Her Miracle

CHAPTER 3

Tuesday flew by just like the wind. You feel it and then in a second, it’s gone. Maybe it’s just because I haven’t been paying attention in class...at all. All the teachers discussed those things I’ve already read in advance. Maybe it was just me, getting uninterested in everything for me to able to focus on my only goal--to leave this town.

“Earth to Andy!?”

I shifted my gaze, to find out Izzy’s arm draped over Kai. I raised my eyebrows at them. “Uh, What?”

“You need a ride?”

“The heck, Izzy! That statement sounded wrong.” Kai commented.

Before I could react, I burst into laughter. It did sound wrong. Too s****l. I inhaled, finally composed, “Oh, I don’t need to. I can walk. It’s a couple of blocks away.”

“I can drop you off. No biggie,”

“Yeah, she can. You don’t want to get soaked in the rain. It’s still 3 PM yet it’s darker. Just go let her take you home.”

“I’m not going back to the house.”

“Then where?” Kai inserted.

“You’re leaving now? I mean out of town?” Izzy’s eyes bulged out in horrific surprise.

“No. What’s a few blocks away, Izzy? Eleanor’s. The coffee shop that I’m applying for.” I gripped my bag. “I have to go. My brothers might drag me back home.”

Izzy and Kai positioned themselves both on my left and right with their arms hung over my shoulders. “What’s the use? We’re your best friends. I’ll drop you off.” Izzy added.

The cold breeze collided with our skin and made our way to the parking lot.

Kai got his car keys out of his pocket. “Time to go, guys. See you tomorrow!” After he hugged us, he went his separate ways.

“Now, let’s go, Izzy. My brothers might come out of nowhere!”

“Yeah, calm down, missy!”

We slid inside her car and placed everything in place. We were good to go. She turned on the engine and left Willoughby’s parking lot. She had Ariana Grande’s playlist on loop. Izzy was a die-hard fan. She colored her hair once and turned it into a beautiful brunette. And the outcome was better than expected.

“Here we are,”

How many times do I space out? It’s fun yet frustrating. Eleanor’s was the best coffee shop in town. I mean, it’s the best because it’s our one and only coffee shop. People don’t complain. It’s been here since 1985, brewing all those fresh coffee grounds.

“Thanks, mom!” I chuckled as I got out of her car, “Just kidding, Izzy! Thank you!”

I waved at her as she drove off. Petrichor cascaded unto my nostrils. The heat and the rain collided from the pavements of this town. When she was farther, seeing that her bumper was out of sight, I walked on my way to the coffee shop.

I stopped in my tracks to absorb and compose myself that I’m really doing this. Even if it’s been here for a long time, it’s been kept the same and maintained well. Preserving its primary essence. I mustered all the courage to finally get hold of the door and let myself in.

The roasted bittersweet smell of coffee inhaled through my lungs. It warms my heart. I remember so much about dad. I miss him. The temperature inside was hotter, making my skin feel less tense than it used to. My muscles relax.

I went straight to the board that had a poster that they needed an all-around employee. I took it off the bulletin board and brought it with me as I approached the counter.

“Uh, excuse me? This position is still up for applicants, right?”

The middle-aged man stared at me for a second and replaced it with a huge smile, “Yes, dear. Nobody applied for it yet.”

“So should I do the interview now?”

“No need for an interview. You’re the only applicant for weeks. I might as well hire you already.”

“Thank you, Sir! Do I still need to submit some things? Paperwork?”

“You’ll work part-time as the poster said. Clearly, you’re a student. You can have a shift after classes, during weekends, and holidays. Do your parents know about you applying for a job here?”

“Yes, my mom is Kendra Miller. She’s a busy woman and she told me that I could do things out of my comfort zone.” I lied.

“Okay, well then, you can start tomorrow. I’m Chester Toucan,” He continued to smile at me, “So you must be her only daughter, the youngest after the twin brothers, right?”

With how he responded, he did look like he’s in his 30s. Years younger than my mom. Mom is turning 40. His smile that reached ear-to-ear did make him look younger. When his face is neutral, the wrinkles on his face start to show. Isn’t managing Eleanor stressful? I mean, he’s like the only one who does all the work… as far as I can see it. He owned this yet I’ve barely heard stories about his family, other than knowing his great-grandfather was a war veteran.

“Yes, Sir. I’m Andrea Mallori Miller. More known as Andy. The twins are my older brothers.”

