Chapter 3

Aria

I am already at the cafe, refilling the flavors while making the foam for the frappe.

"A, did you eat yet?" Brent asked me, holding the food in his hands.

"Kinda, I drink café Americano," I said not looking into his eyes; I could feel he was looking at me.

"No, come on. I'll share it with you." He said while dragging me to the table.

I knew he was not satisfied with my answer.

I thanked him while we are eating. The staff is allowed to make one drink for free but cakes and other solids are not allowed.

I didn't eat breakfast cause I don't have extra money to buy food. The last grocery I have in my house is only for dinner.

Getting me out of my thoughts, I heard Brent calling me.

"A! I am asking you. Are you even here?" He asked shouting playful.

I narrowed my eyes on him.

"Hey! Don't shout! I am right here." I whispered yell. There are two customers near our tables.

"How much debt you need to pay left?" He asked me. 

He knew the debts I am paying because many people are always looking for me to get the payment here at the cafe.

"Mm…that's… $500,000. Left." I said sadly. How can I pay half a million? Right?

He managed to look at me without pity. "You can do it… If only I am rich, I can help you with that." Brent said sadly.

"No need to. Being you here at my side is enough, Brent. "

"Good to hear. Anything you need, I am right here.” I laughed at him. He was so sincere while saying those words.

"Thank you for all and this food."

He just nodded like it was nothing.

Just in time when I stood up and heard the door chimes - means someone is coming in.

"Aria Bright?" I heard a middle-aged familiar voice.

I knew who it is and I didn't bother to look up. I headed straight to my bag and got the money.

"I'll go back to work," Brent said, heading to the counter.

I walked over to him.

"This is the only money I have sir. I have to pay you next month again." I said politely, handing him the money with my head down.

He got it and I expected him to leave but not. I heard him cleared his throat and I looked up to him. He was looking at me intently.

"I am giving you a chance to pay all the remaining balance next month. I don't need excuses." He said firmly.

“But sir, I…” He cut me off.

"As I said, I don't need any excuses, if you didn't pay for it. I’ll tell you. I will. ruin. you." He threatened venomously like he knows how to ruin me.

I nodded and slumped back to the chair. I didn't know what to do or what jobs do I need to do just to earn that big money.

Tears started to pool. What did I do to deserve this?

I heard the door chimes - means another is coming in.

I looked up at Leticia and her daughter with smiles on their faces.

I hurriedly wiped the tears before they fall and I smiled forcefully.

Changing my mood.

"Good morning to my beautiful customers " I winked at them causing Leticia to laughed.

"Good Morning, auntie Aria." Lily greeted politely, hugging me.

"Good Morning Aria" Leticia greeted.

"What do you want to order guys?" I asked, I walked to the counter giving the dishes to Brent.

"Mom, I want Luke's favorite cake. Pretty please." Lily pleaded, giving those puppy eyes.

"Of course Hun." Leticia looked at me.

"Oreo Cheesecake and water for Lily and café Americano for me please."

So Luke's favorite cake is Oreo cheesecake. Mmm…

I nodded

"Right away Madam," I said, but Leticia give me the -don't-call-me-that-look-.

I chuckled. She is really low key even though she is that rich.

I prepared and served them their orders.

"Anything else you need?" I asked.

"You," Leticia said looking at me. I looked at her confused.

"Me? I have worked maybe later Leticia." I laughed nervously, why do I feel something?

"Later then. Can we meet at your place? I need to talk to you about... something." She said suddenly, giving me her puppy eyes.

My house?

"You can but my house isn't that big. If that's ok with you?" I said softly still confused.

"No need to use puppy eyes." I laughed.

"Silly me." She said to herself. "I don't care Aria. If that house is big or small." She said seriously.

"Later then, gotta work," I said to her and she nodded.

I rushed directly to the counter and prepared everything again. Working in the cafe is 80% washing and cleaning.

Somethings not right.

I wonder what she is going to talk about. Maybe she is planning a surprise? Maybe she wanted to buy something? or maybe she will ask me to tutor Lily for a month?.

That would be great thou.

I remembered, what would I give to them. I don't have any food in my house or anything to offer.

That's the only dinner I have.

I shake my head getting out of my thoughts. She said just to talk. I don't need to be nervous right?

I laughed inside my head. What's going on with me?

_______________

I just got home. I am hesitant if I should cancel Leticia coming here but she texted me asking what is my address. I didn't notice that I replied by texting my address.

I didn't need to clean. I just tidy up because I don't like messy and dirty things.

I didn't have anything or money to buy food. I am feeling embarrassed about it. I only have coffee to offer.

I took a shower and waited for Leticia to come. I was sitting on my bed waiting for her. I don't know if she and Lily would come.

I own this house. The time I didn't know the debt before I have saved and bought this house but after some time finding out that my foster dad has debts. They run after me leaving me no choice but to pay for it. Things I dreamed of went south.

There's a knock interrupting my thoughts. I hurriedly walked to the door to open it.

"Aria," Leticia said with food in her hands.

"Leticia. Come on get in." 

I helped her with the foods she was holding and put them on the table.

She told her driver to get back here when she texts him.

I prepared the food. She brought some fries and fried chicken with rice.

She knew I don't have food to prepare? Maybe I was being paranoid.

"Your house is so cozy. I feel at home when I entered. Seriously." She complements.

"Thank you for that. It is really home for me "

"Let's eat first so we can talk straight after." She said.

"Sure. Thank you for bringing food. You didn't have to." I said softly.

"Nah. Don't need to. Just eat Aria." She dismissed.

Meanwhile, we are eating.

"Where is Lily?" I asked her. I rarely saw her without Lily.

"Mark is there at home and want to spend time with our daughter.

I nodded and smiled.

For me, they are really the best couple and a parent for Lily. They know how to balance time.

I wish I would have that kind of family. Soon…