The Last Six

Finally, when the last group had left, I began to lock up. The clock beamed its neon digits, which read 2:47a. Yet again, my shift was ending a little late today, but that just meant more money. I emptied out that cold pots of coffee and my hands off on my greasy black pouch, which jingeled with that nights tips.

I pressed open the door leading to the Smoking Section. Walking in, my eyes began to twar up. A thick cloud of gray smoke hung close to the ceiling, so big thjat it dimmed the lights. This was always the most popular section, and it seemed that everyone who was in here tonight smoked about a pack each. It was disgusting, but I had been working in the smoking section since I was hired, about 3 and a half years ago. I worked about four or five days a week, so I was pretty used to it in here. In the back roomI could see my boss, Henry Collins puffing away himself.

I could feel myself begin to cough and I tried to filter out the noise with my hand, but the attempt failed miserably, and Henry came rushing out to check the racket.

"Oh, its just you."he said. By then tears were streaming down my face and it felt like my lungs were on fire.

"You still coughing kiddo? You should go get that checked out, it doesnt sound to healthy." I nodded at him. "I will when I get a chance, sir."

"Listen, youve been here since about 3:30 this afternoon, and its almost three in the morning. Youve had that nasty cough for quite some time now. I want you to take the weekend off. Go see a doctor."

"Thank you sir, but really, I cant affo-..Im okay sir, really."

"With pay."

"Im sorry?" I asked, confused.

"Take the weekend off, with pay. Go see a doctor Ashton. Take as much time as you need and dont come back without a doctors note. If you do, your fired."

He smiled but I knew he meant it.

"Good night, sir."

"Good night Ashton."

I grabbed my coast and started walking home. I couldnt wait to change ou of this uniform, it made me feel like a cheap waitress. The typical black skirt and white button up blouse. My hair was greasy, though i had just washed it that morning, and I smelt like a mouldy ashtray.

I was exhausted, and sore Walking up the driveway, I could see the tv on, the news was blaring out of it. I opened the front door and saw mom asleep on the couch. The car was gone, so I assumed that my dad was still out with Danny, my older brother. I could see a hunk of silver on the table. Mom had saved me dinner.