Damn, i don't expect that i need to look after another young girl, well i need to protect her to that man who's hurting her.
Amber was done treating Maya's cut finger. She still crying because of the pain, and the trauma Alfred gave to her. Elliot came inside of the kitchen, he successfully scare off her boyfriend. He came to her and check her wound, it still bleeding a little but already healing.
"..damn, your man is kinda crazy to do this..", he said with a pat on her head.
"...don't worry, i'll protect you from now on okay...you can rest here for a while, i mean...temporarily...since we don't have enough space..", he chuckles while scratching his hair.
"...well, just don't be scare okay...we'll good people..", he added while taking out a piece of cake.
"...here, eat this to regain your energy..", he gave the piece of cake to her.
Maya seems harding to trust Elliot, but since he save her she didn't waste any second and taste the piece of cake he gave to her. Suddenly, she felt warm like she was resting back to her parents house when she was a kid. The sweetness and the coldness of the cake is mixing together, giving it a chill sweetness taste, that good for christmas celebrations.
"This cake! It was super good, this is good for winter occasion!! I really love this!", she said with a wide smile.
The delicate slice of cake rests on a porcelain plate, its layers a symphony of textures and flavors. The sponge is golden, light, and airy, with the faint aroma of vanilla wafting from its moist crumb. Between each layer, a creamy filling—silky and rich—hints at sweet buttercream infused with a whisper of tangy lemon or perhaps a hint of fresh berries. The top is adorned with a smooth glaze of glossy chocolate, catching the light like polished glass, or a cascade of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow. A garnish of candied fruit or a single, vibrant strawberry crowns the creation, promising a sweet burst of flavor to complement the indulgence below. Each forkful melts on the tongue, a harmonious blend of coldness, softness and sweetness, leaving a lingering note of pure delight.
"Glad you like it, its actually one of my bestseller today...so yeah, its free don't worry..", he said while leaning at the fridge.
"...anyway, Amber take her on our apartment upstairs, you must share your bed to her okay...i'll just close the shop..so see you upstairs..", he smile and walk outside of the kitchen, closing the shop from outside.
The small apartment is simple and a bit old, with signs of wear but still feels like home. The walls are plain, painted a light cream color, but there are small cracks here and there. The wooden floor creaks slightly when stepped on, and some parts have scratches from years of use.
The main room serves as a living area and dining space. A basic couch sits against one wall, a little worn but still comfortable. A small wooden table stands in the center, surrounded by mismatched chairs. The kitchen is in the corner, with an old stove, a small fridge, and a few open shelves holding plates, cups, and some cooking supplies. The bedroom is just big enough for a single bed and a wooden wardrobe that's seen better days, also there's a huge closet in the wall where mattress can be put. There's a small window with simple curtains, letting in just enough light to brighten the room. The bathroom is small, with white tiles that have turned a bit yellow with age, and a sink with a mirror that's slightly cracked on one side. The place smells faintly of coffee and cleaning soap, a mix of the café owner's work and their effort to keep the apartment tidy. It's nothing fancy, but it's functional and feels like someone's personal space, filled with little signs of daily life.
Maya seems comfortable, she feel the warm inside of the apartment and thr smell of cakes and coffee. She sit on the couch while looking around, it was little old but she can feel the coziness of thr apartment. Amber came to her and sit besides Maya.
"...sis, thanks for helping me the other day..", Amber said with a wide smile.
"..u-uhm, yeah...glad you found your brother..", she said and bow.
Elliot came inside the apartment, he immediately head in the kitchen and prepare some dinner for them," What do you want to eat for dinner? We planning to eat grilled pork and some stew...you okay with that?".
"Y-yes, that's fine...", Maya said and look away.
Elliot stood in his small kitchen, the faint hum of the old stove filling the quiet apartment. He carefully placed marinated pork slices on the hot grill pan, the meat sizzling instantly as it hit the surface. A rich aroma of garlic, soy sauce, and spices filled the air, making the room feel warm and inviting. Maya smells it and it makes her stomach growl suddenly, Amber laughs and continue talking to her.
On the side burner, a small pot of stew bubbled gently. Elliot stirred it occasionally with a wooden spoon, making sure the chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes cooked evenly in the savory broth. He tasted it, adding a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to bring out the flavors. Turning his attention back to the pork, he flipped the slices over with a pair of tongs, revealing perfectly charred grill marks. The caramelized edges made him smile; it was just the way he liked it. After a few more minutes, Elliot turned off the stove, letting the stew simmer while he plated the pork. He added a scoop of steamed rice to the plate and poured the rich stew into a bowl. Dinner was ready—simple, hearty, and made with care.
"...Amber prepare the table..", he shout.
