Chapter 4

TRACY

Let's just say everything went perfectly. Surprisingly they didn't lay a report to the boss intact to top it all up, they complimented our meal and the boss promised to top up our incentives for this. Debra was so happy. I was happy too. But the credit should go to Debra cos she did most of the work. I told her about it but she insisted that I deserve it too.

" I'm so happy right now. I was so scared thinking they would lay a complaint" I said so to a sigh

She giggled "You should have seen your face when you spilled the coffee. I was so scared for you "

I smiled " I know right? I've never made such a mistake before but why now "

She wiggled her brows " I think I know why "

I raised a brow" Why is that ?"

" that cute millionaire was the reason for the spill. You serve everyone perfectly but when you got to his side, your whole demeanor changed.  You like him " she finished

I almost choked on my saliva " What ?! No! I don't know what you are talking about. I don't even know this man "

She giggled "Haven't you heard of love at first sight "

I wrinkled my nose " I don't like him. I was only shy cos I saw him on the bus. That's all"

She shrugged "OK then. If you say so "

I wanted the topic to change and was glad it changed. Debra checked her wristwatch and whistled "It's time to pick up David . He must be waiting for me " she said

I nodded "Don't you worry. I'll take over your shift. You can leave for today "

She was happy I was doing her favor "Thanks a lot " she hugged me "See you soon "

I waved at her with a smile. Debra has a child. She got pregnant with her boyfriend and they decided to keep the child. I think that is the best decision they will ever make cos David is such a happy child and he is loved by a lot of people. Having a child is one of the most beautiful things ever. Tristan and I haven't thought of having any yet.

He tried convincing me about it some months ago but since then we haven't talked about having a child. We have so many goals to achieve and I don't want to end up like my mom. I want to make my own money and then give my children the life that they deserve. That is my only aim.

I exhaled loudly and went to clear the table. The customers are now the remaining two. It is almost time to close. I promised Sasha that I'd be coming to her house when I got home from work. According to her, she said she had something to tell me and it's urgent.

I wouldn't want to leave my friend when she needs me more.

***

I went to the change room to change my clothes. I retouch my face with a little powder. I was looking all sweaty and tired so then to looked refreshed. When I was sure I was good to go, I made my way out of the shop after saying goodbye to Harry. Harry wanted to drop me off but I declined. I didn't want to be a hindrance to him. He has been dropping me home for the past few days and I feel kind of embarrassed telling him to drop me again. He has been so helpful to me and I don't want to take his patience for granted.

I went to the bus station to get on the next bus. Why I take the bus is cos they are cheaper and it helps me to save. My life as a poor being.

I hugged myself while I waited for the next bus. My phone rang in my bag. I insert my hand to retrieve it. It was Mom.

I rolled my eyes and picked it up "Hello Mom"

" hey, love. Please can I get some dollars from you? I don't have any sanitary in the house and you refuse to check on me " she said

Mom is at it again. She does this to make me feel guilty " Mom I was just there with you on Saturday. Remember today is Monday and it's just two days now "

" would you give me the money or blame me for something I didn't do " she snapped

I heaved a sigh " ok fine. I'll send some money into your account but Mom spend it on sanitary please " I warned

She ended the call without replying. I'm she is vexed that I was giving her a warning. I'm so tired of her way of spending. Most of my salary ends up with her...I make sure to give her all that she wants. I never want her to lack anything but she is never grateful. Instead, she always blamed me for Dad's death just to make me feel guilty.

I promise myself that I won't cry anymore. I won't let her words hit me anymore. I'm going to keep my head up high and pretend like nothing happened. I've been doing this since Dad died so this won't stop me from encouraging myself.

My bus finally came and I got in.

****

It didn't take me long to reach Sasha's house. She lives with her parent. There was no point in her getting an apartment since she lived in a mansion with her parent.

I went inside. The workers are familiar with me so it's a normal thing for me to come in whenever I want. I went inside and made my way to her room. Her parent traveled. They've been out of town for two days now.

I knocked on the door and she summons me inside her room. Sasha looks a little moody.

" what's up?" I asked then walked inside to join her in her bed. I dropped my bag and gave her my full attention " You sounded off on the phone "

She stared at me and began to cry. I pulled her for a hug instantly "What's wrong with you Sasha? Please stop scaring me " I said to her confused

She pulled away and stared at me " Dad called me on the phone just to inform me that my marriage is set and my groom is in town "

I was even more confused" I don't understand. Who are you getting married to? I know you have a boyfriend but you two just met so what are you saying ?"

She wiped her tears "Yes Max is the one I'm getting married to. Remember I met him at a function and it was so fortunate that Dad knows his parent. This journey Dad went to is to set my marriage with a man. Parent and max parents want us to get married as soon as possible "

This is not right "This isn't fair. You two don't even know each other that well. I know you met just a month ago but it's so soon for you two to get married "

She wiped her tears" I don't want to get married now. I tried convincing Dad but he won't listen "

" what about Max your boyfriend? Is he aware  of this ?"

She nodded " he is also as confused as I am but he kept his calm. We are both in the same shoe. We don't have a say in this  "

I pulled her in for a hug" I'm so sorry. If only I knew how I could be of help to you I'd have done that "

She wiped her tears " I know. It's not your fault. "

" but do you love Max?" I asked

She heaved in a sigh " We met just a month ago but I can swear that he is a good man. I like him so much but never thought about getting married to him this soon"

I understand how it feels " I think you need to talk to your parent about this. They need to give you time to think things through "

" if only they would listen. You know how dad can be. He is always too upfront when it comes to his business. I'm very sure this is about some business deal with Max's parents" she explained and it kind of made lots of sense now.

Both parties agreed to it but this is at the expense of their children's happiness " I'm sorry. I wish I could help you out "

She shook her head " I know . I just need my friend with me in this hard time " she heaved a sigh " So how work ?"

I rolled my eyes. My mind went to the bus guy. I don't even know his name. " Terrible"

She furrowed her brows " How is it terrible ?"

"I almost got fired today cos of a slight mistake but Debra came to the rescue," I said imagining how it would have been if I had been fired.

" I'm glad nothing bad happened but what did you do ?" She asked

" I spilled coffee on a Greek god " I blushed

I told her all that transpired. Sasha is the only one I'm comfortable with talking about my crush too. I guess it's because we've been friends forever and she knows me so well.