Chapter 36: False Allegations

Looks like I am back to square one.

A few days later, I am working once again as a waitress at the same diner. Luckily, Ralph pulled through for me and managed to convince my boss to take me back. Even though I am miserable, I am somewhat relieved that I don’t have to worry about being able to pay my bills anymore.

I let out a long and tired sigh as I leaned my back against the counter and looked around at the busy tables. As always, the restaurant was full of life. An old couple was eating side by side, one glass of iced tea each, studiously bent over their meals. A group of young women in their twenties collapsing with helpless giggles as a stern woman dining alone nearby looked on and frowned. Businessmen in their grey suits jokingly toasted with their cups of coffee while tourists were struggling to decipher the menu. The noise level was high too; the room was filled with different people all talking at once and boisterous laughter. However, it didn’t bother me. I was already used to it.

“Excuse me, miss!” One of the customers tried to call my attention as she raised her hand and waved at me. I nodded, acknowledging her as I quickly brought out my small notepad and approached her. She was a middle aged woman that seemed to be dining with her teenage daughter. A grin crept to my lips as I suddenly recalled the conversation that I had with my parents the other day.

“Yes, ma’am?” I asked politely as I pulled out my ballpen from my pocket, ready to write her orders. She gave me a small smile before she started pointing out certain food from the menu. I quickly listed them all down and read it back to her to double check. “Is that all, miss?” She looked through the menu one last time before she looked up at me.

“Ye--” She was suddenly cut short by her daughter.

“Oh my God, mom!” She exclaimed as her hand flew to her mouth in shock. Her eyes grew wide as she continued to scan the message that was on her phone. Her mother and I looked at her in confusion.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Her mother asked worriedly as she tilted her head to the side in confusion. I stood there awkwardly, not knowing if I should leave yet or not. The mother hasn’t given me the signal yet and she didn’t finish what she was saying a while ago.

“Kevin Butler finally released a statement!” She responded excitedly as my heart skipped a beat. What did he say? I squeezed the ballpen tightly as my hands started to moist. I licked my lips nervously as I fought the urge to pull out my phone right now. “He said--” She cut herself short when she noticed me. Her jaw dropped to the floor as she eyed me from top to bottom.

She pressed her lips together as she looked at her mother, her eyes were laced with panic as she tried to communicate with her using her eyes. I swallowed the lump of my throat as I took a step back. “Well, if that is all, then I should go now.” I said sheepishly as I did a small and courteous bow. The mother then glanced at me, flashing a small but thankful smile before turning her attention back to her daughter.

As I turned around, I heard the young girl talk again, making me stop mid-step. “Mom, that was Sandra! The one who made the post about Kevin!” My heart skipped a beat as panic settled in. I must read his statement now.

I immediately went to the kitchen to place their orders. As soon as one of the cooks acknowledged their meals, I hurriedly went to the storage room to check his statement. I pulled out my phone and searched for his statement. I clicked a news article to reveal what he had to say.

‘Breaking: Kevin Butler addresses the allegations

A couple of days ago a video circulated online regarding Kevin Butler’s alleged sexual harassment on one of the previous employees of KB Studios. Netizens expressed various sentiments on the said topic. Just a few minutes ago we got a statement from Kevin Butler himself as he denied these rumors.

I would like to express my sincerest apologies to my fans who were deeply hurt by the content of the video. I am here to clarify everything. Yes, I was involved with Ms. Sandra Bailey for a brief moment when she was still working at KB Studios. However, the things she said in the video were all untrue. I don’t know her true intentions as to why she would do that in the first place. It may have been a way to get back at me. Also, the text messages she showed did not come from me. It’s possible that those are photoshopped. Once again, I’m sorry for causing trouble to my supporters and to the public.

What can you say about this? Tell us in the comments below.’

I can feel the rage inside of me boil as I finished reading the last sentence. The nerve of him to twist my words and make himself look like the good guy. I balled my hands into a tight fist and clenched my teeth as I tried to calm myself down. I had to remind myself that I’m still at work and I still need to finish my job. I angrily ran a hand through my hair as frustration started building up inside me. Of course, many people would believe him. I’m just a waitress, after all.

It was then my thoughts were interrupted by the door suddenly opening. My eyes widened in shock as the person who opened the door and I made eye contact. He tilted his head in confusion.

“Hey, Sandra! Didn’t know you were here.” Ralph said as he eyed me and the storage room, probably trying to figure out why I was here in the first place.

“I was just checking something in my phone.” I said sheepishly as I held my phone up to show him. The phone’s screen was facing me so he wouldn’t see the article that I was reading. His eyebrows furrowed at me in concern.

“Are you okay? Your face looks flushed.” He asked with a hint of worry in his eyes. My hands immediately went up to my warm cheeks.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just so hot in here.” A lie easily escaped my lips. I guess lying is definitely one thing I’m good at now. I started fanning myself and wiping my forehead with the back of my hand to make it seem believable. He nodded slowly, probably not believing me but he just let it slide.

“I never got the proper chance to thank you for helping me get back here.” I added with a small yet genuine smile, trying to divert the topic. Good thing he didn’t bother to probe more.

“Oh, no worries! It wasn’t even that hard.” He said nonchalantly with a shrug. “Anything for you!” He said playfully, making me chuckle.

“So how have you been?” I questioned curiously, which made his face lit up with excitement.

“You’re not gonna believe what happened last night.” His eyes sparked with glee as he thought about something. What could it be?

“What happened?” I raised my eyebrows in anticipation.

“Well, I’ve got a date tomorrow.” He said in a hushed yet excited tone. My heart leaped with joy as I held his hands and jumped up and down excitedly.

“Who is the lucky girl?” I beamed with glee as I watched happiness glow inside him at the thought of it. The anger I felt earlier when I read Kevin’s statement completely disappeared and was replaced with excitedness because of Ralph’s good news.

“Well, I met her online and--” He cut himself short when the door suddenly flung open to reveal Kyle, our boss.

“What are you doing back here?” He eyed the both of us as we just stood there completely stunned. It felt like we got caught doing something that we shouldn’t have been doing. Ralph plucked up the courage to break the silence between us as he cleared his throat and spoke up.

“We were just getting something back here.” He grabbed the nearest item on the shelf and walked around as if he was searching for something. I pressed my lips together, struggling to stop the smile that was threatening to form. Why is he so good at this?

“Sandra, get back out there. There are customers waiting for you.” He ordered firmly before he got out and slammed the door, my hair slightly moving away from my face due to the force. I let out a long and tired sigh as I hunched my body in defeat and walked towards the door. Before opening the handle, I turned to look back at Ralph and we both chuckled softly as our eyes connected.

Here we go again.