He shook his head, “Stop calling me ‘Sir’. You can call me Chester. And ah, that’s why your name sounded familiar.”

Please don’t be like the rest of the town. Don’t talk about what happened. Stop. Please. Forget it.

“Okay, thank you, Chester.” I cleared my throat as I continue to embrace the warmth of this place, “I’m just curious, who is Eleanor?”

“Andy, I already love your bright and curious mind. Eleanor is my dad’s mother. He made this in memory of her.”

“Oh…”

“I’ll start explaining to you how the coffee shop works by tomorrow once you get here after school, Andy.”

“Yep, no problem. I’m a fast learner and I won’t let you down. I promise!” I raised my palm, facing him like I stated a promise.

“You better get home now before the pouring rain drenches you.” He patted my head.

He was taller than me and did look like he had children of his own. Well, they’re lucky to have a dad like him. Unlike mine. He had jet black hair and wore a checkered button-down shirt paired with his apron that had his name ‘Chester’ on the pin that was clipped on it.

I raised my head and smiled back, “Thank you, Mr. Toucan.”

“Take care on your way home, dear. Looking forward to working with you and getting to know more about you.”

I turned and waved at him, “You too, You’ve made my dream come true!”

I walked out as the cold breeze made me shiver. It still didn’t stop me from hopping and sing-song motion as I walked my way home. I was happy. It feels like I was fated to apply for that job.

The rain started to pour so I ran as fast as I could. My house was 2 blocks away, I was in front of Izzy’s. Liquid smashed hard unto my skin. It was getting harder. And finally, I could see our driveway. Mom’s and the twins’ car was parked. I was lucky I’m on time. On-time on not getting soaking wet and for dinner.

The moment I opened the door, I heard muffled noises from the kitchen. They prepared for dinner. Dinner is the usual time I space out and mind my own business because they say, I don’t have the right to talk since I’m a kid and am not entitled to have my own opinions. That I’m just a kid who has worthless views of the world, as my mom describes it.

I inhaled deeply from within, before I showed myself at the dining room, “Hey,”

“Come on, we’ll now eat. I have a tight schedule!” My mom hissed at me. She always snaps at me like I did something wrong. I even don’t know if I did.

“Mom, let her change for a second. She got in the rain.” Aiden defended.

“Her fault. She didn’t get the chance to ride with you on her way home. She looks pretty fine to me. The rain wasn’t that heavy. That was just light shower,”

Zachary pursed his lips as he ate and his face flat, he didn’t mind as to how my mom treats me. Aiden’s jaw was tightened as he narrowed his eyes at mom.

“Let’s start eating now, shall we? Sit, Andy!”

I clenched my fist as I made my way to my seat. It was always like this. Yet they still didn’t know why I wanted to leave so bad. I sat across Zachary while Aiden was beside me. My mom was seated at the head of the table.

The moment I sat, Aiden squeezed my arm lightly. His calloused hand warmed my skin as it collided with my skin. I tilted my head facing him and nodded.

We ate dinner in silence. The rain invaded the room, the only sound that distracted us from getting mad at each other.

My mom faced both my brothers, not minding me--like I didn’t exist, “How’s school?”

Mom ate as if there’s nothing bothering her. She’s good at that. She eats with finesse and elegance. Which, I don’t have. It makes her believe more that I’m not worthy to be her daughter. She’s been home for awhile seeing she wasn’t in scrubs anymore. Her blonde hair tied in a bun and her face colored with all her make-up.

Aiden munched on his food before he answered, “Oh, the first week of classes are usually boring ones, mom”

“He’s right. Nothing new. Nothing interesting. Same old people, classmates, teachers.” Zachary trailed.

“Stop complaining. I even haven’t complained about working daily with my shifts. You better bring up higher grades this year. You’re almost graduating. More scholarships and chances of getting in Ivy League Schools.”

Here we go, again. Her expectations of my brothers. My brothers don’t complain right in front of her. But I can see how pressured they are. Yet, they still manage to be chill in everything.

“Nothing to worry about,” Aiden assured her.

Zachary and Aiden were golden boys in school. They managed their way up their classes as they balanced Lacrosse. They’re Willoughby’s best players and they’re also my mom’s angels. Her favorites.

I blurted out, “I have good news,”

“Oh, I didn’t ask you to talk. Didn’t I, Andy?”

I didn’t mind her and spoke out, “I got a job at Eleanor’s. They hired me. I’m starting tomorrow.” I resisted the urge to get up and change into warmer clothes. It felt sticky as the minutes passed by.

