"So, that's the school. Are you riding the bus or is someone picking you up?" I ask the new guy.

"I'm riding the bus. I think I'm riding bus 23." He answers and my eyes widen.

"Do you live on North Walnut Street?"

"Yeah. How do you know?"

"I didn't. We live on the same street."

•+•

The weekend is finally here! And I am stuck at the diner on a Friday night yet again.

I sigh and wipe a few tables down. The door opens and the bell to the diner rings. I glance up to see a small family walk in. I walk over to the table they sat at and wait for them to order. There is only me and another girl besides the cook, that's why I am taking their order. The other girl is running the drive thru. I look closely at who came in and see the new kid from school.

He looks away from the menu to me and he smiles. "Hey, I know you."

I nod my head. "What would you like to order?"

"The hamburger combo."

"And what to drink?"

"Coke?"

I nod and write his order down. I turn to who I assume is his mom. "And what would you like?"

"I want the chicken sandwich and a water." She answers and smiles.

I nod my head and smile. I write it down and turn towards the little boy. "What about you?"

He shys away from me and hides behind his mom.

"How about some chicken tenders?" I ask him and he nods his head. "Alright, I'll bring it to y'all when it's done."

I give the cook the order and he starts making it. I walk back over to the table.

"Can I ask you something ma'am?"

"Yes," she says with confusion.

I lean down to her ear. "What is the little boy's favorite milkshake flavor?"

"Chocolate. Why?"

"Is it okay if I make him one?"

"How much will it cost?"

I stand up straight and smile. "Nothing. So, it's okay if I do?" She nods her head.

I go back over to the counter/kitchen area and start making the chocolate milkshake. After I finish making it and the food is done, I bring it over to them.

"Hamburger combo with coke," I set it in front of Zayden. "Chicken sandwich with water," I set in front of his mom. "Lastly chicken tenders and a chocolate milkshake for you," I set it in front of Zayden's brother.

His eyes light up at the milkshake. "This is for me?" He asks.

I nod and laugh a little.

I go back to cleaning the tables and floor silently.

"Miss?" I voice asks from behind me.

I turn around and see Zayden's brother. "Yes?"

"Thank you," he says and lifts his arms up.

My eyes tear up and I pick him up. "You are very welcome." I walk over to his table and smile. "I think you lost a little boy."

His mom shakes her head. "No one is ever lost, only wondering a different path." She says and stares for into space. "Jace loves to explore anyway. Don't you, Jace?"

"Yep!" He grins and looks at me. "That milkshake was really good by the way."

"Thanks," I smile. What did she mean when no one is ever lost?

"Well, we better go. I got to get Jace to bed." His mom smiles and I set him down on the floor. They start to walk away when Jace stops and turns around. "What's your name?"

"Lillian. Have a good night, Jace."

An hour later, I walk out of the diner and start towards 'home'.

I hate walking at night. It's too dark. At least there are street lamps. I always feel like someone will kidnap me or something. I would listen to music, but I could not hear if anyone came up to me.

A light inside a house suddenly comes on ahead of me and I stop dead in my tracks.

What if it is a drunk or stalker? I could probably out run a drunk but not if it is a guy who is fit and works out at the gym.

I start walking and as soon as I'm beside the house, the door opens.

"Lillian?" A voice calls out.

How does it know my name?

"It's me, Zayden."

I sigh in relief. "Geez. You really know how to scare a girl."

"Sorry. I wasn't trying to." He says and chuckles.