Autumn's Daylight

Chapter 3

Fatima

“Here's your pancake ma'am” the waiter gave me another order of pancake with my favorite strawberry syrup.

“I didn't order that” I nervously spit. I don't have 10 dollars anymore.

“Someone ordered it for you,” he said while smiling.

“Who?”

“Sir Jacob,” he said and left me confused. I saw Jacob talking with a group of high-class people to the other table. He looks at me and then he looks away.

I’m still eating my pancake and I try not to let my eyes drift to Jacob. But when I turn around, I see a woman coming out of the kitchen. She’s wearing a white uniform, I guess she is the master chef of this restaurant. He came in Jacob's direction and kiss Jacob on his cheeks. Jacob blush and looks at me. I look away. I take 1 bite of my pancake and draw my attention again to Jacob's company. I look at the master chef, and she looks like Jacobs's mother. She's so beautiful with his green hazel eyes just like Jacob. She is so classy even though she's wearing her white uniform.

I finished my pancakes and ask the waiter for my receipt. I immediately stand up and decided to leave the restaurant. Before I reach the door I heard Jacobs's voice, and he's calling me.

“Fatima!” I look in his direction and saw the group of people joining him at the table. Their attention was directed to me.

“You must be Fatima. Gabriel's firstborn?” the beautiful chef asks.

“Yes...yes.”

“You're so beautiful” she adds. “Btw I'm Lily, Jacob's mother.”

“Nice to meet you, ma'am”

“I and my son Jacob are attending Door of Faith Christian Church.” yes, the church that my father established here in Northridge. The door of faith was originally established in the Philippines, my father just brings it here in California.

“That's good, well see you around.” I'm so rude.

“Wait Fatima, can I get you something? Jacob told me that you love my pricy pancakes.” Oh no, I looked at Jacob, and he's smiling at me. I gave him a serious look.

“Please don't mind Jacob,” I said to his mother. She just smiled and grab my hand.

“I'll get you more pancakes! You know what, your father and I are best friends!” she confesses while we sit on the chair together with their guest. I look at them, and they all gave me a wide smile. “Oh, they are also members of your uncle Tom's church,” she adds.

“Hi everyone,” I said with a smile. “How do you know my father?” I ask Lily.

“We became best friends in high school. I didn't expect him to change like that. He's a gangster before.” she said while smiling.

I smile at the idea of my father being a gangster, I remember Daniel Padilla with his character in the movie 'She's dating the gangster' the scarf on his forehead and with long hair. So cute…

“How are they? Your father and of course his lovely wife Debbie?” she asks. I smile at her question and for using my mother's nickname.

“They're fine with my sister Miracle. They were busy with our church in the Philippines.”

“I hope that I'll see them again. It's been so long!”

“Once I talk to them I'll let you know so you can see them even though skype.”

“Thank you so much” the smile Lily makes me forget my problem with Kevin. She's so sweet.

“Oh here comes your pancakes.” she happily said.

“Thank you” but I'm full right now. I stop myself from saying those words and just take 1 bite of the pancake.

“So, what is your reason for staying here in Northridge?” she asks while drinking her wine.

I cough. I cough hard. I think it's because of the syrup that got stuck with my tonsils. I look at them and they all look worried. Jacob gave me water and I drank it all. When I recover, I smiled at them.

“I'm fine, sorry for what happened.” I shyly spit. Lily just nod and I remember her question. “Oh and I'm here in Northridge to take my masters.... What I mean is to find a job first, so I can pursue my masters”.

“So you're looking for a job?” Lily asked.

“Yes, I am”

“You can work here as a waitress. We need one by the way.” she happily suggests. I look around and it seems like Lily's restaurant already had enough waitresses, and they're not looking for another one.

“Are you sure?” I ask, knowing the answer.

“Yes dear, you can start tomorrow if you want.”