“Who told you to get a job?”

“No one.”

“Did I permit you?”

“No. But I want to.”

“Up until this time, Andy? You’re still such an ungrateful brat! I don’t know why I’ve raised a daughter this cruel. I work for the family and there you are? Working for fun?”

“If dad was here, he’d be happy!”

“You’re dad is not here. And stop talking about him while I’m around. Your audacity of disrespect is beyond belief!”

Cheers to more disappointment too, mother. I don’t even know why you hate me this much, I wanted to say. The food looked good. Fried chicken, soup, and a salad. I kept my silence still as I held on to my spoon, losing my appetite.

Before I talk again, she continues, “No, I don’t want you to get a job. Stay at home and do all the lady-like things that are fit for your age! When did you get the audacity to go against me, huh? I wish I never had a daughter! Much worse, a daughter like you!”

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I ran to my room, slamming the door as hard as I can to their faces.

I sobbed, hugging my knees with my back to the door. Colds started to block my nose, making it harder to breathe. My clothes were now sticking on my skin. I gather all my courage to pull myself up. At the end of the day, I only have myself. It’s nothing new.

The darkness of the room loomed together with how the night fell. Thunder releases itself from the sky, shocking me. The hard drizzling of the rain, echoed the moment it touched the roof. It made me gloomier. I stripped my wet clothes off and took a warm shower to release the tension within me.

I let the water fall. I’ve been filled with so much hate. But I know that I’ll relieve it once I leave town. I can and I will. My dad will be happy that I’ve finally escaped the toxicity. He was my light. After him, I lost it. I lost everyone. The reason why I have a hard time trusting people. They always let me down. Always. They don’t even think about how I might feel. If I’m okay with it or not. It’s just that people don’t care.

I get out of the shower the moment my skin slowly wrinkles. The exact warmness I needed. The embraces of the warmth of the water nobody else could provide. I inhaled everything in, closing my eyes. Today’s just another day. It’ll be better, soon. One day. I’ll get the miracle I’ve prayed for. And finally, be free from anger and negativity.

A loud bang disrupted me from my own thoughts. I hurried in changing to pajamas.

My brother’s voice competed with the thunder, “Hey, Andy! Stop being dramatic and sort your issues.” It was Zachary.

What? I’m being dramatic now? He’s the one throwing daggers at mom and now I’m being dramatic? Do they even hear themselves? I yelled at him, “Get out of my doorway! Better shut the hell up, Zach, you’re no use!”

“Someone’s PMS-ing!” He chuckled as his loud footsteps exited the hallway going back to his room.

I didn’t bother replying back. It’s a waste of energy on people who don’t care about you. I’m tired of caring for people who don't do it in return.

My room was the farthest of their rooms. My room is across the guest room. It places us on the right side of the house. While my brothers’ respective rooms were on the left side. Our mom’s room was consuming the middle. She had the biggest room among all of us. Yet, she barely is home. She was the hero in town, but she wasn’t mine. She was more of the devil.

The lamp was the only thing that illuminated my room. Thunders have stopped coming. I connected my phone to my speakers. The last gift I had from dad. I’m pretty surprised after all it still works. I’ve preserved it pretty well.

I played the classical playlist I had. I only play it when it’s raining outside. It also helped in calming my broken soul down. It would’ve been easier if I were heartless. So that I won’t feel things. But it would’ve been better if I didn’t live after the accident. At least I won’t suffer all this. It hurts too much.

Should I text Kai or Izzy? Yes or no? I decided not to. I’m tired of burdening them with my problems. I’ve always been a heavyweight on their shoulders.

I jumped right into my bed and snuggled on my sheets. I stared at the ceiling. My room was my only safe haven. I chewed the insides of my cheek as I thought about the possibilities of what might be outside of town if I get out.

A gentle knock echoed, “Andy!”

I snapped, “Go away!”

“Please?”

“Stop annoying me, Zach. It’s not helping.”

“It’s Aiden and not Zachary. Andy? Let me in?”

“I don’t need anyone right now.”

“You do. Let me in or else I’ll break your door,”

I groaned, getting up and finally unlocking my door. Aiden was always true to his word. He’d break the door if he had to. Sometimes he confuses me. My own brother confuses me. There are times he’s sweet and caring. And there are times where you just want to rip his head off because he’s being an asshole.

“What do you want, Aiden?” I cleared my throat. I’ve cried too much that I didn’t realize that my throat has gone dry up until now.

