Miles’ Awkward Dinner

  “Kya!" Ramona crashed again but Miles scooping her before she hit the ground. The people at the bar where he was working that night clapped at his bravery and quick thinking.

"Thank you," she mumbled as he righted her.

"No worries, my reflexes are getting a little faster," he teased as he let her go. He showed off the nonexistent muscle under his work sleeve. Ramona giggled as she began gathering ingredients to make a parfait. Suddenly, the doors blew open. Instead of a warm spring wind, came a frosty gust that made several people shiver. Miles went to see who it was, only to see a woman brush past Oliver and sit at one end of the bar away from everyone else.

Miles gulped before grabbing a menu and marching over to the patron.

"Hello, mother," he greeted as he set the menu in front of her. She glanced up at Miles over the rim of her glasses before glancing down at the menu.

"Miles. I did not expect you to be working so late," she commented as she picked up the menu by her fingertips to peruse the items.

"Restaurant closes at eight. I'll be home in time to finish my homework for the evening."

She nodded. "And take care of your animals as well?"

"Yes, mother."

She snapped shut her menu, passing it back to Miles.

"I'll have a cold green tea with the Curry Udon."

Miles returned to the counter, writing down a "Curry Udon," before passing the paper to Shasta. Shasta leaned over to look before returning to the kitchen. Miles began preparing the cold tea, used to his mother's odd requests the few times they had had dinner together. The last time was his middle school graduation.

Her presence depressed the atmosphere, everyone was speaking in hushed tones, even the staff. Miles could feel his hand shaking as he pulled out a tray, a smaller hand overlapping his. He looked over to see Ramona with a determined look on her face as she gripped his hand.

"You got this," she encouraged. She gave Miles' hand a final squeeze before taking a water pitcher to refill someone's cup.

Miles took a deep breath as Shasta set the Curry Udon on the tray. Miles took the soup and cup over to his mother along with a soup spoon. He was about to return to work when his mother spoke up.

"Have you heard from your sister?"

Mile could feel his mother's ice trap his feet, keeping him from either facing her or walking away.

"Why would I have heard from her?"

"She should have graduated last spring and started her residency. I'm surprised she didn't come to my hospital for her residency." The ice continued to creep up his legs, reaching for his fingertips.

"I don't know. Leigha never told me how medical school works."

His mother looked down at the bowl. "I suppose not, considering that you chose a different field than us." She took two chopsticks out of the container.

"One I'll succeed in." He pressed as the ice released its grasp on his hand.

"I hope so. Don't let too many distractions in." The ice continued its climb up his body and arms.

"Yes, Mother."

"The reason I allow you to keep this job is that it helps discipline you and teaches you useful skills. Don't let it become a distraction."

"Excuse me, ma'am," a new voice rang out, one Miles never expected to hear. A large hand clasped his shoulder, sending a warmth that freed him from the ice.

"You are distracting my employee; he has other customers he needs to attend to." Cyrus pushed him forward. The older gentleman taking the opportunity to get a refill on his hot tea.

"My apologies. I only wished to talk to my son."

"Please save that for off-hours. I pay Miles to serve, not chitchat." Cyrus crossed his arms as he stared down at the woman. She looked up at him over the rim of her glasses.

"I am glad to hear that."

She began eating, signaling the end of the conversation. Cyrus watched for a moment before turning back. He stood guard near the register, ringing up customers for the other staff members.

Dr. Sonata didn't say much else for the duration of her meal, which was fast. When she finished, she signaled for the check. Cyrus brought it to her, charged her card, and returned it.

"Thank you for the meal," she commented as she stood. She returned her card to her wallet before signing the receipt. She walked away from the manager, looking back over to Miles.

"Have a good evening, Miles, and please let me know if you hear from Leigha."

She marched out of the front, taking the frost with her. Once the doors shut, the diner resumed its chatty volume.

"Oh dear lord," gasped Cyrus as he collapsed behind the register.

"You alright?" asked Miles.

"No, that woman is terrifying. You and Sonata 2 grew up with that?!"

Miles shrugged, "She works all the time, so we don't see her. Dad is also out of town for work."

"I can see why."

Cyrus, using the bar for support, climbed his way back to a standing position.

"Can I go on my dinner break now?" Miles asked, feeling tired from the ordeal.

"Dinner break is good. Dinner break is fine," Cyrus breathed as he made his way to the office, using the wall for support.

"I think you took five years off his life," commented Oliver.

"He'll be fine tomorrow," commented Shasta, handing Miles a couple of curry pans wrapped in paper towels.

Miles sighed and poured himself a hot tea before heading to the break room to eat, drink and breathe. He set his items down before slumping into his seat. It seemed that his mother was still in the dark about Leigha quitting. Why, though, was a mystery? She used to be as cold as their mother, but less talkative and demanding. Her focus on a task made a room chill.

He went to take another sip of tea to find already his cup empty.

"Want a refill," whispered Ramona as she stood in the doorway with a pot of the leafy beverage.

"Yes, please."

She walked over, concentrating on her steps as she came up to him and poured the tea.

When she had lifted the pot, she spoke again, "You are handling better than last time."

Miles frowned, not exactly sure what to make of that.

"Cyrus did most of the damage control, and you helped too."

"I'm glad I could."

Miles smiled at her, Ramona returning the smile before leaving the room as slowly as she had come. This time was better because he had his friends. Last time it was Ramona. Before, no one. He could handle his mother if he was prepared. It was the surprise visits that unnerved him. He needed to figure a way to be more prepared if she was looking for Leigha. But it's not like she came over often, or would even go to Tormino's in the morning since he had never seen her before. Maybe he had no reason to worry. Possibly Leigha could handle their mother better. She had been the perfect daughter up until recently. Perhaps they understood each other better.