Wiping the sweat off my brow, I slung a rag over my shoulder after cleaning what had seemed to be the millionth table this shift. After the day I'd had at school, I picked up a double shift at work in order to distract myself. Now, my mind was preoccupied with the new task at handâtraining the new busser, a girl named Jayla. I had been assigned the responsibility by my boss, who apparently trusted me enough to show her the ropes.
"Hey, Jayla! Over here," I called out, motioning for the girl to join me at the front of the restaurant. Jayla scurried over, her brown eyes wide with curiosity and nervousness.
"Okay, now that the manager's finally gone, I can actually show you the ropes," I said, glancing at Jayla. Her dark eyes grew wide, a mixture of surprise and excitement flickering across her brown skinned face.
"Most of us workers do things we're not supposed to. Little shortcuts and tricks to make the job easier. But this stays between us, okay?" I said.
She nodded eagerly. "Of course, I won't tell anyone."
I nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Well, for starters, you can tie your hair back if you want. No one actually leaves it down unless the manager's around."
"Oh, thank God," she sighed in relief, immediately sweeping her long butterfly locs into a ponytail. "Why does he insist we leave it down?"
"He thinks it looks more attractive to the customers," I rolled my eyes. "Personally, I think it's unsanitary."
Jayla giggled at that, before eagerly following me as I grabbed a stack of dirty plates and walked to the back of the restaurant.
"Over here is where you put the dirty dishes, but try not to let Ricky catch you."
"Who's Ricky?" she asked in confusion.
I didn't need to answer the question, for just as I placed the stack of plates at the sink, a short and tanned man wearing a dirty apron came hobbling over.
"Dios mÃo, here you go giving me more work to do," the man pretended to faint.
"That's Ricky," I cast Jayla a pointed look. "He's the dishwasher, but he gets mad whenever he has to clean dishes, even though that's literally his job."
I purposely said the last part loudly, causing Ricky to roll his eyes.
"Hijo de puta," he spat as he angrily began to scrub the dishes.
"Thanks," I cast Ricky a dimpled smile before walking away.
"I don't think he was complimenting you," Jayla grimaced from behind me.
"Trust me, I know," I chuckled. "The more unbothered you act, the more angry he gets. Look at him, he's practically turning into a tomato!"
Indeed, Ricky's cheeks were violently red as he continued to cuss me out underneath his breath in Spanish. Jayla and I giggled at this.
"Wow, you're way cooler than I thought," Jayla admitted as we walked out of the back, looking relieved. "I was nervous you'd be uptight, with how smart you are and all."
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion flickering across my face. "What makes you think I'm smart?"
Jayla bit her lip, and her voice was laced in embarrassment. "Well, um, I've seen you around at school, Daisy. You and your group are pretty well-known."
My mouth popped open in surprise, and a pang of guilt hit me. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you go to Oakland High."
How had I never noticed this girl before? I prided myself on being observant, but I guess I had been too absorbed in my own world lately.
Nonetheless, Jayla wasn't remotely offended by this and waved me off. "Don't worry, I wouldn't expect someone like you to know meâI'm only a junior."
"What do you mean, someone like me?"
Jayla giggled. "Well, you're kind of a badass. I mean, captain of both the debate team and cheerleading team? Those are like, the complete opposite things. Plus, you've got this amazing friend group, a fine ass boyfriendâI even heard you're in the running for valedictorian. Your life is just so... perfect."
I was dumbfounded. What ever happened to Crazy Daisy? Was this really what people thought of me now? I hadn't even realized that my reputation reached beyond my own circle of friends.
"My life isn't nearly as perfect as it seems. I mean, you've heard the rumors, haven't you?" I skeptically questioned.
"What, that you killed someone?" Jayla asked bluntly. I hesitantly nodded. "Of course I've heard the rumors, hence why I called you a badass."
I stifled a laugh of disbelief. "Right, well, still. My life's not as perfect as you think. One of my best friends currently hates my guts, and my boyfriend and I aren't really on good terms right now."
"Is that why he's entering the diner right now?"
"What?" I squeaked.
"I said, is that why he's entering the dâ"
"I heard you the first time," I quickly replied, just as a familiar figure caught my attention through the glass door.
True to Jayla's words, Elias was walking right into the diner, disheveled hair ruffled by the spring breeze. The small bell above the door tinkled as he walked in. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes darted around the diner until they finally locked onto mine. Meanwhile, I stood frozen in my tracks, utterly surprised by his presence. The clatter of plates, the laughter of the customersâall the noise of the diner faded into the background as we locked eyes.
