Years Later, My School Tormentor Walked Into the Restaurant Where I Work as a Waitress and Started Teasing Me – I Didn't Even Have Time to Defend Myself Before Karma Struck Her
Her expression changed in stages.
I walked over with my pad and my best restaurant smile. My chest already felt tight.
She didn't recognize me at first. She was checking her phone. Then she looked up.
Her expression changed in stages.
Confusion.
Recognition.
Delight.
Madison didn't take her eyes off me.
She leaned back in her chair and stared. "Oh my God."
I kept my voice calm. "Good evening. Can I start you with sparkling or still?"
She gave a little laugh. "Wait. Is this seriously you?"
I said, "What would you like to drink?"
Her friend looked between us. "You know her?"
Madison didn't take her eyes off me. "We went to high school together."
"You always acted like you were going to prove everyone wrong."
Then she smiled.
Same smile. Same coldness underneath it.
"Wow. You're a waitress."
I kept my face neutral. "What would you like to drink?"
She laughed again. "Relax. I'm just surprised. You always acted like you were going to prove everyone wrong."
"Iced tea, water, or cocktails?" I asked.
The friend ordered a glass of wine without looking at me.
Her friend shifted in her seat. "Madison..."
But Madison was already enjoying herself.
"I'll take a martini," she said. Then she glanced at my apron. "Do you do this full time?"
"No," I said. "What would your guest like?"
The friend ordered a glass of wine without looking at me.
I turned to leave, and Madison called after me. "Hey."
My hand tightened around my pad so hard it bent.
I stopped.
She tilted her head. "Does your mom still work those sad little jobs?"
I went completely still.
My hand tightened around my pad so hard it bent.
I turned back slowly. "Don't talk about my mother."
Her eyebrows lifted. "Wow. Touchy."
When I brought Madison's appetizer, she barely glanced at the plate.
Her friend whispered, "Seriously, stop."
Madison ignored her. "I was just asking. You two were always struggling, right?"
I said nothing. I walked away before I did something that would've gotten me fired.
When I brought Madison's appetizer, she barely glanced at the plate.
She looked at me.
"So," she said, loud enough for nearby tables to hear, "this is where life landed you."
Water spilled across the table and into her lap.
"Enjoy," I said, setting the dish down.
She picked up her water glass and tipped it with her fingers.
Water spilled across the table and into her lap.
Her friend jumped. "Madison!"
Madison jerked back and stared at the mess with fake shock. Then she looked up at me.
"Oh no," she said. "Guess you'll need to clean that up."
My hands were shaking.
Something in me cracked.
Not loudly. Just enough.
I grabbed napkins and started blotting the table because that is what you do when rent is due and your mom needs another scan next week and pride doesn't pay for treatment.
Madison leaned closer and said under her breath, "Still cleaning up after everyone else. Some things never change."
