Chapter 2.2

ONCE FATIMA RETURNED home, she saw William, her co-worker at the bar waiting for her outside. “What are you doing here?” He stood up from the ground and approached her. He smiled and shrugged before answering, “Sorry I couldn’t visit yesterday when I told you I will.”

“Aish, it’s fine. I was going to the bar later anyways,” she answered.

“You really need to find a better job, I hate how men look at you in there,” he stated and shook his head. Fatima smiled.

“I got a new job! I wanted to go to the bar later so I can quit,” she announced and William’s face lit up.

“Really? Where are you going to work?”

“Coffee shop ten minutes away from here.” William nodded and smiled before hugging her. She giggled and hugged him back.

“I’m so glad. I’ll come with you later to talk to our boss.” Fatima nodded.

“How about you? Don’t you want to quit too?” She wondered about him but he shook his head.

“I can, but I still need more money. I still haven’t given up on starting my own bar,” he answered with confidence which made her proud.

“I’ll be your first customer then, alright?” He chuckled and nodded his head.

WHEN THE NIGHT came, William and Fatima went to the bar together. Without any hesitation, they went to their boss so she could quit her job there. In case anything happens, William is there to protect her from harm.

“What?!” Their boss screamed in disbelief.

“No. You’re going to work here until I say so!” He argued with her.

“Sir, I can’t work here anymore.” Her boss hissed and raised his hand as if he’s going to hit her but he stopped.

“Of course you can. You’re my property, go wear your work clothes right now.” He grabbed her arm and forced her to the changing room but William stopped them. “You should go, Fatima. I’ll sort this out,” he whispered which made her worried.

“But William..” She held his arm in refusal but he removed it.

“Go. I’ll visit you again tomorrow.” Their boss looked pissed and tried stopping her but William blocked his way. “How dare you! Come back here, you bitch!” Fatima ran to the exit and caught her breath. She looked back, worried about William but she has no choice but to go back home.

She worriedly went back home to her siblings. She saw the dining table filled with food and her confusion got to her. “What the... where did these come from?” She looked around and Philippe walked in with a bowl of food in his hand.

“Oh, you’re home. I went to the coffee shop earlier and the owner gave me money to buy food for us. He found out you’re my sister.” Fatima’s mouth opened as she looked at their table.

“He said he’s your old friend? Good thing we have food for tonight,” Philippe stated before chuckling.

“This is so much though..” she murmured to herself as she eyed the food.

“You should just be thankful! If it weren’t for him we would’ve just eaten bread today.” Fatima pouted knowing he’s right.

“Call Timothy and let’s eat.” He nodded and called their younger brother so they can eat their dinner.

WHEN THE NEXT DAY came, Grian waited for Fatima to arrive at the coffee shop. Five minutes before six in the morning, she arrived while catching her breath. He grabbed a cup of water and gave it to her. “You okay?” She nodded.

“I woke up late and I ran all the way here...” she explained and he nodded.

“Did you enjoy the food last night?” She blinked a couple of times before answering yes.

“Thank you.” Grian smiled in response.

“First, go wear the apron and cap. It’s on the back.” She nodded and went to the back of the coffee shop. She entered a room and saw a brown apron and cap on the chair. She grabbed the pair and put them on before going out of the room.

“You look pretty.” She blushed at what he said before she cleared her throat.

“So uhm, my brother’s shifts are on Saturday and Sundays?”

“Yes, since he has classes from Monday to Friday.” She nodded.

“You can work on Monday till Friday and have the weekends off.” He smiled to see the joy on Fatima’s face.

For the first hour of the morning, he taught her the basic recipes. He also encouraged her to talk to customers and if she has any problems, she can call him using the telephone on the counter. She was very thankful and was easy to teach to which made Grian happy.

“Coffee for table 5 coming right up,” Grian announced and he was about to go to the table when he accidentally bumped into Fatima who was bringing an empty cup back. The coffee Grian was holding didn’t spill but Fatima dropped the cup she was holding, shattering it on the ground. The shard of the glass pierced Fatima’s leg.

“Shit.” Grian put the coffee on the counter before bending down to check her leg. Her face twisted in pain as blood dripped from the wound.

“Bring the coffee to the customer,” he told Nikki who just arrived and she followed him.

“I’m fine, I can take it out myself.”

“Are you insane? I’m taking you to the hospital.” Fatima tried to argue but he insisted. He held her back and placed his arm under her legs. “W-wait-“ He lifted her and Christopher arrived at the coffee shop. Their eyes met before his gaze went to Fatima. “Please, I’m fine. I just need first aid.” Grian breathed heavily before looking at the shard of glass again.