"Table for two?" Elias' deep voice cut through the air once he stood before us.
Jayla gulped and nodded as she stared up at Elias, looking quite nervous. I wasn't all too surprised by her reaction. He had a natural talent of both awing and intimidating a person all at once. Thankfully, I was immune to his effect, and with a huff, I snatched Elias' bicep and dragged him over to an empty booth in the corner of the restaurant, away from prying eyes.
"Woah, I like it when you handle me rough," he smirked, eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Yeah, yeah," I rolled my eyes, causing his smirk to only widen. "What are you doing here?"
"You haven't answered any of my calls. Or texts."
"That's because I've been working. How did you even know where to find me?"
"Your mom."
I cast him an incredulous look. "Is now really the time to be making yo momma jokes?"
Elias snickered. "No, D. I mean, I went to your house and told your mom what happenedâthat you ditched school and no one could find you."
"You mean, you snitched on me?" I crossed my arms.
"I wasn't snitching, I was just worried," he rolled his eyes. "So, I asked her if she knew where you were."
"I can't believe you were stupid enough to go see my mother on your own," I murmured, for we both knew how irrational my mother was.
"I prefer to use the word brave."
"Right," I chuckled, before adding as an afterthought, "I bet my mother didn't even care, when you told her I was missing and all."
Elias appeared thoughtful for a moment. "No, actually, she seemed pretty concerned."
My eyebrows raised in surprised at that. Before I could ask further questions, Elias sighed. "Look, D, I never wanted to make you mad."
"I'm not mad, Ellie," I interrupted, much to his surprise. "I've been thinking about it this entire shift, and... I get it. You were just trying to protect me."
He looked relieved and nodded. "I was. Daisy, after everything you've been through, I know you're a strong girl, and you don't need anyone's protection. It's just... I know what it's like to have people say things about you... about what they think you did."
I looked at him curiously. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well, when I got sent to juvieâ"
"You were in juvie?" my eyes bulged out of their sockets.
"Well, yeah," he replied as if this were entirely normal, "I thought you already knew this."
Now that I thought about it, I recalled that at the beginning of the school year, I had heard rumors circulating about the boys being arrested in the past. However, that's exactly what I thought they wereâjust rumors.
"What were you in for? When was this? And, what about Malcolm and Andre? Did they get locked up too, orâ"
"Look, I promise to answer all of your questions later, but let's not change to topic here," Elias interrupted, looking a bit flustered.
"Okay," I hesitantly eased, before glancing at him earnestly. "I get that you were just defending me. But from now on, no more secrets between us, or going behind each other's backs."
Elias' eyes flickered, and for a moment, he appeared strangely... guilty. However, I convinced myself that it was just the light playing tricks on me, because by the time I'd blinked, his face was back to normal once more.
"Deal," he cast me a lopsided grin.
The sight warmed my insides, and I bit my lower lip to refrain from smilingâan action which caused his eyes to darken.
"I should get back to work," I blinked after we stared at each other for a bit, standing up from the booth.
"What time do you get off?"
"Not for another hour or so," I grimaced.
"Perfect, I'll wait."
"Whâyou don't have to! I mean, we've got school tomorrow. Aren't you tired?"
"I don't have to do anything, D," Elias chuckled. "Don't worry about me. I'll just sit here, have a coffee, and when you're done, I'll take you home."
I attempted to fight off a smile. "That's really not necessary. It's just a bus ride home. I'll be fine."
Despite my protests, I was secretly relieved. My car had been malfunctioning for a while now, so I'd had no choice but to take the bus to work. However, to take the bus back home this late wasn't exactly ideal, especially on this side of town.
"I'm not going to let my girlfriend take a late-night bus ride all by herself. You never know who's out there," Elias said. Wow, how sweet. "Now get back to work, or I'll call your manager and have him fire your ass." Never mind.
With that, I went back to work, feeling a warm sense of anticipation knowing that Elias was waiting for me. It felt like years had passed by the time the clock finally struck the end of my shift.
After changing out of my uniform in the back, I bid Jayla a warm goodbye and promised to look out for her in the hallways at school, before eagerly approaching Elias.
"Ready to go?" he inquired while standing up.
"No, genius, I only clocked out and changed my clothes for fun," I smiled sarcastically.
He cast me an equally sarcastic smile. "Just for that, you can walk home."
