Her Hope

Chapter 13

The next week flew faster than lightening. Things at work quickly went back to normal with Mr Smith being emotionless and cold while Lana was still the same bubbly girl who loved to chat with me every time I was giving her a customer's order or was taking someone's food or check. All in all, it was the same old boring routine that I swiftly adjusted to. Emily didn't pass by ever since the day she told me her story, and I believe she's avoiding me; however, that day seemed to be forgotten which is a good thing.

Now, it was time for the awaited arrival of our third roommate. I am honestly nervous because what if she doesn't like? Would she convince Iris that I should leave or something? But, I have to remember that I live here now, and I pay rent, so even if she doesn't like me, she'll have to wait for the end of the month before she can kick me out. Though, hopefully she will like me like Iris keeps saying.

It was five in the morning and I'll be leaving soon to go to work, so if the third roommate, whose name I never got to know, doesn't arrive soon, I'll have to meet her after work. As soon as that thought passed through my mind, the door knob suddenly turned and the door was slammed open with a great force, but instead of seeing a girl standing there, I saw lots of suitcases that made me question what she keeps in them. But after all, people normally have more than two pairs of jeans, two shirts and a sweater, so I can't really judge her, but I can definitely be jealous of her, right?

Iris immediately ran to help our roommate making me follow her to do the same. It took us five minutes to drag her extremely heavy bags inside while she went down to get the rest. In total, she had five suitcases, so I am assuming that she must have been on a pretty long vacation with her family, or she wouldn't have taken all of those cases with her. She then finally entered the apartment while sighing and turning around to hug Iris before she finally noticed me.

"Oh, hi. I'm Maya, your other roommate. I've been dying to meet you from the moment Iris told me about you, and I truly think we'll be good friends." She exclaimed while spontaneously hugged me which took me by surprise. She was too friendly, but that's a hundred times better that being too mean or something.

"I've been looking forward to meeting you as well." I hugged her back lightly before pulling back. I guess she figured out that I wasn't a hugs kind of person.

"Well guys, I have to go to college, so I'll be taking my leave, and we'll catch up when I come back." Iris said reminding me that I have to go to work as well.

"I also have to leave."

"I'll unpack then I'll sleep, I'm feeling jet lagged." Maya said before turning around and going to her room.

So, Iris and I locked the apartment and walked down the stairs together, but we parted ways as soon as we stepped out of the building since her college was in the opposite direction. The walk towards the restaurant didn't take too long, and soon enough, I walked inside the restaurant; however, I was faced with an angry looking Mr Smith. What did I do now? Last time, it was mixing a customer's drink, but I didn't even start my shift yet, so he didn't have an excuse.

"Leila, follow me now." He snapped loudly then entered the back room.

"Yes, Mr Smith." I said.

"After you left yesterday, I was counting the money we collected, and there were a hundred dollars missing. What do you have to say for yourself?" He asked.

"What? Sir, you know I would never steal money from you. You know how much I need this job, so why would I ruin the only real chance I have by stealing money? Besides, I've never done anything that would make you think I would steal money. Please, don't fire me, I really didn't take that money." I pleaded for the first time in my entire life. I always thought that I was worth more than pleading and begging, but I couldn't lose my job over something I haven't done. I really couldn't.

"You're the only person I've hired recently. Everyone else have been working here for years, so you're my only suspect." He answered coldly as if he was sure that I'm the culprit.

Tears quickly filled up my eyes, and the dam of tears was instantly ready to break down. But, I still tried to save the situation.

"But sir, I wasn't even on the cashier duty yesterday, and Lana never leaves it when she's on duty, so even if I wanted to steal, I wouldn't have had the chance. So, whoever stole must have done so after Lana left, and I finished my shift before her yesterday." My voice broke while I was speaking hurriedly.
I'm sorry to have to say that, but you're fired. I won't call the police because I don't want you to lose everything, but if you say one more word, I'll call them to come and arrest you for stealing. I won't have someone I don't trust working in my restaurant. So, after I give you last week's salary minus the money you stole, just turn around and leave without causing a scene or the cops will be informed of what you did." He said dismissively while pretending to look through the papers on his desk.

Mr Smith then literally threw the money at me, and even though I was tempted to just leave it, I couldn't, for I don't even know how I'll continue living. Maybe, I should've just let myself drown that night. Bending down, I collected the money and quickly turned around so that he wouldn't see the dam breaking or the tears cascading down my face.

I hastily opened the back room's door and walked towards the door with my face held down while feeling Mr Smith's glare following me and trying to ignore the looks being thrown my way by customers. I didn't even get the chance to sit on that coach as I promised myself nor did I say goodbye to Lana, but it no longer matters because I'll probably never see her again. Opening the restaurants door, I bumped into someone, but without looking at that person, I just left before they could see the tears falling rapidly from my eyes.

"Wait, why are you crying?" The person shouted after me and from their voice, I knew that the person was Emily.

I guess we always meet by bumping into each other though this time I didn't stop unlike last time. Instead, I ignored her and ran the rest of the way towards the park where I collapsed on the same bench I always sit on then I just sobbed my heart out uncontrollably.