She flinched slightly and drew back from the table. His Mother gave her a pained smile. "Extra peas," she said to the waitress.

The boy screamed louder. "No peas! NO Peas! NO! NO! NO PEAS!"

"Make that a whole bowl of them," his Mother said pleasantly. Her eyes were hard as she looked at her son.

"NO! NONONONONONONONOPEAS! NONONONO!" his words became indistinct as his voice rose.

The waitress felt everyone's eyes turn towards her. She pasted a false smile onto her face. "Can I get you anything else?"

"Yes, he'd like a glass of milk, and I'd like a side salad with Ranch dressing."

"Yes, Ma'am. I'll have your drinks out shortly with some bread."

She left the table, that false smile still on her face. She crossed the restaurant and watched the patrons. Half of them watched her and half of them continued to watch the wailing child.

She entered the kitchen, ripping a copy of the order off of her pad.

Her boss appeared in front of her, stiff and angry.

"Sarah Beth," he thundered, "what is going on out there?"

Sarah Beth sighed. Her feet hurt, her lower back was in agony, and she could feel the start of a migraine in her temples.

"I'm waiting."

"The kids Mother ordered him peas, Mr. Ansel, and he doesn't want peas."

"So you're just going to let him scream?" Mr. Ansel asked incredulously.

"He's his Mother's responsibility, Sir." Sarah Beth turned away and shoved the order on a spike.

She turned to get their drinks as Mr. Ansel sputtered.

She placed a glass of milk and a goblet of white wine on a tray and added a basket of bread.

Behind her Sarah Beth heard a low growl. She sighed.

Sarah Beth pulled down a small white plate and placed it on the tray. The growl got louder as she put butter patties on it.

"Sarah Beth Williams! I'm in charge of this restaurant and I WANT MY CUSTOMERS HAPPY!"

She picked up the tray and turned around.

"Get out there and make them happy or else you're fired!"

"Yes, Mr. Ansel," Sarah Beth said and walked out of the kitchen.

She looked at the screaming kid and sighed silently.

As she plastered a smile on her face she thought, "I'd better get a big tip for this."

Comments may be sent here. Constructive criticism only please.