Chapter 7

I closed the last folder and grabbed my bag. It was evening already and I was exhausted. Most of the staff had gone home already. The light in the boss’s office was still on so I knew he was still around.

Patricia was still at her table and I felt pity for her. I wonder who put up the stupid rule that the receptionist had to be at her desk until the boss decides to leave.

“I’m leaving Patricia” she yawned tiredly.

“I wish that bastard will finish already. I’m tired” she grumbled lowly.

“His light is still on. I don’t think he’s going anytime soon. Give him an excuse or something”

“Excuses don’t work on him. I’ll have to wait. Goodbye love”

“Goodbye Patricia” I waved at her and exited the office. I reached into my bag and dialed Kamiko’s number. She picked on the first ring.

“I’ve been waiting for your call”

“I’m sorry. I had a lot to do and there was no time”

“I’m upset with you”

“And I’m sorry babe. Let’s do dinner”

“At the pink place?”

“Where else?”

“I hate seeing Rhea’s face”

“We have no option Kamiko. I’ll see you in an hour”

“Bye” I cut the call and dialed Nevaeh’s number. She don’t pick. I tried again. Still no response from her. I stuffed my phone into my bag and made my way to Silas’s home. Nevaeh’s selection was still on my mind and I was going to do anything to her her out of it.

The front door was locked. He’s probably at the office I thought. I turned round the house to his office. Harriet was at the door of the office.

“Paisley” she said with a smile.

“Evening Harriet”

“How are you doing?”

“Stressed. But I’m good”

“And your family? How are they taking the choosing?”

“Ummm. That’s the reason I’m here” she frowned.

“Is something wrong?”

“I want to speak to Silas”

“Silas left a few minutes ago. He has a meeting”

I nodded. “Okay then. I’ll just come back another time”

“Are you sure everything is okay child?”

“Yes. I’ll be on my way” I turned and left the house. I should have come earlier. Maybe during lunch tomorrow I could come and see him. I checked the time. Forty minutes until my dinner with Kamiko.

I decide to go home and shower quickly. Mama was not at home but papa was seated outside. He had a frown on his face.

“Papa” I called him but there was no response.

“Papa” I waved my hands in his face.

“Paisley. You’re back”

“Yes. Why are you out here? Is something bothering you?”

He sighed. “It’s the choosing. I wish there was something I could do about it. I don’t wish to send any of you away”

“And you won’t have to” I assured him.

“Don’t do anything rash Paisley”

“I won’t papa” I entered inside and took my bath and changed into a simple dress. Papa was not outside when I came out and mama was still not back.

I decided to head out and stop at Nevaeh’s bakery. The shop was back and Nevaeh was in the back.

“Paisley” she kissed my cheek.

“I called you”

“Sorry. There has been a lot of customers since the morning. My phone has been silent”

“Okay. I’m having dinner with Kamiko”

“Okay. I’ll be closing up soon. My feet is killing me”

“I’ll see you at home then” I kissed her cheek and left the shop.

The pink place was also crowded and I searched for Kamiko. She looked furious and was yelling at one of the employees.

“Kamiko” I called her and she paused her yelling for a second to face me.

“What’s going on?” I looked between two of them.

“This little shit here asked me to vacate my table”

“For what?”

“She wasn’t ordering and we have a lot of customers who want to” the waitress shouted.

“Didn’t I already tell you that I was going to order when my friend showed up”

“But the…”

“What the fuck are you three trying to do”The waitress was interrupted by Rhea.

“Ask your ducking employee” Kamiko said and returned to the table. I followed her and took the seat across.

“You have to calm down” usually, I won’t be telling her too. But I was so fucking exhausted, I had no energy to fight.

“I do not appreciate you coming here and trying to cause a scene” Rhea said angrily.

“Can we order now” I ignored her and spoke to the girl. She came over with her note pad and Rhea left our table.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having. I’m too kissed to read the fucking menu” Kamiko said immediately.

“We’ll have your special today” I said handing over the menu to her. The girl nodded and walked away leaving Kamiko and I alone.

“I fucking hate this place”

“You’ve said it countless times”

“There’s a new diner opening tomorrow. Let’s give it a try. I think it’ll be good”

“Sure. Waverly and Bellamy were planning an outing. Maybe we could all go there”

“Sure. Tomorrow it is then” our meals were served and we talked while we ate.

“I heard about the choosing”

I sighed and proceeded to explain everything and my family’s decision to send Nevaeh.

“That’s sick. What are you going to do?”

“Talk to Silas. If it doesn’t work then I’ll think of something else but I won’t let them take Nevaeh”

She nodded. “I understand. I’ll help you in any way I can” I smiled at her. This was one of the reasons I loved her. So supportive.

We finished our meal and we strolled around for a bit. I wanted to stay and spend more time with Kamiko but I needed to sleep. I was barely awake as it was. It was late already and I needed to sleep early so I could wake up on time and not be late to work.

Nevaeh’s shop should have closed already. So I didn’t bother going there. I went home straight. Mama was in the kitchen when I entered.

“How is my beautiful girl doing” she kissed my forehead.

“I’m exhausted” I groaned.

“Did your boss trouble you?”

“He did. I didn’t get lunch”

“My poor girl. You should go and have some rest. I don’t want you getting bags under your eyes or losing weight”

“Is Nevaeh back?”

“Yes. She is in her bedroom”

“Goodnight mama. I love you” I kissed her head and went to my room. As I was passing, I decided to stop at Nevaeh’s room and see her before I went to bed.

“Nevaeh” I knocked on her door. I only heard sniffles from inside. Was she crying?

“Nevaeh” I knocked harder on the door.

“Come on. Open up”

“Go away” she shouted. I couldn’t leave her like this. I won’t be able to get any sleep knowing that she was in there crying and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“Nevaeh” I knocked again.

“Leave her Paisley” Papa said from his door way.

“But….”

“Go to bed Paisley” I looked at the door once more before sighing and entering my bedroom. I undressed  and got under the covers. I needed to do something to help and we could all be happy again. I wasn’t able to think of a plan.

I fell asleep instantly.