THREE

It has been a month since Steph and I went to the club and I was finally done with the semester's exams. I still have one more week due to my assigned project and I'm done with school. I can finally graduate and then start my internship as a doctor.

We were already at the beginning of summer, making the weather so hot and working as a per-time worker as a waitress in one of the most popular restaurants, V°I°P, didn't make it easy at all. I could feel the sweat gathering under my white shirt; my forehead needed constant wiping; and I was pretty sure my makeup was a mess at this point.

" Normani, table six and nine please"

" Coming right up, Mrs. Smith," I said as I smiled at her, which she gracefully returned. She is the manager and a very good and kind one, which makes both the workers and the customers love her.

I walked into the kitchen to meet her as she gestured to four plates that were lined up on a stainless steel surface. I managed to balance all four plates on my hands, and I walked over to the kitchen doors and walked backward.

I set the plates down on the second table and wiped my clumsy palms on the front of my apron. I turned to see Selena, the restaurant receptionist, welcoming and directing a couple in. I smiled when I saw they were regulars. They were given a seat. I grabbed my notepad from my apron pocket and walked up to them with a smile on my face. I flipped the notepad to get their orders.

" Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Welcome to VIP. What can I get you today?" I asked, still with a smile on my face.

" Hi Mani, you look good today," Mrs. Williams said, smiling back at me.

" I doubt that, but you, on the other hand, look breath-taking. Any special occasion?" I asked

. "It's our twentieth wedding anniversary," Mr. Williams answered, taking his wife's hand in his and placing a soft kiss on the back of her hands as they both smiled at each other lovingly.

" That's wonderful. Congratulations," I said, admiring their love and wishing for a love like theirs.

" Thank you, I will like the steak and chips with your best red wine," Mr. Williams ordered.

I jotted it down and turned to look at Mrs. Williams for her own order.

" I will have the same as John," she said.

" Okay, coming right up." I went back to the kitchen to place their orders and took a little bit of a break before sending one of the male waiters to deliver their wine.

As exhausting as the job might be, I loved working here. I have been working here for four years and it has helped me through my tuition and feeding.

" Done."... Ashley, one of the kitchen staff, says.

I placed the plates on my hands and carefully walked out.

" Here you go," I say, as I lay the plates down on both sides of the table.

" Thank you," the couple replied simultaneously.

" Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Have a wonderful night."

I left the couple to their dinner and walked to the empty table with plates on it as I tidied it up. I usually tidy up the tables before I go home.

While doing my chores, I looked around the people in the restaurant. Some of them were couples, businessmen, and families. A family consisting of a father, mother, and daughter appeared in my sight at the far end of the restaurant, close to the windows. They were laughing happily, ignoring the hotness of the weather.

It was a happy moment, but at the same time, painful for me. My mind drifted back to my family.

I miss them so much.

After I finished with my chores, I went to the locker room to get my things and change out of my uniform into my own comfortable clothes, which consist of a sweatshirt and jeans. I know it's hot, but I feel more comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans. I took out my phone to check if there were any messages or missed calls and saw five missed calls and one message all from Steph. I unlocked my phone and checked the message. Due to the exams, we haven't hung out properly.

Besties: Heyy Mani, I'm, planning on going to Club Violenta with a couple of friends. Are you interested.

Me: Not really. I'm tired and would like to get some sleep. Maybe next time

Besties: Okay, I will probably be gone before you get back.

Me: Okay, have fun, but not too much fun.

Besties: can't make any promise?.

I locked my phone before placing it in my bag, not wanting to forget it.

I said goodbye to my co-workers and Mrs. Smith before walking out of the restaurant.

It was not unusual for me to go home at this hour and I wasn't scared. I didn't bring my car because it wasn't far from my apartment and I liked the night walk. It was not that dark as I walked towards the direction of my apartment, praying not to encounter any perverts.

I was almost close to my apartment when I felt these feelings again. It felt like someone was watching me and it had been going on for a month. I told myself that I was just being paranoid but I just couldn't help it. I looked behind me, but there was no one there. Someone was following me, but I just couldn't see the person. He didn't hurt me, he just watched without doing anything. But still, I always make sure to quicken my steps .

Safety first, right? Just because he isn't doing anything doesn't mean he isn't dangerous.

I continued walking again, faster than before, and still couldn't shake out the feeling. I sighed when I saw my apartment across the street.

Before I could cross over, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around and found myself crashing into a brick.

No... no. Not a brick, but a man.

" Hello Bella, I think I have waited long enough," he says, looking down on me. I don't get a chance to reply before I feel the prick of a needle against my skin and just like that, I was out like a light.

His eyes were the last thing I saw.