She wandered through the town still thinking of the boy. She wondered why he had helped her the previous night. She wanted to know but she never wanted to see him again because he reminded her of her lost friends. It pained her to admit it but her emotions were returning. She felt the pain that has been built up and she was scared because one person unlocked them in one night.
She dismissed the thought many times while she walked through the town looking for a good paying job. She walked into a restaurant that had a help wanted sign in the window. To her surprise she saw the boy that had given her a place to stay. He smiled and walked over to her. "Welcome to Ari's may I help you?” he asked.
"I saw the help wanted sign out front.” Murphy said.
"Ohh. Okay. So do you know anything about waiting tables?” he asked.
"Yeah." Murphy looked away from him.
"It’s not polite to look away when people speak to you." He said annoyed.
"Sorry. You just remind me of someone.” She said still looking away.
"You’re hired only if you look at the customers." He said.
"Thank you.” Murphy said.
"I'm Len. Welcome to the Ari's team." he smiled. "What's your name kid?"
"I'm Murphy." She said.
"Follow me and I’ll show you to the locker room. There's a uniform here." he said walking to the back. Murphy followed. "At Ari's waiters work in pairs since it is a romantic restaurant. My partner was fired a week ago so you'll be working with me. The Boss is really strict with who I work with because he's my grandfather so keep on his good side." Len said in a worried tone.
" Your grandfather reminds me of my villages elder." Murphy said remembering when the elder always scolded her for being friends with his grandsons.
"Here you go." He said handing her a skimpy little black waitress dress.
"I’m supposed to where this" Murphy asked.
"Yup! Grandpa likes us to look cute with our partners for the customers." he laughed.
Murphy looked at him like he was crazy.
"Lighten up. This job is fun.” He smiled.
"I think you're crazy.” Murphy said emotionlessly.
"C'mon give me a smile.” He laughed handing her the dress.
"Smiling is only for when you're happy. Why should I smile?” She asked.
"Because it's fun." He laughed and tickled her. For the first time in many years she laughed.
'How can he be breaking my barrier.' she wondered smiling.
He left the room while she changed. She came out of the locker room he immediately put his arm around her waist.
"Hey!" Murphy snapped.
"Hush. Grandfathers coming. Act happy." Len whispered. Murphy nodded and pretended to smile.
"Is this your new partner Len?" the old man asked in a rough tone.
"Yep. Isn't she just the cutest?" Len smiled pulling Murphy closer.
"Be good to my grandson. He's the heir to this place.” the old man said leaving. As soon as he was out of sight Len let her go.
"Isn’t she just the cutest?” Murphy mimicked him.
"Hey. Grandfather doesn't like me working with anybody. Says that I’m gonna get hurt by them.” He sighed. "Enough of this though. Lets get to work." He laughed taking her hand and leading her around the tables.