Chapter 3 PEPPERO

I pressed the key on the doorknob of my apartment. I turned the switches on and walk towards the couch. I lazily tossed all my belongings on the floor and let my body soaks on the cushion of the couch.

I roam my eyes around the corners of the small space of my apartment, and a hand seems to clench my heart. This place looks so dismal and empty. Not because of the few furniture neither the boring colors of my walls, but because of the distress atmosphere.

I heaved out a sigh and pulled myself up. Despite the rumbling of my stomach, I didn't bother cooking something for dinner. I feel like even the last strands of my hair seemed exhausted as well. I'll just eat a lot tomorrow.

While staring at my own reflection through the mirror inside my bath room, I contemplated about my life, especially my work at night. Aside from Aria and other staff in Stag Nite Bar, no one knows the woman behind the moniker 'Crimson Amber.'

Those people who personally know me don't know about it either, not even Ali. I'm not telling them not because I'm ashamed, but because I know they will force me to quit my job, which I cannot do considering my current situation.

My friends know about my terrible past, and they will do everything just to detached me from anything that could remind me of that, just like affiliating myself with some concupiscent scumbags. They will end up helping me, and I don't want that. I don't want to keep on relying on them because I know that they have their own problems to deal with. I don't want to be a burden to them, though they never made me feel like one.

Do I want this? Absolutely not. Do I have a choice? Unfortunately, none. The wage that I'm receiving as a waitress on the cafe shop is not enough to pay for my apartment rent, everyday expenses, my brother's hospital bill and medications. Chemotherapy is expensive as hell.

I don't have any documents with me, that's why I couldn't apply in another job. The only reason why I was able to work on the cafe shop is because Ali is the owner and she helped me. When my brother was diagnosed with his illness and the world strangle us to the ground, this opportunity knocked on my door. I accepted the offer despite my initial reluctance.

No matter how much I tried to deny it, the money that I'm earning on my secret job helps me a lot.

My hand caress the scars on my abdomen, and a bitter smile made its way on my lips. These scars are the remnants of my nightmares, but this is also the reminder of how strong I am, that I managed to survive.

I shook my head and dried my face. When I felt the soft mattress of the bed, I immediately fall asleep.

The continuous ringing of my phone wake me up from my slumber. I can feel the dizziness coursing through my head.

"Shit," I grunted when my stomach rumbled. That's when I remember that I haven't eaten anything yet since last night. I'm famished!

Headache and hunger- the perfect way to kill yourself.

Without even washing my face, I dashed towards the kitchen. My face distorted when I saw the empty fridge. I forgot to buy some groceries yesterday. It's a good thing that I have canned goods left on the pantry. While waiting for the rice to cook, I'm sipping the coffee that I made, its hotness helps to at least lessen the pain.

I rubbed my bleary eyes and walked to the window to open the curtains. There was a pearly glow in the sky. The sun poured through my window, its warm breeze fondle on my face and the melodic birdsong drifted in. Another day had dawned, bringing with it new hopes and aspirations.

After I finished eating my breakfast, I head towards the bathroom and take a bath. Before heading towards the cafe shop where I'm working, I passed by a pharmacy to buy a medicine.

"Florence!" Ali's voice greeted me.

I arched a brow. "What?"

She chuckled. "You're so sour."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not in the mood. Now if you don't have anything good to say, get off your ugly face from me," I said before wearing the apron.

She scoffed. "You bitch! Do you want me to pull you out of your job?!"

I chuckled and stick my tongue out. "As if you can do that. You love me, Ali."

She feigned a disgusted look. "Be thankful that I'm kind and generous so I won't fire you," she said scornfully.

"Thank you," I snapped back sarcastically.

Our bickering was cut when a group of students enter the shop. I immediately get a notebook and assist them for their orders.

Though Ali is the owner of this shop, she still chooses to work here. Having her own cafe shop was her dream ever since. That's probably the reason behind it.

When my shift ended, I went to the mall to buy some groceries.

"What else I forgot to buy?" I asked myself while checking the grocery list. When I saw that I already have all the things that I need to buy, I went to the cashier. But something caught my attention- Pepero!

My eyes almost twinkle while I'm heading towards the snack. Please don't shame me for this, but Pepero is my favorite snacks ever since. I suddenly remember how my father used to give me this every time I felt sad and frustrated.

I sighed. If that incident did not happen, maybe my life would not turn like this.

I was about to reached for the cookie stick when a hand suddenly grabs the half portion of the box.

I look at that person. "I'm sorry but can you please remove your hands? I will buy this."

He shakes his head. "I touched this first," he snapped back at me.

I squinted my eyes on him. He's sporting a plain white t-shirt paired with a cocky short. He's wearing a very simple attire yet he exudes with so much charm. The necklace dangling on his neck made him more attractive. Nevertheless, his face is not an enough reason for me to give way.

I breathed deep and feigned a smile. "I saw this first. So if you may excuse, let me have this because I'm in a hurry."

I tried to pull the box but he also pulled it away from me.

"No! My hand touched it first so this is mine!" he fired at me.

We're starting to catch attentions from the other customers, but I didn't bat an eye. My Pepero is in jeopardy!

I glared at him. "Can you just get another one for you?"

He shook his head. "This is the only Almond flavor in this shelf, and this is what I want," he reasoned out.

I scoffed. "I don't care. This is my favorite flavor as well, so back off!" I exclaimed.

I tried pulling it from him but he keeps on retaliating. And once again, the Pepero pulling game continues. We look like lunatics over a freaking snack. But I don't care, this is my dosage of serotonin and I just can't let this bastard have it.

"Get off your hands! This is mine!" I snapped at him.

He scowled. "No!"

My eyebrows furrowed. "You're so stubborn!"

He pointed an accusing finger at me. "And so are you!"

I was about to retort back when a cashier interfered between the two of us.

"Ma'am and sir, I'm sorry but you're starting to cause commotions. Can I asked what's the matter here?" she asked timidly.

The man cleared his throat. "This crazy woman was trying to steal the Peppero from me. I have it first."

I look at him with disbelief. "No! I literally saw it first! I was about to get it but your filthy hands got in the way!" I fired back at him.

The cashier cleared her throat. She smiled at us, barely stifling her laughter. "If you want, I can get another containers for the both so that you will stop fighting over a PEPERO," she said, emphasizing the last word, obviously to tease us.

Blood rose to my cheeks. I realized how childish we are. I slowly let go of the box, and the bastard's lips curled into an arrogant grin. Curse him!

I composed myself. "I-I'll just wait for another one."

The cashiers nods her head. I was left with the bastard who's grinning from ear to ear, taunting me.

He laugh while looking at my annoyed expression. "You look like an angry puppy, Florence."

I frowned. How did he know my name? He seemed to notice the confusion in my face so he pointed my shirt using his lips. I forgot to remove the name tag that I wear every time I work at the cafe shop.

My nose flared up when he suddenly ruffled my hair. "Stop playing with my hair, you freak! I don't even know you and we're not even close!"

He chuckled. "Dane Sullivan. That's my name. We're not strangers now," he said before turning his back. "See you when I see you."

I scrunched up my face.

Dane-annoying-Sullivan. The man who perfectly ruined my day.