Silent Night In A Diner 2

We reached her at the same time, hands going to her arms in support.

'I need to go to the bathroom', she said weakly.

I held her left arm and the waitress held her right.

'Sure hon let me help you', the waitress smiled and took her through the door.

I stayed nearby, in case she needed us to guide her back.

My mind raced as I wondered when she was supposed to give birth.

After a bit, we got her back to the booth.

'Would you like something to eat, sweetie?', asked the waitress.

'I'll buy', I said. 'It's Christmas Eve. Consider it a gift ahead of time', I smiled, reminded of other kids who were alone and pregnant on the streets.

She looked at me a little warily. Was she wondering what I wanted?

'I'm ok.' She turned her head away.

'Look', I said, 'Let's face it. we're snowed in here. And better here than on the road. We've got food and warmth and light.' I looked her in the eye. 'And, I'm not a weirdo.' I smiled, eyebrows up.

She regarded me again and decided. She nodded, then tried to look away.

I touched her shoulder and looked her in the eye again.

'I'm just here. So are you. If you wanna talk, I'm here. Besides we aren't gonna get out of here til??? tomorrow.'

She shook her head. The look she had was as if the world had dumped a load on her.

'Ok. I'm gonna eat.' I ambled back to the counter.

'What's your name me dear?'. I asked as the waitress set my eggs and ham before me.

'Would you believe Alice?', she laughed.

Immediately, a popular 'folk song' entered my mind.

'On this day in this snow, I'm not surprised by much.' She laughed and took a sandwich over to the girl.

'Chicken salad's on the house. We're all in this together.'

The girl smiled weakly and said 'Thanks', looking down.

I glanced around again.

I nodded at the elderly couple and they nodded back.

The guy at the counter introduced himself,'Name's Bob. Call me Snuffy.' He nodded to the girl, who looked like a forlorn elf. 'She's got a load of care for such a young one. I've got a daughter myself.'

'So do I. Same age. She's ok, but things are different. Back in my Greatgrandma's day, girls married and started housekeeping. She helped run a farm, businesswoman when men ruled the roost.'

'They rush em now and don't teach responsibility as much, though we tried.'

'Well, we did too and it seems to have stuck. It's where I'm headed once we get set free from the snow palace.'

Snuffy raised his bushy eyebrows. 'Spect it'll take em a day or two to dig us out. It's not been this bad for decades.'

'We should talk to Buzz and Alice.'

'Hey man, looks like we have to bunk at the Motel Snowtel. You got some things we can use?'

Buzz thumbed toward a locker while Alice went and talked to the other folks.

'Let's just say we like to be ready for emergencies', Buzz smiled as he opened the locker. He had blankets, lights, some medical supplies and even food rations.

'We could stay here for a month lol.'

'Hope not', Alice smiled. She got busy handing out blankets.

I went over to the girl.

Just wondered what your name is so I don't yell hey you or call you young lady. It makes me feel old', I laughed.

She actually managed a smile.

'Bridget Bethany', leaving off a last name. I wasn't that nosy.

'Ok, kid', I smiled and told her I called my daughter that sometimes.

'Bridget, you may not want to talk, but I think you are safe here. I don't know you from Eve, but you were not meant to be alone tonight.'

She tried to keep a steely gaze, but her tired red eyes were welling up.

I gave her a hug. She collapsed in my arms. I patted her head and whispered 'It's ok. Let it out.'

The tough girl facade was completely gone. The lonely child was out.

Kids having kids. It wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last.

But we were here, this bunch of strangers. We were not alone. And this was not a coincidence.

She needed to go to the restroom again.

I signalled Alice to come help.

A moment late, Alice came to the door.

'Her water's broke.'