FOR RICHER, FOR POOR

CHAPTER TWO

Didn’t get to sleep much, I woke up with a pounding headache and went straight for my medicine cabinet. A few painkillers should do the trick I thought. Took a pill and I had to get ready for my shift at the coffee shop, passing Olivia who was sound asleep without a care in the world. Despite being annoyed at her a part of me kind of felt jealous of her. Having that relaxed nature and stress-free mentality, while I on the other hand worried about everything and anything, making it hard for me to relax. I took a breath and headed to our washroom to get ready, took me a while to get ready as I was trying to ease the tension in my body with little luck. I just tied my curly red hair in a high ponytail, put on a pair of baggy jeans and a tank top and I was ready to go.

I reached the coffee shop, it was a ghost town as usual. It was a family owned shop that had been there for a while approximately 15 years, the sweet old couple that owned it didn’t really want to make adjustments despite Ruth’s, their daughter, constant nagging about how the shop had more losses than profits.

“Hey dear, how are you this morning?” asked the old woman who seemed really fit and energetic for her age.

“Good morning, Mrs. Johnson. I’m doing fine how about you and Mr. Johnson?” I smiled back at the lady.

“Timothy is doing fine he’s out back. Thanks for asking dear. But we really wanted to talk to you dear,” Mrs. Johnson said as he walked me over to an empty chair.

“As you know Kathleen, Tim and I are getting old and we can’t run this coffee shop forever,” she started.

I could feel my temperature rising, suddenly I felt really hot and uncomfortable. Was I getting fired from my other job too? What would I do? How will I survive in this city with no source of income? I could feel the world around me whirling, feeling light headed. I couldn’t comprehend what Mrs. Johnson was saying and suddenly everything was dark.

When I came to, I was on the sofa in the backroom with a very worried Mrs. Johnson pacing to and from in the room. I tried to speak but only a groan came out, bringing Mrs. Johnson’s attention towards me. “Oh, Timothy she’s awake!” she screamed causing my ears to ring, then she walked towards me, “Kathleen you had me worried there. I wanted to take you to the hospital but Tim said I was overreacting and that you were just tired.” She spoke worry evident in her voice.

“I’m fine Mrs. Johnson, I just had a very long and stressful night,” I responded then I remembered what caused this and suddenly I was on my feet, “Mrs. Johnson please don’t fire me!” I blurted out.

The old lady’s face creased, filled with confusion, “What do you mean dear? Why would I fire you?” she asked.

Now I was confused, “You’re not firing me?” I asked not understanding what was going on.

“No dear am not.” She responded laughing. “What gave you that idea?” she asked.

“When we were talking I thought you wanted to fire me.” I said to her, “if you are not firing me then what did you want to tell me?” I ask her filled with curiosity.

“Seat with me Kathleen. I wanted to tell you that Tim and I want to leave this shop to you. You know Ruth has her own life and she doesn’t really like this place but you could sure use it.” She said as he held on to my hands.

I was speechless and I didn’t know what to say I kept opening and closing my mouth like a fish. She laughed and patted the hand that she held, “Don’t worry dear, you don’t have to say anything,” she said to me.

“I’m sorry but I don’t think I can accept what you’re offering,” I countered. “You and Mr. Johnson have owned this shop for so long that I believe you should just keep it within your family, you know, someone who can continue your legacy and fulfill your dream.” I explained.

Mrs. Johnson sighed and looked at a distance in thought and was quiet for a moment when she finally spoke up, “I understand what your saying. And it was kind of you to be mindful about us,” she chuckled, “that’s exactly why I think you’re the perfect person to take over this place. You’ll make it better in ways we were unable to,” she concluded as she placed a kiss on my forehead. Making me feel the motherly love I missed so much. “Is it okay if I have time to think about it?” I asked her as we stood up. “Take all the time you need. But Kathleen we’re not getting any younger,” she said with a smile and walked away.

Whoa. That was not what I was expecting when I came to work today morning considering my night. Sighing, I need a drink I thought. I texted Nadia he would definitely know how to handle me and help me up with my problem. We planned to meet tonight saying something in the lines of I’m ‘finally letting loose’. After what was just laid on me I didn’t think I could concentrate on work so the Johnson’s let me go home early.

On reaching home, the place was a mess, as usual, with Olivia doing nothing about it. I didn’t even bother to comment on it as most of the time my comments are met with hostility or a cold shoulder, went straight to the washroom to prepare for my get together with Nadia. Taking a quick shower and drying off my hair, I went in search of what to wear. Trying to get something decent but still party like, deciding to go with a black satin halter neck mini dress, that hugged all the right curves showing enough skin yet leaving enough covered. Putting my hair in a high ponytail, I put on some light make up didn’t want to look horrifying once the make up starts running down my face due to the heat in the club, doing the final check of my look in the mirror, I smiled with satisfaction. It’s been a while since I dressed to go out, took my silver tiptoed four-inch heels and a scarf and a small purse and I was good to go.

As I went down the stairs checked my phone for where I was to meet Nadia, not the kind of club I was expecting. It was on the upper side of town, that was really fancy and full of rich people, that means that Nadia wasn’t alone. Breathing out, great another night of having to deal with rich snobby people I thought. Maybe I should just not go but then again, I really want someone to talk to about the events of the past 24 hours, to hell with it, maybe I’ll be able to get Nadia alone for even an hour. That’s all the time I need. Finally coming to a mental conclusion, I took a taxi to La Bella Donna club hoping things would work out as planned.

Upon reaching I called Nadia and told her I was outside so she could come and pick me up. “Kathleen! Kathleen!” came Nadia shouting my name.

“Hey Nadia. How are you girl?” I asked once she was in front of me.

“I’m good, wait until you see the guy I want to hook you up with,” she said taking my hand and dragging me into the club.

“Wait what?” I asked confused.

“Yes, girl he’s so handsome and rich. My two-best combination,” she said all excited still dragging me.

I pulled my hand away making he stop and look back at me, “what’s up?” she wondered.

“I was hoping today we would just hang out the two of us and talk, you know maybe catch up? I could really use a friend,” I answered.

“You don’t expect me to just drop everything I’m doing now just because you asked!” came an outburst. “I haven’t seen you in weeks and when I do hear from you out of nowhere you still expect me to just do as you ask?” she said with so much anger.

“No that’s not it, Nadia. I’ve just had so much going on,” I said in defense.

“Me too Kathleen but at least I create time to call you unlike you. My dad died last week and I didn’t even hear from you. I think you should leave.” She concluded and walked away.

I stood there and watched as she walked away. I was so caught up with the troubles in my life that I didn’t stop to think about what my friend was going through. I’m really a bad friend I thought as I headed home.