Broken Pieces (closed)

[zydrate]

(closed)

3 A.M.

Sarah woke up from a cold sweat, the covers kicked off the bed...the sounds of the city still reverberating in the small, one bedroom apartment she rented, located in the middle of L.A.

A far different place than what she had before...

Before that night.

"Damnit.." she muttered and grabbed the blankets from the floor and covered herself again, almost as if hiding from the world. She needed to sleep. If she could have just one night of decent sleep, then perhaps her crummy job as a waitress wouldn't seem so crummy...

 

[BeachBum25]

Stephen Hastings walked out of the bar, and looked around. He had spent the last several hours celebrating his new job. It wasn't much of a job, but it was a pay check; something he hadn't had on a regular basis since his discharge from the Marine Corp.

He was going to be driving a delivery truck. It was all he was able to find right now. Two years had gone by since his discharge, and this was the best job.... actually the only full time job that he was able to find.

He walked down the street and found a little restaurant that was still open. He checked to make sure he had enough money, and then walked in. He sat down at a booth, and began looking at the menu.... trying to figure out what he had enough money to order. He hoped it would be the last time that he had to worry about money.

 

[zydrate]

"Cute guy, booth 12" Hannah had said to Sarah as she passed by her.

This could be heard several times a day between the ladies that worked at the diner...although Sarah didn't really care, she took part of it just so that she didn't seem like such a loner. Usually she ignored it and went about her work. The only reason Hannah had said it was because booths 6,7,9 and 12 were Sarah's assigned booths to work that night. Luckily, the diner didn't have a dress code for the wait staff, so today, Sarah was dressed in her usual attire, a pair of black jeans and black t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and she wore minimal make-up. She hadn't really altered her appearance since coming here.

Sarah checked on a few customers before she tended to the guy who just sat down. With a smile, she stood at his table and realized he was still looking at the menu. "Hi..have you decided or can I get you something to drink while you keep looking?"

As she finally took notice of him, Sarah realized Hannah was right, he was cute. But Sarah preferred handsome. Cute was for dogs and babies.

 

[BeachBum25]

He looked up from the menu and saw the waitress. She was pretty cute. He thought about flirting with her a little, but then decided to just order.

"Two eggs scrambled, bacon, wheat toast and coffee. Thanks"

He put the menu back where he found it as he smiled at the waitress as she wrote down his order.

 

[zydrate]

As Sarah placed the order so the guys in the kitchen could get started, Hannah returned and nudged her, "See, I told you... now, go ask him out!"

"Shhh!" Sarah said, turning a little red from embarrassment, "People will hear... besides, he's not my type."

Liar. Her head screamed at her.

"Yeah right, what is your type Sarah?! Come on, you've never talked about a being with any guy since you came here so I take it your free for the taken...come on! He's looking over this way." Hannah said before running off to take care of her tables.

Shit! Coffee!

With a hard sigh, Sarah took the pot of coffee and a cup with her, "I'm so sorry about that...it's been a long day. Listen, your order's coming up soon, I'm Sarah so if you need any thing, just ask, OK?" She told him after she poured him a cup.

 

[BeachBum25]

Stephen watched the waitress walk away. She was kind of cute, he thought to himself. He continued to watch her as she talked with the other waitress. Then, they both looked his way. Why were they doing that. Did the other waitress catch him watching his waitress walk away? Did she think he had been checking out the waitress's ass? Well, maybe he was a little.

He looked away from them and around the restaurant. When she walked up with the coffee and a cup, he looked at her. "There is no need to apologize. I am in no rush." HE gave her a smile. There was no need for her to worry about him.

"I am just out celebrating getting my first full time job since getting out of the Marine Corps. I figured I would have a little breakfast after being at the bar for a while. So, you don't have to worry about me. I am in a great mood and there is no reason for me to be upset just because a pretty lady was talking with her co-worker and didn't have coffee in my table quicker than you did."

 

[zydrate]

Sarah smiled. It was a genuine smile. Something she hadn't given to anyone in a while. With a nod, she poured him a cup of coffee, "That's great to hear about the job, congratulations." And she meant it. "What kind of job did you get?" For the way he was built, she figured it was something in security but said he was going to be a delivery driver at a local business and Sarah nodded.

"I know them... some of them like to come in for lunch sometimes." She smiled at him again, "I guess that means you'll be around more."

"Well, listen, let me check on your breakfast and since you're working for them, you get a discount." Sarah told him before walking away to tend to her other tables.

 

[BeachBum25]

Stephen smiled at her, and watched her walk away to wait on the other customers.

He kept his eyes on her as she moved around the restaurant. She certainly was pleasant on the eyes. She actually looked like she belonged waitressing in a much fancier place than this, but he was glad she was here now.... if only for him to look at during his short time here.

"Thank you very much ma'am," he said to her as she delivered his food. After she walked away, he began to eat. When she returned to check on him, he said, "I found out why the guys from the delivery company come here so often. It isn't for the food, so, it must be for the waitress."

