Neela was busy serving customers and by the time it was closing hour, she was already exhausted, she pulled off her waitressing uniform and brew herself a cup of coffee deciding to rest for sometime and see if her boss will give her a ride because it's late already ,she was sipping on her coffee quietly with both eyes closed enjoying the delicious aroma from the freshly brewed coffee when she felt a tap on the shoulder she shuddered at the touch and turn around only to see it was Bruno.
she blushed and hit him playfully on his shoulder , "Gosh,you startled me " Neela whined holding her chest while glaring at Bruno who won't stop grinning at her boyishly, who are you waiting for I thought it's closing hour already ,"Bruno said looking around the place yes it is but I can't go home alone the street will be so lonely I am waiting to see if my boss can give me a ride," Neela said dejectedly.
Oh, hello ma'am, I gave you a phone earlier today right? so why didn't you give me a call?
" I don't know I don't want to bother you "
Fine get your things, let's go your mum might be worried Bruno said and Neela hurriedly got her things. Bruno opened the car door for her and she stepped in,he went to the driver's seat and hopped in before he drove off .
The drive was in total silence and it was already becoming so uncomfortable for Neela because she kept on changing position now and then deciding to brighten the atmosphere she broke the silence,
" I will be graduating very soon but that will be after my birthday, she said with a tone of happiness.
so how old will you be turning , let me know if you're still a kid"Bruno teased.
Mtcheeww, I will be turning 18 you dumb head Neela shouted and Bruno started laughing at her .
what's funny," Neela said pouting lips .
"Nothing, Bruno said looking at her in admiration,
"How do you feel about turning eighteen?" I don't know but I must say I feel excited and finally I can look at myself in the mirror and be proud of the woman I have finally grown into.
so tell me what kind of gift should I get for you , Bruno asked.
well you know I don't need a gift what I need you to give me on my birthday is the answer, she said looking serious,
" what answer?" Bruno ask,
Till that day Neela said smiling at his confused face.
Don't worry dear it's not so hard, she said laughing at Bruno.
You know since I was born it has been only me and my mum, sometimes when I see my fellow kids with their dad and mother I feel bad, each time I ask mum about my dad she tells me that my dad traveled since I was a kid but has not come back , she said my dad is the best father in the whole world but what I don't understand is why he hasn't come back for us, but growing up and seeing how mum struggles and work hard to see that I'm doing good I came to realize that my mum is both my father and mother that I don't feel the need of a father anymore ,"Neela said not knowing she's in tears till a tear drop from her eyes,by then they had already gotten to her house.
Bruno stop the car ,Neela unhooks her seatbelt and came down with Bruno doing so.
"Come here," Bruno said and Neela walk closer to him, using his thumb he wipe away the tears .
I don't like seeing you in tears and it's makes you ugly, maybe I should look for another pretty girl because you are turning to a crybaby,Bruno tease her and Neela scoffs,"Jerk" she muttered wiping her tears.
That's my baby , Bruno said and he hugged her to himself, it will be fine he whispered in my ear and kiss her at that spot, Neela felt shivers but Bruno breaks the hug and she sighs feeling his warmth left her,he pecked her forehead.
Go in it's late, he muttered and she hummed.
Good night, Neela said waving at him.
Sleep tight angel,Bruno muttered and watch her go in before he entered his car and drove off.
*
*
*
Neela opened the door and entered but was surprised when she saw her mum at the entrance staring at her, "Gosh mum you scared the hell out of me, she said sitting down to rest her head, who was that handsome guy that dropped you off her mum asked.
Mom he his my friend Neela said fiddling with her fingers nervously but was surprised when her mum took both her hand in hers and look at her tenderly instead of scolding her, she used her left hand to raise her chin,
"Look at me Neela her mom said and she looked up.
"I am your mother and I know what you can do my child, I am not against you being in a relationship I just want you to be careful because sometimes everything is not just as it seems .You ought to be happy but you must be careful okay, promise me? she told her, and she nodded her head i promise you Mom.
Alright dear go and freshen up and come downstairs so that we can have dinner, she said to Neela and she nodded before going upstairs.
Oh dear moon goddess please protect my dear Neela,Carley , Neela's mother prayed silently after Neela went upstairs, she took the food and microwaves it before dishing it out again . Neela came downstairs afterward and they have their dinner , Neela cleared the table afterward and wash the dishes.
Goodnight mum ,she said and pecked her mum on the cheek, goodnight baby her mum returned the peck and she retired for the night.
Neela was about to lay down on the bed before her phone beeped, she checked the message and saw it was from Bruno.
" princess are you asleep?" about to do so, Neela texted back smiling at his caring attitude. Alright baby dream of me good night, Bruno texted , Neela blushed when she saw his message.
Dream about you what, she scoffs talking to herself.
Goodnight my handsome," she texted back and switched off her phone.
****************
Bruno saw her message and smiled before picking his jacket going to meet his dad.
****************
Carley couldn't stop thinking about Neela because in two days she will turn eighteen,
" how will she react?"
"Will she accept who she will become?"
So many things were running through her mind but no matter how it turned out she promised Neela's mum to be with Neela and no matter what she can never break that promise. Even if she hadn't promised Niah Neela's mom she would sacrifice her life but would never left any harm come to Neela and she have to be careful and prepared for Neela's first transformation.