The Phone call

Chapter 8 : The phone call

The diner was a small, cozy place tucked away on a side street. It wasn't glamorous, but it paid the bills. Jane entered, her apron already tied around her waist, ready for the rush of customers. She quickly got into the rhythm of the job, serving meals with a forced smile, taking orders, and wiping down tables.

A man in a business suit caught her attention as he finished his meal. He smiled at her, handing her a tip with a wink. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make her feel appreciated, if only for a moment. She stuffed the tip into her pocket, then hurried to clean another table, trying to get through the night as quickly as possible.

When her shift finally ended, Jane rushed home, knowing she couldn't afford to waste time. She had to study. She had to make sure she wasn't a failure.

She entered the small apartment and immediately headed to her room, where her study table was set up. She sat down, opening her Economics textbook to the first chapter. The words on the page blurred together for a moment as her mind raced. She couldn't stop thinking about the day. The whispers, the stares. But she forced herself to focus. She couldn't let herself slip.

As she reached for her phone, tucked into her backpack, it buzzed on the table. She froze for a moment, her fingers hovering over the screen. Who could be calling her at this hour?

She stretched out her hand, the curiosity gnawing at her. The phone's screen lit up, and she quickly glanced at the caller ID.

It was an unknown number.

Hello she whispered in low tone trying to figure out who it was on the line, "it's me" the caller said.

"That voice" Michael!, she shouted. How are you he asked, I'm alright, Jane said breathing heavily from the shook that it's actually him.

I saw a pretty good restaurant by the corner on my way back from work, would you like to hangout?

She pauses for a while wondering if she was day dreaming. Helllloooo! Michael's voice kicks her back to reality, yes! . I asked you a question would you like to hang with me?. A voice in her head "ohh I'm not dreaming ". Yes I'lld love to

Michael chuckles ok then I'll text you the details of the arrangements, bye. Jane begins to pant, "what's he going to say,?" "why does he want to meet up? ". She remains hopeful believing that the meeting might in some way be positive.

She returns back to studying.