by Dawn Davis
I couldn't help noticing all the women looking at Tony. I mean he was handsome. A natural red head, green hazel eyes, and tan skin. I could see that Kayla had his complexion and had to have her mother’s eyes. But he was tall and broad, with a great smile. She definitely had her dad’s smile. I understood why they were looking, but I don't think Kayla liked it. Tony himself didn't seem fazed at all. He didn't even notice when the cashier tried to grab his hand at check out.
Him and Kayla helped me with the bags to my apartment. She offered to stay and help me put them away, but I told them I was okay. Plus Tony said it was past her bedtime and she just wanted an excuse to stay up late. They were funny. That was probably why I couldn't see why a mother could leave her child. Kayla was amazing and sweet. She even liked school.
I gave Tony my number in case he needed someone to watch Kayla after school. He mentioned at dinner that he sometimes have to take her to work with him. I mean I could help him out. Maybe that's why I'm here.
I changed into my pjs and got in bed with my new cell phone. I figured I would play around with it till I fell asleep. Tony says it's an iPhone, whatever that means. I set my alarm for 6:00 AM since I had to be at work at 8. That should give me time to get dressed, eat, and get lost. I still had no idea where the cafe was from my apartment building but Tony said him and Kayla would walk me in the morning. He even gave me some linen to put on my bed when K pointed out there was none. I giggled to myself. That little girl was a piece of work.
Before I knew it, I was asleep.
Beep, Beep, Beep!
"Ughhhhh" what is that awful noise?" Oh it's 6 already," I say to myself as I turn off the repeating noise coming from my phone. I get up and head to the bathroom. I look at the mirror and realize I look like a tornado attacked me in my sleep.
“ I've never seen an angel with bed head"
I turn around to find Aussy leaning on the bathroom door frame laughing. "Aussy I'm not in the mood for your jokes. It's too early."
"Boy someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." I give him a glare, and he continues, "Well I'm here to give you good news. Eritrea wants me to tell you how proud she is of you. Also she wants you to ...."
I quickly face him "Come back?" I replied with a huge smile.
"No! Only God makes that call." My smile immediately drops to a frown, "But she wants to give you this." He reached into his pocket retrieving a card.
"She wants me to have a card?" I was confused. My care package already had a card for food, and I already had cash. $2,000 bucks to be exact. What else was there?
"She wants you to go shopping with it. You know get clothes, get stuff for your new home. I told her the place was a little plain." He smirked as he looked around.
"Oh well tell her thanks. That was nice of her." I really was thankful about the gift, but I still didn't know why I was here. "Wanna go shopping with me?" I asked him. Yet no response. Of course he disappeared when I looked down at the card. Oh well, I'll just go by myself.
It didn't take me long to get dressed. My only clean outfit I could wear was black jeans, black tennis, and a black top. That was the uniform for the cafe and it was comfy. I brushed my teeth and pinned my hair up into a bun so it was out of my face and neck. It never bothered me before but now it seemed to itch my neck. Not to mention my deodorant smells amazing. Dove. They even made soap, lotion, and hair stuff. Kayla helped me pick it out last night at the market. I have to say she has good taste.
Once I was satisfied with my look, I went in the kitchen to wait on Tony and Kayla. Since I woke up so early, it was only 7:15. I played on my phone again, until Tony knocked on the door. "Coming," I yelled while hopping off the counter that seemed to have become a seat since I had no chairs. I opened the door to find him wearing his own uniform, all burgundy scrubs and Kayla in her own, white blouse and blue shorts. They looked so cute.
"Good morning Ice! You ready?" Tony asked flashing his pearly whites.
"Yes, just need to grab my purse and keys," I turned to do just that and lock up. Kayla grabbed my hand again and we walked to the elevators. She wasn't talking much, “Kayla are you okay?"
Tony laughed as if my question was silly, "She's not a morning person, plus she was up late. She's always quiet in the morning. "I understood how she felt but it was like she was different person from last night. "Are you excited about your first day?"
"Yes!" and no. The truth was I was nervous and with every step closer I was scared I wouldn't do well. Once again fear. How did humans do anything with that emotion just hanging about?
6) Emotional energy...... Tony
We walked three blocks, and then turned right. We're almost there and I could feel the nervousness rolling off Ice. She was even biting her top lip. Before we walk in to the busy place, I should say something, but what? “Hey Ice, you'll do fine. Focus on one task at a time. Before you know it you'll have this down pact!" I took her hands that she was fiddling with and gave them a gentle squeeze. "You'll do great. Plus it's your first day. Give it your best." She smiled and I knew she would be fine.
"Thanks." She looked up to the sky and said, "It's now or never," that made Kayla giggle a little. Then she threw her shoulders back, held her head high and walked right into the loud cafe. I was amazed. Even K copied which was funny seeing as she was still groggy.
I followed them in and took K to a seat by the window. We could still see Ice talking to the manager Rell. He, like every man she walked past, gave her all his attention. I wasn't sure at first but of course, Helen his wife was jealous. Though Helen herself was pretty, she paled in comparison to Ice.
