Now that was a long ass chapter to write. Hope you like it. Right, scroll down.

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I woke up after a few minutes realizing that I wasn't going to get any sleep that night. It happened to me many times. There were countless nights that I had found myself in sleepless situations. So, instead of staring into abyss, I grabbed a book from my backpack and started studying. That was pretty much how I had skipped a grade and was studying what other sixteen year aged were. Besides, immersing my nose in a non-fiction book kept my rational mind active and my emotional quotient low.

*** 

As usual, my mother had passed out on the couch. It was noon and I would've been expecting too much if I wanted to see her awake before evening or sometimes even night.

Without caring about making minimal noise as a caution from waking her up, I left for my job. 

I worked as a waitress in a snack bar which was situated at the end of Night Lamp Street which was, in turn, the end of the gloomy, desolate town. Due to its location, it was always flooded with people, ergo, one received a considerable amount of salary. Each shift had a time duration of five hours. 

Even with the perk of having a nice pay and some comfortable working hours , the place had a lot of pangs. Firstly, the place was a huge smoking zone. The 'No Smoking Zone' sign was kinda kicked off. I had estimated my death would occur because of all of that smoke. Secondly, how can we forget that the snack bar was also a part of Night Lamp Street? And Night Lamp Street is not complete without its sex-addicted people. Which summed up to the biggest issue in the place (for me) - It really wasn't safe. There were always people who made me feel uncomfortable and there was no way I could help myself.

But I direly needed money. So, saving myself from them, I worked on every possible holiday I could (including Saturdays and Sundays).

I walked into the snack bar and tied an apron around my waist which had the image of a handful of french fries (yes, that was the uniform). I waved at Nicole, dismissing her from her duty. She returned the smile and left me alone in the swarm of perverts. Other two shifts had at least two waiters/waitresses in duty and my shift was the only one where I worked alone. Just my luck.

I looked around to see if anyone needed my assistance at that moment, when a boy walked in, searched the area and strode straight behind the wide counter where I was standing at. He took an apron and tied it around his waist. He had broad shoulders and quite an athletic build but wasn't the six-pack-guy. He was about a hand taller than me and had shoulder length raven hair, tied back, which were complementing his green eyes. He gave a smile and I returned it.

On seeing the arrival of the newbie, the bar owner - Kate, came over to me. She had a cigarette between her fingers and took a drag. She was the kind of woman who would remain skinny till the day they die. Her outer appearance resonated an aura of strictness but her inner self was actually quite sweet. She wore those ragged hippie clothes and totally pulled off the look (at least for me).

She blew the smoke away, avoiding its direct contact with my face.

"Ashley, this is Nicolas. He will be working this shift with you."

I gave her a petite, acknowledging smile. "Figured."

She went back to her seat, contently counting her cash. I turned around and faced the guy called 'Nicholas'.

"So, Nicholas?" Yep, that was me asking him his name again with his name in the question.

 He smirked. "Please don't call me that." He seemed quite hesitant in making a strong point. Maybe an introvert. Rare phenomenon to see in athletes. I thought to myself.

I displayed a comforting smile. "Isn't that your name?"

"Yeah, but I go by Nico. Or Nick, sometimes."

"I go by Ash."

When he noticed that I wasn't going to continue on the topic, he made the formalities of having a small talk with his coworker. "So, you live here?"

Not an introvert, just hesitant. Still, a rare phenomenon.

"Yeah. This very town. Where do you live?"

"The next town, Blithe Street."

I smiled, leaning onto the counter. "My Dad lives that town."

"You don't live with your Dad?" He asked in a casual tone. I am not lying when I say that I really really appreciated him for using that carefree tone. But of course, I didn't say anything out loud. 

"No. I live with my mother."

That silenced him for some unknown reason. So, I continued. "I prefer my Dad, though."

"Oh." He whispered.

"What about you? You live with your parents?" 

Before he could answer, a guy walked in. 

Now, let me tell you something about this guy. The moment I look at his face, I have this sudden urge to punch it. If you feel the same, it is totally normal. But obviously, he doesn't understand those simple gestures. He actually believes that every chic that can breathe has a crush on him. No wonder that obnoxious bastard was single.

"How may I help you, sir?" I asked forcing a smile and making no attempt in letting it look genuine. 

"Would you give me what I want?" He asked leaning in closer to me. His foul breath was killing me!

Like a gush of wind in a dry summer day, Nico placed his hand between me and Foul Breath (I didn't know his name, so that's what I decided to call him), creating a void between the both of us. "Actually, I'm new here. So, for my practice I have to take as many customers as I can." He had completely shoved me aside while having an eye-to-eye conversation with that guy while playing a smile on his features. "I think, I can handle it from here, Ash. You taught me well." He smiled wider and took his order. I saw this with wonder in my eyes and a small smile on my lips. The only two people capable of doing that for me were Adrian and my Dad. From the corner of my eye, I could see Kate passing an indiscreet smirk while adding the figures in her inventory. 

