Chapter 18 Chapter 18 I nodded quickly, relieved that he wasn't going to make a scene. "Thanks, I really appreciate it." "Stay here," I told him earnestly. "Careful; don't touch anything." "Okay," Riley said, swinging his feet back and forth from where he sat, as his eyes eagerly scanned the scene all around him. 1-set to work immediately, serving coffee, delivering plates of greasy burgers, and greeting regulars with a smile I didn't quite feel. Riley sat quietly on his stool, content with his juice box, watching me as I worked. It broke my heart a little bit each time he watched me like that-like I was some kind of superhero who could do everything. But all I felt was utter exhaustion. But then, right when I was starting to think that maybe the night would go by without any more problems, I heard the door swing open, the bell announcing the presence of more customers. 1 didn't look up immediately. It was probably just another set of tired, hungry elders who had just finished their days work. But then, I heard. the unmistakable sound of laughter-loud, confident, the kind of laughter that always drew attention. And I froze on the spot. A cold shiver ran down my spine as I lifted my head, slowly, almost deliberately. And there they were... the last people I had expected to show up at this part of the town... No, not them. Please...just let me be hallucinating...for once...please... But no god has ever heard my prayer, and this time as well...I realized that I was far from hallucinating. Caleb was walking in, his usual air of effortless confidence radiating from him. Behind him, as always, was Caroline, followed by his friends- Shane, Mia, and Jade. They filled the room with their presence, their beauty, and their reputation. I didn't know why I felt so powerless around them. Maybe it was the way they moved, how everyone's eyes seemed to follow them whenever they entered a room. Or maybe it was just the simple fact that they were everything I was not-rich, popular, untouchable. And yet, here they were, strolling into my diner like it was any other place. "Great..." I muttered under my breath, trying to keep the panic from showing. I didn't want to be obvious. But I could already feel my heart racing as I wiped my hands on my apron, wondering if I should just pretend not to notice them. I hurriedly set my apron tighter around my waist, trying to shake off the feeling of dread in my chest. I tried to avoid their gaze as much as possible, but the sound of my name being yelled out made my stomach tighten. I moved quickly, trying to keep my movements as professional as possible despite the tightness in my chest. As I passed by the counter to tell Jeremy that I wanted to switch tables with someone else, I could already feel his sharp gaze on me. "Jeremy, is there any way I can switch tables with-" "No," Jeremy interrupted, not even glancing up from the bills in front of him. "We're short-staffed as it is, Aura. Get to work." I forced myself to nod, even though my nerves were fraying. I hated this-hated being at the mercy of others, hated how helpless I felt in these moments. With a resigned sigh, I grabbed the order slip for Caleb's table and walked towards them. For now, all I needed to focus on was getting through the shift and going home. After all, what could possibly be more important than keeping my little brother safe and fed? Anything else, like Caleb and his group of bullies, was just a distraction I couldn't afford right now. Title: ReelTalk Episode 32 - Rekindling Memories with Kiki Frags and Samantha Drews Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing In the latest episode of ReelTalk, two beloved characters from the ReelShort universe, Kiki Frags and Samantha Drews, come together to reflect on their initial encounter and share behind-the-scenes anecdotes. As they delve into their past experiences on set, a wave of nostalgia washes over them, evoking both laughter and poignant moments. Exploring themes of friendship, love, and the unpredictable nature of relationships, this episode provides a deeper insight into the personalities of Kiki and Samantha. Their dynamic chemistry and genuine camaraderie shine through as they reveal untold stories that give fans a peek into the inner workings of their on-screen personas. What sets this episode apart is its authenticity in portraying the complexities of human connections within a romantic context. With humor, warmth, and relatable experiences, Kiki and Samantha's interaction captivates listeners, creating a sense of intimacy that resonates long after the episode concludes. For those eager to immerse themselves in this heartwarming journey down memory lane with Kiki and Samantha, ReelTalk Episode 32 is available to read at CrushReel. Join them as they navigate love, friendship, and the joys of reminiscing about the past in a narrative that is as touching as it is entertaining.