THE AUTUMN OF LOVE

ACT LIKE A STRONG ONE

The bus pulled up out the front of the restaurant where Kamilah worked at. She held Kate's hands as they walked together towards the backdoor, at the kitchen area.

"Come on Kate, we have to hurry, I will get Marcus to make you some pancakes before your school."

Kate took off into the kitchen, and she went to her usual spot. The place where no customer can see her, except Marcus. Kamilah watched as she slid along the booth seat, placing her bag down on the red leather seat beside her. Kate loved Kamilah's work here, as she came with here every morning before school. While Kamilah would use her lunch break to pick her up from school, that was her biggest bonus of working here.

The owner was a human named Miss. Sarah Evangeline who owned "Diners Restaurant" Her husband died years ago, and she took over her husband's business. Miss Sarah has long, flowing white hair that she always styles into a neat bun, and her rosy cheeks give her a warm, inviting look. She's a plus-sized woman who exudes confidence and charm, and she's definitely one of Kamilah's favorite person. Her smile lights up the room, and she has a special bond with Kate. Since she doesn't have kids of her own, she really embraced both Kamilah and Kate as if they were family. Before, when her husband was alive, he always made sure Kate had lunch for school, breakfast and dinner.

At the same time, Marcus was standing at the stove with his hippy tie-dyed shirt and jeans, already making Kate pancakes. Marcus was probably Kamilah's only real friend, he was a good-looking guy with his blonde hair and blue eyes, but unfortunately for Kamilah, he was also gay.

Kate has pancakes every morning before school. Kamilah grabbed her apron and wrapped it around her waist before walking back out to grab

the tray and place a cup of coffee. She started refilling a few customers' cups. This restaurant was always busy no matter the time of the day. When Kamilah finished refilling cups, she walked back into the kitchen to grab pancakes for Kate.

By the time Kate finished her breakfast, Kamilah cleaned up the place with a small table. Kate was at the back of the kitchen, then she grabbed her school bag, which Kamilah kept in the duffle bag.

As Kamilah was walking back through the kitchen, Miss Sarah was already waiting with a paper bag.

"I made her ham and salad sandwiches, and Marcus threw in some quiches from yesterday for her" she said, smiling, placing the paper bag in her hand.

Kate came running, wrapping her arms around Miss Sarah's waist, her little arms barely making it halfway around her, then she said, "Thank you very much for the delicious food"

Miss Sarah smiled down at her before placing a kiss on top of her head.

"Have fun at school and learn new things," Miss Sarah told her. Kamilah thanked her before chucking the bag over her shoulder and grabbing Kate's hand to walk her to school.

The school was only one block away, so Kate and Kamilah walked hand in hand the whole way. The streets were busy with everyone getting ready for work, and Kamilah quickly pulled to the side as a rush of people came out of the subway, just in time for them not to be trampled. They quickly made it to the school, stopping just out the front of the gates, and Kamilah gave her sister a quick kiss. "I'll see you at 3 o clock okay? Have fun," she said before giving her a quick hug.

Kamilah watched her run off towards her friends before turning and walking back to the restaurant. Once Kamilah got back to work. She quickly retrieved her apron and went to start taking orders and refilling everyone's mugs. The day went by quickly, and before she knew it, Miss Sarah came out from the kitchen, signalling for her to come over.

"It's quarter to 3, you have to get Kate, dear. Here, eat this on the way. I noticed you haven't eaten this morning," she said, placing a roast lamb sandwich in her hand with a napkin.

"No, I'm fine, really Madam, you do enough for us already." she said. But she refused to take it back.

"You're still young Kam, You need to take care of yourself also, act like a strong one? then eat more." she replied before quickly turning around and walking into the kitchen.

Kamila ate the sandwich while walking to the school. As she did, she looked up at all the high-rise buildings. She loved the city, everything was so fast-paced and alive, constantly on the go. She loved watching people rushing around going about their lives.

When she made it to the school, She waited out the front for the school bell to ring. Kamilah was not waiting long before Kate came bursting through the doors with a huge grin on her face. She ran straight towards her wrapping her little arms around her sister for a hug.

Kamilah bent down, picking up her bag and shoving it in her arms. Then the two happily walked back to the restaurant. Kaye told her all about her day and what she did in class.

Once the two came back to the kitchen, Kate grabbed her notebook out of her bag and went to sit with Miss Sarah, who was already sitting in the back of the kitchen, waiting for Kate's arrival. Every afternoon after school, Miss Sarah would help Kate with her homework and listen about her day. Watching them, Kamilah wonders how her mother loved this moment, if she's still alive.

Kamilah was busy attending every table, gearing up for the afternoon rush, she suddenly got the eerie feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced around, but it seems no one looks like her stalker, or looking at her at that moment. So she walked back to the kitchen and glanced up at Kate's table, but there was nobody in sight. Shaking off the chill, she headed back into the kitchen to prepare the next order.

"Ahm. Marcus, have you seen Kate?" She managed to ask him, while both of her hands were busy.

Marcus frowned and turned his gaze at her and said, "Nah, she was sitting there, a few minutes ago, I think?"