****

****

____

_____

I managed to get through the day without saying much, or little to nothing. I'm pretty sure my teacher from yesterday went on around to warn them. I tried to be productive, and both Ryan and Shawn managed to keep me entertained within the class. I just needed a few days to get through this jam, I needed my music. 
However, with a shift tonight, I managed to finish half my essay. But it was due tomorrow, so instead of leaving it uncompleted. I made it within myself to try and manage both the restaurant and the notebook at the corner of the bar.

Getting there was it not too crowded, and Joe allowed me the good ten minutes in before finally ended help around dinner time. Especially with the people eyeing my bike, taking a cigarette break right beside it. "They're still eyeing it, Blake." Chuckling, pull off the little four plates at a time while maneuvering around the counter to a family. Two children who more than a handful, so I gave them another sheet to color on. Hopefully distracting them enough for the mother and father to get a conversation or two in.

But that's when the smell of smoke just permeates the air. Out of politeness did I not stare, for they weren't regular costumers. And we're obviously the ones eyeing my bike. They make their way at the back of the dinner, right near my homework station before looking up the menus. "You got them?" She asked, and that was the first time she's questioned whether or not I could handle them. Instead, I just nodded in response. 

They were in my area, not hers, it's only fair. I cannot dodge the odd people of the town for much longer. So going on over to them, did I hold on out my mini notepad before asking them the simple question. Starting with the same intro over and over again, my cheery attitude had made the bold one chuckle. His smiling widening as he just continued to sheer a laugh. 

"Come on sugar tits. No need to be prissy with us. We'll take 'ound."
Not needing to write anything down did I just go on back behind the counter, opening the little fridge we had on over here across from the large soda dispenser and grabbed a four. Popping the lids off of them before going on over, placing them to each. Letting them get settled in for most of them were still looking at the menu. 

"Obnoxious bunch should send them to the bar." I chuckled to Joe beside me, readying up a plate with a side of mayo. About to head on outdid the one who chuckled on towards me call me over, so delivering the one plate to the lone costumer in the opposite end before making my way on back.

"What can I get you boys?"
"I'll have a cheese burger."
Plain and simple, and it was the same most of the way. Others held different types of burgers, but instead of sending me on the way. Did the one closest to me, make a grab for my ass. Quick to shut it down and shove the back end of the pen in his face before leaving. "I'll handle them. You go and get your homework done." Dropping off the ticket to the belt of orders, was I about to question it. But her finger snapped up, sighing did I go straight to my little station. Having to switch sides to the metal sink. Their banter was enough to send me off my train of thought constantly, and seeing as they were trying to wave down Joe. I just faced them, leaning against the bar. "What's up?" "'nother round sugar tits." The man with the deep cigaret accent called on out, finishing his third drink. I had the idea.

Popping off the cap did I set them down, where already two others laid for each of them. And they haven't finished their meals. "Have to cut you boys off from here. Bars open across the street soon." "Aw babe why you gotta do that to us." Shaking my head and walking on off did Joe nick her head to the other table in her area. Tonight was fairly busy, I just hope I'm not working the bar tonight. Needing a good night sleep is one thing. But getting out a midnight with a paper to finish and type on up is another. 

"Sugar tits! 'nother 'round." The man shouted, turning around did I shake my head to the man. Trying to take the order of an elderly couple, asking them to repeat and only getting halfway through it did that man decide to make his way across the dinner to talk to me. "Just one more each, won't 'cause no more trouble." My quick over to the owner showed no bounds. "No can do." 

Allowing me to get back to the two people at hand, until his hand pushed me to face him yet again. Making me stumble half a step backward, but that just angered me all the bit more. I didn't back up any more than that, instead. I took a deep breath in and stomped right back up to him. "No. Can. Do. Sir." I said, gritting my teeth, just an inch away from his face. His chuckle rumbled through his body, before sitting back down in his seat. Joe went on over to talk to them, even before the said man could make it back. The elderly couple were a bit shaken up, but I offered the specialty and they seemed distracted after that. 

