CHAPTER 2 : THE NEWEST EMPLOYEE

The rustle of dry leaves beneath my feet, the cool air and the beautiful view of mountains up ahead beneath the beautiful sunset put me as ease. I loved nature and nature had come to take it’s place here. I came closer to my cottage that was surrounded with a beautiful garden of white and yellow dandelions. My eyes were teary, it was even more beautiful than I had seen on the newspaper. Ma’am Theresa came running towards me and I was a bit worried that she might fall.

“Oh my dear child”, she said and pulled me into her embrace, I put down my luggage and hugged her too. This was the first time I was meeting her in real life. She was the owner of the cottage and was relocating with her husband after having their fifth child. With the growing family, they needed a bigger house for their growing family so they had to relocate. She had put it up for sale on a newspaper and I bought it with the little money I was able to save up and my family also pinched in what they could offer. 

“How was your journey ? You look so stressed. I told you about the festival before but you were so eager” she said and helped me with my luggage and I was very grateful, my hands were beginning to feel numb.

“Oh and what a mistake that was”, I chuckled and shook my head.

“Did anything happen ?”

“Well, I got confronted my some drunk men”.

“Oh dear”

“But I made it out alive. One of the men had a terrible breath. Thank God for a good Samaritan “, I said and we laughed. We talked a little as we entered the cottage and I slowly touched the dandelions with my hand.

“Seems you love dandelions”

“Oh, I do. I used to play with them when I was a little child and I grew up loving them. They are beautiful”, I said and she agreed. We stepped into the immaculate cottage with nice furniture and properties just as I had wanted and paid for it.

“This is beautiful, ma’am Theresa”, I said and hugged her.

“Aren’t you just a sweet child ? I made sure I got the quality ones, they last longer”, she said and led me up to my room, I was moved at how beautiful it looked, I felt like hugging ma’am Theresa again.

“You know, you can have a good view of the mountains over here”, she said and opened one of the windows. I went to where she stood and was taken aback at the beautiful view. It was breathtaking.

“Do you like it ?”

“Like it ?, I love it!!!”, I said with teary eyes and hugged her. 

“Come on child, go refresh. I made something sweet ?”

“You cooked ?”

“Yes, I did. Wait till you taste the delicacy!!”

“Oh ma’am Theresa you didn’t have to”, I said and she smiled.

“Oh come on, honey. I just wanted to help out. I knew you would be so tired when you finally arrived and besides you gave me a good pay just wanted to do a little something. I assure you my cooking isn’t bad”, she said and we chuckled.

“Thank you so much” I said and she left. I had a cool bath and went downstairs to have some food. Ma’am Theresa was surely not a bad cook at all, it was sumptuous and I ate to my heart’s content until I couldn’t again.

With a big hug, I bid Ma’am Theresa goodbye, she was indeed a kindhearted wan and she did exactly as she was paid for. My house was well stocked with food and the properties she bought were quality including some repairs. It was dark already and I walked around my garden and sat down on a bench admiring the beauty of the night sky.

***

The alarm blared loudly dragging me from dreamland to reality. I opened my eyes still sprawled on my bed. I reached for it and put it off. I sluggishly sat upright and looked at the time. My eyes flew open in horror and I scooted away from the bed, I couldn’t be late for work on my first day. I said my prayers then rushed into the bathroom, then dressed up. I wore a fitted gown and a little gloss. Packed my hair into a neat ponytail and wore my bangles and necklace with some black flats. I made some coffee and grabbed my handbag and opened the door. The beautiful scenery caught my attention and I paused for a moment. The dandelions were arranged beautifully so were other colorful flowers. I returned back to my senses and stepped out and locked the door. I took breathed out heavily, today’s my first day at my job, the first step in starting over a new life. 

I hurried to the junction and flagged down a taxi. 

“Daisy’s café” , I said and he told me to hop in. I felt my stomach tighten in nervousness and my palms a bit sweaty and I tried to calm myself.

You can do this, Emily. Just relax.

After a long while. The driver pulled over at the most expensive café I had ever seen. I blinked my eyes in disbelief. It was even more beautiful than the pictures, is this really a café ?

“I’m so sorry, mister. I’m new here. Is this Daisy’s café ?” , I asked in disbelieve. He looked at me and chuckled.

“Oh dear, you’re truly new here. This is the best café here in Silverhood and it has the best taste, many distinguished personalities come here and even tourist and investors. They’re gifted”, he said. I thanked him and got out of the car before paying him and he drove off.

I stood looking at the edifice before my eyes. I suddenly became conscious of how I looked. I hoped I wasn’t going to be looked down upon. After adjusting my dress I took in a shaky breath and made my way towards the entrance. Inside was even more beautiful and lovely with nice quality wooden table and chairs. The staffs were still cleaning and an elderly woman was supervising them. They all turned to me and the butterflies in my belly increased.

