SOC 101 (SUBJECT 2)✓

epilogue

* Read the next chapter either before or after you're done with this so you don't get confused. Love you all.

- KATIE'S BIRTHDAY -

Sweat dripped down my neck and I hurriedly wiped it away with the hanky in my uniform, "Come again next time."

The woman smiled brightly at me, holding the gift bag and walking out of the door, making the bell ring over her head. Another customer could walk in at any moment, but I relieved myself by sipping the drink that Ma- Katie had dropped for me on the counter. She was probably in the kitchen whipping up dishes since the ones we had prepared had finished. The January mood was upon us and everyone had plans for the New year. It was one celebration after the other, one I had gotten used to. Christmas had been grand, and I celebrated it with the children so they got the experience most of us never had as kids.

I peeped into the kitchen watching as the other girls chopped the ingredients, hearing low sighs and mumbles. The instant I had pushed the door open, the hot air blasted out and I felt worried instantly that the girls were overworking themselves in the heat.

"I'm feeling dizzy, girls. Do you think you can take it from here?" She asked, sighing as she stretched, "Or you don't know the steps anymore?"

The girl who had been chopping the ingredients paused with a frown on her face, "Aunty Katie, you're too worried about us. We know how to cook too, we have been watching you for years. It's almost as if you're the one that doesn't trust us."

"Ah, it's not like that at all. I just don't want you to make mistakes."

Together, they successfully pushed Katie out of the kitchen and she looked like she had been betrayed.

"These kids are growing wings every day." She tutted, pulling off her apron and sitting beside me.

"You want to go home, right? We can keep the food in the freezer and close."

I looked at her with a wide grin, "My hero!"

"You're just lazy, tsk." She said, getting up to yell at the children, "Hurry up and pack so we can go home."

"Is Aunty Noelle tired again?" A voice asked and I yelled, "Shut up and pack!"

They all laughed loudly upon hearing my voice, "I knew it. Don't worry, we'll finish soon."

We packed up, locking the doors and taking our bags as we got into the car. The drive home lasted some minutes as we were stuck in traffic for a while. When we finally got home, the children ran towards us with their loud voices trying to cover the television.

"Welcome!"

I cringed, but I smiled at them, "Good evening, children."

Vedette walked out of the kitchen with a knowing smile on her face as she stared at us, "What made you all come home early again, Aunty?"

"Is dinner ready?" Felix asked, taking off his jacket, "I'm starving."

"It should be ready by the time you're done with your shower."

I hurried to my room, stripping out of my work clothes and taking a short, but needed shower. By the time I stepped out, I could still hear the giggles coming from downstairs and I shook my head at the children.

"Aunty Noelle? Dinner is ready."

"I'll be down soon, thank you."

I walked downstairs, watching the children as they quickly turned off the tv to come to their respective places in the dining. Vedette sat while Felix and some of the other children dished out the food for everyone. Katie yawned loudly as she stared at the plates sleepily.