Gamma Sebastian

Breakfast

Ariel

"Well, you look cheerful." My mother says as I enter the apartment. "Why wouldn't I be? I get to come home every day and see my two favorite people." I reply back. Claudette runs up to me and engulfs me with a tight hug while mom looks at me skeptically.

"I missed you so much, princess!" I say in delight as I spin her around in my arms. Tomorrow is Independence Day, therefore the bar is closed tomorrow. Other places remain open, but Bella refuses to spend any holiday at work. That is something I truly admire about her. I have an entire day planned, starting with breakfast with Sebastian. Then my mom and I are taking Claudette to the Independence Day festival in town until nightfall. I hope she stays awake long enough to see the fireworks. She tends to get exhausted after so much fun and passes out early.

"We have a busy day tomorrow, so let's get you ready for bed." I take her little hand in mine and walk her to the bathroom. While she brushes her teeth, I go into her room and wait for her. She had four wolves that she sleeps with every night. Each year I get her a different one for her birthday. So far she has one in white, black, gray, and brown. I honestly don't know which color to get her this year. The gray wolf reminds me of the one on Sebastian's credit card.

My little princess enters her room and jumps into bed. As usual, I kiss her forehead and say goodnight to her. Whenever I tell her that I love her, she always says it back. It never fails to melt my heart by hearing her say those words. This girl is my everything.

I find my mom in the kitchen brewing a pot of coffee.

"Umm, don't you think it's too late for coffee? " I question her.

"It's never too late for coffee. Plus, I want to hear the update on Sebastian." Oh, dear lord. This woman has some high hopes.

Sipping on my cup of coffee, my mother never takes her eyes off me. "I can wait all night," she says with a smile I resist the urge to roll mine.

"I asked Sebastian out for breakfast tomorrow. That's all. Okay? As soon as I get home, we will head into town for the festival."

"Oh, honey. I am so proud of you!!!" She exclaims with glee.

"Mom," I groan out. "It's just breakfast. Calm down." Yet I couldn't hold back my own smile at the thought of seeing him tomorrow.

I decide to change the subject and ask what she and Claudette did today. After an hour or so of talking, we both decide it's time for bed.

My alarm clock goes off and I hurry out of bed to take a quick shower. I decide to dress in denim shorts and a red tank top. Simply, yet cute. Claudette is still fast asleep, but my mom is in the living room watching the news.

"Have fun! I can't wait to hear all about it." She says as I wave goodbye to her.

I had texted Sebastian last night the name of the diner and to meet me here at eight a.m. I arrive ten minutes early and grab a booth for us. Not knowing what he drinks other than beer, I order two glasses of water to begin with. My fingers fidget and my legs can't stop shaking. I'm so excited, yet nervous. I haven't been on a date in over four years.

The waitress brings over the water and asks if I would like to order yet or wait until my guest arrives. I don't want to be rude and eat before Sebastian arrives, so I politely tell the waitress that I'll wait.

Taking out my cell, I send a quick text message.

Good morning. I can't wait to see you :)

I hope that doesn't sound too pathetic to him. I constantly check my phone for a reply but never receive one. He must be driving. Yeah. That has to be the reason why he isn't replying.

Ten minutes pass by, then fifteen. I see the pitiful look the waitress gives every time she glances toward my booth. She probably thinks I got stood up. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation as to why he's late.

Are you on your way? I pathetically text in hope of a response.

It's a holiday and the diner is becoming busy.

"Maam, are you ready to order?" She hesitantly asks me. I know she has other customers that could use this booth that I'm taking up all by myself. Feeling embarrassed, I tell her that I will be leaving instead. I try to give her cash for the waters and for wasting her time, but she refuses. With my head down, I walk out of the diner in a hurry.

The second I'm in my car, I let my tears escape. How could I be so stupid to think he would actually show up? I truly thought he was interested in me as he so desperately wanted to get to know me as he said. Banging my fist against the steering wheel, I accidentally hit the horn. I knew I should've stuck to my gut and just focus on my daughter and work. I don't need a man in my life. Wiping my tears away, I drive home.

Walking into the apartment, I see Claudette at the table eating pancakes with my mom. I give a warm smile and ask if I could join them, even though I don't need permission in my own home.

"Of course, mommy! Sit next to me!" I grab a plate from the kitchen and pile pancakes and eggs onto it. Sitting next to my princess, my mom shoots me with a questioning expression. I'm sure she wants to know why I'm home already, but won't ask in front of Claudette.