Aislinn's POV :
"Good morning Mrs. Wang, did you sleep well last night?" I asked my employer with a wide grin. Mrs. Mira Wang, a 64 year old widow with no child. I was concerned cause she often had severe headaches and couldn't sleep at night.
Mrs. Wang owned a small bakery shop in Modern city, Los Angeles where I work and manage to put food on my family's table. I worked from 8.am to 8.pm as the cashier .
The place was understaffed, so I often do other jobs other than cashier. I did the waitressing, baking and sometimes cleaning after work hours. But I couldn't complain cause the pay okay. Well, not so well but enough for my family to eat a decent meal everyday and pay off some bills.
"Hi cupcake, yes I did. The pain reliever I took definitely helps to soothe the ache" She said smiling adoringly at me. Mrs. Wang was quite beautiful and strong for a woman her age.
"That's really good, I'm happy to hear that. What did the doctor say? " I asked placing my worn out leather bag and old knitted coat inside a closet. And then, I adjusted my black wig and took off my glasses to clean the lenses.
"Well, it was just a migraine. Nothing serious".
I felt so relieved knowing that she finally took my advice and sought medical assistance. I told her several times to go to the hospital but she didn't, saying something about being afraid of hospitals and a traumatic experience she had while growing up.
"Edward's wife had a safe delivery last night so he won't be able to make it today. She announced strolling to the table top and flipping open a book filled with mouth watering pastries. "Do you mind filling in for him cupcake?" she asked while scanning the book.
Oh wow! That's good news, but I was really hoping on going home a bit earlier today to make pasta and meatballs for mum as she has really been craving mine.
"Aisli! " I heard bringing me back to reality. Looking right at me was Mrs. Wang starring with worry and hint of confusion. " Really? I'm so happy for them. After five years of trying, they finally have a baby. It's a boy right?" I asked feeling genuinely happy for Edward my colleague.
"Yes it is. So you'll fill in cupcake?". Oh that expectant look!
"Yes, yes of course Mrs. Wang". That would mean doing two jobs at the same time. Whew! I smiled assuredly and fixed my crumpled floral dress. I love wearing the dress often cause it belongs to my grandmother and it reminds me so much of her.
It was already eight o'clock so it was time for the bakery shop to be open. I wondered why the other employees, Regina and Joe hadn't arrived yet. Regina was the waitress who took orders and serve the food, while Joe cleaned a everywhere including the tables, floor and bathroom.
Finding out Regina and Joe are lovers was indeed a traumatic experience. I caught them making out in the bathroom one afternoon.
" You little girl! Don't tell Mrs. Wang about this or I'll break your bones and feed it to the dogs". Joe threatened me. He even twisted my arm behind my back. A tear rolled down my cheek as I whimpered red in pain.
" I won't tell anyone, I promise. Just please let me go" I pleaded for him to let my arm go
" Good. You better remember that!" He glared at me angrily.
"Now go away you poor monkey, you're not wanted here". Regina laughed and pushed me out of the bathroom.
Well, you guessed right. They often bullied me calling me names and hurtful words but I pretend not to hear it and focus on my work. I didn't want to appear weak and sad, I'm a strong girl who has faced a lot but I'm still going. Besides, Mrs. Wang was a good employer.
"Aisli dear, I'll be in the kitchen if you need my help". She said as she abruptly shut the book bringing me back to reality and smiling heartily at me.
"Sure Mrs. Wang" I replied putting on my red apron, getting ready for my first customer. I went inside the bar counter to turn on the electronic cash register as well as the coffee machine.
Mrs. Wang recently developed a policy of giving free coffee to customers after buying a generous amount of pastries.
I was cleaning the bar counter when my first customers came in. Two men stepped in, dressed in all black and with thick dark glasses. Reminding me of the movie " Men in black".
They both strutted in like they owned the place but only one of them caught my attention. The tall, black clad figure halted few feets away from the door as the other stepped back out with a phone place to his ear.
He stood there gracefully with both hands in his pocket turning his head ever so gently as he scanned the bakery. I took hold of the opportunity to study his facial features visible to me. Hair so dark as few strands lay on his forehead, brows perfectly arched, jaw so defined.
My eyes couldn't help but glance lower. Seeing the first three buttons of his black shirt undone, with his silver neck chains peeping through.
Damn!
I snapped out of my trance when me moved to sit down. The continuous movement of his fingers on the table drew my attention to them. Noticing silver rings on them. He really is a jewellery man.
The sound of the door opening forced me to take my eyes off as I was met with the other man in black. I guess he was done with the phone call
"Yo man! This Asian investors be asking for a lot forgetting they are the ones in need of help " Said the second man as he took of his shades.
His hair was more rugged compared to the taller man and he was blonde with bluish eyes. He was really muscular, a bit too muscular. Well his beauty was more on the friendly side.
"Break off all contracts and agreements with them if they're so stressful. We don't need them". The voice ordered so deep and husky with a hint of seduction.
I turned to the source only to see his head turned to me.
It felt like he was staring at me but the shades was a hindrance. I couldn't help the heat that crept up my cheeks. I shyly blushed as I could feel my face heat up. Clumsily adjusting my glasses, I picked up my jotter and made my way to table three.
"Hi, welcome to sweeter side bakery, I'm Aislinn and I'll be your waitress for now, what would you like to order" I spoke bringing my eyes up to meet a pair of bluish ones.