He runs his hand through his hair, “Andy…”

“What? I’m giving you the opportunity to talk and here you are… wasting my time.”

“How are you?”

Aiden was in his usual house clothes. A pair of shorts and a plain white shirt was his staple in his wardrobe. They’re the ones spoiled by mom. She shops for them. Between Aiden and Zach, Zach was the most high-maintenance while Aiden was just the perfectionist who liked the opposite things Zach wanted. They were a pair.

“The usual. I’m fine,” I faked a smile.

“ You’re not.”

“Okay, if you’re such a know it all, then why ask? This is so unlike you. You never console me whenever I and mom argue.”

“Stop being such a brat.”

“What’s being a brat in what I said?”

This is the normal Aiden I know, he-who-argues-for-no-reason. He was just like mom at some point. He gets mad and is moody. Very spontaneous and you just don’t know what happens next when you’re with them. It still bothers me on how people in this town like my mom. In the past years, she’s built this mask that she puts up. But compared to my mom, Aiden was bearable.

I leaned at my door jam with my arms crossed, “So what? Aren’t you going to answer my question?” I nodded and turned my back, “Okay, great!”

I was closing the door until Aiden, stopped it with his hand. In response, I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Can I come in?”

“Yeah, come in,” I welcomed him in, “So is this the part where I invite you to have a sleepover?”

“Most probably, yeah,”

I shook my head with his answer. Aiden is really confusing. I turned on the lights to be able to see everything. If my life was a mess, my room wasn’t. It was the only thing I could keep in order. My things were in their respective places. All neat and arranged. Maybe I was just a neat freak? I don’t know where I got this from. I had it inside me to be in control within these walls.

“Woah,” He commented as he roamed my room. Don’t tell me he came here just to be surprised?

“What?” My brows furrowed at his expression.

“I didn’t expect you to be a neat freak. Do you have OCD or something?”

“I don’t know but should it be funny? Why do you make it sound like it’s a huge problem?” I shrugged at him, “Between us, Aiden, You’re the perfectionist.”

“You’re the only girl I know who doesn’t have their room in pink and has a weird song playing.”

“Just a reminder, brother, I’m not most girls.”

“Yeah, you’re the outcast and most hated in school.”

I rolled my eyes at him as he continued to lurk around my room like it was an inspection. Maybe I really had different views from most people that disagree with me. Well, I know I can’t please people. It’s their problem if they don’t like me.

“I don’t care. I’m still leaving,”

The mellow tune of Chopin's Prelude in E minor surrounded us. I remember it well because it was played in the movie, The Notebook. I sat down on my bed, as the silence between me and my brother carried on.

Before I could do anything else, he uttered, “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Why are you apologizing? Aiden, you’re confusing me.”

“I’m sorry about mom. She’s been acting that way and I hope you understand it. Maybe just understand her, rather. I’m still shocked as to why she’s so mad that you got the job, though. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

“There’s only been 2 faces of mom. Before and After Dad. That’s it. She’s different. I don’t know her anymore. I’m done understanding. I don’t care.”

“You can’t just stop caring. She’s your mom.”

“And she’s miserable being one.”

He scratched his head, “I get it. I’m sorry you’re the one who gets to receive all her frustrations.”

“It’s fine. I’m used to it as I said. I get all the frustrations because of the accident. It’s better if I died. I would’ve died in peace than live like this.”

“Thank the heavens that you’re alive. Nobody gets a chance like that.”

“I think mom wouldn’t even care if I did die.”

“She’d still be the same as how she is right now.” He answered with a sad voice. I doubt it. She wouldn’t be the same. Things would be different. She’d be happier because I’m the liability. I was better off gone.

I replied in an instant, “No.”

“Let’s stop talking about mom even if you’re the exact replica of her. I just want to tell you that I’m proud of you. For applying for a job at Eleanor’s.”

“Jeez, thanks for being so cheesy, bro!” I teased him as I nudged him. “And yeah, I’m closer to achieving my dream of leaving the town.”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me up for a hug. His hug was warm and tight with his shirt totally devoured with Axe. Is this even real? For the first time in history. Aiden is never like this. What did the gods do with the old Aiden?

“Stop crying. You’re already ugly and the more you cry...it’ll make you uglier.”

For a second, I was able to breathe with light spreading inside my lungs. And for a moment, it made me think. It gave me hope that at the right time, I'll really get my miracle. It was a reminder. And it was enough to give me peace of mind even just for tonight. Yet, this was a different Aiden.