With nobody left except the redneck group and a few loners, did I see the bar becoming packed as all hell. Sighing as I couldn't get my ideas onto paper, where giving up until I get home was the only option. As the four men rose from their seats, I saw one writing on the recipe. His eyes glanced up to meet me, a greeting wave me. Before his hands met his back pockets to walk on out. 
That was quite a different reaction I would have thought for pissing off the group of them, so rounding out. Refilling the lone man's coffee cup before going to get the tip and the receipt. Did I read a very sloppy 'sorry' and a decent tip from that given group of people. 


Heading off home, was the bar just pumping. Joe asked already knowing the answer for tonight, but when I went on home. I still had the money and recipe still within my jacket pocket. He didn't have to do that, especially when the guy was excused as drunk. And now that I thought about it, he seemed younger than them...
Did I serve alcohol to a minor?

Fuck. I am so fired. Fuck.
Crumpling up the receipt did I throw it at the window, having it tumble down underneath my desk to be forgotten about until I clean back up. But I was still nervous, too nervous to finish my essay correctly. 

Just bullshitting the rest was what I was known for, it wasn't that big of a deal. Only History, not like it was the field I was going into anyway. So off to bed I went again, trying to subside any and all things from before. 

*

The mindless walk from the barn to the house was just what the entire day felt like, letting my jacket fall with my bag at the front door beside my shoes. Did I plump onto the couch, waiting for mom to ask me how school was. And if on cue did she do it, but her coming into the room did I smile and hold a good thumbs up into the air for her not to worry. But she's just worried all the time. "Are you working tonight?" Nodding did I slump my head back down into the darkness before rising back on up, fixing my hair behind me to level with my mom. Mickey pitched together his hands to be held by me, and he giggled with content as I offered to take him for a moment. 
Mom ran the moment he was within my care to get a picture, at first I was confused. Wondering why in the world she would do this when I hold him at least once a day. 

"Michael wants pictures of everyone. Thought we could send him a little photo album this year." I smiled and nodding for the fact that I loved this idea. So I pulled my little brother closer to me, and with his arms around my neck did he smile in clear joy. Not knowing what was going around you must be wonderful. But I wouldn't wish that upon myself now, there is too much going on in my life at the moment to look at a career path than to pity myself now. I can drink what my heart contents later, this weekend even. 

It was however hard to think about working in the bar tonight when all I want to do is get shit faced. But I guess there is a little bit of self-control, still doesn't fill the ache at all. Finding time in between classes and in Psych, pieced it together quite nicely and handed it in handwritten. They can take away points for it, I don't care. I finished it, it's all over. 
Just the inner thought of my teacher spreading the news about Micheal's departure makes me a little unease, because now it is affecting more work and studies.

Mom still doesn't know about the job at the bar, and I am going to keep it that way until otherwise. So I began to get dressed, all while studying for an upcoming test. My long sleeved green shirt buttoned up halfway. Made my outfit complete, along with skinny jeans and tall boots. There was some event going on, and they needed extra hands to set up. So if the late shift and different outfit isn't a catch on, then I guess she'll never find out. 

Grabbing my jacket and running out of the house with a quick kiss goodbye on my mother's cheek was all I had to offer her. I'd be home at twelve or later tonight, and I honestly didn't wish for her to wait up for me. 
Planning my lie of 'running late, big mess' as a ready text to her. I think I'm all set to have this large distraction take up one day of the week. Parking on in the back did Frank nod towards me. The bodyguard who grew to understand my role here. 

I only make drinks, don't make it public that I'm a drinker. 

