"She was everything real in a world of make-believe."
- Atticus.

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edited by
-happyintheclouds

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THEN

"Sophie! Stop! Dear, Lord This child is a havoc." Mommy yelled at the fan which made me try to jump even higher. Everything was going round and round like the merry go round then up and down like the see saw. I was so happy, so so happy.

"You're gonna hurt yourself, little one."

"Nah-uh," I grinned at her, jumping and spinning on the bed. My heart was racing, it wasn't in my chest, it was everywhere.

"Stop sophie, please." Mom begged letting out a puff of air.

"But mommy..." I heaved out.

"If you hurt yourself then daddy won't be able to take you to the theme park."

I stopped mid air, my body went limp and I fell on the mattress, groaning slightly. Fear set in me.

No, Daddy is going to come, he's going to take me to the theme park and we will eat a lot of ice cream, cotton candy and hotdogs.

That's like my good girl, now come here you sweaty little thing, give me a kiss, I have to leave for work in 15 minutes. She smiled at me, opening her arms and let me crawl into her warm hug.

Mommy worked for the Colson's, they were very rich, I knew because Dean Colson was in my class, his driver dropped him off in a big car everyday. Colson was kind, colson was funny, Colson made me smile, Colson liked to stare at me, I liked Colson. I couldn't tell mommy because she told me to stay away from the "rich brats". Mommy cleaned their big house, she brought me treats , donuts, marshmallows, pieces of bacon, she told me to not tell anyone about the treats so I never did.

Daddy didn't live with us. He used to. Mommy said he was a busy man and couldn't see me everyday. He visited sometimes. He was never on time and he left before it was time to go. It made me sad but I never told that to anyone because I loved daddy.

She gathered me in her arms and placed a long kiss on my head. "How do I look?" She asked pulling away, spinning in a circle like a disney princess.

"Like me." I giggled. Like daddy would say.

"You sweet thing, I love you more than I've ever loved anyone.

"I love you too mommy. Like I love the sky" she squeezed by tiny body before letting go. I couldn't stop thinking about all the rides I would go on. All the fun I would have.

"No more jumping. Gramp is going to be here in five minutes." She looked down at her watch. "You be a good girl for me okay?"

"I'm a good girl, mommy."

'Of course, sweetheart. Take care, little one"

I smiled at her, Gramp was a very wrinkly and tall man, I compared him to the trees on the roadside. He was also very sweet though he never brought me treats. Gramp told me Love is God and God is love.

Mommy was God.

Daddy was God.

Gramp was God.

Storie, my dead goldfish, was God.

And Colson, he was an Angel.

Mom lead me to the living room, she turned on the TV, SpongeBob popped up on the screen and my heart roared with joy. My eyes were fixed on the screen and I heard the door close behind me.

.

.

.

Daddy didn't show up.

Mom called him so many times.

He didn't pick up.

He never picked up since that day.

Daddy never showed up.

Daddy was a Monster.

.

NOW

I was losing at this game I was playing internally, trying to guess if I've seen the customer before. Getting confused between faces, voices, their perfumes. It was giving me a headache. I saw a handful of people everyday. They ranged from the socially awkward fluffs to the early hustlers, they didn't go with the flow, they created the flow, then there were karen looking kind ladies which proved that appearances can be deceptive. My favourites were the ones who held my gaze for more than five seconds they always intrigued me sometimes they made me feel lonely other times they were straight up creepy.

"Keep the change, Hun." the old lady smiled at me, dropping a bill in the tip jar.

Today was another's busy monday it was a whirlwind of customers and the smell of coffee. One thing I loved about my job was that my hair smelled like coffee by the end of the day. It was like carrying the cafe back to my apartment just less chaotic.

I narrowed my eyed at the tip jar, my mind calculating how much groceries I could buy with that money. The answer came immediately, not enough.

My eyes shifted to the free fortune cookie jar and I couldn't resist just like everyday I sneaked out one.

Don't give up the beginning is always the hardest.

I frowned at the message. It just didn't feel like it was meant for meIt so I opened another cookie

Enter unknown territory.

My frown deepened.

Thomas was gonna lecture me about cracking up all the free fortune cookies and still my hands reached out for another one but stopped mid air when the door opened, making the infamous creak that Thomas Kin, my manager somehow loved and refused to get it fixed.

"Welcome to Bits and Bites, what can I get you?"

"The usual." My ears perked at the voice.

"Scarlett." Scarlett wasn't a regular here but I remembered her those green eyes never failed to melt me, she held power, I couldn't put a finger on what it was about her that drew me to her, it was almost intimidating. Scarlett was an exception in the society where people with her status Just looked down upon us. Working in a cafe that was in the posh part of the city I've had enough incidents with the rich assholes around

When I looked up my smile dimmed. She looked... nervous. Scarlett wasn't one of the anxious fluff, she was quite the opposite. I looked down, placing her order, she was just a customer I shouldn't think over it.

"Good evening!" I raised my head and greeted the old woman with an overjoyed grin.

"Good evening, Sophie. How are you today?"

"All good here. You look gorgeous as always." I told her. I bet she was a stunning beauty of her time and nothing has changed since then.

