Where to go from Here

I want to go home

  Hwa-Young POV

I groaned as I was startled awake from the sound of my alarm clock ringing. Ugh why can't I just sleep in for once?! Once my mind cleared I remembered that I have to start my part-time job today. In order for me to afford living here, I had to get a second job as a waitress. I dragged myself out of bed into the kitchen to get something to eat. Great... I forgot to get groceries the other day... I guess I'll just go and buy a quick breakfast today. I quickly did my usual morning routine and headed out the door. The sun was shining in my eyes and reflected off my hair as a peacefully walked along the streets. I can't believe I have to spend the day inside when it's so nice outside. That thought cleared my mind as I opened the door to a near by coffee shop. I finished ordering my coffee and I sat down at a table to the side to wait for it. As I was scrolling through my social media feed a familiar voice made me look up.

"Annyeonghaseo."

I see Jr standing there holding his coffee. I smiled at him and gave him a little wave.

"Annyeonghaseo. What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I just came to grab a coffee before I have to go to practice. What about you?" He asked politely.

"Oh, I umm- I'm just running a few errands." I lied. I didn't need him knowing that I'm a stupid waitress especially when I'm a trainee for JYP, one of the biggest music companies.

His looked down at the open chair at my table. I heard my name being called for my coffee I quickly waved goodbye before we could continue the conversation. I rushed out the door and let out a big sigh. Ugh, why did I do that? I glanced at my watch to see that I was going to be late for work. What happened?! One minute I was early and now...just...ugh! I rushed to work while practically chugging down my coffee. As I pulled open the doors to the restaurant and quickly walked up to the counter. Luckily I got there five minutes early. My new manager told me that I was to be trained by another employee. Her name was Hye-Yeong. I greeted myself hoping for a cheerful response but I got anything but that. I held my hand out for her to shake it but she just folded her arms and looked me up and down. Her gaze made me shrink as if she was going to crush me.

"Let me get one thing straight. I'm the best worker here and I don't need anyone coming in to ruin it. So I am going to train you but you are going to have to follow my rules. First, don't get in my way, second, stay alert, and third, don't try to out shine me."

She gave me a meek smile and started to lazily train me. She barely covered most of the stuff but I guess I'll have to just figure this out for myself. After the first few hours of following Hye-Yeong around, it was time for me to go on my own. I nervously grabbed a tray and a notebook and waited on a table. Luckily the first table was just a couple who wanted to get a dish to share. As I was finishing writing up the order I heard the door of the restaurant open. I sneaked a peek and my eyes widened in terror. I saw Jr coming in with his friends and I quickly spun around so that my back was to them. I bit my lip and walked away to get the food. Just as I thought that I was home free, Hye-Yeong gave me a cold stare.

"What are you doing? Go take their order, we don't have time to waste with you, even if you are lacking."

She walked away leaving me panicking in what to do. I squeezed my eyes shut and bit my lip. I took a deep breath and walked up to their table.

"Annyeonghaseo. May I please take your order?" I didn't dare say my name, even if my name might be common.

"Can I have an order of ddeokbokki and a coke?" One of them asked without looking up.

I quietly yet briskly wrote that down. I glanced up every so often as the rest of them listed off their orders until it finally came to Jr... He told me his order and as I was finishing writing it down, he looked up at my and gave me a surprised look.

"Hwa-Young?" He said surprised.

"Y-Yeah?" I said shyly.

"You work here?" He asked.

I nodded slowly. Just as he was about to say something, I cleared my throat and took their menus to get their food. Full of dread I grabbed their drinks and placed them on my tray to bring them out to them. As I brought them out to them, Hye-Yeong passed by me and I swear that girl is out to get me. I was just passing her when she tripped me causing me fall and spill all the drinks all over the place. She coolly walked to the back of the kitchen as if nothing happened. With all the noise my manager came rushing out and started to scream at me. I quickly got up on my feet.

"Mianhaeyo." I said meekly as I bowed.

He continued to yell at me in front of all the customers including Jr and his friends. He ordered me to clean up the mess and he sent me home for the rest of the day. I could feel peoples eyes watching my every move as I dared to not look up. My heart beat a thousand times a minute as I shakily took the glasses and brought them to the back. I placed my tray down and grabbed my purse and rushed out of the restaurant. I have never been so humiliated in my life. I ran back to my dorm as my breath became heavy and running began to get harder and harder. I reached my door as searched my purse for my key. I searched every pocket yet it was as if it vanished. I knew I had it when I left my dorm this morning. My breath became shaky and I collapsed, hot tears streamed down my face. I want to go home.