Life In The Big Apple

Pre Thanksgiving prep

Lena's: POV
So mom me and Frankie were all in the kitchen
Getting everything prepared for our Thanksgiving meal
I just put the whole chicken breast in the oven. Francesca was cutting the cheese for the macaroni and cheese
Mom was snapping green beans, there was still a lot to do
This would be our first holiday in our new house
Usually we would have it at mom's place. Mom l've been thinking, about hiring a new chef assistant to help me out in the kitchen at the bakery. Since your retired
So I was wondering if you could possibly come in and help me out until I find someone permanent Lena asks
Sure l wouldn't mind coming in and helping you out
Mom graciously accepted my offer, mom you'll be paid just like the rest of my staff. You will have to wear black khakis pants and a pink and black uniform shirt
Which l already have at the bakery. Your there to do a job
Mom hear me when I say please don't try to tell how to run my business in front of my employees, you are not to give your opinion on how l handle certain tasks. I'm gonna need you their Monday thru Saturday
From 9:00 am till 6:00 pm. I wanna make sure we're on the same page, Lena explains to her mother
You have my word. I won't try to infer in your business
Dana replied, so what's going on with that young girl
You were telling me about. Dana questions Lena
Her aunt Amanda flew in yesterday from San Diego
Apparently she knew Stef from work, l didn't get a good vibe from her. She asked me a bunch questions about Lacey, l felt like it wasn't my place to say. Because Lacey didn't tell me a lot, plus it wasn't the time or the place
to be discussing personal matters out in the open
At my establishment. I guess she was offended by my response, she ended up staying over night. She said they were leaving bright and early this morning, l hope things work out for Lacey. When l found her she was in the alley behind the bakery rummaging through the trash for something to eat, mom she's only fourteen years old
No child should be out on the street at night alone wondering around town. She told Stef she goes to safe house where kids like her go and hang out, she's able to shower. They give her fresh clothes to wear, but they don't have a long term place for them to stay over night
Lena says to her mother. I'm glad she family who can help her out, because you have your own family to take care of
I know how big your heart is. Plus you don't know what she was exposed to out on those streets, Dana said
Francesca was continuing cutting the cheese. Excuse mommy when are momma and Ariana coming back
Frankie States, soon l hope why l thought you wanted
Help cook thanksgiving dinner. Lena said
I do mommy, but you and Gram were having a rarely intense conversation Frankie States. Okay babe
I really appreciate you helping me and Gram
There's plenty more for you to do if you wanna continue to help, Lena tries to explain to her eight year old independent daughter. How's your assignment coming along, Gram asked Francesca. Me and my best friend
Submitted into our language arts teacher. We'll find our grade when we return back to school on Monday, l think we Ace it Gram. Francesca said, just keep up the good work. Dana Stated. Mom and I already had this talk
About me focusing on my school work and not hanging out with the wrong crowd, l'm thinking about joining the home economics and sewing club at school Francesca says with excitement in her voice. They all heard Sofia barking near the front door, Frankie goes to see what's wrong with Sofia. Francesca picks up Sofia in her arms
Does Sofia do this all the time when somebody comes towards the front door Dana said. She always does that
When somebody's at the door,