Her Miracle

CHAPTER 10

I blow-dried my blonde hair as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Some of the facial features down to my hair was my mom’s. In a way, really a replica. The only thing I had with dad was his eyes. His Hazel-colored eyes.

I didn’t mind working on a Saturday. I had nothing else better to do anyway. The house had no life in it. My brothers either go to school for football practice or stay at home and get holed up in their rooms playing video games. Mom didn’t stay at home as much. This house was just her terminal. The hospital was where she felt she belonged. It was a house yet it wasn’t home of a family. And it was my fault that we weren’t anymore.

I brushed my hair for the last time and tied it up. Energy spiked through me as if today was going to be a good day. Busy yet good. I think this is because of Titus. Lately, having him made everything bearable. He made a little haven in my living hell.

I take one last look at myself. Finally, a pair of pants, a baggy football shirt I got from my brothers since they outgrew it, and a jacket in case it rains and gets too cold. I inhaled deeply as my thoughts and went out the door.

The house was quiet. I shrugged and just made my way to the kitchen to grab myself an apple. Even if my brothers were football players, I don’t know how Aiden manages to go grocery shopping every week.

I then made my way out the door after grabbing the red apple that was sitting on a basket of fruits on the counter. The cold breeze touched my face the moment I stepped out of our front door. It gave me goosebumps even if I’ve already worn too much to keep me warm.

I took a bite of my apple as I walked my way to Eleanor’s. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. And the doctor… might be my mom. I chuckled at myself as the sweetness of the apple invaded my mouth. The sweetness of the apples complemented by the fresh and stale smell from the trees I’ve passed by.

Walking became a routine after the accident. It took me a while to ride a car again. Adjusting took a while and it took me a year and a half to finally have the guts to ride a car again. The feeling of being in the front seat and having the urge to just close my eyes and not remember what happened that night. It just kept whirling in my head vividly. Like I still lived that kind of nightmare.

I shook my head and pushed the thoughts away. That night already took everything away from me. I wouldn’t want to let it consume me again. I should get myself a bike. At least give me some physical things to do and not let my mind wander into the dangerous corners of my head.

I looked around to find some garbage bins where I could throw my apples. I’ve already passed by Izzy’s house. Seeing that I couldn’t see anything, I continued to clutch it with my hand, as its juices pressed unto my palms.

In a short while, I reached Eleanor’s. The front entrance was still closed so I turned around to get in through the back door. I was greeted by Chester who was carrying boxes to the storage room.

“Good morning, Andy,” Chester said delicately.

“Morning! Need help?”

“I’ve got it. Better check everything before we open up.”

“Got it.”

My apron hung flawlessly at the rack. Before I hung my bag, replacing the apron, I threw the apple that already darkened and washed my hands. And wore the apron in no time and made my way towards the front. Coffee was brewing already together with the light jazz music playing to start the morning.

I unlocked the front door and turned the sign into ‘OPEN’. I smiled with satisfaction. I did my rounds with the tables if the tissues were placed together with the creamers and sugar. Seeing that they’re all complete, I went back at the back.

“Chester? What’s for lunch today?”

“You’ll be on counter duty. I’ll be cooking burger steak with mashed potatoes. Have you tried?”

“Other than school food and my brother’s cooking, no. But by the sound of it, it already sounds good.”

“It’s from Eleanor herself. Her home-cooked meal. It was my somewhat comfort food. Her dishes always bring me to places. I mean other than this coffee shop, it would live out in memory of her, you know.”

“You should also put that with the daily menu… I mean, not just only on Saturdays.”

“I can’t.”

I frowned at him.

“My sister was my partner in this business. She got married to a guy from Lockeswood and she preferred not to work here anymore. You were the replacement. I told her that I want to put this in the menu and make Eleanor’s a restaurant other than being a coffee shop.”

“What did she say?”

“She didn’t agree. It might derail the purpose. This is in dedication to my grandma and she did love coffee. She said it would be acceptable to have it in season or the Saturdays that we did.”

“I’m sorry. Sometimes things just don't happen the way we expect it to be. But I still wish the best for you. You never know what the future holds.”

“Right. I’ve already made the mashed potatoes so it's not a problem. Be on counter duty, alright?”

“Yes, sir!” Like usual, I made a salute. Chester other than the rest of the town was better. He doesn’t hover. Things are simply said or kept in the dark. It’s one of the comforting things I’ve liked working here.

“Thank you, Andy.”

“No problem, I’m happy to work here. I’ll do anything as long as I get out of town.”

“Go thrive and pursue your goals, child.”

And yes, he was more supportive than my mom. He talks to me like I was his daughter. It reminds me of dad. I smiled at him as I walked away to go back to the counter.

