Emma

"Mom, I'm hungry." Henry shook my shoulders. I opened my eyes. "Henry, please just give me five minutes." "You said that the last time, mom." I sighed, and sat up straight. "Okay. I'll give you something to eat."

Ever since Bae left me I been working two full time jobs as a waitress and a maid in a nearby motel. When Bae was here, things were a little easier. We had our little apartment, spending time together - eating by the television set (stolen television set), joking around, and sneak out to the movies every time the land lord knocks on our door. But Bae left us, he felt that he needed to change his life. How I grieved for him. And hate him at the same time. I still carry the same grudge.

I tied my hair up in a pony tail, and forced myself off the bed. I walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge. I took out the two to go boxes. I placed it on the kitchen counter, and took out two dishes out of the dish washer. Henry sat on one of the stools by the kitchen counter. "You brought leftovers again." "You know that's all I could do for us." "Yeah, I know." I gave Henry a sad look. I turned around, and opened the to go boxes. I poured the cold scrambled eggs and bacon on the two plates. I picked them up, and heated the plate in the microwave. I walked back to Henry's side. I wrapped a arm around his shoulder. "How was school?" "Good. By the way did you know that that yolks from the egg could increase the risk of heart failure than cigarettes? I learned it from my health teacher." I brushed Henry's hair with my fingers. "I'm sorry, Henry. I'll try to make things better." "I know you are trying mom. Sorry I said that." "It's okay." Ding! Ding! I dropped my arm and walked back to the microwave.

I opened it and removed the two hot plates quickly. I placed it on the kitchen counter. Henry got out of his stool, and returned with two forks. He handed me one. "Thanks." I stroked the scrambled eggs, and blew on the steamy meal. "Henry, I have to work another hour in the diner today. So call me when you get home, and make sure you lock the door and the windows." "I will mom. I thought today was your day off?" I took a bite of scrambled eggs. "Change of plans. One of the girls had a last minute emergency, and I was asked to take her place." Henry just nodded and ate his breakfast in silence.

~ After Henry got ready for school, we walked down the street. I held Henry's hand. The school bus waited by the next block. Henry and I rushed over the block. Once we got there, I bend down and straightened Henry's clothes.

Small holes are shown visibly on his shirt and jeans. I sighed sadly. Henry looks a little thinner, and tired. I gave him a quick embrace, and gave him a light kiss on his head. "I love you, Henry." Henry pushed me a little. "Mom, your embarrassing me." I gave him a weak smile. "Sorry. Now run along. You don't want to be late for school." Henry nodded, he turned around and walked toward the school bus. Before he took a step forward, he faced me in a quick move and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. I smiled as I watched Henry rush inside the bus.

I took another long walk to the 24 hour diner - The Shells. Once I arrived, I rushed inside the diner. I walked inside the employee lounge. I removed my purse and my coat. I unlocked my locker, and placed my things inside. I tightened my ponytail, and slammed the locker shut and locked it.

My long hours in the diner are described in two words - it sucks. I envy the customers sitting on their booths, comfortably enjoying their meals while I'm busting my butt off - carrying dirty dishes, trying not to slip on the wet floor, forcing a fake smile every time my boss comes out, and trying to run away from the other employees who wants to request me to take over their job from the following week.

My calves and shoulders ache terribly. I spend my lunch time talking to Henry on the phone, and chewing a piece of gum to silence my growling stomach. Its ten a clock. I pushed a cart carrying cleaning products, and began to clear the dirty tables. Ruby, one of the waitress in the diner, came up to me. "Hey, Em." "Hi Ruby." "How are you doing?" "Terrible. I have to stay here for another hour. Apparently, Belle had a prep class to take for her university." Ruby rolled her eyes. "Why does she work here if she's always busy?" I wiped the table. "Don't talk nasty about her, Rube. She's a nice girl. She just needs extra cash along the way." She released a sigh. "How is Henry?" "Honestly, not that good. He's getting thinner than me. I worry about him every minute. Is he okay? Is he hungry? Did a burglar break in our apartment? Is the land lord visiting my apartment to collect the rent? My life is really tangled." Ruby placed a hand on my shoulder. "Em, you really need a break." I wiped my hands on my apron. "A break doesn't exist in my life, Rube." I pushed the rolling cart to the next dirty table.

As I picked up the dirty plates, Ruby suddenly squealed. I lifted my head. A group of college boys began to harass her. A blonde head boy grabbed her wrist and pulled her close to him. I marched toward them. "Hey boys. This is no club. Let go of her." The blonde boy released Ruby, and she walked away quickly. The blonde boy winked at me. "What's your name cutie?" "Kid, just eat your meal. I'm way too old for you." "I'm legal." I turned around and returned back to cleaning the table. Ruby stood by the cashier stand. She mouthed "thank you" in mute. I gave her a nod, and continued back to my work.

That wasn't the first time I saved Ruby. Harassment and complaints from customers really pushes me to the pit of despair.