Right then, another bunch of teenagers walked in. I took their order and showed Nico the kitchen. Two hours before every shift, the cooks cooked a batch of the menu that was to be served for the day. That way, they would be feeding the customers a fresh lot of snacks.

Nico grabbed his order while I grabbed mine. I walked to the table that the loud teenagers had occupied. I placed down the tray and looked at the hoard. 

"Would there be anything else?" I asked with a sweet smile. At least I tried to.

The guy who was seated exactly opposite from me bit his lip. My smile faltered and placed a hand on my t-shirt, checking if it was revealing anything. He smirked and almost everyone around him followed the action.

"I'll ask for it when I want it."

I knew I had made sure to wear the standardized decent clothes. Nothing about it was revealing. I started wondering in agitation if I was ever going to be allowed to wear clothes that followed my comfort and my style and at the same time, the society accepting it. I started wondering that if I had certain developing body parts, would I ever have a carefree day where I wouldn't have to hide my already covered body in the snack bar. 

At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to rip his skull off. But I couldn't. So, I smiled again and walked off. Internally, I had shot them all with an imaginary gun whilst screaming I HATE YOU ALL! But externally, I was holding a stoic face, walking robotic steps and pouring out my aggression by cracking my knuckles.

I looked at Nico. He held a disgusted look but the moment his eyes met mine, he grinned. I returned the gesture and stood beside him.

"Thank you for what you did there." I told him in a whisper. 

He smiled brighter this time and waved it off. "Its nothing." He turned around, facing me."I have these little siblings back at my home. I think that protective instinct was only a reflex."

"Seems like you have a big family."

"Yeah." He admitted sheepishly, rubbing his neck. 

My eyes widened in realization. "I never had any siblings. So, I meant to say it in good faith."

"No, I get it." He nodded accepting my cover-up. "Besides," he jumped back to the original topic of conversation, "I hate those guys because they spoil the reputation of all the other guys who are far from their personality. And, let's be honest here, you could be totally doubting me to be your future rapist. But I am, in fact, not that kind of a person."

It was my turn to smile sheepishly. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay." He averted his gaze to the opposite wall while still holding a warm smirk. "I can understand."

***

Let's just say that by the end of our shift, we had become close friends. For the past two hours, there had been a lot of commotion in the kitchen, but that didn't stop us talking and giggling from time-to-time.

There were twenty more minutes left for our shift, when a well dressed man walked in the snack bar. Very well dressed for the neighborhood he had just walked in, might I add. Everybody's heads snapped in his direction, taking in the clown who had just walked in. He walked towards us to give his order. I shut my judgmental eye and focused on his order. He asked for a parcel. While, Nico was packing his order, I decided to have a small talk with him.  

"You come here often?"

"No, I just had some work here, so I-"

"You have some work here?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why, is there a problem?"

"No, it's just that we rarely get to see guys like you in this town."

"Is that a compliment?"

I nodded. "You would only understand it if you would be living in this town." Nico came back with his parcel. "But you don't, so you won't." I smirked.

He looked at me skeptically while I smiled coolly. "Would there be anything else?"

"Yes, I would like a burger."

Nico radiated the energy of a frown but nodded to get the man his meal. When the man received his meal, he occupied a table to have it peacefully while Nico and I were completely immersed in the deduction of knowing the mystery man.

"He is obviously very rich. I mean, he's wearing Prada or something." Nico whispered. I raised an inquiring eyebrow about how he knew the brand but shrugged if off. "He also has that expensive looking trench coat."

I continued. "Also he may be in his late twenties or early thirties."

We whispered some more about the color of his hair (dark brown) and the kind of shoes that he wore (Italian leather) and shit like that before he came up to us to collect his parcel.

Before he went to the billing counter, he said his last words to us, "Merci, mademoiselle. Mais avant de partir, je dois dire. N'es-tu pas un peu trop jeune pour ce travail?"

He was speaking French. But how did he know I spoke French?! My eyes widened for a split second and came back to normal.

"I don't speak French, sir."

"How did you know it was French?"

My usually sly attitude had started fading in front of that man. I took a deep breath and stood up taller. "Look mister, I don't know you so don't try and get comfy. And as far as the question "Aren't I a little too young to have this job" is taken into consideration, I will only say that nobody cares about my age here so neither should you. Besides, you wouldn't know the struggle to earn some dollars. Money makes you do various things." I spoke in an extremely formal manner. I didn't know what part of my mind was trained in that way, but when I was angry, I was corporate.

As if copying my earlier reaction, he coughed and brought back his composure. He pulled out his wallet and placed the money on the desk. There were twenty dollars additional to the sum. He lifted his parcel and gave a firm nod as a parting gesture.

