Chapter 1.1

FATIMA WOKE UP with sweat running down her face as she tried to calm herself down after dreaming about the horrible accident she and her father got into. It's been almost six years since the accident happened. It was exactly on her 20th birthday when it happened, that’s why she doesn’t celebrate her birthday anymore but rather visits her father on that day.

“I’m hungry.” She almost fell off the couch when she saw her younger brother speak.

“God, Philippe. Don’t we have some food left?” Her brother shook his head and pointed at the younger boy, who’s also her brother, who was eating the last food they have. Fatima sighed and got up from resting. “I’ll buy us food, alright?” Philippe and the younger one, Timothy smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

She put on a jacket before leaving the house. She still can’t believe her boss let her get the day off today. It’s currently ten in the morning and all she did was cook for her siblings before going back to bed since this is the first time she was able to rest. The best part? She’s getting her pay for today even if she wasn’t able to work. Insane!

The only reason she’s putting up with the treatment of the bar owner is for her younger brothers. They need to get fed and live comfortably. She’s working hard to provide for them. Philippe is her biological brother who’s already sixteen years old while Timothy is her half-brother. He’s almost 9 years old and they have no idea who the father is.

Nine years ago, Fatima’s mother cheated. That’s why she was glad her husband died in that terrible accident. Her mother’s words still haunt her today. (“I wanted you to die with him..”) her mother's words lingered in her mind.

After buying food with the money she had left, she went back home. She gave food to Timothy and Philippe first before giving herself a little bit of food. “Eat enough as well..” Philippe stated before putting some of his food on her plate.

“I’m fine, you can eat it.” He ignored her words and started eating his food while urging her to eat the extra he gave her. She sighed and grabbed food to start eating as well. Her face grew a smile when she saw how happy Timothy is with the food. He barely talks though.

“I need to go do a school project at my friend’s place,” Philippe stated and cleared his throat.

“Is that friend a girl?” Fatima teased while staring at him with curious eyes.

“Fatima!” he exclaimed and she rolled her eyes.

“Looks like your older brother is flustered, isn’t he?” Timothy giggled and nodded his head. Philippe rolled his eyes before getting up from his seat. “I’m done eating. I’ll go now,” he said and squinted his eyes at Fatima before rolling his eyes.

(Girl, my ass,) he thought to himself and shook his body in disgust.

“Be careful, alright? Don’t do anything stupid.” She always reminds him whenever he goes out. He’s an obedient kid, although he can cause trouble sometimes.

After Philippe left their apartment, she cleaned the plates before laying down on the couch again. She was drifting off to sleep when she felt Timothy touch her head and massage it. “L-let’s go to the park..” he shyly requested and she smiled. She feels exhausted and wants to rest but she can’t say no to that.

“Want to get some ice cream too?” He joyfully nodded his head and Fatima giggled.

“Alright, let’s go!” She enthusiastically stood up and Timothy followed behind her. She grabbed some spare cash before they left the house. They walked down the road while she held her little brother’s hand. The park is almost a 10 minutes walk but her brother doesn’t mind it.

“Why do you like going to the park so much, hmm?” she asked in a teasing way while her brother just shrugged.

They continued walking until they arrived at the park. Timothy ran around the fountain as soon as Fatima let go of him while chasing birds around. Fatima chuckled at the scene. It’s not a big deal but seeing him like that makes her very happy.

“Make sure to stay near the fountain! Alright?” He nodded his head and Fatima walked to the other side of the road to buy ice cream at the shop next to the coffee shop.

Her eyes wandered inside the coffee shop and her eyes widened. A familiar face wearing an apron and a hat is being ridiculed by a customer. With no hesitation, she entered the shop and stated, “Philippe? What are you doing here?” Her brother’s eyes widened when he saw her.

“F-Fatima..” he stuttered with his words, startled to see her.

“You spilled coffee on me!” The angry customer complained and Philippe bowed his head and uttered sorry.

“You work here?!” Fatima questioned and Philippe nodded.

“Where’s your manager?” He didn’t have any time to explain the situation to his sister. He went behind the counter and called a girl named Nikki to talk to the customer. His sister is still in shock that her brother is working at the coffee shop.

“Please talk to the customer.. my older sister is here..” he said in panic and Nikki, the woman, nodded.

Nikki approached the customer while Philippe was behind her. Fatima looked at him with daggers in her eyes which scared him. “I am really sorry for what happened. We will gladly offer you a brand new coffee and a refund. This young boy and I are the only workers here so it’s been hectic.” Fatima also listened to the conversation.

“Go step outside for a little bit. Talk to your sister.” His co-worker knows the situation of his family so she lets him out. He scratched his head before following his sister outside the coffee shop.

Once they were outside, Fatima already started interrogating him. “Is this why you were always out of the house?” He nodded in response.

“Since when?” She further asked.

“A few months ago...” he answered like he’s in detention.