subway

I go to subway quite often for a cheap lunch. As time goes on, I find they people who work there are getting to know me...to an extent. They know, somehow, that I hate the meatball sub. I try to avoid tuesdays. When I go in and ask what the special is, they always tell me its meatball. Some days, they say, "bacon," which I throw right back at them because, how great would it be if there really was a bacon sub? In any case, they are nice to me and always put a smile on my face. When I don't belong at school, I can seek refuge and peace at Subway.
Its interesting how quick they are with all the subway ingredients and up-selling. The whole time, usually they are yelling and laughing at each other in Indian. They laugh at me every time I come in...not sure why.
One day, I came in and all but one of tables and seats were taken. One of the workers just walked out for lunch and sat at the last available spot. This brings back uncomfortable, bad memories of high school. Where the hell was I supposed to sit? "I am not going to sit outside with the homeless people," I told myself. As I looked all around, I finally came to the one person I informally knew- the worker. She saw me and smiled. I awkwardly looked around more...then she pulled her food and wrappers closer to her, telling me she was offering her seat across from her. I went and sat down. Everyone behind the counter was laughing at us. Her eyes were glued to her food and chips.

Her: want some chips?
Me: No...I better not. I didn't pay for them.

A few awkward minutes go by as we eat in silence.

Me: Do you feel awkward?
Her without skipping a beat: -Yes.
Me: Its ok. We can feel uncomfortable together.
...So how long have you been working here?
Her: About, since 11 this morning.
Me: No, how long have you been working here for?
Her: Oh, I work Monday to Friday. Not Saturday or Sunday.
Me:...right.

The next few minutes we ate in more silence and I realized a few things. They sure have their Subway lingo down. But when we are on the same side of the counter, the whole situation changes. We were not having an easy time understanding each other. She asked me my name and I told her. She also told me her name, but there is no chance in Hell that I would remember it.

Me: ...So...you know any good jokes?
Her: Yeah.
Me: ......Well, lets have it...
Her: Yeah.

She finished her sandwich and said, "bye."
"Okay, bye," I replied.

The seat at my table, being the only one open, was taken by some chef-to-be. That was weird. But I understand. She needed a spot to sit down and eat. She told me about how the wokers sneeze and make sandwiches. I didn't know what to say. Although, Id consider them my amigos or pals and was ready to stand up for them. This Chef-to-be also had man hands, and I couldn't not look.

Birthday

Paul came up with a great idea for my birthday...
On the invitations its going to say,
"Your presence is not presents enough."