" Stop day dreaming, table four needs a beer" Mr Lee, my half American, half Chinese boss yelled over the loud old school music played by a group of teenage boys that called them self " the buzz".
The buzz? Funny right. I mean who named their band the buzz. But they were good. Really good.
" First of all, I wasn't daydreaming, and second of all. I should be on that stage now" I responded pushing my old sliver wrist watch in front of me Lee's face. He studied it for a while and groaned. " This isn't what we talked about"
Mr Lee narrowed his brow and stumbled toward the stage, while I got the beer ready for table four.
Walking over to the table I said to the two couples who for no reason loved to spend their Friday evening at the bar watching young people dance and do all nasty shit I rather not talk about.
" You ok Mrs Patt"
The old lady smiled dabbing at her wet cheeks. I could tell from her red eyes she's been crying.
" I lost Lulu to the flu" Mrs Patt mumbled and her husband handed her an handkerchief.
Lulu was a stray poppy Mrs Patt found on the street years ago. I couldn't believe the little dog who had come in form of an angel to the childless couple was gone.
" It like he knew he was going to die, sitting at her side all evening and finally joining the angels in her sleep" Mr Patt explained.
" Oh Mrs Patt, I am so sorry for your loss" I sympathize, reaching out to squeeze mrs patt wrinkle old fingers. She dabbed at her cheeks, and I left her to join Mr Lee who had succeeded to get the boys of the stage.
" I am never inviting them again " he complained bitterly.
" You say that all the time "
" And this time I mean it"
I smiled, picking up my guitar. I climbed up the stage, a few woo and yeah! Were enough to give me courage.
For that night, I had decided to sing a special song I had written the evening, and as I began playing the instrument and singing softly into the mic. The buzzs guys were watching me intensively, young couples flooded the dancefloor and Mrs Patt was smiling softly.
This was my life, this was what got me going, when I first came to the city, I had dreams, expectations. I was going to find a job, went to school of music and then pursue my career in the music industry, it definitely wasn't going to be easy, but I hadn't thought it would be so hard either.
" If you ask me, in my opinion,that dude got to be sued" Mr Lee was talking to Mr and Mrs Patt when I got out of stage hours later.
" You blessed us angel" Mr Patt whistled loudly.
" That was fabulous, it not the first time I have heard you sing, but Everytime it just amazes me" Mrs Patt complemented.
"Oh please Mrs Patt," I blushed heavily, turning my attention to Mr Lee.
" Let me guess. You are ready to leave"
I nodded and he pulled out some note from his apron pocket and handed it to me.
" Extra tips. Everyone seem to like the song. "
I smiled, counting the notes.
" Same time on Friday, hon"
" Same time," I responded. Left to grab my bag at the back of the counter and then I stumbled out the front door.
The air outside the bar was extremely bone freezing and my coat was hardly enough to shield me from it. I was eager with ever step I took to go home and relax in a tub of warm water, hot tea and a book.
Christmas was a week away, and the streets were covered in Christmas lights and decorations. Children were out tossing snow balls at each other and giggling about Santa's coming.
I Couldn't believe I had been just like them once, I had loved Christmas, but now, Christmas was just like any ordinary day.
The st family bakery smelled more of bakings than Christmas and as I worked in. I was instantly shoved into a tight hug.
" You won't believe it" my best friend and only friend, Clara Greene said finally letting go so I could catch my breath.
" Believe what?"
" This" she pushed her finger in front of my face, so I saw the huge diamond that sat on her digitus finger.
" He proposed" I gasped. Eyeing the massive diamond ring.
" About time"
" About time" I repeated, ignoring the growling in my tummy, caused by the smell of warm bakings.
I let Clara pull me to the closest booth and patiently listened to her narrate how her high school boyfriend, Jude Hensley propose to her.
" He was so smooth about it, taking me to our favorite spot and then taking out this ring while on his knees. Isn't it so amazing"
I nodded my head.
Mrs Greene, Clara's mom worked up to us then. " Hi, Desiree, how are you doing and your mother?"
" I am good, still trying to raise money for Mom's surgery, "
" Oh, I wish I could help "
Clara reached out and patted my hand. Giving me the " I am sorry, I only talked about my happiness when you are going through so much " look.
" I am good " I said hating the pity look.
" Good, there are some bread and cookies, please take them when you are leaving "
I nodded and Mrs Greene smiled and left to attend to a group of students who had just let themselves into the store.
" Tell me more " I said turning to face Clara.
" Ma, I am home " I yelled as I walked into the one room apartment I shared with my mother, It was dark. But I could see and hear my mom's soft breaths on the couch. I turned on the light, watching as she slowly stirred and opened her eyes. Smiling brightly.
" You are back, how was your day"
" Great. I made a lot of money, and Mrs Greene sent some pastries "
" That nice"
I made my way to the table where my piggy box was, I slipped the notes Mr Lee had handed me into the slot. "Just a few more to go and you can have your surgery mother"
Mom was silent and I could tell she's crying,
" Ma" I feel the tears gather up in my eyes.
" I am sorry, I am sorry you have to go through so much. You could use that money to pursue your music career. But...*
I move toward her. Putting my arm around her." But you are more important than anything, I promise, I'll pursue my dreams later"
I didn't know how long we'd sat there on the couch, crying, or how much my life was about to turn around and how unready i was, but ehen it happen. It happened so fast.