We all have plans, right? We want our lives to be the way we wanted. But hardly ever that happens!
“I am really worried about you dear. How long are you going to do this job?”
My mom’s voice was quiet and heavy. She has been this way since I left my hometown. I know she doesn't like this. She always wanted me to start my own business in Nashville but I wanted to start a new life in a big city. I am from a small town and I do love my place, but when you want to finish your debt as fast as possible, a big city like Brooklyn only comes to my mind.
I just want to get rid of this debt as fast as possible.
“You are hearing me, right?”
When we grow up, our mom thinks we are still in school. She worries the same way she used to when I would leave for school, which was a five-minute ride from home.
“Sorry, mom. I am at work,” I said as I wore my apron. I hate this because it's so tight, and sometimes I cannot breathe. It has my name and the cafe’s name on it. It's custom-made in rose gold color.
Whenever mom asks me how long I am going to do this, I seriously don’t have an answer. Getting a job is easy here. But a job that will pay all my bills? It's really hard. It’s been three months and I am still stuck at this job.
“I have started sending my application. So fingers crossed.” I stacked the dishes and waited for my order to arrive. I have a morning shift here at A Cup Of Joy. It's 7 am and I have not yet had my coffee.
“Mom, are you there?” I stopped my work and waited for her to reply. When I was in Nashville, it was easy to look after her. I know she is not old yet. She married quite young and she is in her early 40s now but still, if she doesn't pick up my call, I’ll be calling my neighbor to check on her. She is active and in good health but sometimes I worry about her. I never thought I would have to leave her alone like that.
“Yes, yes. I am okay.”
I heard the door open. It's old and makes a squeaky sound. It’s scary when you are alone in the house and it's raining outside. I still have memories of living alone at my place. Many people in Nashville always used to ask me and my mom about how we lived in this old house all by ourselves. They think it's haunted but actually, we never felt that way. I have stayed a good 20 years of my life there and it's the best place I know.
“Mom?” I could hear some voices in the background. I think she is talking to someone.
We live in an amicable neighborhood. It’s a very common thing to visit each other’s place throughout the day. I am not surprised that she had a visitor at this time of the day.
“It's Miles here. He came to help me out in the garden. You wanna talk?”
I bit my lips because it makes me nervous to talk to him after the incident. It’s been so long since the last time we talked. Although I have known him throughout my life, the incident back then is making me nervous.
“Hey hi, Josie.” His voice was looking normal now.
“Hey, how are you?” I asked, trying to be as normal as possible.
“Fine… actually really okay now. Better than before.”
He was as nervous as I was. He was hesitant to talk to me. “My mom’s still there, right?” I know when my mom is around, we can't talk openly.
“Yeah, yup.” He paused for a while. “Hey, is Lizzy there?” he asked.
I almost forgot that Lizzy hasn't updated her relationship status yet. “She has got a boyfriend here, Miles. I am sorry.”
“Oh wow!” He gave out a short laugh. “The world is moving faster than I expected. And here I am still in the same place.”
I feel sorry for him. I feel sorry for him.
“Hey, Josie. Would you mind taking my place? I have to drop Ben to school?” I looked back and Ava was cleaning some stains from her apron. Her name was written in Purple sparkle.
“Yeah sure. Hey Miles, would you mind if I call you later?”
“Yeah. No problem.”
“Tell mom I’ll call her tomorrow. It's my holiday.”
“Okay, I’ll tell her. Goodbye, Josie.”
“Take care, Miles. I hope things will turn out in your favor this time.”
“I hope that for you too, Josie.”
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