Cinderella (Seventeen)

Cupcakes and Cracked Ribs

Chapter Five

*Hyolyn's POV*

Two weeks had passed, and I hadn't seen them. Thankfully. I had avoided the times they would come around, going to work early.

"Hyolyn?" My boss called, as I walked around the corner tying my apron. "We need to talk." He said softly.

"What's wrong? If Chewy has eaten boxes again I can leave him outside," I worried. There's no way I'm leaving him at home.

"No, Chewy is fine, but your dad just rung the shop," he bit his lip. He doesn't know anything, but he knows that we don't see eye to eye.

"Oh." Was all I could say.

"He wants you to quit, focus on your studies," he patted my shoulder. "And if you don't quit, I have to fire you, because you're underage working at night, and he can take us to court."

"1 hour," I looked at the clock. "1 hour and I will be 19. No longer underage. Problem sorted," I smiled gently and he smiled.

"I didn't want to let you go. You're the best we have," he patted my shoulder again. "Take an hour off, as a birthday present. Here, take these, go for a walk, don't come back until you're 19," he laughed handing me two cupcakes, throwing a candle in the bag. "Happy early birthday."

"Thanks boss," I smiled. He is all I have left in humanity, and because I have him, I have money and the chance to get away.

***

Sitting at my moms grave, I just sighed. Finally some peace and quiet. With Chewy sat beside me, it was almost as if nothing was wrong. Taking the cupcakes out, I checked the time. 11:58pm. Sticking the candle in one of the cupcakes, I pulled a lighter from my bag.

Lighting the candle, I looked to the sky. Peace, beauty. Laying the other cupcake on the floor, I checked the time again. 00:00am. Nodding at Chewy who had his ears flopped and head cocked to the side, he bit the cupcake whole.

"Happy birthday to me," I said quietly to no one in particular, blowing the candle out. I didn't wish for anything, because it's pointless. I know wishes don't come true, so why get my hopes up?

Being alone, well, without someone to speak back to me that is, I felt a little lonely. Granted, I'm used to the silence. But someone hasn't wished me a happy birthday in over ten years, I haven't had a birthday card in ten years. This cupcake is my first gift in freaking ten years.

"So, what did you wish for?" He said behind me. Somehow, I'm not pissed to hear him, like I usually am. Sighing, I turned to find him stood behind me, looking out over Seoul, and then met my eyes. "Hey Hyolyn," he smiled and sat next to me. Chewy had run off chasing a squirrel, leaving me alone with him. But I feel comfortable around him.

"I can't tell you that," I rolled my eyes, looking out over the city.

"You haven't made a wish yet, I can tell, so make one now." He ordered as I scoffed. "Come on, you have to make a wish, what is the thing you want the most?" To have a normal life. It's not really a wish, it's sort of a necessity right now. I need some love, I need to feel like someone wants me. "Close your eyes, or I won't quit annoying you," he laughed, making me close my eyes.

"Fine," I went along with him. "Wonwoo, you can take your hands away from my eyeballs now," he chuckled.

"Sorry," he removed his hands gently. "Now, wish," he whispered, sitting on the bench.

I wish for everything to be normal. I wish everything can be like a regular humans life. I wish that my dad will realise how he has forgotten about me. I'm not asking for his love again, because I can live without that. I just wish for him to recognise my existence as a human, and not as a slave.