Two

PHOENIX

The bell jingled as I stumbled into 'Nature's kitchen', my nerves picking up again. I gripped the edge of my graphic Tee, running the fabric through my quivering fingers to try steady my ever so wonky nerves.

I bounced on my toes, my fingers wriggling in nervousness. My breath caught in my throat and I cleared my throat to steady my nerves. I began to count in my head, trying to focus on my breathing.

I visibly sunk into myself as I looked around the almost full restaurant. I breathed in deeply and quickly gravitated towards the kitchen, my place of work.

I had to quickly steady myself to avoid crashing face first on the ground when a pale leg shot out of nowhere, blocking my path.

The culprit, Kyra.

She stared at me, a perfectly trimmed eye brow raised.

'You're late Phoenix' she drawled out, her rosy red lips quirked up in anger and I sunk further into myself.

'I..I had t-to see m-my mom' I murmured out, my ever so nervous stammer present.

Kyra's cold blue eyes sparkled with glee at my fear and I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. For some reason best known to her and her alone, she has sworn to conspire with everyone and everything - sometimes even with mother nature, with my very clumsy moments - to make my already miserable existence even more miserable.

Kyra smirked, her strawberry blonde tresses bouncing as she turned to fully face me.

'One would think you would at least not ruin this but it looks like you have a knack for destroying things' she mused.

'just like you did two years ago' she continued and just like that, all the wind was knocked out of me.

My breath came out in short pants as my vision blurred, salty tears obscuring my sight. I struggled to breathe, my hands flying to grasp at my throat. The room spun quickly and I stumbled. I had to grab the chair closest to me to steady my self.

'get back to work ladies' my savior today coming in form of Caleb, said, stumbling in.

He also doubled as my boss and my friend

I sighed, breathing in deeply to steady my breathing as Kyra sauntered away in annoyance.

'Are you okay Nixy. I have been calling you for some time there' I looked over to see my boss and best friend, Caleb, looking ever so worried.

I guess I zoned out and didn't hear him speak.

'Nixy, are you okay'. Nixy, he always called me that. He claimed that that was his nickname for me. To him, it was simply unique.

'Oh I am fine. Sorry I am late though Caleb, I just went to see mom' I said looking at him. The corners of his lips turned up in what I thought to be pity and my heart dropped in sadness.

'Any developments Nixy? Is she okay' he asked still looking worriedly at me. He passed me some water, leading me by the hand to take a seat, his shoulder length brown locks bouncing.

My throat closed up and I had to subtly clear my throat before responding to him.

'There is none yet. I am alright though. No need to fuss over me, really Caleb' I said, not really wanting him to worry.

'You look like you're coming down with something. Are you okay?' Caleb looked at me, his green eyes passing over me in total assessment. I continually reminded myself to keep breathing in so that Caleb wouldn't notice how nervous I was.

'You're so cold. Come into the kitchen for a moment. The kitchen's heat should help warm you up. Have you had breakfast yet' he rushed out all in one breath, his forehead wrinkling in concern.

'Nope but I am not... '

Caleb interrupted me, anger passing over his green eyes.

'Don't even say it. You promised me you would not skip meals anymore Nixy. I am sure you made breakfast for mom this morning but you didn't have any yourself. What is wrong with you' he fumed, his forehead wrinkling in irritation.

'I did eat dinner last night and I am still full. I am fine Caleb, just a little out of breath' I told him, hating that he was worried over me.

'but.... '

'no buts Caleb and during working hours you are my boss and I am your employee so let's serve the people their breakfast now shall we. I can see three people already fuming mad that their breakfast isn't ready yet. I will just quickly take their orders and get them ready' I said all in one breath. The last thing I needed was for him asking about the quantity of food I had for dinner as he would really get mad at my answer.

I walked quickly into the kitchen and doned my work apron. The next couple of hours was spent whipping together sumptuous meals for the customers.

I let my mind wander while I cooked.

Everything had been okay.

It was all good until it all started to go downhill.

And it was all my fault.

I haven't spoken to him since it all happened. The last conversation we had had ended in tears on my part.

And I was too guilty to try again.

I stared out the window as I worked letting myself get lost in the beauty that was the garden outside 'Nature's kitchen'.

The wild array of flowers, their colours scattered around like the colours of an artist's paint, drew me in but failed to quell my despair and sadness.

I sighed heavily, pure despondency washing over me. I felt lost.

Later that night, I stood scrubbing the tables, staring off into space. My hand moved meticulously as I scrubbed while my thoughts raced a million miles a minute, going down memory lane.

Tears gathered in my eyes as I thought back to what happened, what had led to all that happened two years ago...

All that had played out.