Chapter 2

After telling Nick about how my day went, I went ahead to check if things were kept in place. From the cashier stand to the tables and chairs. I went ahead to clean since some of the chairs have not been cleaned. I arranged the menu and put the cutleries in place.

I checked the time, it was just 4:15 pm. School ends at 3:00 pm. I don't have a lot of time, I only have forty-five minutes to study before work begins. My work begins at five and ends at nine. I come directly from school so that I will be able to study and have some assignments done.

Don't get me wrong though, I still study when I get home.

"Hey there," a voice said at my back. I immediately recognized the voice. Ken, my colleague, is one of my so not many friends.

"Hey, what's up?" I stood up, stretching my body parts and immediately packing up my books. Seeing him here means I have just five minutes to change and go downstairs for work.

"I'm good. You?"

"I'm fine also. I want to go change. Talk later, yeah?"

I did not wait for his response before leaving. I went to the changing room to change into my work clothes. For those wondering, Nick has a small room here that he uses for absolutely nothing. When I first started working here, I noticed and I asked him if I could clean up the room and use it for my reading anytime I come here. He permitted me to do so. I am the kind of person who cannot read where noise is.

After changing into my uniform, I walked down the stairs and went straight up to meet Ken, Liam and Jessica. Work started as soon as I got there. My work is to serve tables and sometimes help in the accounting aspect since it's one of the things I study at school.

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Hours later

I just finished getting dressed up into my normal clothes. Work was really hectic today compared to the other days of the week. I picked up by bag and walked up to the cashier side where Nick and my friends are. Liam drives us all together after work closes.

"Nick, can I see you for a few minutes?" I called for his attention. I have to take permission from him. I need to take at least few days leave to prepare for my finals well. That means no income a whole week.

I explained Nick and he fully understood. He's like a father to me. I sent my regards to his family after discussing with him. With my bag slung on my shoulder, I walked to meet them at the car park. I hopped into the car and immediately Liam zoomed off.

Liam owned a car (an old 2010 Toyota Camry) he used for his runs. He bought it fairly used from one of his rich friends at a very cheap amount. He comes from a rich background. His family has money. I really don't get why he works in a diner, at least I've got a reason. And why he also uses an old car. I get he doesn't like showing off. I like him for his humbleness. He's just too humble and simple for a rich fellow.

I zoomed out of the conversation they were having desperately thinking of how I can get out of the mess I am in. Imagining a beautiful life is absolutely a waste of time.

Being 21 doesn't mean I have a life and mind of my own. My life sucks.

I was brought out of my reverie when I saw Liam parking few blocks away from my house. That's the way it goes everyday they give me a lift. I can't risk letting them know a guy drops me off.

"Thanks you guys. I'll see you tomorrow." I said with a small smile on my face.

Jessica turned to me with a sad look on her face silently communicating with me "it will soon be over". Pushing back the tears that are threatening to come out, I squeezed her hand through the window.

Yes! Jess is my best friend. Jessica Thompson. We first met at Nora's, few days after I came there to seek for refuge. We were fifteen then. I really hated her at first because she pestered, disturbed and frustrated me. I had to work together with her so I tried my possible best to tolerate her. Then we found out we both were attending the same high school, she made it her mission that we walked together to Nora's. As much as I hated her, I began liking her. She gave me the attention no one offered me. She gave me friendship even though I never asked for it. It was difficult to make friends back in high school because almost everyone worshipped and adored Vivian. They all wanted to be her friend so they went by all she said. (Like I care now!!!).

One day, when we were walking to work, I finally opened up to her. I don't know why and how. I guess at that point in time, I felt like I could trust her even though we didn't know much about each other. After my own confession, I got to know that Jessica's father(John Thompson) left her family at a very young age. She was seven when he left her, her elder brother Jeremy( he was eleven years then) and he younger sister (Jacinth) who was two years. Their mother (Grace) was a full time housewife so when their good for nothing father left out of the blue, things went really hard for them. There were times they all went to bed without food. Times they had nothing to eat for three days straight. I swear Jess is a strong girl. Her brother started doing menial jobs when it was too much.

Things took a great turn around three years after when their mother got a high paying job in one very big company. She was given a house and an official car.

We became best friends after our little confession. We finished high school together. Not quitting from Nora's, we went to the same college. And here we are, still at Nora's, preparing for our finals at college.

Back to me.

She opening the door of car and hugged me tightly.

"Goodnight. I love you so much". She whispered into my ears.

"I love you too honey".

"Please be fine for me". Her voice laced with sadness.

"I will". with one final hug and a small smile we separated.

"Goodnight guys. Thanks once again".

"It's nothing. Goodnight and take care" they all answered.

Smiling at them, I waved as they took off.

With a sad smile and a tired body, I walked into the house. The house was very quite as I walked in. Kelsey our housekeeper/my nanny walked up to me with a smile on her face.

"Where are they?. Why is it so quiet?" I asked her as I took my shoes off.

'They all went out for dinner".

"Oh! Okay then. How are you?"

"I'm doing good dear. You?"

" I'm fine."

" Aren't you going to eat something.'' She asked

'' I'm okay. I'm going to bed now. See you tomorrow." I kissed her on the check and went to my room.

Not bothering to put off my clothes, I went to bed and immediately sleep consumed me.