Dozen

Layla was standing in front of a shop. Her head was up, looking at the name written on the top of it. The shop's name was Aroma where the 'O' was replaced with the beautiful top view of a cup of coffee.

When she entered, a bell chimed on her head making the owner aware of someone's arrival. She went to the counter and smiled at the old man who looked like in his fifties. "Hello, Uncle Fu, I'm here on time."

He was the owner of the shop. He flashed a fatherly smile at her. "Hello, little girl. Are you ready?"

She nodded. "Find your aunty Fu in the back room." He showed her the way to enter a room behind the counter.

This shop was run by the Fu couple. Due to Frs. Fu's health, they were having some difficulties in menial work which was taken care of by Mr. Fu, they put a notice of job which Layla accepted after meeting them and finding them a warm old couple. They were the warmest elders she met that particular day.

"Hello, Aunty Fu." She greeted the old woman who was sitting calmly in a corner of the room.

"Hello, young lady." Mrs. Fu smiled warmly. She was a sweet old lady. Her pale face was covered with wrinkles yet it was singing her remarkable beauty in the peak of her youth. If not for her weak body, it would be her helping her husband rather than hiring someone.

She gave Layla an apron and instructed her on things she needed to do. Layla's job was like running errands; she was needed to clean unoccupied tables and pick empty trays. There was no need for her to deliver the order of customers to their seats as they were to do it themselves from the counter.

After Layla exited the room, she noticed the crowd in the shop that was increasing. She roamed her eyes and saw a few people were reading the menu pasted beside the counter, a few were ordering. And, some were sitting enjoying their food and coffee in the warm and cozy environment of the shop.

After that, Layla spent her evening picking trays, cups, and litter. Her evening was tiring yet refreshing.

…

Beryl and Opal were roaming in a high-end mall buying stuff for the latter. After their shopping, they decided to have dinner in the same building on the topmost floor which was a restaurant with private rooms whereas the second top floor was also a restaurant without private rooms.

They asked their guards to place their purchased items in the car and they themselves went to their private rooms without making a detour to the car.

Sitting comfortably on their chairs, munching starters, they waited for the main dish to arrive. "Are you comfortable with your new school and your roommates?" Beryl asked. Worry, concern, and care were visible on her face. It was she who made her family agree to Opal's wish but that doesn't mean they would stop thinking about her welfare.

"Of course, Sis, I'm comfortable and fine. Nothing is lacking in the school and all are more friendly in this school. As for the hostel… I'll be completely fine in just a few days. They told me that everyone feels homesick in the beginning and they, I mean my roommates, both are very good to me." Opal replied. Beryl's face eased a little after hearing her.

It was not easy for her to abandon all the luxury behind and live on her own without her family and helpers. But she wanted to prove herself and she wasn't planning to give up.

"What's your impression of your roommates?"

"Lani is sweet and friendly. Everyone has a good impression of her and it's easy to talk to her. And, Layla is also nice and caring though doesn't show it clearly. Sis, you know what Layla gave me her chocolate when I couldn't stop crying. Also, they both are part of the student council."

Beryl was happy to see her sister's mood improving at the mention of her roommates and she was smiling more and more. Looks like she met some good girls. "Remember to repay for one's kindness and favors." She gave a piece of important advice.

Opal nodded as she already knew what she needed to do.

…

Layla was back in her room. "I'm tired." she plopped on her bed.

"How was your first day?"

"It was good… and tiring." She replied with a tired tone.

*creak*

The door was opened and Opal entered with both hands full with bags. She struggled a little bit while opening the door.

"Woah!" Lani exclaimed and ran to help her. Layla was already tired and wasn't planning to move her body any soon. She just glanced and nodded, seeing Lani run for help before burying her head in the pillow.

"Why didn't anyone help you? Why are you alone with so many things in your hands?"

"I-I refused them. I wanted to do it myself." Opal replied in a soft voice.

"Opal also liked to shop. You two could be a good pair." Layla commented.

"So, what have you bought?" Lani was excited to see some new things. Opal felt unaccustomed. She never saw someone expressing their enthusiasm this much as she felt that Lani was jumping in excitement.

"You are making her uncomfortable," Layla said, watching from the sidelines.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable… I was just… too excited. I just like new, beautiful things."

"It's okay." "But, before that," she turned to Layla, took a bag, and gave it to her. "This is for you. Thank you."

Layla opened the bag while Opal passed another bag to Lani. She saw there were chocolates inside. She took them out and counted. "One, two, three,... twelve. Dozen! That's a dozen chocolate Opal!!" Her expression was funny to see. It was hard to tell whether she was happy, or crying over the money spent unnecessarily. But one thing was for sure she was completely shocked.

"It's my thank you gift, for both of you."

"We'll share." Opal denied saying she also bought for herself too. It was clearly written on her face that she won't compromise with her. Layla sighed. "Thank you." She never thought giving chocolate would make her gain a dozen in less than 24 hours.