"Hello, Mr. Lee," I nod as I step into the café, tying my apron around my waist and stretching a little.
Woah… today was rough. School was tough…
I start setting up the tables and cleaning the reception, but my mind keeps drifting back to Mother, to her condition, the constant worry sitting heavy in my chest literally draining me..
"Hey, Zoey."
That familiar voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I look up, and there he is.
"Oh… you're here, Luca?"
He smiles, running a hand nervously through his hair. "Yeah. About that I'll be working here."
My eyes widen. Wait him?
A boy from a rich family… working a part-time job
"You?" I raise an eyebrow, clearly suspicious.
"Yeah," he chuckles. "My dad thinks this will somehow stop me from hanging around with bad people."
I laugh softly. "Oh, I see. Well… welcome then, partner."
I shrug and hand him an apron.
And wow.
He somehow looks good even in this messed-up apron.
I quickly look away, feeling oddly excited though I don't really know why. Maybe it's because I get to see him more now… work with him… talk to him.
I turn around to take orders, my cheeks warming as a faint pink creeps up.
Though he was someone from rich background he do work efficiently and pretty smoothly
Next Day at School
The next day at school, I tell Elizabeth everything about my job, and about Luca working at the café.
"No way," she says, narrowing her eyes. "He's working in some old café? Hmm…"
"You've gotta stay away from him."
"Why should I?" I frown. "It's kinda creepy, yeah, but maybe he needs this because of his dad."
She looks at me seriously. "You know I don't trust boys much especially when they suddenly show up like this."
I chuckle softly. "Oh, come on, Elly."
She smirks. "Wow, Miss Nods-a-Lot is giving me nicknames now and defending her crush."
"I do not have a crush," I say quickly, rolling my eyes, though my cheeks betray me by turning pink.
"Ohh, there's that attitude," she laughs. "Miss Nod is falling." She says dramatically putting her hand on her chest..
I hit her shoulder playfully. "Shut up, you."
She raises an eyebrow. "Make me."
I look away, smiling despite myself. "Okay, okay ..now shhh."
She pretends to zip her mouth, throwing me a playful grin.
At Home
I sit at my study table, the pen rolling between my fingers, my eyes fixed on the blank page of my journal. I sigh and close it. I still can't pull myself together enough to start a new page.
My gaze drifts around the room before stopping at the window. The backyard is dark. I stand up and press my hand against the cold glass, looking down at the empty street. It's almost midnight the world wrapped in a blanket of darkness.
Then I notice it.
A small white flower in the backyard.
Has Mom started gardening again?
A chill runs down my spine. Why so sudden? She hasn't liked going into the backyard since Dad's death…
I turn away from the window. Maybe she's healing. If this brings her even a little peace, then I'm happy.
I lie down on my bed, staring at the ceiling as my eyes slowly close, exhaustion finally pulling me into sleep.
I wake up suddenly.
Mom is standing by my window.
I gasp. "M-Mother—"
She turns to face me, her eyes glossy with tears.
"What's wrong?" I sit up quickly.
She comes closer and sits beside me, her fingers fidgeting nervously. My eyes drop to her hands, then back to her face.
"Mother…" My voice softens. "Are you okay?"
She nods. Then she turns toward me and gently brushes a strand of hair away from my face.
"Zoey… you do know I love you, right?"
I nod, my voice cracking at her touch. "I know."
"I know I wasn't there when you needed me," she whispers. "But—"
"Mother, it's okay," I interrupt quietly. "Really. It's all… just okay."
I look away. Her hand slowly slips from my cheek.
"I miss your dad sometimes," she says, her voice breaking. "I did all that, everything for you. For us."
I nod again. "I know."
"You should sleep," I add gently. "It's late. I have school tomorrow."
She nods, her eyes still red and swollen. Walking toward the door, she stops without facing me.
"Zoey… I'm always here if you need to talk."
Then she leaves, closing the door behind her.
I stare at it for a long moment.
She misses Dad… does she?
...…..Z....