Chapter 21

DECEMBER 31st Because she hadn't slept all night, she got out of bed at 4 AM and started mopping the floors. She had to divert her mind before she drives herself totally insane. She played the music on her television and started to clean the house. Wiped and dusted the already clean kitchen. Washed the bathroom, wiped the dining table with a damp cloth, cleaned the television, the fridge, the oven, etc. 

She did the windows, the doors, changed the already clean bed sheet on her bed, pillow covers, wiped the fan. She cleaned the entire house and yet she couldn't stop thinking about Hugh. His crooked smile, his brown eyes, his insanely perfect jawline, his perfect body. Everything about him started to flash before her eyes. Her heart ached every time his words rang in her ears again and again. "I made plans with my colleagues." He had said. 

She was in terrible agony. For once Iris thought of throwing away the pork ribs into the trash. She bought those for Hugh. They are his favorite. But she then tried to calm herself down. Anger was not the solution. She was upset but it wasn't even Hugh's fault. He did ask her to join him. It was her introverted self that did not want to be around strangers. She did understand and yet she was upset. 

She took a shower after the cleaning was done and made scrambled eggs for breakfast. She watched the news while eating. The entire world was preparing for New Years' Eve. She shook her head and scowled. “Lucky bastards.” She murmured and turned off the television. 

Later she got dressed in a simple red sweater and blue jeans, wore a black beret hat, and left for work. It hadn't snowed since yesterday. The roads were clear. She walked down to the cafe as usual. Still finding it hard to shake off all the time she had spent with Hugh. She had her hopes high for New Years' Eve which was now shattered. She got dressed in the Santa costume. “Last day for this costume. From tomorrow again the pathetic pink uniform which I loathe.” 

Albert was cleaning the tables. 

"Albert. Do you mind cleaning the display and the counter? I'll do the tables," Iris said. 

Albert pulled his eyebrows together. “But you are not supposed to do the cleaning part." 

"I know. But I want to. So just go behind the counter okay?" She glowered and took the duster from Albert's hand without looking at him. 

"Are you okay Iris?" 

"Just do as I say, Albert." She started to scrub the round wooden table. 

Albert frowned and left. 

She went on cleaning everything. Mr. Davies arrived and sat behind the computer. He looked at Iris from over his glasses, as she moved from one table to another, but he said nothing. 

Later Iris took the tray of walnuts from the pantry and went behind the glass display and slid its glass door. She placed the tray on the second shelf of the display and close the door. 

"You seem stressed, sweetheart," Mr. Davies said while taking out the bills from the mini drawer below the computer. 

Iris looked at him, "No, I'm not," she said calmly. 

"Alright!" he replied. 

Iris shook her head and went near the entrance door. 

"Alright, everyone. Are we ready?" she said in a high volume for everyone to hear. 

"Yes," all the staff replied in unison. 

"Yes!" Mr. Davies screamed and then giggled. 

Iris pressed her lips together to keep her from smiling and turned the closed sign to open. 

There was no one waiting outside today. 

"Looks like everyone is busy preparing for New Years' Eve," Albert said. 

"Yes. Looks like it. What are your plans for tonight?" Sandra asked Albert while placing the muffin tray on the display. 

"I and my friends have hired a bungalow on the High Street," Albert replied. 

"Oh, that sounds amazing. Have fun." Sandra said. 

"What about you? What are your plans?" 

"I celebrate with my family every year. My stepfather has organized a party this time. His parents are joining as well." Sandra replied and walked towards the dining area. 

"Sounds good. What about you Iris?" Albert sat on one of the tables and asked. 

"Do I ever have plans?" She said grimly. 

Mr. Davies looked at Iris and asked, "What happened to your handsome boy?" 

"Hugh got some important work." It ached her heart to take his name. 

"Well, the party starts at midnight and..." Sandra went quiet when Iris glared at her acidly. 

Mr. Davies and Sandra exchanged a look. Mr. Davies shook his head and started typing on his computer. 

Iris went into the pantry and Albert followed. 

"Iris!" he said. 

"What is it, Albert?" Iris asked while keeping the plates on the shelf. 

"Okay, first of all, this is not your job. Second of all what is wrong with you today? Why are you so angry?" 

"I don't want to talk about it." She started placing the glasses on the other shelf. 

"Iris, has anything happened to you? Did he break your heart?" Albert asked with concern. 

Iris looked at Albert and scoffed. "Break my heart? He's not my boyfriend Albert. He's just a friend and I don't want to talk about it okay?" 

Albert pressed his lips together and nodded. 

Iris went on working in the pantry. Albert tried to help. 

"Please go outside, customers might start coming at any moment," Iris said bitterly. 

"Fine. You can share anything you want okay? I mean after you calm down. I'll always be here to listen." Albert said and left.