I didn't want to face my dad and his wife so I skipped dinner, thinking about how to break the news to Avelyn, I'm sure she'd be very happy for me. I rolled on my bed turning from my side to my back until I finally dozed off.
I woke up to the sound of my alarm, stretched, and got up from my bed to get ready for today. After showering I combed through my wardrobe to wear my best dress, the one Avelyn got for me as a birthday gift.
Minutes later, I got to school and met Avelyn in the hallway. We hugged, and I beamed with excitement as I was ready to share the news. "What? You seem happier this morning " she said handing me a waffle and orange juice she brought for me, I can't remember the last time I had breakfast in my house it always feels like torture instead of meals so I stopped eating with them and thankfully my bestie is here to save me every time and I really appreciate her existence in my life.
"Well" I said swirling around for her to see the dress I'm wearing
"Wait! You're wearing this? Come on tell me the occasion " Avelyn said smiling curiously
"Well….. I trailed off as I munch on my waffles, turned out that not having dinner wasn't a great idea. " I got a job at H&D and I'm kinda starting today after school" I shrugged nonchalantly while deep down I'm nervous.
Sensing my nervousness, Avelyn squeezed my shoulder to comfort me. " Congratulations baby!" She said before hugging me, I nodded and we headed to the classroom.
Hours later…..
The bell for the closing hour rang and I got out of the classroom alongside Avelyn.
"you know I've got nothing to do at home, I can walk you to H&D" Avelyn suggested as we walked out of the school.
"Are you sure?" I asked, adjusting the strap of my backpack. "It's going to be kind of boring, you know. Just me trying not to embarrass myself in front of people who probably eat diamonds for breakfast."
Avelyn snorted. "Please. I want to see the place that finally dragged my introvert best friend out of her house after school. Lead the way."
We crossed the street, walking side by side. The city looked louder today, almost like it was aware something big was about to happen. Or maybe it was just my nerves threatening to spill out through my fingertips.
As we got closer to H&D, my stomach tightened. The building looked even bigger than yesterday, the polished glass reflecting the late afternoon sun like it was watching me walk towards my doom. Avelyn noticed my sudden silence and nudged me gently.
"Hey. You're going to do great," she said. "Just… don't faint or something."
"Thanks for the encouragement," I muttered, rolling my eyes even though she was right.
We reached the door, and I paused, staring at my reflection — my braids neat, my birthday dress pressed as well as it could be. I looked like someone who pretended to have her life together. Not someone who lied her way into a job.
"You got this," Avelyn whispered, squeezing my hand before letting go. "Call me after your shift, okay?"
I nodded, swallowed hard, and pushed the door open.
Immediately, the cool air and soft clinking of cutlery hit me. The place was already buzzing even though it wasn't peak hour. My heart started pounding.
Matteo spotted me the moment I walked in and came jogging over like he had been waiting at the door the whole time.
"Lily, you made it," he said with this huge grin.
I tried to smile back but my stomach was flipping around like it was training for the Olympics.
"Manager's been waiting for you. Everyone's… well, excited," he said. The way he said "everyone" made me raise a brow.
"Why would everyone be excited?" I asked.
He scratched the back of his neck. "You know… your situation."
My fake illness again. Perfect.
I nodded like it was no big deal even though my chest felt tight. "Right. That."
He didn't look suspicious, just sad for me, which honestly made me feel worse. But I followed him anyway as he started showing me around the place.
The restaurant looked even prettier than when I first came. Warm lights, expensive looking tables, plates that definitely cost more than my entire wardrobe. A waiter with a ponytail waved at me when she noticed us.
"You must be Lily," she said with this soft, careful smile. "If you need anything, tell me. We heard you're starting today."
I forced a smile. "Thanks. I'll try not to cause any disasters."
"Well, disasters happen," she said, then she glanced at Matteo. "Remember when you dropped that whole tray of soup on a customer?"
Matteo's eyes widened. "You promised not to bring that up again."
I started laughing because honestly their energy was kind of cute and also made me feel less like an outsider.
We walked to a tiny locker area where Matteo handed me a folded uniform. It felt weirdly fancy in my hands.
"This is yours. Try it on later. If it doesn't fit we can fix it," he said. "The manager said we should make you as comfortable as possible."
Yeah. I knew exactly why he said that. I just nodded.
Back on the main floor, I could feel people looking at me. Not in a bad way. More like "I hope she's okay."
It was too much kindness for a lie.
But I had already started this mess so I couldn't back out.
Matteo suddenly straightened his posture. "She's here."
I didn't know who he meant at first until I followed his eyes. Then my breath got stuck in my throat.
Ms Wilder walked in like she owned the air itself. White blazer, neat hair, heels clicking softly, everything about her said money and power and good perfume.
I froze on the spot. Absolutely froze.
"Don't stare too much," Matteo whispered. "She's strict sometimes but she's fair."
"I'm not staring," I lied, still staring.
He told me to wipe the counter to look busy and I did, even though the counter already sparkled like they polished it five times a day. I was still wiping when someone brushed past me and my elbow jerked. A bit of water spilled onto the floor.
Not a big deal… until I realised Ms Wilder was turning and walking right towards it.
My eyes widened. I bent down immediately to clean it, nearly dropping the jug in my hands. The cloth slipped, I tried to grab it, and somehow ended up crouched awkwardly, looking like a confused squirrel.
That was the exact moment Ms Wilder stopped in front of me.
She raised one eyebrow. "Are you alright?"
I nodded way too fast. "Yes. Just… cleaning. The floor. It's a nice floor."
I mentally slapped myself.
Her expression relaxed a little. "Be careful. Wet floors can be dangerous."
"Sure. Of course. Definitely."
Matteo was behind her, doing this slow blink like he was begging me to calm down.
The manager walked up next and smiled proudly like he was presenting a rare gem.
"Ms Wilder, this is our new staff member. Lily."
She looked at me properly this time. Not judging. Just… studying.
"It's nice to meet you," she said.
"You too," I replied, standing way too fast and having to catch my balance again.
The manager cleared his throat. "She has a difficult situation she's dealing with. I wanted to give her a chance here so she can enjoy her time."
My heart dropped straight to my shoes.
He did not just say that in front of her.
Ms Wilder turned back to me and her entire face softened.
"Oh. I wasn't aware."
I pretended to smile like I wasn't internally panicking. "It's fine."
She stared at me for a moment longer. Her eyes were calm but searching.
"You remind me of someone," she said quietly. "We'll talk later."
Then she walked away to her usual table.
The moment she left, I let out a breath so loud Matteo actually laughed.
"See," he said. "You survived."
"Barely," I muttered.
And this was supposed to be the easy part of the job.