Chapter 1.2

“You should’ve told me! How about your studies? Are you still going to school? Gosh, were you lying to me all this time?!” He scratched his head.

“I wanted to help you, okay!” She blinked a couple of times because of his response.

“Help me?” He nodded.

“I know you’re struggling for us.. I just wanted to help. I wanted to have money so I can be some sort of help. I’m still studying and my grades are good, I swear!” He raised his hand as a pledge of allegiance and she sighed.

“Do you.. still have your shift?” She cleared her throat and he nodded.

She sighed and nodded. “Okay. Let’s discuss this at home later. I’ll go buy Timothy ice cream.” Philippe just nodded and let his older sibling go. Is she mad? He can’t really tell. Ever since he was young he wanted to help her but no one hires him because of his young age.

“Aish,” he whispered before going back inside the coffee shop.

After Fatima got the ice cream, she hurried back to the fountain. She looked around and couldn’t find him anywhere. Panic consumed her as she tried to find him. “Timothy!” she screamed as she wandered around the park.

“Timothy! Where are you!” (Fuck!)

“Timothy-“ Her eyes landed on him sitting on a bench with ice cream in his hands. “I told you to stay near the fountain!” She scolded and he lowered down his head.

“Don’t do that again! You could’ve gotten lost!” She continues scolding her little brother.

“He’s fine.” She looked to the left and saw Christopher sitting beside Tim. She didn’t even notice him until he spoke. “What.. what are you doing here?”

“I was just walking around and saw this little guy. Is he your child?” He raised an eyebrow and her eyes widened.

“What?! He’s my brother!” she immediately exclaimed and he nodded.

“That’s great news,” he whispered to himself and smiled slightly. (That means she’s single..) he thought to himself.

“Don’t go anywhere with strangers, got it? You’re lucky this guy isn’t a kidnapper,” she told her brother and he nodded. She sighed again in relief that her brother is safe.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been working at the bar?” Fatima eyed him, thinking what his intentions towards her were.

(He’s your ex, Fatima. Don’t befriend him!) she reminded herself to not get close to him. Not again.

“None of your business.” She grabbed her brother’s hand and let him stand up. They were about to leave when Christopher spoke.

“You should quit. I can offer you a job at my company.” She turned around with furrowed eyebrows.

“Why are you being nice to me, huh? You don’t even know me.” She questioned his motives. He clenched his jaw as he examined her face. (I know everything about you, you were my lover. Stop trying to convince me you’re someone else,) he thought to himself.

“Well, if you don’t want to.. the coffee shop across the road is hiring.” (The one where Philippe works?) she thought to herself.

“I heard they pay a good amount to their workers.” Fatima starts thinking about it. She hates working at the bar. If she can work at the coffee shop, maybe she can work freely. The woman before seemed nice enough to Philippe.

“How do I apply?” She turned to him and he smiled.

“I have no idea. You should ask the female working there, she should interview you,” he responded with a smile on his face. She eyed him before carrying her brother so she can get home quickly. She looked at the coffee shop again before heading home.

ONCE NIGHTTIME CAME, Philippe went home and found his sister waiting for him in the living room. He silently went next to her like an obedient student. She cleared her throat and handed him the ice cream she bought earlier that was in a bucket.

“Thanks..” he said slowly.

“You should’ve been honest with me, Phil.” He lowered his head and held the ice cream. She looked at him and sighed. “We’re a family.. we should be open to each other and not keep secrets like that, okay?`` She reminded him and he nodded.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to help.. ever since dad passed away... you’ve been just..” he whispered his words as his eyes started to water. Fatima extended her arm and hugged him. “I know it’s been hard for the both of us..” Fatima whispered and wiped his tears.

“I miss dad...” he whispered and more tears fell. She hugged him tighter. She rubbed his head and whistled a tune.

“Our lives will be a lot different a few more years from now, trust me.” He started to calm down and hugged her back.

“You can continue working but don’t miss classes because of it, okay?” He nodded.

“And uh.. is that coffee shop still hiring employees?” She wondered about what Chris told her earlier.

“Do you want to work there?” he asked and she nodded while pursing her lips.

“Hmm! It might be good if we work together. My old job isn’t that great,” she said and laughed.

“What’s your job anyway?” She scratched her head and didn't know how to answer him. She kept her job a secret because she doesn’t want her brothers to worry that she works in a bar.

“Server at a restaurant.” Philippe nodded slowly and she smiled at him. She can’t help but lie in order for them to not worry.

“I’ll ask the manager tomorrow about it.” Fatima clapped her hands and hugged him. “Thank you!” she exclaimed. She can’t help but think of Christopher though. She should avoid him at all costs. Her heart beats differently when he’s around and she doesn’t like it.