Stories and ruminations of the grey man

chapter 2 part i

Chapter 2
I was snapped out of my memory by a new comer to the breakroom. I looked at the clock and realized that my break was over so I cleared out and returned to work. I took my spot back making sandwiches and I quickly lost myself to flow of food and orders.
My mind was now able to wander free. So much has changed since those simpler days. I was my own person, not yet beaten down. My inner demons still were repressed. That was the affect of Mary. I wanted to be a good person, moral and upstanding. Shed brought that out of me.
Since then I have been worn, and as soon as the light goes out, the dark is there to take its place. Its always there a constant reminder. The grey man is a terrifying instrument. Because they don't stand out, they can be used for all things involving stealth. They are assassins, spies and saboteurs. They are wolves in sheep's clothing. That is how I am. I have done what I can to suppress the demon that I am to still do some right in the world, but I will eventually fail.
I will fail
My manager comes up to me as this thought echos in my mind.
'Son, your shift was over a half hour ago.'
'No it aint, I'm scheduled til 130 bossman' He gave me a sick look before he walked away.
'Shift is still over. Get out of here'
I looked at my phone. 2 am. I just grinned to myself. It's amazing they still keep me here. I clocked out and walked to the gas station next door to pick up some milk. I walk up to the register to pay and look at the cashiers nametag. Not that I needed to, but she still was borrowing a coworker's nametag and I figured thatd be a good conversation starter.
'Been alright Ashley?'
'***. Stereotypical as can be. Seen me naked and sill aint know my name.'
'Sorry lady, I figured youd just changed your name since your name tags read Ashley for the last 2 weeks. By the way, I want you to know you're the first person to get my name right today.'
She just rolled her eyes and rang up the milk. 'So you and your roommate still ***ing.'
I just grinned paid and walked out. 'Still looking lovely as ever Sara. Always a pleasure.'
Poor Sara, still mad over the how we'd ended up. We're civil though so I'll take that as a plus. Sara was a bit of a project for me. We'd first met at the gas station right at 2 and a half years ago when she first started working there.
After a night of drinking and smoking my roommate and I stormed in the place looking for roller food.
'Come on Karma, show Bubba some love.' I hated it when Johnny called himself that. And it was starting to stick too.
'Bubba, you've seen Earl how many times and you still can't wrap your head around what karma is.' I replied to my overly inebriated roommate.
Sara was working the cash register that night and it was her second shift. She wasn't in any way ready for us. Johnny stormed around the place looking for good knows what, I just went to get the roller food. I made for the register to pay when Bubba knocked over a small shelf.
'Pick your shit up man. Poor lady already gotta deal with your obnoxious ass, might as well try not an leave a mess ya idjit.' I turned around to see a stone pale Sara. 'Sorry, you'll have to forgive him. I'll clean up whatever he doesn't.' She still looked ghostly so I just made small talk.
She was new to the town, finally deciding to move to the area after a string of abusive boyfriends. This sent up a red flag immediately. Looking at Sara I could tell she was a curvy beauty. She was skinny, but she wasn't skin and bones. By the way she stood slightly hunched and her arms in front of herself, I could tell the string of abusive boyfriends had taken its toll on her.
'I ain't one to take advantage of people, so I aint want to take you wrong by this but if you ever need a friend or if you need to talk lemme know' I said as I handed her my phone number. Alcohol always hits me an hour after I finish drinking, and I tend to be overly friendly and empathetic when it hits. Any other time I wouldn't have said anything. But also any other time, Johnny wouldn't be calling out hoping for the roller food to call him back.
I apologized and dragged Johnny out of the shop. We walked home that night. Johnny took my hotdog since he couldn't find any food.
The next day, I got a text from an unknown number. It was Sara and she wanted to meet up. After trying to shake off the hangover, I woke Johnny up and then got out of bed. Damn, I was glad I didn't have to work that morning. I made breakfast and tried to remember my schedule to set a date for Sara.
Sara and I met for lunch a few days later at a waffle house. We'd made to order and I got stuck on her order. She'd only wanted a single egg.
'Dag miss. Did you go and spoil your lunch?'
'No, I just don't like to eat a lot.'
'Makes sense.' I had her in a spot I was familiar with. This wasn't my first time as therapist.
When the food came out, Sara and I began to eat. She finished quickly while I took my time with my food. We were conversing about life, work and philosophy when I noticed her eyes drift over to my plate. I started to grin.
'Your still hungry I can tell. You want some?'
'I'm on a diet I just didn't want to admit it'
'Why are you on a diet? What weight do you have to lose?'
She was left speechless. I pushed the remainder of my waffle to her.
'Skinny girl like you don't need to diet. Eat. You can't live if you don't eat.'
She took the plate and finished off my waffle. She apologized for taking my food and eating so much. I shook off the apology and told her not to worry.
'Same time tomorrow work for you? How about IHOP?' This took Sara by surprise. A simple sure was her only response.
Work was work and the next day I met Sara. She seemed abit more comfortable today than she did yesterday.
'So you aint gonna deprive yourself today are ya?' A small smile crossed her lips. She ended up getting a normal and was able to eat most of it. It was definitely a step in the right direction regardless.