"Oh, no. I'm not young anymore, Sophie, no need to lie, the world can see my wrinkles. You're simply too kind , Sophie."

I laughed softly, I wasn't good at receiving compliment. They always made me awkward.

"Oh yes, how much for the order, sophie?"

"Twenty dollars for one green latte and pancakes with orange jam. Your order will be ready in fifteen." I smiled while passing her the bill.

"Very well, I'll take it along with me."

I gave her the order she waved 'goodbye' and left.

I had one more hour remaining and my jar was still completely empty except for the few dollars inside it.

Well, no food for me tonight.

I sighed and was about to look away from the jar when a hand opened its lid and dropped a hundred dollar bill. My eyes went wide and my head shot up to see who it was.

"But--"

"It's for you."

"No, Scarlett. " I fished out the bill from the jar, took her hand in mine and placed the note in her palm.

"I can't, I'm sorry.
I only keep the tips I get in this jar, and this is too much. "

"Consider it as your tip for the incredible service."

I shook my head. Incredible service.

"You and I both know that this is not a tip, this is you trying to help." I sighed and looked down.
"I haven't done anything by far to get a hundred dollars at once.
Please, take it back."

I looked up from her hand to see her gazing at me softly.

"My good god, you are such an honest girl. Sophie, I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to make you feel so bad. "

"It's okay, Scarlett." I said, grinning when she put the bill back in her purse.

"When will your shift end?"

"At seven."

"Are you free after that?" she asked, hesitantly. Her eyes full of hope. But what was she hoping for?

"Yes, I am. Why do you ask?" I eyed her, questioningly.

"Can I take you out for dinner,Sophie? I have something, a proposition specifically, to make for you. "

I could not figure out what she
meant by that. A frown was etching on my forehead.

"Proposition, for me? What are you talking about?"
I frowned and licked my lips nervously. I was hoping that she knew that I have nothing to give her.

"Wait for me here at seven. I'll pick you up and we'll talk about this over dinner, darling. Take care." With that she swiftly turned around and left before I could even ask her anything else.

What just happened?

A proposition for me.

Me?

I shook my head. I need to ask Thomas if I could leave a bit early so that I could change first.

"Hey, Alina. Would you mind taking my place for a few minutes? I have some work to do. " I asked my co-worker.

"No, love. Not at all. " The cute blonde said and made her way to the counter.

"I'll be right back!" I half- yelled and fled to Thomas who was also my boss and a very good friend of mine's -
cabin.

"Can I leave early?!" I said, panting for air as soon as I opened the door of the cabin.
He swirled around in his chair and his wide hazel eyes met mine. There was no doubt that Thomas Kin was a handsome guy with his tall frame, heartwarming smile and those Hazel gazes. Not to forget the chestnut hair. A complete package.

"Woah there Bruno, calm your tits and stop breathing like that. You are giving me a hard on."

and there went all my good thoughts about him to the gutter.

I forgot to mention that Thomas was the type of guy who walked around with a hard on and pick -up lines at the tip of his fingers.
A new pick up line for every new girl, never once repeating the old ones. He had his skills mastered at flirting and getting laid.

"Go to hell for all I care, Tommy." I smirked.
He could get to any girl except me.

"I just came by to ask if I could leave early. I have to be somewhere at seven."

"Fine, you can go but only if I get a kiss. "
he grinned cheekily at me.

"Ha! You can kiss my ass, Tommy." I flicked my hair back and narrowed my eyes at him.

"Stop calling me Tommy!" he tutted his bottom lip out.

"Then stop calling me Bruno!"

Thomas had a habit of calling me Bruno cause I was a brunette. I hated the name he gave me. Every other person here called me that. My neighbor's Labrador was called Bruno.

"Never!" he grinned

"Bye then!" I said and slammed the door shut behind me. I went back to my counter my eyes immediately zeroed at the jar. There was only a single bill in the jar. Alina. She took it, she took it all. My jaw clenched and tired tears stung.
I sighed and took the one dollar bill that was in there. I was way too angry to confront her, I didn't feel strong enough to do it. I shook my head and decided to let it go.

That was the best I could do.

I sat by the window table in 'Bits and Bites' and waited for Scarlett. I couldn't help but feel a bit worried about the proposition she was talking about. I tried to come up with every possibility of what It could be but they all felt stupid and meaningless.

I was dragged out of my thoughts when a sleek black Mercedes stopped outside the cafe and Scarlett's small figure came out from the back seat.

Oh no, she changed for dinner and I was still in work clothes. I hope she doesn't mind , you never know when people change their demeanor.

"Hello, Sophie." she greeted as I pushed open the glass door and made way out. I shoved my hands in the pockets of my denim jacket and felt the material of the
one dollar note which reminded me that I didn't have enough money to pay for dinner and my heart sunk.

Sometimes I wished I could be like her, other times I felt happy with what I have.

I smiled weakly at her.

"Come on, I made reservations before hand." Every step I took towards the elegant black car in front of me it became harder and harder to move. My legs felt as heavy as a huge rock that needed to be dragged around.

One dollar, just one dollar. That was what I had on me.

