CHAPTER 8

　　Alondra walked out of their house slowly. It pains her to see her mother in pain. As she walks away, she waves to her mother. When she got on a tricycle and was dropped off at the bus terminal, she wanted to cry and run back. When she saw that a bus was about to leave, she quickly got off and paid. She dashed to the bus and sat down as soon as she noticed an open seat near the window. Maybe she'll get some food when she gets to the?city. She remembered Mathilde and was certain she would cry if she left without telling her.

　　She had no idea what time it was, so she hoped she wasn't late because she needed to work today.

　　When they arrived in the city after a few hours, Alondra's face lit up. She quickly went outside and looked for a ride to the coffee shop she had applied for. She went inside as soon as she paid. It's a good thing the signage is still down. The woman she had asked the day before smiled at her.

　　"Good morning," she said with a smile.

　　"Same to you; I thought you wouldn't return now. My name is Daisy."

　　"My name is Alondra, and I need a job so I?go back," she replied.

　　"Is that correct? I told Mrs. Abra, our manager, about you yesterday, and she said you'd be assigned to the kitchen to wash dishes; is that okay with you?" Daisy asked.

　　"Sure. Anywhere," Alondra replied with a smile.

　　"All right, we'll stay here. This shop will cover our food and lodging, and there will be no deduction from our salary. Have you eaten yet?" Daisy asked.

　　Alondra took a deep breath and was relieved that she no longer needed to look for a boarding house because she didn't have any money. She and Daisy walked in, carrying her backpack. A large kitchen is available in such a coffee shop. There is nothing outside. The area they entered was littered with glasses and plates.

　　"This is where you wash up," it says, "and on the other side are staff who make coffee and desserts and serve them to customers."

　　Alondra gave a nod. Daisy is kind, so she is not afraid, and she is thankful for that. She set her backpack down and walked over to the chair next to the small table. Daisy had been gone for a while when she returned with food and placed it in front of her.

　　"We're going to eat first, and if you're nice here, you'll last longer," Daisy said before beginning to eat.

　　Alondra ate despite her shyness because her stomach was hurting.

　　"How old are you, Alondra?" Daisy asked.

　　"Twenty-two," she replied.

　　Daisy smiled at him and said, "I see, you are very beautiful, and your complexion is smooth."

　　"Thank you," she responded shyly.

　　This is the first time she has been complimented. Because of the difficulties of life that she only thought about every day, even her mother forgot to tell her.

　　"Are you dating anyone?"

　　Daisy's question is not beyond Alondra's comprehension.

　　"With the difficulties of my life, it never occurred to me to find a boyfriend," Alondra replied.

　　All she could think about was food, so she didn't bother putting on makeup. She didn't buy anything, even simple new clothes. She only dresses in old clothes.

　　"Yes, we poor people face many challenges in life, so I understand where you're coming from," Daisy said.

　　Alondra remembered Mathilde. She misses her after a few hours.

　　"How long have you been here, Daisy?" she asked.

　　"Five months. The work here is fine; it's just that our manager is very strict, so you improve your work and avoid making mistakes, or you'll be fired right away."

　　Alondra was suddenly overcome with nervousness. What if she messed up? He still doesn't know his way around the entire city. Daisy said goodbye to go out after they ate because they were going to open a coffee shop while she was left inside. She can't just stand there staring; she needs to do something while waiting to be washed. She was looking for a clean swab. He should clean up the dessert in case he needs it later. As he got out of bed, Leandre furrowed his brow. He fell asleep after remembering he was at Nicholas' house.

　　It's a good thing because Jade would have molested her body otherwise. Leandre rose slowly from his bed and went into the bathroom to wash his hands. Leandre emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later. Because he was dressed differently, it's possible that his friend dressed him. Shorts and a black shirt. He had no idea where his clothes were. He exited the room and descended the stairs. He went straight to the kitchen because the house was quiet.