Warring Mates

I don’t make a sound as my father’s fist connects with my face again. “You are worthless. You will never amount to anything. You're good for nothing, hussy. It’s your fault your mother is gone'' Over and over he hits me caught in the alcoholic whirlwind in his brain. He beat me more the older I got. I only imagine it’s because I look like my mother. She died on my fourth birthday. I knew better than to come down here when he was like this but my manager called me last minute and offered me a shift. I needed the money to escape. Tomorrow is my birthday and I will be free. I can leave this place and start a new life. I want to be as far away from my father as I could manage. Finally he got tired and slumped to the floor. When he released his grip I scurried out the door. He would sleep enough of it off that he would be ready for round two when I got home tonight. Maybe Margarett would let me stay at her place again. She never said too much when I came to work beat up. She would just offer her couch saying it was a long way home for someone as young as me to walk in the dark. I loved her for that. She never made me feel like all she saw was a broken kid. Margarett saw me as the person beyond the bruises. When I arrived at work I quickly entered the bathroom to clean up. The mirror revealed a freshly split lip and a black eye. I covered the worst of it with my emergency makeup kit I left in the bathroom. “Oh Akilah.” Margrett gasped as she came in. She took a deep breath. Taking the makeup from me she finished covering my injuries. Margrett helped me tie my apron. “Your blue eyed cripple is back.” Margaret chuckled. “Really? Again?” This was the third time this week. It was starting to get creepy. He came in; ordered a coffee he never drank and left a hundred dollar tip. I couldn't figure out why he came in. All he did was watch me the entire time. Part of me felt sorry for him. He dragged himself in here every time refusing any help. He stood a good six inches taller than me when he was standing on his crutches. He had smooth pale skin with intricate tattoos on his arms. His eyes were his most alluring feature. They were so blue they glowed. I feel his eyes on every bruise as I move about my tables. He came just after the sun went down. When I went to take his order he smiled. “Ah-ki-la” He sounded out my name. “ How are you, this evening?” His voice was like water running over smooth stones. Heavily accented with something I could not identify. “I am well. What can I get for you today?” I tried my best not to show my nervousness in my voice. He smiled again as my cheeks colored. “Nothing for me. I actually have something for you.” He handed me the big gift bag he was carrying. Without another word he hobbled out of the restaurant. “What was that about?” Margaret asked when he was out of sight. “I don’t know. He gave this to me.” Akilah could feel the heaviness of the bag. Margaret tried to snatch the bag away. “What are you waiting for? Open it.” “I have tables Maggy.” She immediately started pouting. “I promise when we get off I will open it.” “Ugh okay fine then. I will just have to suffer until then.” Margaret sampted off in the other direction. About an hour later another interesting character walked in. He was a huge mountain of a man. His skin was tan like he spent quite a bit of time in the sun. His hair was short and black. His companion was only slightly smaller with the same build and coloring. They squeezed into a booth together. I straightened my apron and walked over. “What can I get started for you this evening guys?” The smaller of the two looked up from the menu. “Ill have a beer.” “And for you?” He was even more handsome up close. And the smell. Was to die for. He smelled like fresh cut wood a day after rain. My mouth watered. What is wrong with me? “Ill have a..” He stopped speaking when he looked up. “It can’t be.” I waited for him to finish but he just stared. Great another lunatic. I was about to call Maggy to take over when he touched my arm. The most wonderful tingles spread up my arm. My heart rate increased. My mouth went dry. “Mate?” He said quietly when he let go of me. “No sir. I am Akilah. Your server. What can I get you?” He shook his head. “Just a coke please.” He did not take his eyes from me as I scurried into the kitchen.