Madeline unlocked her door to let Ava walk in before her. She reached out for the switch and the entire living room was lighted in a flash. Madeline smiled and recalled using tiny of her savings to pay the electricity bill. Now she wouldn't need a torch to constantly see at night. She wouldn't lie when she said it was scary not wanting to bump into something especially in her condition.
“I'll get an ice pack.” Ava took a seat on one of the couches while Madeline went to the kitchen to pull out some ice from th refrigerator and stick them into a bag. She still didn't know whether letting a complete stranger inside her home was ideal but she also knew she wouldn't sleep at night if she left her out alone on th streets. It must be awful living on the streets especially as a woman with lustful eyes all over your body.
“Ah, hsss,” Ava hissed a little the moment Madeline applied pressure on her bruises with the ice pack. “I'll do it, thank you.” Ava took the ice pack and continued to dab the cloth on her bruises before she looked around. “You have a lovely apartment Madeline. It almost feels like a home.” And, Madeline recalled Kane again. With time she had learnt not to expect anything from Kane now nor in the future. She had chosen to take on the reins of her own life and decisions.
“Thank you.” She only whispered before walking into her bedroom. A newspaper was sitting on her bed along with other scattered ensembles of hers all over her room. Madeline was never disorganized but lately she had a lot on her time than thinking of tidying up her room. She took the newspaper off the bed and she saw some cheap apartments with only one room which she had circled. She didn't plan on renewing her rent but move into a more smaller apartment, she didn't care how bad the apartment would be as long as it will shield her and her baby from the streets.
“Are you hungry?” Madeline got out and Ava was quick to say. “Yes but I'll cook dinner. I want to thank you for helping me out there. I...thought those bastards would rape me.” Ava had her body shaky at the thought. “And, if I may ask why were those men after your life?” And, Ava only sobbed more.
“I told you I worked at a bar during nighttime to support my starving family back home. So you know in those places, you come across scoundrels and low lives everyday. Some come to drink and faint and while some only come there to sleep with any girl they set their eyes on. It's really terrifying when you're forced to dress like a whore while waiting tables for those drunks.” Madeline sat by her side to stroke her back gently.
“And, why not quit the job? Look at what they did to you.” Madeline asked. “Am illegal in this country and where I go for decent work, am asked to show my ID and some documents. I can't do that or I'll be caught and immediately deported. So...I did what was offered as a job without asking for any IDs.” Ava inhaled applying more pressure on her face with the ice pack. Madeline didn't enquire any further and it seemed Ava looked at her like she wouldn't understand her ordeals. Ava added how her single mother worked so hard back in Amsterdam as a cook even if it lead her to fall seriously ill in order to pay some people to help Ava cross over to the states. Ava knew the risks she was taking and even risked getting killed by immigration officers on her way to crossing through the fence. It was a long road and no matter how New York threw many punches at Ava, she couldn't bring herself to return back to Amsterdam and let her sick mother and three younger siblings down.
Ava got to preparing dinner with little ingredients that Madeline got yesterday. It was amazing to Madeline seeing how Ava made use with so little ingredients to create a nice dish for dinner. “You are very skilled at cooking Ava.” She complimented and Ava was reminded of home and her mother. “My mother taught me how to cook since I was four. I held a knife for the first time when I turned five.” Ava got to plating with a smile. It looked like her happy space was cooking and Madeline took notice of it.
“It's delicious. You have skilled hands.” Ava smiled a little. “You know I wanted to become a chef when I grew up just like my mother. We managed a small diner and my mom made the business afloat but my abusive father owed lots of debts and he was killed for it. The people he owed money came to threaten us and we had to use all the profits to pay back my father's debts. As you can imagine, the diner couldn't continue and we had to shut down. My mother had to find work outside to support us. Madeline could only sympathize with her after listening to more and more of her sad story.
“I've seen on TVs many food competitions. I even loved watching my favourite anime Food Wars and learnt a lot about cooking from the show. How to make use of so little ingredients to prepare a nice meal. I wish to explore the world and experiment with many exotic and foreign ingredients but....one can only dream right?” A bitter smile appeared on her lips and Madeline reached out to hold her hand.
“I think I can help with that.” Madeline thought of an idea. “You do?” Ava asked with interest. “I used to take a part time job as a waitress while I was studying and I know the owner very well. His name is Mr Yang and he's very nice. And, I was just a witness to your great culinary skills. Am sure Mr Yang wouldn't pass over an opportunity to make his restaurant a success because of your cooking. What do you think? Are you in?”
“You don't even have to ask Madeline!...” But then Ava didn't want to get her hopes up. “...But won't he ask for my ID and other stuffs. What if he gets suspicious and reports me?” Ava had her hands sweaty.
“Don't worry. I'll give him a call and explain it to him. He's understanding of people's situations. And, above all loves the success of his restaurant.” Ava could hug Madeline right now. She had never been offered this opportunity to actually showcase her talent which was cooking. “I can't believe I won't be going back to that disgusting bar again.” Ava had a tear in her left eye. “Thank you so much Madeline. You're a good friend. Am glad we met.” And, both women chuckled. Madeline didn't know whether Ava was a friend but she saw Ava as someone who understood her and she also could get through to her. She was the first person Madeline connected with apart from her family and Kane.
Mr Yang was indeed suspicious at a first glance with Ava. The girl had rough looks like an actual person of the streets. But Madeline made sure to dress her nicely for the small interview. And, Mr Yang did trust in Madeline's recommendation. Ava was put on trail for some weeks to prove her special cooking skills before she would actually get the job at Mr Yang's restaurant. Ava loved working at the restaurant and was glad Mr Yang didn't request for her ID and knew Madeline must have handled it.
As time flew by Ava got praises and the restaurant seemed to bring in more customers to taste her dishes. The entire menu was reworked and soon Ava was made in charge of the cooking. Her pay was much better than her useless job working at the bar and she had enough to send back to her family and also help around with groceries and other stuffs. She even helped in paying Madeline's medicine fees and as time went by Madeline and Ava became best of friends. Ava would accompany Madeline on all of her appointments and check-ups with Esperza. Ava came into Madeline's life as her guardian angel and now when she was already in her seventh month and nearing her eighth, she was more bloated and her back was killing her.
Madeline and Ava moved to a much smaller apartment and they were saving some money to be able to purchase a small home in the future. They were inseparable and some people mistake them as a gay couple. Madeline was glad she had Ava in her life. Ava was wonderful to her and helped her with everything to keep her pregnancy safe and okay. “Take this medicines right now so my goddaughter can be healthy and be born soon.” Ava put the medicine close to Madeline's mouth but Madeline twisted her mouth because of the bitter medicines. By this time they had both gotten to know Madeline was carrying a girl in her womb. Even though she was experiencing changes in her body and not the nice feeling kind but she was happy from within in experiencing all of this to soon have her baby in her arms.
Madeline had shifted to the hospital because of her being close to her delivery. The past month and half had been hell for Madeline with all she had to go through to arrive at this point in her life. And, despite everything going downhill for her, Ava came her way and life became a little better. Kane was no longer edged in her mind and she had stopped hoping he would ever return.
YOU ARE READING
His Second Chance
Romantizm"True love bears all, endures all and triumphs!" "Let me go! I don't want to talk to you." I hissed and tried to get my arm out of his strong hold. I knew only looking into his green emerald eyes would make things worse. It would force me to recolle...