But seeing most of the workers fixing the barstools down, or just cleaning, stocking. A mix of everything, so I went on over towards the pool table. Cleaning it down like the four other ones around here, we each have a job to do. My list is just the little activities that we offer here.  Even by then, did we finish just in the nick of time. 
For people became busting on in just as the clock ticked at five, people just getting off at work, meeting their buds. Or knowing we are open at this time. Already was I waitressing, serving and making drinks. Never did I realize a Wednesday night be so crowded.
"Well if it isn't Miss Sugar tits...Thought you worked across the street." The voice seemed so familiar, and when I looked on up from slicing a lime. Did I see the man once again, the one who tried to cause a scene at Joe's. "What can I get you?" "Regular stein. Celebrating tonight. Can I get you something?" I chuckled, stopping one order to get a tall mug and fill it on up for the man leaning over the counter. Making sure to tilt it did the man nod at the technique I was using. 
There were open servers everywhere, he didn't need to come and greet near me. I wasn't giving free booze on out, and I ignored his question. The age gap was obvious. "Haven't seen ya around before." Sliding his stein onto the wooden top above, did he take a seat on down. Guess he was alone for the moment, might as well enjoy the said company. "Yeah. Moved here couple months ago." He scoffed into his drink, making me wonder what I said to have him react that way.
"There ain't nothing here princess."
"Family is." He titled his head in agreement again, assuming that is the only reason he is here as well. But I don't find this place that particularly bad, especially when I've been in worse towns than this. "You military or somethin'?" At first, I was confused, but once Michael's dog tags came into view, I understood his curiosity. Shaking my head did I pass on off the glass to the waiter that crowded around my new friend here. 
Who was still here, talking to me. Watching me make orders and function behind the counter. "No friends tonight?" He shook his head, so as he finished off his drink. I took it instantly. "This ones on the house." The man seemed shocked, he's the first one to make a decent conversation with me, and I can't use the 'free drink policy' here. So might as well pass it off to this fellow here. "Didn't have to princess." Shrugging did I leave for a kind minute to grab a few bottled drinks and pass it over to Jessi as she followed through on said order. "Got a name, or should I keep calling ya-" This could go many ways, and I think it's funny. Since he bumped up his voice from being a dick, to kinder. "Too young for you." He slumped his fist under his chin, another sigh earned by the man. 

"Got some attitude in you girl, caused a shitstorm for your boss?" Explaining that everything was alright, but not mentioning the nice tip by the last man who stayed in the restaurant. Didn't want to rat him out. "Merle." Smiling up, did I throw my hand on over the counter. "Blake." He took it into a grip before letting me get back to my work. But he still had half a stein left, and the night was still young. "That bike outside yesterday-" "Careful what you say next. Might offend me." Merle's laughter rang forward, he caught the owner red handed. Making me chuckle when his drunken mind made him throw up his hands. "Brother had a lot to say about it." Again, I was probably too young for anyone at the guys from yesterday. So I let that comment slide. "Alright sugar tits, I'm gonna head on out. Thanks for the beer and a good celebration." To be honest, I was confused on what he was celebrating on. Before he managed to get onto his feet did I pop the question. "What were we celebrating?" "My release from jail!" His drunk voice drove in and out throughout the whole conversation, but up to this point. Did it just shine on through, his wide smile was contagious over on towards me, until he went on off did Jessi swing by yet again. "Who the hell was that?" Looking over to her, was I going to ask her the same question. Assuming of her being here longer than I have, would've guessed that he came here sooner. "Was going to ask you the same question. Merle? Ring a bell?" She shook her head and resumed her position on this end of the counter, it was a decent night more or less. The tips were fantastic, saving up for...I don't really know what at the moment, but it might  be better to have the money than need it.

My shift ended, and I packed my jacket just incase. And it was a good thing, for it was colder than I imagined it would be. Luckily the stereotypes for this bar is jeans and a tshirt, or in my case. A long sleeved one.

Even with the double layer do I still feel the breeze as I race on home. I know it was late, but I did not want to suffer walking my bike all the way to the barn, so I sped on down the gravel road and made sure to do it quickly and as quietly as I could. 

Locking up my bike and everything, did I race into the house, breathing into my cold hands. God I need to find some gloves. But to my biggest surprise, no one was awake waiting for me. Not one single soul. That's when I remembered Michael is overseas, mom is probably dead sleeping, as is Mickey. And either Jarod is still up and not bothering to greet me, or vise versa. 

Taking my shoes off outside, gave me leeway to make it through the house without much of a creek due to my tip toe up the stairs and hoping movements. Opening my bedroom door did I switch on the lights and began getting dressed for bed, again. Was the heat way too high in my favor. Making me go for a tank top and shorts, before heading off to bed. 

I couldn't wait for Saturday.

_____

Date Posted: 12-31-17 // Time: 3:39
Word-Count:2958

______