PROLOGUE 1

PROLOGUE....

Being called into your boss's office three times in a week is no joke. I've literally been summoned by my boss twice this week, and now I've fucked up again.

I have been expecting this though. I mean, I knew Miss redhead would report to the manager, who would for sure report to the owner Mr White.

Not only because I mistakenly poured coffee on a customer, but because the manager hates my guts. But to be sincere, who doesn't?.

I started working at CRÊ-ME last month. It is a fancy restaurant, but to be honest, there is nothing fancy about this restaurant at all. But hey, I can't complain the pay is good and sufficient.

"Are you even listening to me Melanin?" An all too familiar voice sounded. I looked up, from my fingers and met the grey eyes of Isabelle, the manager of CRÊ-ME. I cleared my throat, feigning ignorance as I asked; "Uhh can you repeat what you said?" .

She scoffed in disbelief "I know you heard me perfectly well Melanin but, I'm a nice person so I'll repeat myself. The. Boss. Wants. You. In. His. Office. Now" she said slowly, as if talking to a toddler.

"Ohh right. I'll go now thanks" I said, annoyed at how she was talking to me. Isabelle has always hated me, since I started working here. And the feeling is mutual.

I turned and started walking towards Mr White's office, my head almost hitting the door of the locker room. I could tell Isabelle was smirking at how stupid I am.

Knocking twice on the door, I heard a faint 'come In' and walked into the big room. I got into the familiar room, smiling sheepishly when I met the blue eyes of Mr White.

Unlike everyone in this restaurant, Mr White is a very nice man. As soon as I met him, I knew he would be a very considerate man. (But He doesn't look considerate at the moment).

"Miss Peters, please sit down" He said in a low but calm voice. I walked towards one of the two seats in front of his desk. "I can explain Sir" I started, playing nervously with the ends of my black skirt.

"I think I know what happened between you and Mrs Mount, Melanin. This is your third strike, and normally, I should be firing you right now. But, I know how things are for you and how badly you need the money you make here.

I'm giving you this last chance Mel, please don't do anything careless again." He said, shunning me. "I understand sir, you've been so nice to me. Thank you so much" I smiled sadly, my nose stinging.

"It's fine. Get back to work" he concluded, giving me a small smile and resuming his paper work. I muttered another thank you and walked out of his office, immediately going into the 'worker's only bathroom' in the corner.

I splashed cold water on my face, and stared at my reflection in the mirror. I don't even recognize the woman staring back at me. Gone where those days when I had clear chocolate skin.

Now I had eye bags as heavy as a bag of cement, and my brown eyes no longer had that sparkle in them.

After my dad abandoned my mum and I, I lost that sparkle. But along the line, when mum and I moved to Italy, I got that sparkle back. I've been in Italy for the past ten years. I was just fourteen when my dad left mum and I, because apparently, my mum didn't look sexy and beautiful anymore.

My mum immediately moved both of us to her family house here in Italy when the expenses in London was getting too much.

If I remember clearly, my dad is African and my mum is Italian hence, my dark skin and long brunette hair. Life was hard with my mum, we strived and struggled till I finished highschool.

My mum died after my final exams. She didn't even get to see me in my graduation gown. She left me alone in this world with nothing but memories and her childhood home that was used as collateral for a loan in the bank.

I've been repaying for years now, and I've not even gotten half of the payments cleared. I swallowed a sob, as I put my hair in a bun and cleaned my face. "You're strong and brave Mel" I chanted the last words of my mother before walking out of the bathroom.

"Uhhh Mel are you okay?" My coworker Melinda, asked as I resumed my post in front of the counter. "Yeah I'm good. Any tables for me?" I asked her, changing the topic immediately. "Uhh no, it's the end of your shift.

And your crazy friend has been asking of you" she chuckled, pointing at a booth in the back where my bestfriend of three years, Roselane is sitting with a huge ass grin on her face. I grinned and waved back, before turning back to face Melinda.

"Thanks Mel, I'll go change now" I said to her, walking back to the locker room.

Changing back into my jean trouser and a worn out blue shirt, I grabbed my bag and walked out of the room.

"Bye Melinda" I waved at her, receiving a good night from her. I gestured for Rose to meet me outside, making a beeline for the door.

"You're such and idiota' for keeping me waiting Mel" Rose complained, as she walked out of the restaurant with a big Diet Coke and a takeout bag. "You love me Roselane" i said in a singing voice, grinning at my green eyed best friend.

Rose and I met a year after my mother's death. We met at the park. I was miserable and still mourning my mum at that time, she was the only thing closest to a friend that I know. "Earth to Mel" she said, waving her empty hands in my face. "Uhh sorry what?" I smiled sheepishly at her.

Scoffing she said; "I'm going to my friend Vivica's place tomorrow. And I was wondering, if you would follow me since you don't have work until late and all." I could go with her since I will be doing nothing tomorrow.

"Uhh sure. I'd love to" I shrugged and we started walking to her car. "Yayyy... and oh I got you dinner" she blurted our, unlocking her door and getting in. "Aww thanks Rose.

"I'm actually starving" I squealed, pulling her into a hug after settling in her passenger seat. "Ewww don't ruin my hair Mel" she yelled, with a small smile and started driving out of the parking lot...