Deathspeaker

The restaurant was loud with the constant sound of chatter and dishes clanking. It was dinner time, the busiest time of the day, and there wasn’t a moment’s peace. Waiters and waitresses were constantly running back and forth from their tables to the kitchen. The smell of a freshly cooked meal wafted through the air. All the patrons were having a great time, having meals with their friends and loved ones.

Kellyn envied them.

Because that was something she’d never have again.

Her family’s death was still fresh on her mind as she did her best to put on a happy face and deliver food to each of her tables. Thank goodness for makeup because she knew she looked tired. She was tired.

Things hadn’t been easy since she left home. She had grown up in Fairview, New York. Lived there her entire 24 years of life. Now, she was completely on her own. In a new town, where she didn’t know a single person.

She had only been in Ned, Colorado for about a month. She was living out of her car but after tonight’s paycheck, she would finally have enough to rent a small but furnished 1 bedroom house. She couldn’t wait to sleep in an actual bed again.

“Kellyn, order up!” said the cook from the back.

The restaurant she was working in wasn’t very big. Nothing was big in Ned. It was a small town with a population of a little over 1000 people. It was exactly the kind of place she was looking for. A place to get away. A place where no one would find her.

She approached the window at the kitchen and picked up the meal. It was a double order of burgers and fries. Holding the tray carefully, she made her way through the crowded restaurant and to the table, where a happy couple sat across from each other.

“Cheeseburger and fries?” Kellyn asked.

“Here,” said the young man, who pointed at his chest.

Kellyn dropped the plate before him. Then placed the other plate in front of the girl.

“I was supposed to have a cup of ranch,” said the girl, in a snotty tone.

“Oh, right, sorry. I’ll get that for you,” Kellyn said.

“And a refill for my drink,” said the guy.

“Of course. I’ll be right back.” She picked up the tray and turned to leave. As she was walking away, she overheard the girl speaking.

“What were they thinking? Hiring someone that looks like that.”

Kellyn frowned. She did stand out in the small town with her pale skin, nose piercing, and her long dyed black hair. She had never been a very ‘colorful’ person. She often dressed in black or dark colored clothing. When she was a teen, she went through a complete goth phase. She guessed a part of her never truly grew out of it.

She had been given more than her fair share of stares in this small, rural town, where everyone knew each other. When a new person came to town, it was a big deal. It was an even bigger deal when that new person didn’t fit the standard look they were all used to.

But Kellyn wasn’t going to change her appearance. She had never been the type to conform and she wasn’t going to start now.

“Ray, can I get a cup of ranch?” she asked at the window.

“Here ya go,” said the cook. He was an older man, in his early 50s.

“Thanks,” she said, taking the cup. She grabbed a pitcher of soda and returned to the table.

“One cup of ranch and a refill,” she said. After dropping the cup on the table, she poured soda into the man’s glass. Neither the guy or the girl thanked her.

The rest of the night went pretty much the same. It was around 10 o’clock when the place started shutting down. It was 11 when she was able to leave.

“Here’s your check,” said the boss. He was a heavyset man and looked to be younger than Ray but not by a lot.

“Thanks,” Kellyn said. You couldn’t tell by looking at her but inwardly she was happy. If it wasn’t so late, she’d move into the house tonight. Unfortunately, she’d have to deal with one more night in the car.

As she stepped outside, she pulled her jacket tight around herself. It was much colder in Colorado than it was in New York. It was especially cold inside her car. She didn’t have the gas to keep it running all night.

Not liking being out, alone, in the dark, she walked briskly to her car and dropped into the driver’s seat, locking the door.

“You shoulda spit in that couple’s drink,” said a voice suddenly from behind her.