The Worthy

Chapter Three (Re-edited!)

Author's Note: Hi! This chapter went into quite major editing, a lot of things weren't clarified since this was first posted. Plus, I missed a scene from our old draft. I added it again. Sorry about that! So now it's okay so, on with reading! - Cas x

CHAPTER THREE
Cassandra
THE FEELING OF BEING AWAY from Jillian saddened me. She's one of a kind, a friend so loving to us, and the same time a hardworking supplier to her family.

Max and I pulled away from the bus stop. Days like this are extremely empty-no work, no salary, no capturing moments, no food. I would want to go to the office to offer assistance, but that never worked. When you do, you either get less income or less jobs to do, which also leads to the same thing.

After a short walk, we reached the housings. We parted ways and bid good-byes, "See you later, Max!" She waves and goes to the town library, our usual hangout place, and I headed home for a quick visit.

The sound and the smell of the household reunited me. It has been a while since I've ever been here. I missed home. But my family isn't here. They are all utterly into work today, lucky for them.

My dad is a zookeeper in the town of Mayberry, not too far from here, cares for the animals and moreover, maintaining a show while doing so. He plays the best jokes ever and does very well with the critters!

Mom is a cook at the nearby cafeteria, her dishes are absolutely restaurant-worthy, but no idea how she got into a cafeteria instead. The sight of the dining table brings back our glory days.

Greer, my elder brother, is incredibly a magnificent performer-he dances, sings, plays piano and sorts of instruments. He gets a myriad of money for that, hence he's a dominant supplier of the clan. He's the type of sibling who defends anyone from his family, I like him for that, but I hope it wouldn't change from his wealth.

And I am a photographer, paparazzi of the Royalties.

I was fortunate enough to be in the palace guards, but it wasn't that fun from before. When I turned thirteen and applied for an occupation, I happily selected it because photography is my favorite spare time, but since our boss has changed, everything didn't go back to the way it was before.

Many employees kicked out, rules have been strict, and every-I mean every-single photographer should be working hard. If not, you're done.

I started doing rounds, and realize I have to go home to our-Jillian, Max and mine- unit to get garlic bread from Mrs. Givlinger. She provides us free loaves every weekend. She's as generous as that, even though through this troublesome world she finds time to give.

"Goodmorning Mrs. Givlinger," The sound of the tingling bell echoed through an unusual quiet bakery. Where would the workers have gone? There's not much been a series of events lately. I understood the sign on the glass window, but every weekend Mrs. Givlinger would be in her usual seat at the counter, with her fellow co-workers in their chitchat. "Hello?"

All of a sudden, a head popped out of the staff and faculty door. She motioned to join her in, with whoever she was with. She's at my age, with blond wavy locks and has her apron on; she must be new. I walked to her slowly, and once I've reached her, she pulled me in. With a flick of a second, I saw two palace officers roaming around our streets outside.

I was taken to a dark and narrow room, only enlighted by the television's beams, with people I recognized were employees. They were cuddled to the floor, some on the stools. I spotted Mrs. Givlinger and gave me a concerned look. "What's all the fuss about?" I cared to ask.

"Didn't you see the palace guards taking rounds? Their finding them." The girl who pulled me in replied. "Oh yeah, the name's Kylie. I work here for three days so far." She grinned, and I shook her hand.