The Hurdle of Love

EMILY “And here's a raspberry vanilla smoothie for my little princess!!” slight giggles followed as I put down the glass. The bistro seems quite empty compared to last Friday evening. “Thank you, Emily.” I bent down to her height, and she gave me a peck on my cheek. This was our usual. Some few months back, she had walked in with her nanny, Anny. She was kind of upset, apparently because of her intimidating and unkind mates at school. Some kids nowadays can be so nasty. Last night, I was serving tables when a little girl looked at me and said I was dimwitted because all the waiters are known to be dumb. The only reason I kept my mouth shut and walked away was because I knew what was going to come out of it would be something far from being decent. Anyways, as I was saying! Where was I? Yes, I remembered now, back then, I had lightened her up with a raspberry vanilla smoothie, and at the end of the day, she declared us best friends. That's such a weird reason to choose a best friend, isn't it? But for children, it can be that easy! “You’re welcome, princess.” I kissed her cheeks, causing her to smile broadly. “I am certain Kaira frequently stopped by to see you. Raspberry-vanilla smoothies are mostly excuses!” Anny smiled at me, the skin at the corners of her eyes crinkled as she gave the smile. Kaira has been coming in for a treat for almost a year now and she had never been in the company of her family or parents in my presence. I wouldn't deny that my curiosity won't stop wondering about this, but poking my nose into where it doesn't belong is not my thing. “If that's so, I am excited and would love to see my princess’s pretty face often.” I passed Anny a smile and softly tousled Kaira's hair before taking my leave. Walking inside the kitchen, I put the tray down, amusement playing on my lips from the last chat with that sweet angel, which was an uncommon event looking into the disgruntled customer we had to deal with consistently. It was, however, converted to a sullen expression as soon as the latest concern came into my remembrance. Dad's health, let's say, had been quite better than this before the disease in his heart was diagnosed and the treatment has been charging an enormous price. Dad couldn't continue with his job and our reserved funds had been completely wiped out. A surgery was required to operate on him and to say the least, it would be expensive. Though Dad had been trying to hide this from us it didn't get past us that all that had left him was feeling helpless. I rested my fingers against my brow and shut my eyes. “Emmy” I lifted my gaze, bowled over that I hadn't noticed Sophia had walked in. “Hey, Sophy!” I forced a slight grin which at best came out as a grimace. Emotional control has never always been a strong pursuit for me. Putting on a facade and smiling when I got matters pressing me wasn't an easy thing for my ability. Sophia released a deep sigh. “You are getting yourself worked out too much,” concern told in her voice. Sophia had been my close friend right from high school and has seemed inseparable ever since. She had been there for me when I had my breakup with Max; she had my back when I was humiliated in front of the whole class, which went viral, and many more. “I don't know what to do. Things are not working fine, and income is hardly helping.” Speaking it out loud added more weight on me. “I know but stressing yourself won't help either! You are already working two jobs; that's stress on its own, babe.” I worked as a sales team manager in a showroom and I took up serving at Treats as my second job. My current financial outlook brought me into this tight spot. “You don't get it, do you?” It wasn't loud but dismissive. Yes, I meant it. Sophia was an interior designer and quite successful might I add. Her parents or relatives aren't depending on her either. Don't give me that look, and also don't misquote me, please; I was happy that she was in a good place in life. But she won't understand how strenuous things currently are for me. “I agree, you are right, I don't! No one would comprehend what it's like unless they were in your shoes, but what I know is that you are working yourself out, babe, you're doing all you can already!” She was almost at the peak of her voice and I was thankful that the bistro was almost empty. “No, I'm not; I shouldn't have quit my previous job,” I uttered, gently hitting my hand on the counter. Before working at the bistro, I had worked as a bar attendant at the club, where I was paid pretty much more than this. “That's not even an option. How would you think of still working under that freak of a guy.” She sounded shocked and upset that I was still considering it. A few months back, I wouldn't have actually. Working under a sleazy, perverted boss who harasses -anyway, they are all in the past now. Biting my lips, I ran my hands through the length of my wavy hair. I had applied for many job opportunities, hoping I could get a better paying job but I was yet to get feedback from them. “I don't know, Sophy, I don't know what else to do; I just -” I was interrupted by a mousey voice. “Emily, are you okay?” Kaira stood there gazing at me with her bright, innocent eyes. I took a deep breath before a little yet genuine smile radiated from my face, and squatted in front of her. “Not sure,” I surrendered. “Don't be sad. Do you want chocolate?” Her face clouded with concern. I smiled and shook my head at her suggestion. “Although, I would very much prefer a hug.” She stretched forth her arms towards me unhesitatingly. Her hands gently encircled my neck as she kissed me on my cheek and smiled at me. “Feeling better now?” A glimmer of optimism lit up her gaze which had me nodding at once. “I am. See, I’m smiling already.” I lightly tickled her nose causing a giggle to escape her lips. She is an angel. For a kid of her age to be so much caring was rare. “Kaira, we need to leave now.” Anny all right behind her. “Alright.” She looked back at me and waved. “Good night, Emily.” I smiled at her. “Bye, Kaira.” The alarm blasted as Anny and Kaira left the bistro. “The kid is adorable,” Sophy smiled. “Actually. Kids have a simple life. All their problems can be solved by candy.” I chuckled and Sophy joined before the quiet between us was comforting. She placed a steady hand on my shoulders and encouraged me. “You won't stop hunting for jobs and I know you're going to land one” “I hope so.”