“Didn’t you see that we haven’t opened yet”, a brunette glared at me and I was taken aback by her rudeness. Before I could utter a word, the elderly woman’s voice interrupted.

“Are you Emily Harper ?”, she asked sweetly and they all gasped. The brunette’s face turned red with embarrassment. I guess they must have realized who I was. The two time winner of a coffee-making contest here in this country. That was a long time ago and many might have forgotten and I’m sure Ma’am Daisy must have tired them with my name. Always comparing and all.

“Oh dear”, she said and threw her arms over me and I smiled warmly.

“It’s a honor to finally meet you. I can never mistake this beautiful face for anything else”, she said and caressed my cheeks.

“It’s also a pleasure to meet you, ma’am Daisy”, I said sweetly.

“Aren’t you just one beautiful child”, she said and turned to her staffs and clapped her hands calling their attention and they all gathered together swiftly then she began to introduce me.

“I want you all to meet the newest employee. Emily Harper, the two-time winner of Merida’s coffee contest some years ago”, she said and they applauded.

“I want you all to treat her with the respect that includes you, Cheryl. She’s no ordinary person”. she said and glared at the brunette and she bowed her head in shame. 

“That will be all, you can continue with your businesses. Come on”, Ma’am Daisy said and led me to her well furnished office cladded with trophies and awards. We talked for some time and asked me some questions when she was satisfied she sent me to work. They gave me their uniform which i changed into and it looked good on me as I turned looking at myself in the mirror. I got back to work and by now few people had started coming in. I watched how they served people and followed suit.

“So, two-time winner, huh ?” Sarah, a friendly young lady teased me.

“Oh it’s nothing, really”

“It is actually something, honey. We have a legend in our midst, Emily Harper”, Dennis said loud and clear for Cheryl to hear and she glared at him. I chuckled.

“At least we have someone that can match up to her, because she was made our leader she’s making life hard for us here”.

“At least her ego will diffuse. Put her in her place, Emily”, Daniella said and the others joined. I just laughed and shook my head.

“I didn’t come to outshine anybody or make anybody a backdrop. I came here to start my life again and because I love this job”, I said and they grumbled “Oh no” and rolled their eyes, I smiled.

“This is not good”, Dennis said with his hand on his face and shook his head.

“That’s not the spirit”, Daniella added as she shook her head.

“You guys should get to your duties, this instant!!”, she commanded with a frown on her face and her arms folded.

“Yeah, whatever”, they grumbled and left.

“As long as you’re here, Emily Harper I am still your leader, I don’t care if you won all the coffee competitions in the world. Do I make myself clear ?”

“Like I said, Cheryl. I didn’t come here to outshine anyone, I decided to work here because I loved it so you don’t need to worry”, I said calmly. 

She gave me a look of disgust and left.

This isn’t going to be easy, is it ?

“He’s here!!!”, Jessica squealed quietly and the others joined her. I gave them a confused look and just then a fragrance, the most sweetest ever, reminding me to lavender filled my nostrils. I turned to the doorway and watched as a tall handsome man walked in with raven-black hair with tendrils that brushed his temples and a pair of captivating forest green eyes. He looked up at me and I felt strangely drawn to him. He looked away and sat in the a secluded place where I could see him in full view.

I analyzed his facial features. His dark lustrous hair framed a strong and defined face with soft pink lips and thick brows. His long feminine lashes housed beautiful green eyes one that could hold a woman captive. His legs were crossed and he seemed to be very focused on the magazine he saw on the table as he slowly sipped his coffee. He looked up at me and I froze .I tore my gaze away and my heart was breathing frantically.

When did this strange attraction for men begin ? First Isaiah and now this man.

How can I be attracted to two different men at the same time ? What exactly is wrong with me ? 

I took orders from the remaining customer and served them nicely but once in a while our eyes would meet and my cheeks would heat up.

“Hmm what’s going on between you two ?”, Sarah asked and winked at me.

“Who ?”

“Oh come on, like I can’t see the glances you’ve been giving each other”, she said and rolled her eyes.

“You are simply misunderstanding”

“And he’s so hot. Even Cheryl has feelings for him but he simply ignores her but he’s got his eyes on you ever since he stepped in here. The only thing is that he’s very tough and strict…..or just arrogant I guess but I guess that common for all guys right ?”, she continued talking and my eyes met his.

“You two look so good together, just imagine your children”, she said and my eyes widened in surprise as my cheeks burned. I blinked in confusion and turned to her.

“Ch…. Children ?”, I stammered and she nodded excitedly.

“Oh how cute they would look like”, she said and hugged me and I pushed her hands away.

“You’re crazy”, I said and went about my duties. Immediately he walked in , attendants had already gathered to get his order and he was simply sipping coffee. He beckoned on me to come over and I felt surprised.

It couldn’t possibly be me right ?