                                                                                            *******

Saturday just ran through its course in a glimpse of an eye. Chester was doing the dishes. I finished mopping the floors until it was crystal clear and white enough.

The food Chester made was delicious. I’ve had my share of it during lunch. It was amazing. The mashed potatoes’ smoothness and consistency would melt right in once you have a taste, complementing the burger steak. A home-cooked recipe, indeed. Other food than my brother, Aiden. Even up until now that we were closing, its taste still vivid in my tastebuds.

He might be busy or maybe it’s a family time for them. It didn’t rain but the clouds stayed gloomy as usual. The darkness now covered the clouds like a blanket for them to sleep at night.

Titus wasn’t here today. I frowned at the thought as I wiped the tables for the nth time. But if he came, I wouldn’t be able to entertain him. These past few days, I’ve grown fond of him.

“Andy! Let’s wrap it up so we can get home now and get back to our families.”

“I’m finishing the tables and we’re good to go. The display cases are already cleaned.”

Chester was finished with the dishes as he started to count the money from the register. Compared to the other days, it looks like we earned triple today. Chester’s smile doubled as well. It made him happy. I was happy that I helped him with all this. This was his passion.

Being the cashier for the entire day also was a cool experience. Even if the customers knew me because of the accident. I got glares at first and stern looks as they ordered. Whenever they get their orders from me and smile, it makes me feel better. At least it's something that they’re not going to forget. Maybe they will but I did serve them. I was a better person than the way they perceived me to be.

In finishing the last table, I went to the kitchen to get rid of the rug and washed it thoroughly to remove all the dirt.

“Andy, you finished?”

“Almost…”

I immediately washed it and faced Chester who was dividing the money. My brows furrowed in confusion.

“I’m done.”

“Good. Here’s your money for the week.” He gave a stack of bills on my palm, “And this is a bonus for keeping me company and in doing your best with your job. It’s been a week for you, and I hope you’ve had takeaways as your work here progressed.”

I don’t know how much this might be. But it’s enough to buy myself a bike, I think. Still dumbfounded with all this, I stuttered, “It’s been a great week. I’ve learned a lot from you and working here. It’s also better than staying home and doing nothing.”

“Yeah, it is. Experience is and will forever be the greatest teacher. Other than school of course. Now, get home, it’s getting dark. Take care, Andy.”

“Thank you, Mr. Toucan!”

“You deserve it after all the things life has put you through. I’ve seen the glares customers do give you. It’s okay. They will never understand what you felt and what you underwent. People will always understand only from their level of perception. Keep striving and get out of town if that gives you peace and helps you sleep at night.”

“Do you really want to get me out of town this bad? Get rid of me this fast?” I laughed at him.

“No, It’s because I understand you. It’s time to make a change for yourself other than the town making this change for you.” He says with conviction and care.

He continued, “High school is tough. Tough in terms you have to swim and stay afloat just to survive. You’ll do anything to survive and to not get eaten by the sharks and whatsoever that’s out there, you know? Teenagers do whatever they need in order not to be at the bottom of the food chain. They’re just showing a bunch of facades. Masks that aren't them.”

“Thank you, Chester.” I hugged him, “You even understand me better than my mom does.”

“Kendra is just Kendra. Also brainwashed by her own thoughts and negativities. Maybe it’s easier for her to loathe you in order for her to move on…” He placed his hand on my shoulder, “But no child ever wants to feel neglected for something she or he wasn’t in control of. You were just a kid. You weren’t responsible.”

My eyes well up in tears as I pulled away, “Thank you, Thank you.”

“Now off you go and take care of walking home. Eleanor’s will be closed tomorrow. We both need the rest we deserve.”

“I will, you too. Get home safely to your family. Thank you, Chester.” I wiped my tears as I took off my apron and got out the back door.

Some people believed in me. Titus was one and now, Chester.

Lampposts trailed in each corner of the street like it was some runway. These posts were built because of me. Well, at least it’s not scary to walk in the dark. I haven’t checked my phone in a while. Nobody bothers to text other than Izzy and Kai. I shove my phone back.

People were partying on a Saturday night to relieve their stress during the first week of class. While I just got off work and now have funds. Muffled music did blast somewhere that I couldn’t get a hang of.

The moment I inched near our house as I walked fast. People came in and out of our house like it was their domain. I wanted to live in peace on a Saturday night counting my first salary. I gripped my shoulder bag more and groaned in frustration as I turned my back, going the way where I came from.

Only to see a figure I was looking for and waiting for the entire day. Titus.

He waved at me as he neared, yelling at me for me to hear, “Hey, Andy!”