I stuck out my tongue. Despite our banter, I felt a sense of contentment that made the world seem just a little bit brighter. We walked out of the diner hand in hand, the cool evening breeze enveloping us.
After making our way towards his sleek black vehicle, with windows so tinted it was probably illegal, he held the passenger door open for me before heading around to the driver's seat. Just as he started the car, my stomach let out a monstrous grumble.
Elias practically roared, delighted at the look of embarrassment on my face. "I don't know what was louder, your stomach or the engine."
"Hey!" I punched his shoulder. "It's not my fault. I've hardly eaten a thing today."
Without another word, he seamlessly changed routes.
"Where are we going?" I asked, confused.
"My place," he replied. "You're not going to bed hungry. I'll whip you up something to eat."
I almost protested, but my stomach grumbled again at the mere thought of Elias' cooking. Plus, he had that certain air of determination which he only exuded when he refused to let anyone get in his way. With that, I accepted defeat and allowed someone to help me for once.
*****
"Really, Ellie, where'd you learn to cook like that?" I questioned in disbelief. "Those are the best tacos I've had, like, ever."
Elias chuckled at my dramatic statement, before grabbing my plate and heading for the sink. I leisurely followed after him, leaning against the kitchen island while sipping on my glass of water.
"Well, my mom was always too sick and too tired to cook for the twins and me, so I usually took care of it," Elias replied while turning on the sink and washing my plate. I watched his tall figure in interest, admiring his defined back muscles. "Besides, who else would step up to the plate? My dad?" he snorted.
I giggled. "Right, can't exactly do that from six feet under."
Elias froze after my words, causing me to immediately regret saying anything.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that," I immediately straightened up, feeling horribly guilty. "Gosh, I'm such an idiot. I forget not everyone's comfortable joking about things like that."
"You're not an idiot. And, don't be sorry, I'm not offended," Elias clenched his jaw and looked down. "If anything, D, I should be the one that's sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
His Adam's Apple bobbed up and down as he gulped and opened his mouth. I never quite got the chance to hear what he wanted to say, because I suddenly gasped as a flicker of orange caught my attention.
"The stove's on fire!" I exclaimed, moving to pour my glass of water on the flames.
However, Elias acted swiftly, grabbing my wrist just in time to stop me. "No, don't pour water on it!" he warned, grabbing a nearby kitchen towel and smothering the fire.
"I completely forgotâwater makes grease fires worse," I chuckled in disbelief and placed a hand on my heart, which was still pounding from the adrenaline rush. "Gosh, what would I do without you?"
A playful glint sparked in Elias' eyes as he retorted, "hmm, I don't know, die?"
I laughed and pushed his shoulder. "I'm serious! Thank you, Elias. For everything."
At the beginning of the year, I practically jumped at my own shadow. I let kids like Anthony Miller and Heather Addams walk all over me because I figured I deserved it. But then, Elias got Miller kicked off the football team and reduced him to nothing. He forced me to apply to college. Paid my bills off for me when I had no money. Never judged me after finding out my past. In a way, Elias had saved me.
Elias' smile faded at my words, and his eyes had a far off look. "Don't thank me, Daisy. Maybe I gave you a little push, but the truth is, you did it all on your own."
I disagreed with him. If it wasn't for him, for all of themâMalcolm, Chelsea, and even AndreâI wouldn't have survived senior year. I was certain of it. They were more than just friends. They were family.
Without even realizing it, our faces drew closer. The air was charged with longing and intensity, until finally, our lips collided in a passionate kiss. With emotions running high, we offhandedly stumbled out of the kitchen and towards the living room, our hands interlacing as we made our way towards the couch. I didn't quite know how, but Elias wound up hovering on top of me, his thin gold chain dangling over me. My curly hair surrounded my face like a halo, meanwhile he gazed at me with a look of pure, genuine adoration.
"I love you," he seemed to murmur without even realizing it.
"I love you, too," I whispered.
"You said it back," Elias pointed out, revealing a shocked yet happy grin.
"Y-Yeah," I smiled back after a moment, "I guess I did."
We stared at each other with happy grins for a bit, and began to make out again. It felt different this time. Now, my love for him had been proclaimed, and it was out in the open, unable for me to deny. The tranquility of the moment was suddenly shattered by the unexpected chime of the doorbell.
Elias and I pulled away from each other, our breaths labored as our eyes met in surprise.
"Who could that be at this hour?" I whispered, a hint of concern tugging at my heart.
