~Little Miss Clumsy~

Shira walked out of the Burger King fast food restaurant where she worked during the day. Her hands were deep in her pant pockets and her fingers fiddled with the few tips she had gotten that day. Today was a good day. She had also gotten compliments from three people on her smile and poise. Shira was very good at masking her emotions for sure. She never let her pains show.

She got to her neighborhood and hastened her steps. She wanted to spend some more time with her brother before she left for the club. She wanted to finish reading him the story that they had started the previous evening.

A few kids greeted her as she passed and she smiled at them, making way to the house.

“Hey Mum, I'm home!” Shira announced as she walked through the front door. She took off her coat and went straight into Chuck's room.

He was fast asleep in his bed looking so pale. Her once chubby and healthy little brother now looked so frail. She hated seeing him like this. He was only twelve but had to suffer daily. He couldn't play or go to school like his age mates. It was devastating.

She moved slowly to his side and sat down beside him.

“Hey buddy,” She said softly, not wanting to wake him up. “Did you have a good day? I did. An old lady gave me a smile and told me I have such beautiful teeth,” She said and let out a sad laugh, letting a tear roll down her face. “Weird, but it counts doesn't it?” She said to him stroking his swollen hand lightly.

“He could barely keep anything down today, Shira,” Shira turned to see her mother watching them from the entrance. She looked very tired and weary. “He’d eat one minute and throw it up the next. I hate to see him like this,dear. We just have to put him back on dialysis.” The woman said, a sad, forlorn look on her face.

“I’ll try my best ,mum, I'm trying. I will talk to Martha again about that loan.” She said and moved towards her mother holding her hands, “ I hate to see him like this too mum but he will be fine. Soon.”

“I do hope so” Mrs Williams said, her eyes shiny with unshed tears.

“I should get ready for work now, Mum. Meanwhile, this is what I earned today in tips.” She said giving her Mum a few coins and some cash.

“This is enough to buy us dinner. Weldone dear. Thank you for helping me out so much” Mrs Williams said and Shira smiled sadly. 

“I wish I could do more. Take care, Mum.” She said and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. “See you later, Chuky” She said and gave the sleeping boy one last look before heading out.

***

“You'll be working at the VVIP section tonight, Shira.” Martha said to her and she sighted, heading straight for her station. 

She took the stairs up wondering what she could possibly do about her brother's condition. Martha had said she couldn't be granted a loan at this time but probably in a couple of weeks.

All this would have been so much easier if her dad had been alive but they had lost him a few years back due to a tragic car accident.

Shira quickly reminded herself that she was at work before the tears could drop. She walked into the nearest bathroom to breathe. 

Just then she heard the sound of running water and looked to the side. It was a man.

"What are you doing here?!" She yelled at the man who was washing his hand in the sink. It was Hottie the CEO.

"Shouldn't I be asking you this?" He said very coldly, still washing his hands calmly. 

It was then Shira noticed some urinals off to the side.

"Oh my!" She shrieked, running out of the bathroom.

'What a weirdo' Cole thought. 

He dried his hands on some paper towels, disposed of them and went out.

Shira was pacing outside the bathroom when he walked out. She didn't notice him so he just walked past and went towards the nest. Just then, Shira woke up from her short trip into her subconscious.

"Sir! Sir!" She called, running towards him. He turned around and caught her just as she was about to fall to her face. 

"Geez, I'm sorry, so sorry" she wheezed a bit out of breath.

Cole's bodyguard, Biggie who was standing by the glass door nearly let out a laugh but disguised it as a cough.

"Well?" Cole asked.

When she didn't reply promptly, he walked into the nest. He heard a creak and looked up suddenly. She had followed him in. This woman definitely had some guts.

He glared at her impatiently with a raised eyebrow

"Well, sir... I wanted to...uhm...to apologize for uhm... Back there I..."

"Save yourself the stress I think I got a hint of what you're on about. Gosh! you're even clumsier up close." He said, taking a sit on his plush leather couch.

"Wait, have you been watching me?" Shira asked.

"Not particularly." He said calmly, placing his left foot on his right knee. "I see all the happenings in this club. Or at least the major part of the club." He said gesturing towards the glass wall. 

Shira walked towards it and touched the glass, completely mesmerized. She could even see Damien from up here. He seemed to be mixing a drink for a customer. 

"This is how you saw me being attacked." She turned to Cole who had been watching her closely. To her question he gave a single nod.

"I accept your apology, now bring me a white wine" He said with that peculiar eyebrow-raise. He was obviously reminding her of her place.

"Oh, of course! Right. White wine okay, got it. On it sir!" She collected herself, leaving hurriedly.

"And please, try not to spill it." He said exasperated and she smiled showing all her teeth and gave two thumbs up.