"Daddy, are you going to ask her?" Oh great Kayla was waking up now that her tea and bagel was half gone. I figured if I ignored her and sipped my coffee she would leave well enough alone. I knew better." Just ask her out. Plus I really like her. "
"So I'm supposed to date someone just because you like them?" I replied. I wouldn't look down into those blue eyes. For her to be so young she knew how to get me to do what she wanted just by giving me a glance. A trait from her mom, even though she didn't remember, I did. That's probably why I wouldn't ask Ice out. Not because I was in still in love with her mom, but I couldn't give a chance that another person would leave her. US.
I felt her head on my arm, and in the sweetest voice, "No but it should matter right?" Damn. This kid was 8 going on 80. I wrapped my arm around her tight and lifted her chin. "Of course it matters. You will always be my number one girl. Now let's go before you're late for school."
As we paid for our food, and left our tip, I didn't see Ice. We wanted to say bye' and to see what time she got off. "We'll see her later dad. Come on!" As Kayla pulled on me to rush, I caught a glimpse of Ice clearing a table. She looked beautiful and full of confidence.
During those three short blocks to Kayla's school, I couldn't get Ice off my mind. I hadn't even noticed when we reached the courtyard of the school till K let my hand go. "Have a great day, I love you" I yelled as K ran to catch up with her classmates. Her little wave let me know she heard me. I had a few blocks to walk to get to the hospital and only thirty minutes to get there. I sighed realizing that I was about to do a fifty-yard dash to make up time. Only thing I could focus on during my run was the fact I would see Ice later. I honestly think I sound like a high school girl with a crush.
I made it right on the nose. I walked in on Lexi and Frank trying to pretend they don't like each other. Truth be told everyone knew they had a thing going on, even Frank's girlfriend, who happened to be having a thing with Lexi too. That's probably why I'd avoided them every chance I get, too much drama.
While doing my rounds, I couldn't help but think of her again. Am I really about to take advice from a kid? A smart kid, but a kid nonetheless. But what if Ice says no? What if she doesn't even like me? I mean she can get any man she wants. So why me? Now who's nervous.
7) Time flies...... Mayice
I was really getting the hang of my new job I thought to myse
lf as I handed extra cream and sugar to Clinton. He, like many of the other male customers were staring at me and some even giving compliments. I didn't mind them, plus they seemed to tip pretty well. Rell only told me to clear tables, but before I knew it I was refilling coffees, getting bake goods, and I even changed two coffee machines today. Everyone was so helpful. Though I had small talk with the employees working today, only one looked as if I was poisoning the air around her.
Helen. She's Rell's wife and since he just hired me without communication, she's pissed. But I can't tell at whom. I know jealousy is a daemon but I couldn't see it now that I was human. Usually I could tell them to go away, or banish them, maybe I still can. I needed to talk to her before my shift ended.
Helen usually worked the register but she let Barb, the short grey haired grandmother of six, take over. So where was she? After checking the stock room, and the break area, I walked to the office. She was sitting at the desk, going through papers. I wanted to talk to her now but I could see she was busy. "Ummm Helen, do you have a moment to spare?" I asked after knocking on the door.
"Yeah sure. I was just about to ask you to come in. We don't seem to have your social on the file. Happen to have?"
"Of course, just need to get my bag"
"Ok, I'll wait but please hurry I need to get your info in the system so you can get paid." I left the office to retrieve my bag. Maybe I shouldn't say anything, she seems fine. But then again, one of human flaws is to assume. For the first time ever I was confused. Just like fear, I didn't like that feeling either.
"Do you need anything else?" Handing her my social card that seemed to be brand new thanks to headquarters.
"No, everything seems to be in order. Was there something else you needed?"
"Well....." She gestured to a chair in front of the desk so I took a seat. "..... I hope I'm not upsetting you but I get the feeling you don't like me. Did I do something wrong?" I knew I didn't but I also knew that if I played to her will she would realize it too, and stop giving me the evil eye.
"Oh Mayice no, you did nothing to me." She came around the desk and sat on closer to me "Honestly I'm upset with my husband for not talking to me first. You've been doing way above standards especially on your first day. Which is why I wonder if he told you about your pay, benefits, and retirement?” She was right, he told me nothing. "And from the look on your face I'm going with no." We both laughed, but I was more relieved then humored.
* * * * * * * * * *
The last thirty minutes of work were spent in the office. Helen told me about the company, how pay would go to my bankcard instead of a check, and how if I kept up the great work, I could be the PM supervisor in no time. I was shocked; I could be not only making more but doing more. I was feeling proud of myself. I asked Helen how much I was making now and when pay was. I couldn't help but blink several times when she said 10hr plus tips. For just clearing tables and no work experience that was really good pay. I could buy some clothes and even upgrade my apartment to a full one-bed room. Not to mention she and I really hit it off. We talked about places to visit since I was new to the area, and how she and Rell got started in the cafe business. She even talked about how they meet and how even after 19 years of marriage he still had drifting eyes. I understood why humans got married but I never understood why affairs happened.
