Cry

On the corner of Peachtree Boulevard and Main Street was the old diner. It had kept its classic '50s style through the decades; including employee uniforms, vinyl records covering every inch of wall, and a working jukebox. Many teenagers still pranced in at night, before or after movies. Older folk trickled in throughout the day for their coffee fix. The menu had not changed since opening day.
Into the diner Clay Gibson went. The opening of the door pulled a string that rang some bells to announce his arrival. When the waitress approached, he asked for a booth. When she asked for the number of cutomers, he simply stated: "two".
He seated himself with a view to the parking lot. He wanted to make sure he was ready when he saw her dark blue Nissan Maxima roll in and park. He fixed his clothes, straightened his collar, and waited. He wanted to look presentable. It was early tuesday afternoon; they wanted to beat the afterschoolers.
The Maxima rolled in and Clay cleared his throat. He saw her slam the door and walk in. The bells rang as she entered. She looked to the left, then to her right. Clay waved her over when she spotted him.
-Hello, Sherry.
-Good afternoon, Clay. I'm sorry I'm late.
-Oh, thirteen minutes is nothing. You needn't worry.
He gave a warm smile to reassure her. She looked remarkable and elegant as she ever did. Even now, after so many years.
-So how are you, Clay?
-Things with me are okay these days. Got a good job. Great office. Got a new wife too. Practically a new life, you know, and the family's fine.
-We lost touch so long ago. You lost weight. I didn't know you could look so nice after so much time.
-Me? Have you looked in the mirror?
Sherry Duke smiled. The waitress arrived and they both ordered an espresso. She left. Clay asked her:
-Say, do you remember those days hanging out at the village green?
-Engineer boots, leather jackets and tight blue jeans.
She laughed and continued for him:
-We'd come here, drop a dime in the box afterschool and almost certainly get a song about New Orleans. Remember those teenage nights? Cold beer, hot lights, and romance.
-You remember Brenda and Eddie?
-How could I forget? They were the popular steadies. King and Queen of the prom.
-The lucky bastard had a convertible and they'd ride with the top down and the radio down.
-Yeah, but nobody looked any finer. They used to come here on their dates, to this same diner, remember?
-That's what we all wanted. What more can you get out of life?
She laughed and agreed with him. Clay had certainly aged well. They spoke as if no time had passed since their last meeting. The waitress returned with their coffees and asked what they'd like to eat. Sherry ordered an apple pie and Clay ordered his traditional Double Cheeseburger. Sherry continued the reminiscing gossip.
-They were still going steady in the summer of '75. They were married at the end of July, I think.
-Everyone said they were crazy.
-You're right. I told Brenda that she's much too lazy and Eddie could never afford to live that kind of life.
-And yet there we were waving Brenda and Eddie goodbye.
Clay though back and realized that must have been that last time he had seen Sherry. It was Brenda and Eddie's wedding. They were picking at their food as they spoke. His ears perked when he heard a Buddy Holly song come on. "Crying, Waiting and Hoping" it sounded like.
-They lived very nice for a while, or so I heard. But you know how it is. Always the same in the end.
-Oh? What happened?
-They were divorced of course. At least they parted the closest of friends. They went back to the green, but you know you can never go back there again.
-Can't go back to the greasers, that's for sure. The best thing they could do was pick up their pieces. They found a way to get by, I'm sure.
-Well, that's all I heard about Brenda and Eddie. Can't tell you more 'cause I told you already.
Clay hadn't even realized how much time had gone by. A quick glance at his wristwatch told him it was time to take his leave. They had been so caught up in old times, he was sorry for having to go.
-Well, unfortunately, I have to go, Sherry. I have to do a job at somebody's house. It was really nice seeing you, Sherry.
-Likewise Clay. We can meet here any time you want.
-I'll take you up on that.
He got up, paid the bill, and left.