Her Innocent Love

10 ~ Party & Mannerless Creature

Aathiya's POV

"Hi, are you up?" My ex's text lit up my phone in the dead of night. Why is he texting me now? My heart pounded. I hoped he was okay.

"Hey, how are you?" Despite our breakup, I couldn't help but respond. I missed him so much. It's hard to decide whether to even call him an ex since we only dated for a week, but the impact was profound. I didn't just lose a lover; I lost my first-ever friend in Canada.

"I'm not okay, Aathiya. I miss you... I miss us." His message came through. Did he really miss me? Did he realize his mistake?

"Me too," I replied truthfully while my heart was aching with our memories.

"Then let's meet tomorrow." After everything that happened, should I meet him? He texted me first, making it clear he also wanted me back.

"I agree we should meet." Maybe there's a chance to mend this relationship or at least get him back as a friend. If he apologizes for pushing the physical quotient between us and promises not to do it again, I'll forgive him.

"See you tomorrow then." I liked his message and went back to bed, knowing I had to see a new place later today and also find a new job.

I woke up around 11 in the morning, had a quick breakfast, and headed to meet the landlord. The place was a bit far from Aaru's, but the room was lovely. It was a shared accommodation, but that was okay with me. I paid the rent and told the landlord I'd be moving in soon. Then, I went to nearby restaurants, hoping to land a job, but everyone told me they had no vacancies. There was only one restaurant left in the plaza. I prayed they'd offer me a job.

"Hi, how are you?" I greeted the receptionist

"Hi, how can I help?"

"I'm looking for a job. Is there a vacancy?"

"Let me call the manager." Finally, someone who actually called the manager. After a while, he came out.

"Hi, so have you worked in a restaurant before?"

"I haven't, but I'm keen to learn everything," I told him confidently, masking my desperation.

"Okay, what's your availability and when can you start?"

"I can work full-time and I can start today."

"That's good. I can hire you, but first, I need to see your work. We do catering, and we need servers for a birthday party today. Would you be able to come?"

"What will be the pay rate?"

"Nine dollars cash, and you can get food as well."

Was he serious? The current wage is $16, and he's offering $9, but if I take it, I won't have to buy groceries or cook. With only two workdays per week during the semester, I had no savings to pay my college fees. I didn't see any other option. "Okay, please text me the location and I'll be there."

"Sure, be there at 4 pm."

"Okay, thanks." It was already 2 pm, so I left for the banquet hall where the party was supposed to be. I was wearing the all-black uniform given by the restaurant. The party was at 7, but we had to prepare the food and set everything up. I was asked to open cans and take out soybeans. I'd never done that before since I don't like canned food. I didn't know how I'd manage. My fingers got cut while opening the first can, and blood started oozing out. I informed the head chef, hoping for a bandage or something, but he told me to wash my hands, wear gloves, and get back to work. I couldn't waste time. I had to complete this shift. I went back after wearing gloves. Blood was still there, but it was okay.