Chapter 4: The Diner

*

It's been almost two months since the incident. Most of the money left behind by my parents were used for their burial and Charlie's treatment and now I barely had enough for myself but if it was to keep my brother alive then it was worth it. 

I eventually decided to take up part-time jobs just to scrap up money here and there, but there was only so much I could do with what I was getting.

I was whipping down a table when I heard the bell from the diner's door, being one of my many part-time jobs. I watched as a group of girls loudly walked in and made themselves comfortable in their regular booth. 

I sighed as I looked at Mandy behind the counter, immediately our eyes met she vigorously shook her head as no one wanted to deal with the set of over privilaged brat.

I walked over to the counter picking up the pad and pen Mandy set out for me as she mouthed a sorry. I took a deep breath as I mustered up the mental strength to handle these girls.

"Hello, Welcome to One Bite, where one bite is all it takes to get you back here. Now, what can I get you ladies?" I said the same annoying line we had to say to every costumer with a smile on my face.

And as expected, they all bursted into a fit of laughter, laughing at what I had just said as one girl spoke.

"Don't you feel embarrassed saying that lame line, I mean the food here isn't even that good?" she said in-between laughs.

"It's diner policy, now, can I get you girls anything?" I asked again with a more forced smile.

"Yeah, you could get a bowl of self-respect for yourself, don't worry we'll handle the bill." Another one said and they erupted in another fit of laughter.

I was already in edge and these little girls think they can come in here and say stuff that doesn't even make sense. I was about to give a fitting reply when I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I looked back and saw Stacy, the owner and manager of the diner, she gave me a light nod to step back as she spoke to the girls.

"What seems to be the problem here ladies, aren't you ready to order?" She said with a simple smile.

"Nah, having fun at this old lady's expense it much better than the food here." She said giving her friend a high-five.

"Well then, we do not condole this kind of behavior to our staff here, so it’s either you eat or you leave at once.” I watched as Stacy spoke to those girls with confidence. Honestly I would have smashed their faces in.

I have this feeling that ever since my parents left, I’ve been more violent lately, I guess as a form to release the anger bottled inside me.

“Em, we are valuable customers to this dump of a restaurant, you should be lucky to have us here. As a matter of fact call you manager out right now. We won’t tolerate such low standard service here.” one of the girls said. But Stacy only laughed.

“Oh sure, I’ll call the manager, please wait, oh yeah, I am the manager and also the owner of this dump so that also gives me the right to kick out whoever I want. Now doesn’t it?” I could hear giggling behind the counter. To be fair, it was also hard for me to contain my laughter too.

Anyways the girls looked at each other with shock and fear written all over their faces as there picked up their bags and proceeded to leave the diner without any further questions. 

Immediately they left the diner, we all bursted into a fit of laughter as Stacy took a deep breath of relief.

“Thanks Stacy, that was incredible, I mean if it were up to me I would be mopping the floor with all their faces. But you handled the situation with skill.” I said standing behind here.

“Like, you actually had me going for a minute. I almost felt sorry for those girls, but they deserved it. Right Stacy?” Mandy added.

“That’s boss to you Mandy. And I just did what I had to do as manager of the diner. I definitely won't stand aside and watch an employee of mine be disrespected like that." Stacy said with a sense of pride.

We were laughing so hard that we didn't notice the next costumer that came in but immediately Stacy noticed him, she cleared her throat signaling us to get back to work.

I walked over to him, got his order and continue the diner's daily business.

It was 8:30pm, time to call it quits at the diner. I wiped the last table as Mandy cleared all the dirty dishes, Stacy was locking up her office as she gave us both our wage for the day.

"I left a little something extra for the troubles of today. Have a good night ladies and lock up properly." Stacy said walking out the door.

After a while, Mandy and I were ready to leave after sharing the tips we got today. We both waved each other goodbye as we both went out separate ways.

Usually after a night like this, I would head home, soak in a hot bath and head straight to bed, but instead tonight I went to a place I could always let off steam. My boxing club association.

Even though I had dropped out of school, I still kept in touch with the association members since my only access the club was through them and that way I could vent out my anger legally.

I took a cab and and in 30 minutes I got to the gym they regularly used for their club activities. I got down from the cab and made my way to the gym. 

As usual I was welcomed by the stench of men and sweat all together, but I was use to it by now. 

"Yo, look who's here fellas, it's Adi. Couldn't resist my charms I see." Mark said immediately I walked in.

All the guys turned around and greeted me as I made my way to the workout area.

"In your dreams Mark, nevermind that, never in infinity." I replied him dropped my bag next to one of the benches.

"Knock it off you two." CJ said as he  walked in.

"Never say never sweetheart." Mark said as he went back to lifting his weights. I shook my head then went to the locker room to get changed.

"It's been awhile, I thought you wouldn't come back." Tony said immediately I came out of the locker room.

"It's just been a week Tony, stop being such a sad sock." I said patting on the big guys shoulder.

"So, what's it gonna be today, CJ." I asked getting some stretches in so I wouldn't be stiff in the ring.

"Get those stretches I good, cause we're gonna be working on your bodybuilding next." CJ said to my disappointment.

"But I already work out alot, what else do I need to build." And the next thing I knew I was on the ground. It was so fast I didn't even realize it on time.

I looked up and in my face was a flyer, I sat up and took the pice of paper from his as o read it out loud.

"Come one come all for the biggest fight of the century. This is to invite boxers, Martial artists, kick boxers and what ever fighting style you have to offer to the biggest tournament of all time. Rules to register, you have to be +18, you have to belong to a dojo or association, and finally have your own fighting style unique to you. Prize money $5,000,000..." I stopped reading when I was the prize money.

I looked up to CJ to see if he was playing with me, he gave me a reassuring smile and nodded his head.

"My source informed me that the tournament would be held next year, to give the participants enough time to train. Look I know you're in a situation right now and I would like to help you get ready as best I can, that money can help both you and your brother. But not while you're still like this, you're barely strong enough to withstand my attacks, I promise everyone here is ready to help you. So, what do you say?" CJ asked stretching out a hand to me.

I looked around and everyone was looking at me smiling, I looked back at CJ and nodded.

"When do we begin." I asked and from that day I had been going through intensive trainings and fights too.

Sometimes I was even made to fight members from neighboring associations just to test my skills. But my world came crushing down 6 months later when I got the news that totally destroyed me.