She spoke explicitly and clearly. Jackson would have been an idiot not to have understood it. There was a flash of dejection in the bottom of his eyes as he feigned nonchalance. “Sure, all the best to you girls. Remember to bid farewell to me, someone who lives in your past, before you leave.”Thinking that he was joking, Arianne chuckled. Tiffany and Jackson, however, felt differently. One was making a resolution while another was respecting the resolution.After dinner, the two women began to clean up. Jackson added. “Right, Arianne, didn’t you ask me to ask Mark for the cat? He said that he’s not giving it.”Arianne instantly became upset. “Why not? He banned me from keeping a cat last time. He doesn’t even like it. Why isn’t he returning the cat to me?!”Jackson quickly replied, “Don’t get upset with me, I’m just the messenger. He simply said that he’s not giving it back. He didn’t say anything else. How could I know why that is? Don’t worry, if you really do leave, it’ll be inconv
”Purposefully choosing a time when I’m not around to come back... Are you that eager to avoid me? If you’re going to leave, you should at least say goodbye. “ It was difficult for her to distinguish the emotions in his tone, but great suffering lay beneath the undercurrents of his calm facade. She did not turn around, as she was unsure of how to face him. How was she supposed to speak frankly to him, acting as if nothing had happened? After a bout of silence, he took her luggage downstairs. This surprised her. She thought that he would stop her from leaving, restricting her in every way, like the madman he was in the past, and force her into staying with him. She was afraid of that, if she was being honest. However, to her surprise, he seemed perfectly calm. She heaved a sigh of relief. At the very least, she could bring herself to say a few kind words to him. Arianne tucked her hair behind her ear as she followed him down the stairs. Lowering her head, she mumbled, “I’m on
Upon their arrival in a new city, Arianne and Tiffany spent half a day trying to find a place to stay. Then they spent the second half decorating their small home. By the time the pair collapsed from exhaustion on their newly set up bed, they were smiling with satisfaction. Arianne turned her head to the side, looked at Tiffany and asked, “Are you really okay with leaving your mom on her own?” Tiffany paused thoughtfully and said, “I’m a bit worried, but it’s fine as long as we stay in contact. We’ve moved quite a distance away and found a city that’s neither too big nor too small. My mom won’t be interested in visiting me. I’ve told her that I’m here to start a business and want to travel the world, so she can’t be bothered with me. You, on the other hand… Do you think Mark will send someone to watch over you?” Now that she had mentioned it, Arianne believed that this was highly possible because Mark seemed too calm when she left. Perhaps he never really intended to release her in
Helen smiled, “You’ve misunderstood me. I’m only here on business for two days. I heard that you started a shop and I was hungry. I couldn’t decide on what to eat, so I came here to have a look. It’s alright if you’re closing, I’ll leave.” Her heart softening, Arianne asked, “What would you like to eat?” Helen walked to the front desk and picked up a menu. She glanced through it and chose two desserts and a cup of latte, “Just these. I hope I won’t take up too much of your time. I’ll just have my order to-go.” Arianne didn’t answer. She simply put on her apron and walked into the kitchen. Tiffany quickly made Helen’s latte and packed it up. Once the desserts were done, Helen left after paying for the items. She did not say anything more to Arianne. “Ari, I have a feeling that your mom is truly here on a business trip. Just treat her like a normal customer. You’re always smiling at strangers, try to be a bit… nicer to your mother. Okay?” Tiffany suggested, unable to stop herse
Arianne had managed to fine tune her emotions into the best possible state by the time she returned to the shop. Tanya Anderson, the staff member in charge of deliveries, greeted her apprehensively, “Have I been too slow, Ari?” Arianne was taken aback. It took her awhile before she realized what Tanya meant. “No, I just happened to have some free time, so I helped you with a delivery. It’s fine, go back to work. I’m going into the kitchen.” Tanya was born and bred in the city. Her family’s financial situation wasn’t too great, so she could not continue her studies after getting into university. Instead, she started working very early. She had a senile old grandfather at home and was pretty down to earth. She had delicate and pretty good looks, although she was slightly tanned due to constantly being on the move. Tanya was much more earnest compared to the other employee, Regina McKaren, who was in charge of serving the customers. Regina did not even finish high school and had ent
Tiffany couldn’t be bothered to fight with her in front of the shop entrance. It’d affect business, after all. She took out her pay and counted it all out in front of her, saying, “Here, this is the full amount.” However, Regina was not satisfied with this. “That’s it? Are you kidding me? This obviously isn’t right!” Tiffany pulled out the daily timesheet and thrust it in front of her, “Have a good look. I mentioned this when you first joined the team, but a lateness means cut wages. You’ve been consistently late, every day. I didn't even charge you for the desserts and drinks that you freeloaded off of us. Is there anything else that you’re not satisfied with? If you’d like for me to do a more detailed calculation, you’d have to reimburse me!” Regina was completely upset, “You have so many leftovers and you’d throw them away than let your own staff members eat them? What have I been eating?” Tiffany had never met anyone as shameless as this girl, replying angrily, “Leftovers a
Arianne hadn’t expanded her vision to that stage yet. She was still feeling sentimental over the present. A calm and peaceful life like this was the best kind. “We’ll see. Besides, Christmas is coming up soon. We should have some kind of promotion and a small gift exchange to attract new customers and reward our regulars.” Tiffany patted herself on the chest, “Leave it to me! I can do it. It’s good to do these promotions, especially since they bring us minimal losses. By the way, I have something to tell you, but I’m not sure if I should.” Arianne stared at her, “Mm? What is it?” Tiffany hesitated for a moment before speaking up, “You have to promise not to get angry first.” Arianne curled her lips, “Our lives are pretty good now and I’m in a good mental headspace. Nothing could possibly anger me, unless you’re saying that the business has had a loss. Just tell me.” “Mark and Jackson have formed a partnership and started a financial company in the office building across the r
The shop was closed for a while during the Christmas season. Lynn and Tanya went back to their own homes to spend Christmas with their families, but Arianne and Tiffany only had each other. This was their first time spending Christmas in a different city. On Christmas Eve, Tiffany had an hour-long call with Lillian. Arianne was left staring out into the cold Christmas night. Suddenly, Arianne’s phone rang. She thought that it was a simple Christmas greeting and was not bothered. She picked up her phone and glanced at it, then realized that it was from Helen. The contents of the message may have been a greeting, but there was a bank transfer of 1,500 dollars into her bank account. Apparently, it was a Christmas present, to make up for all the presents she had owed her when she was younger. She felt nothing and simply replied to her with two words: Merry Christmas. Helen was standing in front of a window when she received the message and smiled. It was snowing heavily outside and h