"Okkii!", Amber get the table and place it on the floor, Maya was kind of uncomfortable since they serving her even she was a stranger.
Amber sit on the floor, which makes Maya more uncomfortable. Elliot brought the grilled pork and the tray of hot stew, he put it on the table, and distribute it to them. He also sit at the floor, which makes Maya sit in the floor too, she was embarrassed.
"...eat a lot okay, if you want more you can grab there in the kitchen..", he said and start eating.
Suddenly, Amber slap his hand, which makes Maya shock.
"What??", he ask.
"Pray first!!", Amber said with a pout expression.
"...fine fine..", he said and clasped his hand.
The small table was cozy but enough for the three of them. Elliot start praying for their food, Maya was staring at him, Amber is closing himer eyes so tight and they all say 'Amen' after praying. The three of them calmly eating as he occasionally glanced at Maya, who sat across from him. She picked at her food slowly, her posture slightly stiff, clearly feeling out of place. Her eyes darted between the plate and the other two, her cheeks faintly flushed. Amber, on the other hand, had no reservations. She ate enthusiastically, her fork diving into the stew, her plate quickly piling up with second helpings. The sound of her cheerful chewing filled the room, contrasting with the quiet clink of Maya's fork against her plate. Elliot, seemingly unfazed by the difference in energy, spoke softly to Maya, his tone warm and inviting. Maya gave small nods in response, her smile shy but genuine. Despite her initial discomfort, the warm atmosphere, the delicious food, and the light chatter slowly eased her nerves. By the time the meal was halfway through, she found herself eating a little more comfortably, as though she belonged there.
After some few minutes of eating, Amber fall asleep again like before. Maya was drinking her water calmly, when suddenly Elliot chuckles at her, it seems he was happy that she was smiling now.
"...you smile again like earlier...", he said.
"...ow, yeah...well, i'm still scared at him...but as i witness this dinner, it makes me feel like i still have a family...like before", she said.
"...where's your parents by the way?", he ask.
"...uhm, they don't care about me anymore...ever since i left with my boyfriend, they didn't even find me like they just let me go away with my boyfriend...which is my worst decision..", she tell to him.
"...really huh, that's quite sad actually...same as to me, when i was a kid...my mother died and left me alone, i grew up on my own by stealing some foods sometimes, some moneys...and even helping some thugs just to get some foods...i dream to built a warm business where people can peacefully do what they want, and its my cafe now..", he tell her his story too.
"...i thought its the end of my business when i start it, because no one came inside of my cafe for a whole day...but i met Amber, she was stealing food which is...i saw myself to her, she also lost her mother...so...yeah, the two of us is really compatible to become a family..", he added.
"...ever since she came to my life, it changed like she was my lucky girl...my cafe bloom and customers came to the cafe", he smile and pat Amber's head.
"...sir...i want to ask something", she said.
"..mhm? What is it?", he ask.
"...i don't want to get back to my boyfriend's apartment...and i don't have anywhere to go...also i have a dream to become a famous baker! Can i live with you and teach me how to make cakes!?", she said with a bright smile, and her face was so close to him.
"...woah, easy girl...i love your confidence, but you sure? I mean...you going to live on a stranger—", he was cut off by her.
"I don't have any other options!! I want to live with you guys!!", she said with eagerness.
"...hays, fine fine..well i don't have any choice so welcome to the family..", he smile and patted her head.
Maya was surprised because Elliot agree to her, her tears fall on her cheeks, she suddenly jump and hug Elliot causing both of them to fall at the floor. Elliot wrapped his arm on her, and chuckling, Amber suddenly woke up and got jealous.
"Aah!! You slick rat sis! Don't hug my brother!!", she said and jump towards them.
"W-wai—Arrghh!!", Elliot lose consciousness because of their weight.
The two girls start laughing. Another girl has been added to the family, which is kinda bad for the peoples eyes.
Well, yeah i got no choice but to take care of this girl too. I know this is not good since i already took two girls now, which not good in peoples judgemental eyes. I need to prepare to the cost of the decisions, i might get to danger or problem if i didn't do any move before someone did. No one will seperate me to these girls, no one will.
Morning has come, a taxi stop infront of their cafe, a foot come out and a man is standing while closing the door of the taxi. His tousled blond hair caught the sunlight, and he brushed it back with a carefree gesture. Wearing a simple white t-shirt and faded jeans, he exuded a relaxed vibe, his style casual yet effortlessly cool. A light backpack hung over one shoulder, bouncing slightly as he moved. The man smiles, putting his hand on the pocket and observe the cafe.
"...wow, you've done yourself Elliot...its been a year but you already have this...i'm impressed to you brother..", he said.
The man walk towards the door, and get inside of the cafe to drink.