His own

chapter 2

Tre-eats was as busy as always with customers flocking in like they offered their services for free. It was always like that and competing eateries always doubted their credibility. Some claimed that they added things to make their treats nicer, while others claimed that the founding fathers of treats where involved on some form of diety. They had more than the usual custimers for an ordinary eatery and always had enough deliveries to make

"Table four needs a refill on coffee," Sarah called out, her voice barely audible over the din of laughter, conversation, and clattering dishes.

"Got it," Treasy replied, grabbing the pot and weaving her way through the tables. She reached the booth where an elderly couple sat, pouring their refills with a practiced smile. "Here you go, folks. Anything else I can get for you?"

The couple shook their heads, expressing their gratitude before returning to their conversation. Treasy moved on, her mind occupied with thoughts far removed from the diner's lively ambiance. Her mother's health had been deteriorating, and the financial strain of her treatment was overwhelming. Despite working two jobs, the money was never enough.

"A vanilla ice-cream with shredded white chocolate for the sweet girl!" Little giggles followed as Treasy placed the glass down on the table. The diner was a little less crowded compared to other Friday evenings.

She bent down to the girl's height and the girl placed her lips on Treasy's cheek “thank you “ the little girl said almost immediately placing her mouth on the big straw. This was their usual. A few months ago, the little

girl had walked in with her babysitter and ever since, had become a regular.

She walked in moody

and not as jovial as she normally would because apparently some kids at her school had been mean to her and her only comfort had been the vanilla ice cream Treasy had given to her which had now become her regular.

“kids can be really cruel” Treasy hushed at Sarah who was preparing an order. “ The other night, I was serving a table and a little boy, after a brief observation, had stated that I was dumb because apparently he believed that all blondes are supposedly dumb” She said letting out a chuckle that was only audible to Sarah. “ I just kept my mouth shut and walked away, knowing very well that it's definitely his home training and

nothing decent would have come out of it. Mom's need to do better in training their kids on......”. She was immediately interrupted by her manager who insisted that they get back to their duties and stop gossiping.

Treasy walked back to the little girl with an ice cream cone that she claimed was on the house and at the end of the day, the girl had officiated that they were best friends making it the fourth time she had declared her her best friend in less than two weeks.

"You're welcome, sweetheart." Treasy kissed the girl's cheek, causing her to grin widely.

"I am sure Aby comes here mostly to see you. Ice-creams are just an excuse," Mary her babysitter smiled broadly at Treasy the skin at the corner of her eyes wrinkling with the action. Aby had been visiting Treats for almost half a year now and Treasy had never seen her with her parents or family. She wouldn't lie that she hadn't been a little curious, but she didn't like sticking her nose where it didn't belong.

"Well, if that's the case, I am glad. I love seeing her." Treasy responded passing Stacey a smile and lightly ruffled Aby’s hair before excusing herself. Walking into the kitchen, she put the tray down, a smile tugging at her mouth from the latest conversation she had with that sweet kid, which was a rare occurrence considering the number of unpleasant customers they had to deal with on a daily basis.

But her smile was quickly averted, and soon turned into a frown as her latest concerns came swimming back to her mind. Her moms’ health, which had been retrogressing because of lack of money for her treatment , and the treatments had been charging a hefty price. After the blockage in her heart was diagnosed, she couldn't continue with her job, and their savings were being sizably drained. A surgery was required, and it would be expensive, to say the least. Although her mom had been trying to hide it from them, it didn't get past them that all this had left her feeling helpless. She pressed her fingers against her forehead and shut her eyes.

"Treasy”. A loud voice interrupted her thought. She looked up, surprised that she hadn't noticed Olivia walk in

"Hey liv!" Treasy tried forcing a small smile, which at best came out as a grimace. Balancing emotions was never a strong pursuit of hers. Putting on a facade and smiling when she had pressing matters was out of her abilities.

Liv exhaled. "You are worrying too much!" Concern reflected in her voice. Olivia had been Treasy's best friend since primary school, and they had been inseparable ever since. She had been there for her first breakup, had consoled her after she embarrassed herself in front of the whole class, and the list went on.

"I can't help it. Things are not the best and my income is hardly helping." Treasy replied sluggishly arranging the receipts that was on her desk. Saying it out loud only added to the weight of the predicament she was in.

"I know, but stressing this much can't be good for you! You're already working two jobs." Liv placed her hand on Treasy's shoulders with an aim to comfort her. Treasy worked as an PR assistant at Raven enterprise at her leave days and took up serving at Treats and eats as her second job. Her current financial conditions had her in this predicament.

"You don't understand Liv!" Treasy said in a tune that wasn't loud but dismissive? And yes. She meant it. Olivia was an event manager and quite successful, she might add. Her parents weren't dependent on her either. Don't get her wrong, Treasy was happy that Olivia was in a good place in her life, but she wouldn't completely understand how stressful things currently were for her. "Yeah, I don't! Nobody understands what it's like unless they are in your shoes, but what I understand is that you're working your ass off. You're doing your best!" She was almost shouting, and Treasy

was grateful that the diner was almost empty.

"No, I'm not. I shouldn't have left my last job," Treasy spoke, gently hitting the edge of the counter with her foot. Before Treats and eats, she worked as a bartender in a club where she was making much more than this.

"That wasn't an option. How could you have possibly worked under that perverted guy?" Liv sounded shocked that Treasy was at all considering it. A few weeks back she wouldn't have actually. Workplace harassment by a sleazy, perverted boss—the same old thing.

Pressing her lips in a tight line, Treasy ran her hand through the length of her hair. She had applied to a number of firms, hoping she could switch to a better-paying job, but she was yet to hear back from them. "I don't know, Liv, I just wish that everything could be better.” She let out a grin that narrowd to the both side of her cheeks “and someone would just offer me a huge some of money for doing nothing” she continued dreamily and tho she wished for every possibility of that. “You've always been delusional” liv replied her letting out a big chuckle too “who knows what the future can bring your way” she continued almost as if to encourage Treasy’s delusion. They were both cut short by a squeaky voice.

"Treasy? Are you sad?" Aby stood there, looking up at her with her bright, doe-like eyes Treasy sighed before a small yet genuine smile touched her lips. She crouched down in front of her.

"Maybe," she shrugged.

"Don't be sad. Do you want candy?" The corners of her lips dipped down in distress. Treasy smiled and shook her head at her suggestion.

"Although, I would very much want a hug” Treasy replied with her arms stretched out as Aby stuck her arms out towards her eagerly. Wrapping her hands around Treasy's neck, she kissed her cheek before pulling back and smiling. "Are you happy now?" Her eyes shone hopefully, which had Treasy nodding at once.

“she insisted she wouldn't go until she had said goodbye to you” Mary her babysitter said smiling at Treasy

"I am. See, I'm smiling." Treasy flicked her nose in reply to her question, causing a small giggle to escape her lips. She was precious. For a child her age to care so much was rare.

"Aby, we need to go home now," Mary, who had been standing behind her, said.

"Okay." Aby looked back at Treasy and waved. "Bye, Treasy ."

Treasy smiled at her. "Bye, Aby." The bell rang as Mary and Aby left the diner.

"The kid is so sweet!" Liv smiled.

"She is. Kids have got such simple lives. Candy is the solution to all their problems." Treasy

chuckled, and Liv joined before they fell into a comfortable silence.

Liv brought her hand forward and encouraged Treasy. "You are applying for the jobs. I know you're going to land one."

“hope so" Treasy replied giving Liv a hug