Rightful Place

Vince picked the teacup, staring at the green liquid as it rippled.

"Why not? Is it because of that girl?"

"It's not because of her and I'm telling you to leave her alone."

"If it's not her then what?"

"Darlene had been coming here, searching for you."

"Just tell her you didn't see me."

"Do you think she'll believe me? It was actually just perfect timing for her to immediately drop by since you also showed yourself here the moment you came back."

"It could not be helped. It's not like I have anywhere to go. Do I?"

Ross didn't rebut as he placed a saucer with a piece of cake in it. His silence lifted a smile of mockery at Vince's lips.

Vince could not despise the man for being able to find a place he could go back to. They had their fair share of downfall and the latter simply got back to himself quicker than him. Or perhaps it is his decision to fall deeper in misery.

"Have you heard anything from Zach?"

"Not for a while. He just returned to the Capital."

"That coward. I'll kill him if I see him."

"You can't blame him. He has staked everything he has and it's the person he loves that he's bound to lose."

"And it's Avy we're talking about!"

The loud clank of the cup as it clashed against the saucer reverberated in the room.

Ross sighed and took a seat on the opposite stool. He glanced at the other unoccupied stool next to Vince and wondered when the three of them could comfortably talk like they used to. Perhaps it's but a pipe dream as there seems to be no miracle to grant that impossible wish.

He knew more than anyone that it is Vince who was suffering the most. The man has thrown his identity and given up his family all for the sake of selfless love and forgiveness.

At the same time, he also questions himself. Were his feelings shallow after all? He was not able to fight for it like how Vince does. Perhaps he's more rational than the other or perhaps he's just creating excuses to save himself. It is in fact him who is the coward among them three.

***

Leone found herself standing before the café once again. The 'CLOSE' sign was already hanging on the door but she still pushed this open.

"Sorry, we're close for the day," Nikolas said as he heard the bell chimes.

"Sorry. Did I interrupt your work?"

"Oh, it's you, Miss Len. Not at all. Come in."

Nikolas jumped in surprise at Leone's voice and shook his head, gesturing to a stool in front of the counter.

"I bought some flowers. Do you have a vase I could transfer them into?"

"I'll get one right away."

"Please fill it with enough water as well."

"Okay."

Leone looked around the shop and the chairs had already been turned upside down atop the tables. The lights of the other corners had been turned off thus it's a bit dim inside the shop aside from the counter.

Nikolas came back with a vase on hand. She unwrapped the bouquet and arranged the flowers while Nikolas went back to drying the dishes.

"Did Mrs. Amelia retire for the day already? I don't think it would be appropriate to wake her up just to ask permission if I could stay another night."

"Mrs. Amelia would not mind, I guess. She seems excited to have you here as much as possible. I'm not saying this because she's my employer but because it's you."

"You're flattering me too much."

"I'm not. You helped me once and even introduce me to this place. My life is starting to change since I met you, though it only happened yesterday, I am happy that something has changed about me. If my words could bring peace to you, just as you did for me, then I'm willing to speak them."

"Oh? You've become a little cheekier, didn't you? When just last night snot was running down your nose."

"Please forget about them! Are you planning on killing me in embarrassment?"

Leone laughed and lifted the vase, about to bring it to the room upstairs when she caught sight of a cloaked figure under the flickering lamppost. For some reason, she could feel that the person is looking in the café's direction.

"Miss Len, are you alright?"

Leone looked back to Nicholas and nodded. "Yeah. Also, it has been bothering me but stop calling me Miss every single time. Len is just fine."

"But-

"No buts. I will just bring this upstairs and I'll be back shortly. It looks like you would take forever before you finish what you're doing."

"It's because I have to be careful not to break them."

"I know. Just wait for me."

Leone ran up the stairs and opened the door to the room she used last night. She pushed the button for the light to open and placed the vase on the bedside table.

She again saw the cloaked figure still standing under the flickering lamppost. She trembled as she felt the person staring her way and immediately dragged the curtains close.

She rubbed her shoulders and ran out of the room down to the shop. She glanced back at the flickering lamppost and surprise registered in her eyes as the lamppost no longer flickers nor a cloaked figure was underneath it. Were her eyes playing tricks on her?

"Um. Le-Len, are you really fine? You look paler than usual."

"It might just be due to the lighting. Besides, since when did my name become Le-Len? Don't murder my name please."

"You could not expect me to comfortably call you so familiarly right away."

"Then get used to it. Also, practice makes perfect so you can try saying my name right now."

"No way."

"Don't argue anymore. By the way, do you have extra clean towels so I can help you dry the dishes?"

"Oh yes. I will get one for you."

Nikolas pulled a drawer on one of the cabinets behind the counter and handed a clean towel to Leone.

She gave a quick thanks and felt calmer than earlier, feeling safer with someone next to her.

"I've noticed Mary is also not around. She's a stay-in employee if I remember it correctly. Is it perhaps her day off tomorrow and went home?"

"Oh, no. She followed Mrs. Amelia to Mrs. Daisy's place. I heard Mrs. Daisy's daughter giving birth and they immediately set off when Mrs. Daisy's husband came to fetch her. The shop has to close early and Mary has to stay a bit longer to create a memo for me on what to do."

"I see."

Mary is apparently more like Mrs. Amelia's secretary. It's understandable why she needs to follow the old woman.

"It's been hard for you, huh? Keep up the good work! Sooner or later they will fully leave the shop in your care."

"Oh, please no! Don't say something terrifying. I've only been assigned the clean-up and closing but it's already too much to handle at once. What's more, if I also have to serve the customers?"

"Now that you mentioned it, what will you do tomorrow? It's Saturday and I don't have work so I can help you with the preparation for the opening and serve the customers but I have no idea when it comes to brewing drinks. We can sell the pastries that are still available but this is a café. Is there a café that doesn't serve coffee?"

"That's truly a problem. But Mary said they'll be back before sunrise so I guess it's alright?"

"You... You should have told me earlier!"

Leone hit Nikolas who was laughing quietly at her.

"But you look adorable being worried and all. I just can't help it."

"What a brat. I've changed my mind. I won't help you tomorrow."

"Please no. Your help is greatly appreciated!"

"Call me Sis Len then and I will reconsider."

"No way!"

Leone and Nikolas argued like cats and dogs until they finish their task and retired for the day. They bid each other good nights and went to their respective rooms.

Leone did not try to peek out of the window anymore and turned the bedside lamp on before turning off the light. She jumped unto the bed and covered herself with a blanket.

It was pitch dark but her eyes are fully opened, conscious that she'd be tortured in a nightmare if she sleeps. However, her tired body does not agree with her brain and she eventually closed her eyes.

To a dark alley not so far from the café is a cloaked figure. Another emotion he thought he had killed pricked his heart while he watched Leone laugh heartily.

He did not get tired even though the night has grown deeper until he saw the lights go off in Leone's room.

****