"I don't know," Elias answered with a frown. I noticed a flicker of unease in his eyes as he disentangled himself from my embrace and reluctantly got up from the couch. "I'll go check. Stay here."
"Okay," I replied, sitting upright.
I watched his tall figure exit the room as I traced my soft lips with a smile. It was then, that I realized I'd never said those words to anyone before. I love you. No one had ever made me feel like this. So... blissful. A quiet giggle unintentionally escaped my lips. I love Elias. And Elias loves me.
I began to play with the tips of my hair, admittedly feeling impatient. What was taking Elias so long? I wanted him to come back. To hold me and kiss me again.
"Get a grip, woman," I murmured to myself.
A few seconds passed, and then I heard his voice.
"Are you fucking deaf? I said leave!" Elias harshly shouted.
I gasped at his words and immediately stood up. Who was he talking to? Curiosity got the better of me, and so I began to cautiously exit the room.
The dim light from the living room barely reached the entrance, but I could make out the silhouette of a manâa man who bore a striking resemblance to Elias.
If I wasn't mistaken, he looked just like the man in the family portrait that was hung up in the hallway. However, that couldn't possibly be the case, because the man in that photo wasâ
"How dare you speak to me like that?" the man snarled. "I'm your father."
My heart began to race. No. It couldn't be. Elias would never lie... not to me.
The older man pushed past Elias and stepped into the house as if he owned the place. It was then, that the man noticed me standing at the other end of the hallway.
"I didn't know you had company," the man's demeanor changed. He appeared more poised... friendly.
Elias quickly turned around, and his face dropped once he realized I'd been standing there.
"Daisy," he quickly said my name, face covered in guilt.
I'm your father.
The man's previous words echoed in my ears. It couldn't be true. I must have misheard, misunderstood. But as the man stepped forward, into the light, the truth became undeniable. It was Elias' father, alive and well.
"Father?" I quietly repeated. "You... you told me your father was dead."
"Dead?" His dad laughed. "Is that what you've been telling people these days?"
"Stay out of this," Elias clenched his jaw and looked down. "Would you give us some privacy, dad?"
"No, that's okay," I scoffed in utter disbelief, "I'm leaving."
I quickly stormed down the foyer and breezed past the two. As I walked through the grand door of the house, I was nearly trembling. It felt like I'd been the victim of some horribly sick prank, and Elias was, well, the prankster.
"D, wait!" Elias ran out of the house and caught up to me, voice laced in regret. "I can explain!"
"Explain what?" I swiveled around, the night's wind blowing my hair back. "Explain that you lied about your father being dead?"
"He's as good as."
"No!" I shouted back, before taking a deep breath. "I just... I can't even... I don't understand. What kind of sick person lies about something like that? I-I thought I could trust you."
"You can," he roughly insisted, reaching out a hand to caress my face. However, I sharply moved away.
"No, clearly I can't," I snapped back, tears welling in my eyes.
"I'm sorry," Elias clenched his jaw and painfully put his hand down. "I never wanted to hurt you. It just... it seemed easier to lie to you than to let you in on all my fucked up family drama. Believe me, I tried telling you the truth. But every time I did, I got interrupted. And the longer I kept up with the lie, the harder it was to come clean."
All the times I comforted him about his deceased father. Related to him. None of it was real.
"All I'm hearing are excuses," I rapidly blinked, but it was no use. The tears were already streaming down my face. "You're a liar. And I hate you."
"You don't mean that," Elias chuckled.
How could he possibly find humor in a moment like this?
"I do," I stepped back. "We're done."
Elias' face dropped. "D, pleaseâ"
"It's Daisy," I coldly cut him off.
He took a step backwards, as if my words physically pushed him away. I could see his face harden, as his walls came back up. The walls I'd worked so hard to break down.
"Fine, Daisy," he looked down and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Will you at least let me drive you home?"
I didn't bother to answer the question, as I was already walking away. Away from him. Away from us.
*****
QOTD: ketchup or mayo?
AOTD: ketchup
Hey guys! I know it's been a while since my last update. My life has literally been crazy this past month. I graduated high school a few weeks ago!!!! After that I went on a grad trip with my friends, and haven't had much time to go on Wattpad since then. Not cool of me, I know :( But I'm back and better than ever.
Looks like there's trouble in paradise with Daisy and Elias. Hope they make up soon. Any predictions on what will happen next?
Hope you guys are enjoying the summer! Don't forget to vote and comment, it means so much!
Love, Emmanuela
08/01/2023