Entwined Fates

The past lurks close

After an emotionally charged evening spent with Alexander, I decided that it was best if I kept my new job a secret from everyone and that was what I did.

I didn’t want them to ruin my little escape from reality,a place where I could be me.

A week went by and I had never been happier, I learnt the ways of the normal person quickly, I had grown to love my job as I saw the beautiful smiles on people’s faces as they gladly took their coffee.

I began to acquaint myself with some of the clients, their names and their favorite or usual order.

One day, I was behind the counter humming while enjoying the rhythm of making coffee and the buzz of the cafe when the doorbell sound resonated in the air.

I heard the steps approach the counter directly and without looking up I said, “Good day, how may we help you today?”

“Miss Hartley?”, the voice responded.

I looked up with the speed of light to see Matthew—my office assistant—standing before me.

“What… Why?…”

“Shhhh… keep it down”, I interrupted ,using my hands to cover my lips.

He stared at me wide eyed, pale as snow as though he saw a ghost.

“You can’t tell anyone where I am”, I said in a low pitched whisper.

“Miss Hartley the company is crumbling and in a lot of debt, we’re running bankrupt and your Dad is taking harsh decisions that are affecting the company”, Matthew said with desperation in his eyes.

I knew my Dad could be a handful and was known for taking instinctive decisions without thinking them through, but I wasn’t going back—not now that I was finally free.

“I’m sure my father can handle it, he’s been doing so for years”. I replied with an emotionless expression despite the turmoil that raged within me.

“Please Miss, you need to come…”

“Mathew, my father will handle it”,I emphasized raising my voice and hitting the counter. “If you’re not interested in ordering a coffee, I’d suggest you leave “, said dismissively.

“Everything okay down there?”, My boss said from the other end of the counter.

“He was just leaving”, I said, giving Matthew a stern stare that made him cooperate.

Matthew nodded reluctantly and whispered something to me before walking towards the door.

As he left, the feeling of guilt and relief washed over me, I spent the next series of days thinking about what Matthew said to me.

“Please think about it,Miss Hartley. The company will not survive without you”, his words echoing in my mind.

I wandered the streets in contemplation and conflicted thoughts, I found myself at the park where Alexander and I had a walk earlier.

The memories of our time together comforted me yet the claws of my conflicted mind tore away the peace.

The next day at the cafe I wasn't in my usual work mood,I tried to lose my mind at work but my mind kept drifting back to the situation of the company.

The company I sacrificed my entire life for was going to go down the drain, my efforts and sacrifices—nullified.

“You seem dull today, crackhead”, Amanda, my colleague, said , nudging my side.

She had developed from just a colleague to a friend.

“Just a little family thing bothering me”, I said looking up.

“You don’t talk about them”, she said concerningly.

“It’s a long story but I’ll be fine”. I said.

“C’mon worry less about me, we’ve got work to do”, I added brightening up my countenance.

“Having a good day My lady?”, a familiar husky voice greeted me.

“Yes I am, but it’s about to get better”, I said, flirtatiously full of smiles.

Amanda gave me a side cheer, noticing the instant lift in my spirit.

Alexander stood there looking as stunning as I remembered him to be in my teenage years, wearing a perfectly tailored suit and smelling like heaven.

“I couldn't resist stopping by to see how you’re doing”, he said, wearing the most contagious smile.

“Since I couldn’t convince you not to take the job, could as well check up everyday to make sure you’re not overwhelmed”. He added.

I smiled from ear to ear like a child handed a pack of chocolate.”I’m doing great, actually love my job but I’m glad you stopped by “I replied.

We chatted for a few minutes and I could see Amanda’s curious eyes peeking at us from the corner of the counter.

Alexander’s visit was a necessary distraction pulling me away from my overwhelming thoughts and closer to him.

After he left, Amanda curled up beside me with a mischievous—give me the tea—grin, “So who’s the charming gentleman giving you the colors on your cheeks?”

“An old friend,”, I responded, chuckling lightly. It was undeniable the joy and peace he brought around me, the more reason my careless crush developed into something stronger.

“Your old friend sure knows how to make you giddy”, she teased.

It was an open secret, his presence made everything seem better.

As I finished my shift and walked home, I thought about the crossroads I was standing at—the duty of my responsibilities to my family and the company was strong, but so was my desire for independence and happiness.

I needed to make a decision and it had to be soon else the Hartley name will drown in the mud.

But for now, I would cherish these moments of peace and freedom, drawing strength from the support of my friends and the warmth of new connections.