* * * * * *
As I grabbed my bag and jacket to leave, I checked my phone. I hadn't looked at it all day. It was already 2:30pm and I realized how fast time went since I'm no longer an angel. I could no longer snap my fingers to get things done, or transfer myself from point A to point B. Though I missed Aussy, I felt proud that my day was spent making others smile while earning money with my own two hands. The good thing was, I wasn't alone either. I've only been in this form for about two days and I already made friends.
**beep**
I looked down at my phone to find I had a new message. Too bad I hadn't had time to fully figure out how to look at it. Maybe I can ask Kayla to help me later. Oh and ask Tony to help me cook. He did say he was good at it and since angels don't eat food, I have no idea what to do.
As I walked the way I came to work to go home, the many shops distracted me. Some for clothes, others for home decorating, and even some art places. Yet one place caught my eye. "Simply Chic" had cool looking clothes. As I walked in and tried to tune out the loudest music, I began to even wonder what my size was. From the looks I was getting from the customers, I wasn't the size for this store. And just like that, I missed being able to snap on whatever I needed to wear. It also let me know why Eritrea's gift was $1200 bucks just for clothes.
8) Only time will tell... Tony
I damn near ran to clock out just to make the most of my time. I still had to get Kayla from school, but I should just make it to walk Mayice home from work. I could easily say we walk that way and since we live right across the hall from each other, no worries. Unless a source tells her otherwise, smart kid would rat me out. For Kay to be so young, she was well beyond her years. My mom used to say she was here before. If she only could see her now. "How was your day" I asked as she ran into arms. That feeling never gets old. It's only been eight long hours, and while I was finding courage to ask out Mayice, apparently I was missed. "It was okay, and don't even ask if I have homework because you know I do. Ms. Watkins always gives us homework even on Fridays. I don't think she even likes kids, so why become a teacher?" Yup she was an old soul for sure. As I laughed, I tried to make it unnoticeable that we weren't walking our usual way. "So we're going to get Ms. Mayice?" This kid could find a needle in a haystack.
We walked in silence till we reached the cafe. "How about a snack?" Holding open the door to the packed place, but from the look I was getting I knew that she wasn't buying the whole random snack bit. "So no?" I looked around the cafe only to find myself among the many men apparently waiting to be helped by Mayice. I missed my chance. Rell even said he may schedule her in the PM if business was going to be like this everyday. Honestly it would be smart. "Maybe she went home dad. Plus it is after 3. Did you text her?" Only if she you knew how to work that phone. She said it was new so maybe she didn't notice the 5 texts I sent her through the day. Mostly of how's it going?, what time u off?, I hope ok!, hello?, c u later?...
* * * * * * * * *
Kayla sat at the kitchen table doing homework, while I started to prepare dinner. Eggplant lasagna with a Greek salad. Kay wasn't much of a veggie girl but she loves lasagna and hopefully she won't look my way. The last thing I wanted was her picking at her food. I invited Mayice over since the smoke coming from under her door said she couldn't cook. What would be said about my cooking if I couldn't even get my kid who already loves me to eat it?
I shoved the pan in the oven, placed the amazing looking salad in the fridge, and had Kay set the table. I was off to a good start, if I say so myself. Not to mention I shaved. I couldn't even kid myself; I was trying to impress her. I can only hope she evens notices. It really didn't seem like she wanted me more than a friend, but that got me thinking maybe I did.
So my plan was simple. Cook a great dinner, have great PG13 convo with Kayla, let her fall asleep, then finally have an adult conversation with someone who isn't trying to get in my pants. Let the truth be told I've dated after Kay's mom, but I knew I wasn't serious and neither were they. They just mostly wanted to jump my bones, and hey a man’s got needs. I just hope Ice wasn't the same way, and if she was; well the woman needs an Oscar.
As I finished buttoning my pressed shirt, I realized that I was actually falling in love with a woman I only met yesterday evening. I felt like I was losing my mind, but I truly felt as if God himself made her for me and dropped her into my life. See, crazy. But I'm pulled to her. I'll find out as much as I can about her and then see where we go from there. As she would say, here goes nothing!
9) Late nights...... Mayice
"So I leave you for a day and you already found a little mortal boyfriend?" Ausy sat on my ki
tchen counter like I was supposed to jump at his sudden appearance. He may have been watching me from a far, but I know when he's around. I would never tell him, but I could always sense him. I know it sounds like a weird thing, but it was true. From the moment we met, I locked in on him, and from the tone of his 'mocking ' he felt the same. "Well hello to you too."
He jumped off the counter and walked over to the sink. "Look at you all dressed up. Do we have a date?" Duh if you've been watching like I know you have, you've seen that I can't even make a frozen dinner without setting the place on fire.
Bam* I socked him right in his arm. How dare he tease me. So what if Tony had to come rescue me, the oven, and the whole building for that matter. "I'll have you know it's just dinner with Kayla and Tony. You seem to forget angels don't usually have to cook." He was always so transparent when it can to his face. But I must admit the 'uh huh' face was my favorite.