I snapped, but before I could say anything, Nico placed a hand on my shoulder and spoke. "You have it wrong, sir. You have to pay the cash there." He pointed towards Kate. "Besides, we don't accept that big of a tip." He said the word tip with such sarcasm that I had to take a moment to steady myself.

He still waited for a moment, with a stoic expression on his face, for me to say something. "Please proceed for the payment before I say something mean." Disappointment was evident in his eyes but I didn't give a fuck.

He completed his formalities and walked out of the bar.

"Now, he was a creep." Nico started.

I hummed in response. "How did he know I spoke French?"

"Lucky guess?"

I sighed and slumped my shoulders. "I don't know. I hope so."

I checked the watch. There were ten more minutes for my shift. A lady and her child (I presume) walked in. I gave them their parcels and when they departed from the counter, I saw that Adrian had already ensconced himself on a table. 

I gave him an impressed nod and resumed my work. While I was placing the newly made pastries and puffs in the glass counter, Nico spoke from his position. "The guy on 3 has been incessantly staring at you for the past five minutes. I don't believe him."

The guy was Adrian. "He's fine. He's my best friend."

"Oh!"

"Besides he's staring at you."

"Oh!" He thought for a moment. "He plays for the other side?"

"No." 

Nico helped me fill up the shelves so that we were only waiting the our replacements for the next shift.

"He is really early today." I started whilst dusting my hands on the apron.

"Anything special?"

"Uh, it's my birthday."

"Seriously?" Nico asked with eyes wide open. I only nodded, having checked all my responsibilities during my shift.

Adrian came jogging up to me. I checked my watch. It was five.

"Okay. Let's go, Ash." Adrian said with his childish enthusiasm. Nico smiled. 

I put my hand in front of his face, telling him to stop. He understood that I couldn't leave till the next shift-takers filled in our spots. He slumped down like an unfed dog.

As if to comply his wish, Daniel and Zoe came in. I took off my apron and Nico followed on cue. I introduced them to Nico and likewise. Adrian took my hand and we marched out. 

"Enjoy your day." Nico said.

"I'll try." I waved and we departed on our ways.

***

Spending my birthdays with Adrian meant that he kept reminding me that I was still a year younger to him. So I would tell him that he'd die before me. That usually shut him down unless he had a come back. 

On my birthdays, we would only spend the day being with each other because, honestly, that was the biggest gift we needed. I didn't expect him to give me any costly junk. If we did eat on the streets, that was a bonus. Otherwise, it was just him (and sometimes me) singing on the streets, running around in shops and riding his favorite (but very very worn down) motorbike. 

At 7:15 he dropped me home. I slowly opened the door and saw that my mother wasn't home. I allowed a small smile to creep in. I was really excited to meet my Dad.

I put on the usual dress that I wore on my birthdays that I spent with Dad. It was black in color and had those free flowing pleats. It was on of those rare times that I wore dresses. I combed my hair in a high ponytail yet they managed to reach midway through my back. I carried my phone and some money in a wallet and did a little jog towards the restaurant that I was expected to be a few minutes before.

As I neared the destination I slowed my jog to a walk. In the crowed street, I could spot my Dad leaning on the glass exterior of the restaurant. He stood up tall, running his hand through his jet black hair and trying to spot me in the street. When he saw me, he completely faced me and had the widest of the smiles that managed to get him the crow- feet on the sides of his eyes.

I walked a bit faster and hugged him tightly. I was a little taller for him to rest his chin on my head, but I usually coiled my neck a bit so he was comfortable. We both were well aware of the fact that we were holding back tears. He rubbed his hand on my back in slow soothing circles. I nodded and we parted the hug before he kissed me on the forehead.

With the same smile lighting up his face, he asked, "So what do you want to do? We have an hour before we eat." We started walking along the street in a slow pace. "Let's just walk," he voiced out our mutual decision.

I smiled, nodding my head. 

"So what do you want to buy as your gift?" He pointed at the various stores in front of us.

"You already know the answer."

He growled, jokingly. "Don't tell me that you have everything and you don't want anything." I shrugged and he sighed while shaking his head. I giggled.

"Why are you hesitant?"

I shot my head up with questioning eyes. "Huh?"

"You want to ask me something, right?"

"Okay, okay. Fine." I took a deep breath and he raised his eyebrow questioningly. "I had this thought running around in my head for quite some time." He nodded, "I just really wanted to know where you live. Like, how big is your house? Do you have a roommate? Or do you live alone?" I tried my best to not make it sound awkward. Dad had the ghost of a smile on his face that he was desperately trying to hide.

"I don't live on the streets, Ashley, if that is what you want to hear." He allowed himself a giggle.

