Runaway

Chapter 6

It had been a week since Aunt Joyce and I fought. Every day she left to work early, and every night she worked late. I knew I had hurt her feelings, but I never expected her to blatantly avoid me.

I also still haven't heard back from any of the jobs I applied for. I sent in an application for every link Aunt Joyce had sent me, and still no one wanted me. I guess I should be used to that at this point though. Who would want someone with no recommendations and someone who up and left her home randomly for no reason. That person wouldn't make a reliable employee. I haven't given up though. There are more jobs than just the ones Aunt Joyce had shown me. So, today I'm going on a job hunt. It's far fetched, and honestly a little weird, but I don't have another choice.

Dave drives me to a small town center nearby, where I begin the search. I go from store to store and ask if they're hiring. At this point, I'd work anywhere I'm so desperate. The fifth building I walk into is a small coffee shop. It's decorated with plants and flowers everywhere. The vines wrap around the whole shop, creating a beautiful aura. The smell of coffee grounds fill the air and I know within seconds of being there, that this is where I want to work.

"Hi what can I get you?" A girls asks, smiling warmly at me. She wore a sage green apron over a black t-shirt and pants. Her name tag read Anna.

"Hi," I reply, "I'm actually here because I wanted to know if you guys were hiring."

Her face lights up a bit, "Yes! Someone actually just quit, let me get you an application." She scrambles through some papers until she finds the right one. She places the application on the counter in front of me and smiles kindly. "By the way, you'll get the job immediately if you compliment Ricky's tie." She advises me playfully.

"I will keep that in mind," I say, laughing a bit. "I'm so glad you're hiring," I tell her, "I love the environment already I just got here."

"I know! It's such a calming job. Making coffee all day... and employees even get a free drink," she says excitedly. I laugh at her excitement and nod before I head out. I look around at the other buildings, knowing in the back of my mind I should keep asking in case I don't get this job. But I guess you could say I'm feeling hopeful.

***

I get back from my successful trip of job hunting, and see Aunt Joyce's car in the driveway. Huh she's home early. I walk in and see her lying on the couch. The TV is still playing and she's fast asleep. I carefully place a blanket over her and watch her steady breathing. "I'm so sorry for everything I said," I whisper. "I really do appreciate everything you've done for me."

The floorboards behind me creak and I turn around. Lily is standing in the kitchen watching me. She motions with her hand, telling me to follow her. I smile back at her confused and we quietly sneak out to the back porch. "Hey, are you okay?" I ask Lily.

"We can't wake mommy up," she whispers.

"Okay we'll be quiet," I whisper back, "what did you bring me out here for?"

"I think we should do something for my mommy," she tells me, looking around to make sure no one's secretly listening.

"Okay like what," I ask her.

"She has been so busy and I miss her at home with me," Lily continues, a small frown forming on her face. "So I think maybe we should get her flowers or a puppy to make her happy."

"I'm not sure a puppy would make her happy," I laugh quietly. "Flowers are a great idea though. We can go get them together now." I tell her.

"Ok!" She squeals excitedly. "Phil will have some!" She exclaims as she takes my hand and we run to the car.