 

[zydrate]

Sarah checked in on her other tables and did her work for a few more minutes. Later, she checked in on the new guy to see how he was doing. His comment made her laugh quietly as she nodded and didn't have a good comeback for that, "I'm guess that says a lot about the food." She placed the check on the table and was going to say something when a group of guys came in, yelling and laughing...

"Oh great.." Sarah muttered and forced a smile at Stephen, "If you need anything else, let me know, OK? I'm off soon and one the other ladies can help if you need more coffee."

It would have been nice if the nearest bar was one that catered to the college students but no, it had to be a bar where some of the bikers had gone... She had only been there once and had left quickly when she realized how rowdy it had been.

Walking up to Hannah and Monica, Sarah made a face, "Hey...can one of you finish up for me tonight? Please? I'm exhausted and didn't get much sleep last night..."

One of the newest patrons yelled out, "What the fuck does it take to get some coffee over here?!"

Monica spoke up, "Only if you take their drink orders."

With a hard sigh, Sarah nodded, "Fine..."

A few moments later, Sarah served up the table, "Here's your coffee guys...one of the other's will be over to help you when you're ready to order." She kept her voice light and hopefully free of irritation.

Luckily, she was able to serve their drinks and then escape them without having to put up with any of their drunkiness remarks. With that, she grabbed her bag and headed out the front door... lucky her, she had to comeback in 8 hours to pick up a few more shifts for the week if she wanted to make rent.

Sarah was so lost in her thoughts she didn't realize one of the guys from the last group was following her.

 

[BeachBum25]

Stephen watched as the waitress walked away. He finished his food and coffee. As he was getting his money out to pay the check, he realized that the waitress who served him would not be around for him to tip her.

He looked back for the waitress, and saw her delivering drinks to the loud-mouthed customers that it seemed like she was trying to avoid when she was at his table. Stephen saw her leave the restaurant after taking the drinks to the table.

He got up from his table intending to to follow her outside and give her a tip, when he noticed one of the guys get up and follow the waitress outside. That wasn't good. Stephen followed them both outside. He wanted to make sure she was okay, in addition to making sure she got her tip.

 

[zydrate]

Sarah had been walking a good 5 minutes when she could sense someone behind her. Usually she was a lot more aware of her surroundings and most nights or early mornings, there wasn't anything to worry about but this time... carefully she reached into her bag and pulled out a personal taser.

She was coming up on her street to her apartment and that's when she felt someone grab her arm and then try to take her bag! Sarah screamed and tried to yank her bag back to her. Her taser dropped in the struggle but she didn't noticed because the next thing she knew, a pain seared across her face and she cried out in pain... that asshole slapped her! That only pissed her off as she leaned down to bite him.. her last resort to stop him...

 

[BeachBum25]

Hastings trailed the guy at a safe distance. The guy wasn't real good at noticing someone following him. In fact, the only thing he was probably good at was being a piece-of-shit thug.

Stephen moved quickly when he saw the guy grab her purse. When he saw the guy slap the waitress, he struck. Stephen hit the guy in the throat, which made him go to his knees. While the thug knelt there, Hastings asked her if she wanted a shot at him.

 

[zydrate]

"Hell yeah!" Sarah said as she balled up a fist and pulled back to punch the guy right in his mouth. Pain shot up her own arm but she ignored it as the guy fell back and she finally looked at the guy from the diner.

Shouldering her bag, she stepped back, "Thanks...how did you know?"

She wanted to ask also why he was following her but really, she was just grateful he was and helped her out.

 

[BeachBum25]

"Well, I was heading out of the diner and I wanted to make sure that you got your tip. I saw the guy get up and follow you out, so, instead of intervening in something that I had no idea about, I just followed. For all I knew, he may have been someone you knew. I just wanted to make sure."

He handed her the money for her tip, and turned back to where the thug was laying on the ground.

"You go ahead home. I will wait for the police and tell them that I saw someone come to a woman's rescue, but they both took off."

 

[zydrate]

She took the money but felt guilty for doing so. Sarah was going to tell him it was OK but after what he did, she didn't want to insult him.

"Thanks..." she looked around and shook her head, "No, the cops around here..." she sighed and pulled at his arm, "Come, let's just leave him, I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Let me at least offer you a drink at my place." It was the least she could do.

 

[BeachBum25]

He resisted at first as she pulled at his arm. He didn't want her to get in trouble, so, he thought about just staying there. Stephen reconsidered when he thought about her comment about the cops around there.

"Okay, but it really isn't necessary for you to offer me a drink. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Just trying to make sure you got your tip."

He thought to himself... "why are you resisting her offer to go back to her place. You find her attractive... just go.. it isn't like anything will necessarily happen. she is just a nice person."

"I will walk you home to make sure nothing else happens. It is the least I could do at this point."

