ONE Single Parent

FIVE YEARS LATER…

Winona’s POV.

Winona, quickly run to the door when she heard a knock. It’s Martina or Marti—her son’s babysitter.

“Thank God, you’re here, Marti. I need to run to the diner because we have lots of customers today,” she said while fixing her long and jet black, curly hair into a ponytail. She grabbed her old sling bag and kissed her son on the forehead before going out of the door.

“Tell Mr. Olivarez to increase your salary or else you will leave him. You are too much for him,” Marti said. She picked up Mason and carried him.

“I can’t tell him that because I can’t afford to lose a job right now—now that Mason will go to daycare and your salary. Plus the rent and utility bills,” she answered. “I’m leaving. I will try to come home early to help you with the cleaning job,” she added and closed the door behind her.

She walked downstairs and as unlucky as her she bumped into her landlord, Mr. Rodriguez. “Your rent is due yesterday, Winona. I expect you to pay me today,” he stated in his Mexican accent.

“Of course, Mr. Rodriguez. I will pay you later, okay?” she faked a smile and went on with her day.

Winona wore her checkered pink apron and hairnet before coming out of the kitchen. With a pen in her left and paper in her right hand—she started taking orders from the customers. It’s what happened in her poor miserable life. If she’s not there, she’s working as a cleaner in middle class family’s home. Sometimes, she works as a catering assistant and sometimes she works two jobs in one day just to survive.

“Win, table five!” Rico shouted from the kitchen. She went to get the order but she tripped and fell.

“What happened?” Rico asked worriedly. He helped her get up and they both look down on her broken pumps. “I thought you threw that away?” he asked.

She smiled wryly. “How could I? This is the only decent footwear I have,”

“It’s our payday today. You can buy a new one,” he suggested.

Winona, shook her head. “Mason is going to daycare tomorrow and I’m going to pay rent later so I won’t be able to buy a new one.” She picked up the French fries and burger and brought it to the customer.

She didn’t notice how Rico stared at her. It’s like he’s pitying her but he couldn’t do anything because he also has a family to feed. Until now, he’s wondering who’s the father of her child and why she didn’t ask for his help.

Maximus’ POV.

MAXIMUS was staring at the broad daylight outside his empire building. The city was more beautiful at night because of the city lights though he won’t be able to see it later because of the business conference he’s attending. The day just started yet he felt really tired. He’s becoming restless this past few days because of the trouble they were facing in one of the biggest land they were trying to acquire. The owner was giving them a hard time.

“Maximus, the board was asking for you,” Brent said.

He turned to face him. “Tell them I’m busy and that I sent you. I have no time convincing them about something that’s already done,” he stated and sat on his swivel chair. He rested his chin on his hand and look outside.

“I’m just wondering how you will persuade Mr. Jones to give us his land? Everyone knows he’s a deceitful bastard,” Brent said.

“Maybe he can lie through his teeth but not to me. I know his secret. I know something that no one knows about him…” he smiled at the evil thought that came into his mind.

“If that’s the case I will go and tell the board that they have nothing to worry about,” he said and was about to leave when he spoke again.

“—Brent,” he called. Brent stopped on his track and face him again. “I want you to come with me in the business conference later. I want you to meet other business men and learn something from them,” he said.

“Alright, I appreciate it but I guess I don’t need them because I’m already working with the best businessman I know,” Brent stated.

Maximus shook his head. “Yeah, I’m the best, I know that. But I want you to learn about other’s business ventures aside from real estate, finance, and tech.”

“If that’s what you want Maximus…” he nodded.

Winona’s POV.

ALL THE employee of Mikee’s Diner was gathered in front of the counter waiting for their paychecks and Winona was one of them. She made sure she’s in front to be the first to take her salary. Some of them was talking about how much they would get plus the tip from the customers.

“How much are you getting today?” Rico asked.

“Just enough,” she briefly answered.

“Mikee, will cut down my paycheck because of the wasted food from yesterday,” he sighed.

Winona scoffed. “W-what? Why would he do that?” Rico didn’t manage to answer because Mikee—the big fat guy just came out of the kitchen.

“Mikee…” Winona exclaimed but Rico held her hand to stop her. ‘Stop, please?” he pleaded. But she just ignored him and came closer to the counter.

“Why did you cut down Rico’s paycheck? It’s not his fault that your fridge is broken,” she questioned.

“He also cut down mine because of the spilled sauce,”

“Mine too because of the broken lights in the wash room,”

Everyone was clamoring about how Mikee outsmarted them. Winona crossed her arm around her chest and firmly stared at him.

Mikee sighed. “How do you expect me to manage this diner? I’m going bankrupt and whatever I do to reduce the expenses I still can’t prevent the bankruptcy,” 

Suddenly, the employee stopped talking. Some of them relies in this diner. It’s their only bread and butter and if it closes where would they look for a job? But that doesn’t mean Mikee should get it from their salary.

“The diner is still standing Mikee. At least give us our salary so we could start looking for a new job,” she replied after a long pause.

After the discussion everyone went home. But it’s not the same as another payday. They won’t go home happy because of the sudden news.