My Bodyguard

25

I was arranging the pastries, adding new ones and Joe is expanding the cafe because the line is getting longer.

There were even police the other day.

So, I had a lot of work in my hands, training new staff and making larger batches of baked goods— but Aarav will be here precisely at 5.

He never misses a minute and if I get late, he stares at Joe. Joe would bribe him with a danish.

Life has been good too.

I was making myself coffee from the fancy coffee machine that I have taught myself. Henry is the barista, so he's always here.

But right now, he's at lunch, so I was just here, excitedly making myself a coffee since it was a slightly relaxed day.

"Excuse me miss?" I put my mug down, quickly turning but I froze when I saw my mother, making me glance at the little girl beside her.

I could feel myself shrinking down, feeling all sorts of pressure on me but I tried to think about Aarav.

He's the only one that could make me feel good.

"H-how can I help you?" I tried to force a smile, looking at them and the little girl was pointing at something at the display.

"May I have the chocolate chip soft cookie and— what did your brother wanted?" My heart sank more, realising she has an older son.

I have a brother and a sister.

"Ani wanted those things. That swirly pastry?" The little girl pointed and I could feel my tears chocking me in my throat, making me clear my throat.

"The croissants?"

"Yes! Chocolate and almond!" She chirped excitedly and I nodded, cracking a small smile.

I picked those, taking a soft cookie and I put it inside a box, trying my best not to break down or cry.

I'm too weak.

"Total would be 15$." My mother— I don't think I could call her my mother anymore. I am standing right in front of her but she has not recognised me, even for a second.

"Thank you, dear. I heard the pastries here are really good and you are the baker. You are really famous— what's your name?" She asked looking at me with a smile.

A smile that has nothing underneath.

No worries, no sadness, no pain— just a happy smile.

"Ira. I'm Ira." I said looking at her and I noticed a flick of change in her eyes, staring at me.

Now, I could see something.

"Thank you for visiting. This is for you— enjoy." I gave the little girl a cakepop and she smiled widely, taking it from me.

"Thank you!" I gave a small smile, nodding my head and I looked at my mother, noticing her being uncomfortable.

She must remember me, if she actually remembers me.

I was not in the mood the whole day, trying to not to think about nor be upset but I just couldn't understand.

I know my father is horrible but— why did she have to leave me?

I shrugged my thoughts away, calming myself down because I don't have an answer and repeating the same question won't bring me peace.

I have to be grateful of the life I'm having now. This is absolutely more than I could imagine.

"Ira-" I broke away from my thoughts, looking at Aarav and I smiled, going to him.

"You okay? I called you 3 times." He asked kissing on top of my head and I nodded, looking at him.