"Of course, you don't," I reddened with embarrassment, "but you know-"

"I'll get my car." I smiled and nodded. I patiently waited while observing the shops around till Dad got his sedan. I quickly got in, trying to avoid any traffic.

Dad drove at a moderate pace to his house. While he waited on a certain crossroad for the lights to turn green, he looked back and picked up a bag. "I can't believe I forgot this." He handed me the bag. I opened it to find to find a box which had a clear glass cutout that fit in my palm. It had soft edges and was just a little bit bigger to be fir in a necklace. For the purest of all hearts was written on one side whereas Happy Birthday Ashley was written on the other.  

I choked a sob. "This is beautiful. Thanks, Dad." He smiled. "It might be really costly, right?"

He gave me an offended look. "Who's gonna spoil you if not me?!"

I smirked. "I don't know, my future boyfriend."

"That is if you have a boyfriend."

"No, that is a definite affirmative."

"Is that a challenge?" 

I chuckled and clutched the heart close to mine. Dad commenced his driving and we reached our destination in a few minutes.

***

Dad parked his sedan in his garage and that was when I finally closed my awestruck mouth. To say that the house was huge was an understatement. It was a white walled dream home. At least for me it was. It had a nicely trimmed front yard that had a row of flowers on the edges.

And there were steps for the porch steps. I was so going to faint.

Dad opened up the door and I walked in. The interior was even more extravagant. The white colored theme was carried on inside the house as well. It had wooden flooring and furniture. Walking past the foyer, I was suddenly exposed to the lighting that had be turned on a moment ago. The house had a cozy, warm feeling to it; as if it was calling me in. All the necessary furniture for a posh house was placed in its appropriate positions.

"Like it?" Dad asked with a hint of unreasonable doubt in his voice.

I nodded enthusiastically. "When did you get so rich?" He let out a chuckle and guided me towards the couch. 

"You can stay here anytime you want." The same doubt was evident in his voice, but this time it had a big reason.

"I don't think I'll need that offer for a long time." I tried to make it sound as effortless as I could. 

Dad sighed. "Hot chocolate?" I nodded. 

He ushered me into the kitchen. The kitchen was no less than the rest of the house. It had elegant and detailed fittings to it. That concluded my deduction that my Dad had done no renovation to it. He let it be the way it was cause he really didn't have that talent to make a normal house that beautiful.

After the patient procedure and a few jokes here and there, we had a cup of hot chocolate in our hands. 

I took a sip and had the most satisfactory smile that I had on that day on my face. "Just what I needed."

"I know you did." He replied with an understanding smile.

We went out and talked about the new things in our life. I talked about school and Adrian whereas Dad talked about his office. He tried in various ways to ask me about my mother but I waved it off every time. A person who knows psychology, knows to tell convincing lies.

When we were about to leave, my Dad portrayed a nervous expression looking out through the window. I looked out to see another car being parked in the garage.

"Who's that?"

Dad looked up from his phone and told me, "Neighbors."

"You let neighbors park their cars in your garage?!"

"I charge for it." He said placidly as if he wasn't a mastermind. I gave an impressed smirk and he did a little bow. I looked out and the person had started walking to their house.

He checked his watch. "Okay, I think we should get going." I nodded and silently said goodbye to the house.

***

Dinner with my Dad was as delightful as it always was. He asked me why I hadn't asked him about his house before and I responded by saying that I really didn't know how I should've asked that question. He seemed a little disappointed by that answer but didn't make it very conspicuous. We didn't finish our dinner until Dad said that I would always be his little girl and nothing could change that fact. I portrayed a scowl but deep down I really appreciated him for loving me as a child.

When it was time for me to go, we hugged and Dad took his own sweet time to say goodbye for at least some two weeks. He kissed my forehead before he parted the embrace and I kissed his cheek.

"I'll miss you, darling." Dad said in a whisper.

I nodded and smiled. "Until then."

I started walking in the opposite direction and I knew that Dad was watching me until he couldn't see me anymore.

As I neared my house, a familiar anxiety took over my mind. What if my mother was home? She could ruin a perfectly good day. I took a deep breath to calm my fears and walked into our worn down home.

As I walked in and I spotted my mother walking towards her room. She saw me and examined me. She saw my dress and the little bag that I was holding in my hand. I was shivering not because of the cold outside but the cold stare with which she was looking at me. She looked me in the eye for a few seconds and then walked straight in her room. She had no scowl on her face, no calling me a bitch. Nothing.

I allowed a smile to occupy my countenance and rushed upstairs to my room. I messaged Dad that I was home and changed into some pajamas. I pulled out the glass heart and reread the inscription. I let out a sigh of content and closed my eyes into a smiling slumber. 

I curled myself in a ball to protect the heart. In a sleepy voice, I whispered to myself, "Thank you Dad, for everything."