They walked away, quickly, leaving the guy on the ground... still unconscious.

 

[zydrate]

"Great!" She threaded her arm through his and quickly led him away from the scene. Sarah dared to glance back and saw the man...yeah, they were in trouble...

The walk to her place was pretty quiet but they managed to talk a bit along the way. When they got to her place, Sarah unlocked the door and turned to Stephen, "Are you sure you don't want to come in?" She waved into her apartment, "I could get you a water or something...."

Why was she doing this? She had only met him a couple of hours ago and he was a customer... a customer who came to her rescue.

 

[BeachBum25]

"Hey. It is okay. I am just glad you are okay, and I am glad you are home."

He didn't want to do anything to freak her out. It seemed like she was having a change of heart about having him in for a drink.

"I will stop on the way home and grab a bottle of water. I have to get up early tomorrow for my new job, so, I should be heading home. Take care. It was nice meeting you."

He turned and headed out onto the street.

 

[zydrate]

He left so quickly that Sarah didn't bother stopping him. She only sighed before shaking her head and locking her apartment door. She wondered if she was too forward and hoped he didn't get the wrong impression of why she wanted to invite him. It really was only for a drink.

***

The next day, after about the same amount of sleep as usual, Sarah found herself in the middle of lunch rush. She was extremely busy, going from table to table, covering for one of the other girls who had called in.

Perfect. Lunch was always the worst time to cover but in the end, Sarah didn't complain since it meant more money in tips...

 

[BeachBum25]

Stephen reported for work on his first day. He showed up 45 minutes early. That came from his military training. He was of the mindset that... if you are early, you are on time..... if you are on time, you are late..... and if you are late, don't bother coming.

He got his instructions from his supervisor, who was surprised to see him there so early, and Stephen was out on his route, before most of the other drivers had arrived at the depot. He was sure that some of them would be pissed at him, but he didn't care. He was happy to have a job, and he was going to do the best job he could.

He enjoyed the interaction with people as he made his deliveries. It really had his blood pumping. He felt like he was alive for the first time since leaving the Corps. Yes, there had been many times in which he questioned his decision to leave.

At lunch time, he decided to go to the little restaurant he was in last night and get a cup of coffee. He didn't have a lot of money left, and there was no source of funds until his first paycheck, so, he would have to make due with coffee for lunch.

He walked in, and went up to the counter. He ordered a cup of coffee. He looked around, but didn't see the waitress from the night before. He had to admit, he was a little disappointed.

 

[zydrate]

Sarah's break was shorter than usual today. She had taken a small walk to clear her head and just to get away from the noise of the lunch rush but when she got back, it was just as noisy. Oh well, it didn't matter. Work was work and it was something she was good at so she took it all in stride as she grabbed a few plates that were ready for delivery.

After the delivery, she followed up on a few tables to make sure they were doing OK before she passed by Stephen, "Hey there, just coffee today?" she asked as she got a few items cleared away from the counter before wiping it down.

 

[BeachBum25]

"Oh, hi. Wow. You didn't get much time off before you had to be here."

He looked down at the coffee in his hand. "Yea, first day on the job. Gotta make the few dollars I have left stretch until my first payday. That isn't for two weeks. So, I figured I would get a coffee to keep me going through the day. You know... caffeine in my veins."

He looked at her and smiled. He was careful to keep his eyes on hers. he didn't want them to roam and have her think he was a perv.

 

[zydrate]

Sarah shrugged as she refilled his coffee, "Yeah, well, bills to pay and crap like that," she said, returning his smile. She could tell he was trying not to check her out...that made her feel good, he was a nice guy after the other night.

"How are you liking the new job?" She wrote something on a ticket and sent it back to the kitchen before placing some more cream packets in front of him.

 

[BeachBum25]

"It's a job, and it pays the bills. I am tired of worrying about juggling bills from month to month. This will let me pay my bills and not have to worry.

He nodded when she poured more coffee into his cup. "Thank you very much." He took a dollar out of his pocket and gave it to her. "That is for the extra cup of coffee. I will get your tip the next time I come in.

He turned to head out. He turned back to her. "Have a great day. I will see you again."

 

[zydrate]

It had been a couple of weeks since Sarah had seen Stephen, but then again, she hadn't worked the lunch shift as much as before. She had taken the earlier breakfast shift instead lately seeing as how she was always up early and the fact that she had made rent for this month.

Tonight, she was going out with some of her friends she had made at the diner. They were going to take her to a club downtown so she dressed up in a pair of leather pants and a green tight fitting top. She wore her long, dark hair loose and wore little make up. By the time they all reached the club, it was packed and the line wrapped around the corner but luckily one of the girls she was with knew the door man and that caused a few groans from the ladies in line as the group moved pass them and into the club.

One inside, Sarah made her way to the bar and ordered herself a drink. It was time to relax seeing as how she hadn't been able to do so in a long while...