Broken

Broken Chapter 16: Hear Me Out!

GABRIELLA'S P. O. V
Distraught. Thats a good word to describe what I've been feeling for the last couple of days. It's been three days since I saw her. 'My so called Mother'. I still get anxious, because every time I hear that ring when the café door entrance goes off, the temptation of me wanting to run and hide is an instant reaction. However, so far she hasn't showed up yet...which hopefully is a good sign.
It was just like any normal day, costumers coming in and out. You know, us servers quickly taking their orders and retrieving them. As I scanned the room, every single costumer looked really content with their food. I took this time to get some cleaning and restocking done. My little girl was taking her afternoon siesta in the break room so it made it a little easier for me to get the job done. I love her so much but she could be a handful sometimes. Me constantly watching her every move because you never know what she could be up to.
I was lost in my thoughts while I quickly wiping down the counters. Then all of a sudden a voice called my name.

"Gabriella", the soft voice called out.

I quickly jumped back startled, ready to make a run for it but I was frozen to move. I slowly looked up and my eyes connected with the identical ones. The ones I was so familiar to, ever since I was a baby.

The women who I use to know, who I wish never came back was standing before me.

I was numb.

"Can I take your order? Ma'am?", I said as I took out my order pad.
"Can we---", the older women started.
"Coffee, tea, a latte?", I said because I did not want her to continue that sentence.
"Gabi--", She said in a more firm voice.
"A sandwich? scone, tea biscuit---", I rambled until I felt her hand on my arm.
"Gabi, please...can we talk", Maria said desperately.

I looked down on her grip on me. It was not rough but it was a gentle hold. I quickly snapped back to reality and pulled my hand away from her touch.

"Look I am quite busy at the moment, I have no time for this", I said trying to make my break from her but she blocked me from passing.
"Please...just five minutes thats all I am asking for", Maria begged.
"I don't have five minutes, so excuse me", I said firmly trying to pass her once again but she blocked me once again.
"Gabi please, take your break, we really need to talk", Maria pleaded.

          As I looked at the women before me I knew she was not going to give up. She is a Lawyer for God sakes. I knew I wasn't going to win this one and plus if I give in, just this once, maybe I never have to hear from her again... I didn't have to answer any of her questions if I didn't want to, Right?

"Fine, but if I give in just this once, will you promise to leave and never come back?", I said firmly and in a serious tone.
"Yes, I will not come back and bother you again, I will let you get back to work", Maria said.
"Let me just inform my boss, you go a head and find somewhere to sit down", I told her.

I watched her as she nodded back in response and went to grab a seat by the window. I quickly went to Elizabeth and told her I was taking my fifteen minute break. Before I went back out to face the women I have been dreading to see, I did one quick check on Lilly in the break room. She looked so peaceful sleeping in her fold up bed. So content. She didn't have to deal with anything or no one. I glanced at the clock, ten minutes left. Well looks like she lost five minutes. I honestly had no energy and time to deal with her but whatever. I quietly closed the door and made my way out to the table where she was seated. I took a seat across from her.

"I only have a 10min break so this better be quick", I said annoyed.
"Where is Lilly?", She asked.
"She is taking her afternoon nap, and please can we leave my daughter out of this. Whatever you have to say just say it cause I really have to get back to work", I stated.
She nodded her head.
"Gabi what happened? Why did you just randomly leave?", She asked.
I sighed, "Really? look I'm just going to go", I replied back standing up. However, she pulled me back down.
"Gabriella! Please I am really trying here", Maria said sadly.
"I really need an explanation because all these years I have been so confused and clueless, What did I do wrong? As a Mother, Gabriella please tell me. What did I do wrong?", She asked strictly with a quiver in her voice.