"Sophie, we are here." someone shook my shoulders bringing me out of my line of thoughts.

I looked around and found myself in the backseat of car with a worried looking Scarlett.

"You zoned out, I guess." she furrowed her eyebrows at me, showing that she was concerned.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. It's all fine." I brushed my thoughts and the heaviness in my chest away and smiled at the old woman.

I nodded and looked up.

What the hell.

No way we are having dinner here.

I shook my head and took a step back.

"Come on, Sophie! "

Scarlett tugged on my hand.

What the hell have I gotten myself into!
Dear god, save me. I might be the first girl who was going to have dinner at a Michelin star restaurant with just a dollar in her pocket.

I meekly followed her inside. My mind was yelling at me to run to the hills and never meet Scarlett again but my heart knew how much my stupid actions could hurt.

A waitress who was dressed better than me escorted us to our table which was beside a huge French window.

Good lord, this place was gorgeous.

Everything looked precious, from the carpeted floor to the big beautiful chandeliers and even the chair I was sitting on seemed expensive. Of course, it was.

Who was I kidding, this place was a freaking --Ten star or something-- restaurant.

"I've already ordered our food,I hope you don't mind. " Scarlett spoke, and I focused my attention on her again.

"Uh,no. Not at all.".

Thank god! she saved me from making a fool of myself in front of the waitress.

"So, let's get straight to the point. " she cleared her throat, preparing for whatever she was going to say.

Oh no.

"Scarlett, wait! I would like to say something before you start." I interrupted her politely.

"Go ahead, love. " she gave me an encouraging look.

"You know I work at a small cafe and babysit on weekends to look after my expenses and not to forget, I have university work on my head too. A lot to study and pay. I don't have anything to offer you, Scarlett.
I'm really sorry, I don't know what proposition you are going to put forward but I don't have anything to give, I don't even have money to pay for the dinner tonight ---"

"I know dear, I know. I was waiting for you to confront me. I knew you didn't have money the moment you stepped out of the cafe, I don't want your money." She reached for my hand and squeezed it lightly.

"You don't want money, Scarlett and you have everything in the world. I don't get it, what can I offer you? " I furrowed my eyebrows.

"I don't have everything in the world, dear." she smiled sadly, "I don't have my son with me."

Oh god, my heart thudded loudly in my chest.

"I'm so sorry for your loss.." I said, emphatically.

"Oh no, dear!" Scarlett chuckled "he's not dead. he's just... that's for you to find out." she said hesistantly, looking suddenly sad.

what was she trying to say ?

"Sophie? "

"Yes?"

"Will you marry my son? "

I blinked at her twice. Her words repeatedly rang in my ears like a broken record.

No, I must have heard something wrong.
No way did Scarlett just ask me to Marry his Son. She actually did. My face grew warm with nervousness and I was at a loss for words.

The world seemed to stop for me. I could hear each breath I took in and out, my fast heartbeat drumming against my ears like the unbearable sound of the loud banging of a gong.

How was I supposed to handle this situation?

"..I-I don't know what to say but I don't think I can do that. I just can't." I suddenly was alarmed and ready to leave. I felt extremely uncomfortable.

she shook her head and looked at me desperately,
"Listen to me first, dear."

"No, I'm sorry, Scarlett. I'm leaving." I stood up and fixed my jacket.

"Just please listen to me!"

"No,Scarlett! how could you even think of something so absurd!" I seethed and sat down again to avoid any attention.

Was she out of her mind?

"You are the best for him. I'm his mother and I know that very well."

Her brows furrowed and I thought I saw tears in her eyes before she looked away.

"No, I'm not. I don't even know him. I'm really sorry, Scarlett. " I apologized and stood up, then walked off. How could she! I walked out of the building and stood out on the sidewalk looking for a cab.

"He's alive but still dead." My body tensed in shock at her voice, "You know that well."
she chuckled but I didn't dare look back.

"He enjoys hurting himself." I heard the shakiness in her voice and gulped, feeling my eyes sting with tears.

"He likes to destroy things he once loved and mark his body.
There are so many I couldn't help but watch him do to himself. He's lifeless. He's not the boy I knew anymore but a man who is finding a way to end himself." I stood still and at loss of words.

"He thinks he can hide it all from me but he forgets that I am, after all, his mother."

I knew she was crying by now because I was too. I sniffed and wiped my tears.
My jaw tightened,

"Why?" I turned to look over my shoulder.

"That is for you to find out." she smiled weakly and I couldn't take it anymore. I ran and engulfed her in my arms.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you!"

"It's all fine, dear. I need your help to save my son,please. I am ready to give up everything, please just please, help me." she clutched my hands and cried. I squeezed her hands back to comfort her.

"But I have nothing and I'm still studying."

"I'll help you. I'll pay each and every expense for your studies so just say yes, Sophie." she sounded so desperate. She wanted nothing but to hear a yes from me.

I said the first thing that came to my mind, a solution to suppress any problem for a while.

"..I would like to think about it."

She smiled weakly.

"You have all the time in the world, but don't take too long that I may end up without my son.."

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hi!! i hope you enjoyed the first chapter!!

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don't forget to comment I'd love to know what you thought about it.

Garima.