Rebecca stood in the middle of the restaurant and bit her lip hard. Her cheek stung from Brian's slap and she was desperately trying to hold back tears. As she looked around, the eyes of the patrons were looking anywhere but at her. They were embarrassed for her and tried to casually go back to enjoying their dinners.
She looked around and saw the washrooms to the left of her. She walked quickly towards the door and was thankful it was empty. As she splashed water on her face, she saw that her left cheek was a little redder then her right, but she figured there wouldn't be a bruise. Once she composed herself, she checked her cell phone. There was one message which she must have missed since her cell phone was on vibrate. As she listened to the voice on the other end of the phone, she smiled and then frowned. How it was possible to be both happy and sad at the same time, she didn't know. Rebecca was happy since the message was from Brian telling her he had had enough of her 'shit' and was moving out. She was sad because this wasn't the first time he said this and until she got home, she wouldn't know if it was another empty threat.
As she exited the washroom, she saw that everyone that had seen the incident was back to eating their dinner. She looked around and tried to figure out what she was going to do. She was hungry and wanted to eat something, but was feeling a little dejected. Before she had a chance to make up her mind, she heard a soft voice behind her.
"I'm sorry he slapped you." Rebecca turned around and was face to face with a petite redhead. She was a few years younger then Rebecca and had shoulder length red hair. She was wearing a red dress and matching shoes and had a look of concern on her face.
"It's fine. I deserved it." Rebecca had always said that to herself and to others. Most times her friends would nod and just say she should move on. This woman gave her a different response.
"No one deserves that. Have dinner with me."
Rebecca blinked. She was hungry and had made reservations for two at the restaurant.
"I don't even know your name."
"I'm Maeve."
Rebecca smiled and nodded. They walked quietly to the front and were seated quickly. Once seated, Maeve began to speak.
"My name is Maeve Short. And, yes, I know how ironic it is that I'm barely five feet tall and my last name is Short. I'm a college student and was supposed to meet a date here tonight. He cancelled and just as I was about to leave, I saw what happened to you. I figure we're both in the same situation so we might as well enjoy a nice dinner. I'm paying."
Rebecca watched as the petite redhead began to look over the menu. She was not used to having someone be so outspoken and truthful. She looked down at the menu and gasped at the prices. Brian was the one that suggested this restaurant and now she was slowly freaking out. She didn't have enough money to pay for a full meal with taxes and a tip. Her face must have shown her worry because Maeve spoke up.
"I'll pay. I have the money. Don't argue." Maeve sounded so sincere yet authoritative. She giggled and Rebecca couldn't help but giggle with her.