YOU AND I

YOU AND I (3)

Nia

I was in the kitchen of a small restaurant down the street working as a chef in a evening shift , I have been working here for quite a long time already, I still remember when I joined as a waitress and now finally a chef it's a great achievement for me as being someone very fond of cooking " are you done with that weird looking salad ?" Ron one of my co-workers asked waiting for me to get finished with the last order of day , he is still kinda pissed on the customer who appeared on last minute of closing, we could have rejected their request but our manager would have thrown us out for that , " done " I exclaimed at how beautiful the plating turned out
" I bet they are not going to give you any tip for your extra efforts" he said taking plate away for serving, " don't mind him, he is just pissed he will not be able to get hanky panky with his girlfriend "  mira another co-worker of mine said putting down her aprain and getting ready to leave " I heard that" ron said shooting a glare at mira as he went to customer, I lightly smiled at their childish acts
No one would believe they are years older than me .

It was around 6 , I was walking with lily towards our apartment
" I am tired of walking" Lily said stopping in her way , looking up at me with puffed cheeks " what you want me to do ?" Already knowing the answer I still asked
A bright grin appeared on her face reaching her ears " piggy back ride " she said jumping up and down " but don't you think, you are little big for that ?" I thought about teasing her a little
" No , I am just 9 " she said looking at me with pleading eyes and pout, I bent down for her to get on my back , " haha " she exclaimed with joy , getting on my back she tightly gripped my shoulders and I started walking

We were in the lift when lily let out a huff " what?" I asked getting out when lift reached our floor " today, teacher gave us a group work to do , so we decided to do it one by one at everyone's place , and tommorow it  is at mill's place but I don't know where she lives" I looked through my contacts in search for her mom's number" No problem, I have her mother's number " I said putting back phone in pocket of my jacket
as I opened the door of our home sweet home, it's a morden apartment with open kitchen, big and cozy living room and three bedrooms with some other great facilities , I would have been bankrupt by now if I was the one to pay for it , after my so called parents death in an accident
My real mom's brother took us with him , when my step mom's parents wanted to take her with them, uncle used his court room skills and proved why he is a great lawyer, but her wife didn't like us so, I suggested uncle to let us live seprate but he obliged to pay for our residence abd that's how we ended up in this beautiful place we call home,
I didn't wanted to be burden on him so, I applied for various scholarships and got a job
" What you want to eat?" I asked
When lily came after changing
" Ramen noodles" she said in low tone and slightly sad " what happened, you look kida upset ?" I asked taking out noodles
" Nothing " she responded turning on tv , I let out a heavy sighed, and walked towards her
" What you want?" I said taking a seat on couch , she looked in my direction as if I caught her stealing something" how you know?"
" Just say "
" Can I go to milli 's home with nick ?  , he asked me to come with him so , we could play together before going "
I usually don't allow her to go too far from home without me and nick ' s home is quite far as I think
" Please , I promise to I will keep my room Clean "
Well that's a good offer but I am still concerned about her safety
" You will be not working  from tommorow, right?" That's right, exams are fast coming along with swimming championship I am taking some break from work
to focus on exams and practice so , I could maintain my scholarship " yeah "
" So you will be able to pick me up right?" I don't think so I can argue with her anymore, I can bet she is getting influenced by uncle the she argues
" Fine , but you will not leave with nick until I come there , I need to talk to his mom as well"
She nodded in response and gave me a warm hug " you are the best " I wish I was
" Yeah , I know that , now let's cook noodles " I said getting up and going towards kitchen
Only if I was little older and had a good job it would have been easier to give her more attention and take care of her properly
Even though uncle take good care of us and always tell me to leave the stress for him , I know at some point I can't rely on him for everything and being the elder one I have  to play the role of parents as well
I want to provide lily with everything other kids have and never let her feel the warmth of family, I mean a perfect family doesn't have to be ' mother, father and child right?'