many people danced. Remind me not to speak so fast. Next on the dance floor was the couple. Ten years of marriage is a lot. I wonder if Abby and I can last so long. Honestly, I would love it. I went to check if there were empty plates and bottles. I took everything and went back to my place. Soon the woman came and pulled both of us.

- It's dance time.

- Thanks, but I don't dance. - I said

- Me either.

- Come on. It's my anniversary.

- Happy anniversary, but we are not dancers. - I said

- I saw the way you looked at her. I can help you if you dance. - the woman whispered

- She is my girlfriend, and we live together.

- That's even better. You have to dance with her.

- Thank you, but I don't want her to do anything she doesn't like. Me too.

- Ok, then. You can bring me the cake. I will need to restore my energy. - the woman said, chuckling

- No dancing, right? - Abby asked

- Yes. I took care of it. Let's bring the cake. The couple wants it.

Abby and I brought a piece of cake for everyone. They were too busy watching the dancing couple. Some of the guests joined them. Luckily, I don't have to do that.

- Thank you to everyone who came today. We appreciate it. You two have to get married. You will see how amazing it is. - the woman said, looking at Abby and me

- We are only nineteen.

- There is no age for true love.

- I think she is a bit drunk. - Abby said, whispering and chuckled

- Only a little bit?

After work, both with Abby walked home. We were tired, but it was worth it. The couple gave us a five hundred dollar tip. Can you believe this? I have never made so much money in one day. Special thanks to my girlfriend for the help. Both of us were quick to go to bed. My feet hurt.

- We did great today. - Abby said

- The tip is speaking.

- The man might have his benefits tonight from his drunk wife.

- For sure, he will. I would love to have mine, but I'm too tired.

- Not only you. I will make it up to you, but not today. I don't have any energy.

- It's ok. We have plenty of time. I don't plan on letting you go soon.

- I never said that I would go.

- That is music for my ears.

- Can we sleep now? We can talk tomorrow.

- Sure. Goodnight and sweet dreams.

- To you too. - Abby said, yawning

- I love you.

- I love you too.

Both of us were quick to fall asleep. The tiredness was speaking. It's not like we have worked that much, but the celebration took our energy. Honestly, I'm happy about it. I will miss working with my girlfriend. We don't do much, but it was an opportunity to see her every day. I will continue doing it when she starts university. The plan was to use my lunch break for that. We'll see what her schedule will be. I'm sure we can work it out. Abby and I will be busy, so we won't notice when the time passes. That's what I want to happen. I hope that we'll have enough time for each other. I don't want us to get distant.