A Home From Nothing

Chapter 3

We sit across from each other. Amy looks at me with wide blue eyes studying me, so I do the same to her. Her olive skin looks slightly sun-kissed from what I can see around her tank top and hoodie, and her long blonde hair is pulled back into a low ponytail, hair frizzing around her head from the running earlier. Amy furrows her brow and I notice she’s looking at my gash. I imagine its worse today than it was last night.

“Who gave you that?” Amy questions quietly, nodding her head towards mine. Her eyes glistening with an understanding that only someone who’s had a few gashes of their own could muster.

“That would be my mother. That was a great surprise to come home to after school. Hit me with the pan she wanted to cook dinner with.” I say quietly.

“Mmhh.” Was the only response from Amy as the server headed our way.

“Two coffees and 2 apple pie slices please,” Amy tells the young boy, smiling brightly.

The boy stutters out a “yeah, sure.” And walks back to the counter to ring our order in and grab the coffees.

“My step dad has given me a few of those too. He loves my mom, just not the extra baggage she brought with her. He was alright until I turned 11, then he decided my mom wasn’t enough. My mom didn’t believe me when I finally got the courage to tell her and told him what I said about him. That night I ended up with a face full of what you have there and knocked up to boot.” She pauses, her eyes haunting as the server sets our coffee and pie on the table between us. She thanks him quietly before he patters off to another table that just sat down. When she looks back up at me she shrugs.

“I suppose that’s the past now. I have this great place where I can do whatever I want and no one touches me without my permission.” Her eyes darken slightly at the end.

“Wow, how did you manage that?” I ask, digging into my pie. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until that first bite. My eyes close and I can’t help but let out a huge sigh as I tip my head back slightly and let the flavor wash over my tongue.

“How about I show you? I could use a partner in crime.” Amy offers.

I don’t have much of a choice. Amy seems nice enough and if she can survive out here by herself, maybe she can show me a thing or two to keep my head above water.

“I need to find a job.” I say, hoping she understands I’d rather have employment than just panhandling on the streets.

“On it. JERRY!!” She booms the man’s name startling me and causing me to almost drop my fork. A balding middle aged man comes out of the kitchen area looking around until he spots us. When he sees Amy he makes a beeline to us, a smile on his face the whole way.

“Amy!! Young lady! I haven’t seen you in weeks! Where have you been? You had me worried to death! Oohh hi! I’m Jerry, the owner. Nice to meet you.” He says in rapid succession, ending with his hand stretched in my direction and a smile splayed across his face.

“Lia, nice to meet you too.” I say with a look of surprise and confusion.

“Lia here is new to town and looking for a job Jerry. If my sources are correct, Toni just quit on you.” Amy rushes to say. “That makes this a perfect moment don’t you think?”

Jerry frowns at her. “That’s why you yelled across my restaurant? I thought you had more manners than that.” He says pinning her with a heavy stare.

Turning to look at me, Jerry’s face softens. “What brings you to Chicago?” he questions.

“Nothing really. Just wanted a fresh start. Amy is right though, I could use a job.” I offer, feeling hopeful but cautious.

“How old are you? I don’t hire anyone under 16.” He looks expectantly at me.

“I’ll be 17 in a couple months. I’ve never worked in a restaurant before, but I promise I’m a quick learner.” I reply, the hope building, even without my permission.

I am looking for Tuesday - Friday 3pm to close. Best shifts we have really. Is that something you can do?” I expect my staff to be on time. I don’t tolerate being late and I don’t tolerate excuses.”

“Well seeing as I’m new to the area and Amy here is the only person I know, my schedule is wide open.”

He nods his head and smiles rushing to the counter by the cash register. He returns with 2 shirts and 2 black aprons. He set them on the table and laid his hand on top, patting the stack as he spoke.

“This is the uniform. You can wear jeans if you want or slacks, shorts must go down to your knees, no open toed shoes. Your hair is short enough you don’t have to worry about that. As for the rest, you can learn tomorrow. Be here by 2 so we can get the papers out of the way before you train.”

I just stared at him. There’s no way I’ve only been in this town for a few hours and already have a job, a potential friend and an idea where to live. This feels so surreal.

I snatch the pile of materials off the table and stuff them onto my bag on the seat next to me before looking him in the eyes.

“You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you so much. I’ll be here on time.” Tears start to brim my eyes but I manage a deep breath and pull them back, not wanting to cry in front of them.