" She's beautiful " The man with bluish eyes stared up at me smiling so dashingly. Returning a tight smile "Can I get your order sir?"
"But my order is right before me" he said flirtatiously making me really cringe inwardly. If only Regina had decided to come to work early. I won't be in this position.
"Listen, cherry and cream cheese Kolaches, with a side of blueberry and meyer lemon breakfast pastry and pineapple juice" came deep husky voice.
Hastily scribbling down his order, I tried not to blush at the sound of his deep voice.
"Free coffee is given after every generous order sir". I said mustering up the courage to look at him, finally I raised my eyes to his only to find a pair of the most alluring and daring grey eyes staring back at me unfazed.
Gold specks visible with the grey eyes. He really was beautiful, lashes so long and fluttering ever so slightly. My eyes being a betrayer as usual moved down to his unbuttoned shirt to find a tattoo tracing from this chest and downwards.
At that moment I felt it, that feeling... my heart sped up as everything seemed so familiar. Snapping my eyes back up, he arched a brow at me in questionably, amusement seen dancing in his eyes.
The aura, the confidence radiating from his posture was really overwhelming. Enough to make the room hot as he reeked of power, wealth and control and it made my knees weak.
The bell jingled as a signal of a customer coming in . I turned my head and let out a breath of relief as Regina and Joe stepped in. I've never been more glad seeing this people since I resumed work here.
"Ohhh here's your waitress! Regina, welcome. You have customers here"
I announced walking to her, handing her my jotter and apron as I abruptly turned and without a second glance at "Mr intimidating" left to the kitchen in search of Mrs. Wang at least till I figure out what happened back there
My day really was hectic, Mondays and Saturdays aren't quite my best days. People specifically pick this days to spend time at sweeter side with family and as a spot for quick breakfast. Not that I was complaining but, with the limited number of workers it definitely was a lot.
"Aislinn, the two men who came in earlier left a tip for you". Regina said while glaring at me in disgust. I really didn't understand why she hates me so much cause I'm pretty sure it's to be the other way round.
"Here!" she aggressively shoved it into my hand, turned and left with no other word. That means they are gone oh wow!
My mouth was left agape when I saw what was written on the paper. Hundred Dollar bill?! Joy washed through me as I felt my mood brighten . They left too much tip for the pastry.
Later that morning, Regina had to leave for an emergency at home. I just had a gut feeling about her "emergency" but Mrs. Wang's good nature prove itself once again.
I spent the whole day with Mrs Wang in the bakery shop. She took my place in the cash register as I took orders from the customers. I tried to serve the customers so fast, they would stop complaining of the slow services and by the end of the day, I was tired but had no choice. At least Joe was around to help.
It was around eight- thirty when I left the bakery shop heading home. I took a bus to South Bronx where my family rented a small one- bedroom apartment. The moment I was seated on the bus, I ate the burger I grabbed near the bus stop. After eating, I took a power nap before I got home.
.
.
"Guess what mom, I got a very big tip today. Two rich looking men left a hundred Dollar bill for their pastry and coffees and I wasn't even their waitress for the day".
"What? That's too much". My mother, Sofia Caddel narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me.
"I also couldn't believe it. And I told Mrs Wang that we could split the tip, but she refused saying it was all mine".
"What a sweet lady".
" Yeah, I'm very lucky to have her as my employer".
I replied taking off my glasses and wig, pulling the rubber band that held my hair in a bun. My long silky brown hair instantly cascaded down my waist. I took a hairbrush and combed down my hair until it untangled.
"How's baby Lucy" I asked about our neighbour's baby. Mum had been a babysitter for almost one year now.
"She's still very adorable but getting heavier. I don't think I can handle her anymore". Mum rubbed her chest. She had a mild coronary heart disease. It started six months ago and she was advised by her physician not to do strenuous activities.
"Then stop babysitting mum, I really don't want you to work. You're risking your health. Don't worry, I have a job. I'll take up more jobs or work extra hours and earn more money. We can manage.
" You're working too hard for us Kaeli, I'm so sorry for being a burden you". Mum's voice shook as her eyes teared up.
" Aislinn mum, Aislinn not Kaeli. And don't say that I love you and Kayla so much and I'll take care of you both. I promised dad that." I hugged my mum with moisture in my eyes. I felt wet patches on my shoulder and tightened my hold her.
" Just a little more time mum" I assured her wiping her tear stained cheeks trying so hard to hold mine back in.
"Tears wrinkles the face lady". We both laughed heartily wiping off the tears threatening to fall.
"What's wrong" My sister Kayla came out of the bedroom. She shrieked with panic seeing me and mum hugging. She thought something bad happened
. "Nothing really, we just miss dad". I smiled at my fifteen year old.
"oh I thought something bad happened. Anyway, Aisli, I have news for you".
"What is it"
"I spoke to Jason few hours ago"
"Jason?"
"Yup! Your one and only love and he asked for your Instagram account and I told him you didn't have any social media account anymore Then he asked for your phone number" she finished up in one breath
"Did you give it to him?"
"No. You said not to give anyone your number right? "
"Right". I nodded in confirmation
"But he gave me his number. He asked you to call him anytime. He'll be waiting".
I heaved a sigh. Jason.
It had been three years since I last saw him. I totally cut communication.
No. I can't face him anymore. I'm not the same girl that he used to know. I'm different, totally different now. The old me was gone, dead and buried.
A flash of wild grief ripped inside me.