Madison

I would search for her if I overheard somebody around discussing cooking a Shirley Temple. There was only one person I wanted to see, the lady who always ordered the same drink, even though the weekends were always crowded and full of all types of people.

It was usually too hectic to even attempt to start a discussion with her, so I hardly even knew her name. Even though I really wanted her to pay all of her attention to me, I was aware that she had other responsibilities.

The guy she shared her Shirley Temple with changed every time she came by, unlike the drink, which remained the same. I first believed that she was just going out with a buddy like normal people would do on the weekends. But after a number of weeks, I understood that she wasn't interacting with the strangers out of friendliness. She wasn't simply hanging around there.

Every time she went out, she was on a date.

Every time I saw a new guy after I had discovered it, fear would overwhelm me. What I dreaded would eventually occur. I would never see her again because one of them would take her away.

Every weekend, she came back to meet someone new despite the terror that had set in. I could only take so much consolation. I should have abandoned the name tag right away and sat next to her before another idiot could take it. They were all ignorant individuals. Could everyone possibly have missed what I did? They must not have known what they were missing.

I just had to listen in on a couple of her dates to find out that she went by the name of Jane. She cherished her Snickers, a calico cat. She cares for the children she works with as if they were her own. I was drawn to her because of the little things about her. Without her even realizing it, she had my heart.

I would willingly go to whatever lengths were required to offer her anything she desired.

Even after all this time, I hadn't even spoken to her due to how busy my work sometimes be. If not for her last date, that moment would have been the same as all the others. I wouldn't have had the push I needed if he hadn't abandoned her.

Every time Jane arrived at this location, she would seem ecstatic and cheerful. She had hoped that one of them might work out, but happily none of them did. That is, up until "Mark" appeared. I want to experience what it would be like if those eyes were directed towards me rather than at him as she was staring at him. Would he be the one to swoop in and steal her? I was aware that this man was unique. just not in the manner in which he ultimately manifested himself.

He had the gall to leave in the middle. The only reason Jane had a fresh expression on her face prevented me from tracking him down and convincing him of his recent error. One thing I never expected to see on her delicate countenance.

It had a sorrowful, completely defeated expression.

This time, not even a client thrusting cash in my face could stop me from approaching her. I wished to never see such anguish on her face again after just briefly seeing her grief. Before I knew it, I had swiftly whipped up a drink for her and was finding myself serving it without thinking. I didn't give a damn if Bill got mad because I was giving out a free drink.

To bring back a smile to her full, beautiful lips, I would do everything.

Even though I didn't use the chance to express my feelings to her, I should have since you never know when you'll have another chance.

However, she made me an offer that I could never have imagined coming my way before I could even consider how to phrase my confession. I had never heard her propose hooking up with any other male seated next to her, but she wanted to do it. I was at least startled by it. She seemed to be in pain and wanted someone to divert her attention. There was no way in hell I could refuse her, even if I was just some random dude she met.

I would finally get the opportunity I was searching for. I could demonstrate to her what it was like to be in a loving relationship. Let her know how much I valued what she had to give. That was precisely my plan.

I believed I executed it perfectly. Evidently, I was mistaken. I was certain she was gone when I woke up the next morning to discover the seat next to me was vacant and chilly. I figured she would have been exhausted after a restless night of exploration and discovery long enough for me to make her breakfast. Being an optimistic guy, I was more than let down. Since I had no method of getting in touch with her, the only way I may see her again would be if she came to work.

Nothing would stop me from telling her how I felt, even if she was with another guy. I was tempted to be greedy after having a taste of her. Nobody else was allowed to touch what was mine.

I believed my strategy to be perfect, then something unexpected occurred. My biggest nightmare came true—she never showed up again.

My alarm went off, but I had no desire to get out of bed. The early hours were never comfortable after a late shift the previous evening. I coerced myself out of my bed because I knew I had to do it. I dragged my feet out of my room and walked slowly over to Eva's.

I yawned and opened her door to see that she was slept just as soundly as I was. We both winced when the light was turned on. I yelled at her, "Princess, it's time to wake up," in the hopes that she would easily do so. She was, however, too much like her father and resisted until the last end. I moved approaching her bed knowing what I would have to do.

Her eyes were tightly shut as I got closer, despite the slight grin on her lips. One thing, I was certain, would wake her up earlier than any alarm could. I grabbed the blanket and yanked it off of her body. You're asleep, are you sure? I questioned her in an effort to give her one final deterrent before I moved in.

She was grinning more and I could see that she knew precisely what I was about to do. I didn't hesitate and bent down to start tickling her. Her eyes opened instantly, and she began to claw at my hands in an effort to stop me while giggling loudly.

She eventually gave up after a moment. She struggled to regain her breath and said, "I'm awake!"

I pulled myself away from her while grinning triumphantly. "Exactly what I was hoping to hear! Now, how about getting ready for school while I prepare a meal? I proposed as I saw her stoop from her bed.

She nodded her head while flashing me a worn-out grin. I ultimately left her room after making sure she wouldn't attempt to slip in a few more minutes of sleep and went to the kitchen to see what I could find.

There were certainly drawbacks to being a single parent, but there were also benefits. Eva worked with me the most of the time, despite her occasional tendency to be a pain. It was worth it every morning, even if I didn't get enough sleep to take care of her requirements. She also never complained about having to consume frozen waffles repeatedly. She was really simple to win over.

Just because it was convenient, I would chose cereal today. She wouldn't complain, knowing her. Simply put, I felt awful for her instructor having to cope with her sugar high.

In the end, it wasn't a concern of mine.