Their salvation.

Ch. 3- "Pain demands to be felt."

Max's POV:

Some days I don't feel anything. Nothing at all. And I couldn't tell you why. But days like today, I feel everything, every single thing. All of the pain, the grief, the guilt, the anger. Every single bit of misery. I feel it.

Today, I feel the pain. I'm almost demanding to feel it. I need to know that I can still feel because once that switch is flipped again I don't know how long it'll be before I can feel anything but exhaustion.

It's been almost 2 years, and today I woke up feeling all of the same pain I felt on the day I received the news that not only did both of my parents die in a car accident but I was also becoming a guardian to a new born & a toddler at the age of 18.

An orphan and a parent in the span of minutes. I cried. For days. And weeks. Not only for me but for Noah and Mia too. They barely had any time to experience how wonderful our parents really were and there's nothing I can say that'll change that fact. They're gone. Forever. Do you know how many times I thought about joining them? More than I can actually count. But I didn't because I have two tiny people depending on me. They have no one else. And that's okay because I'm fine being the person they depend on. It's just so hard to do it all alone.

Today, I feel every negative emotion. But that does not mean that I still don't have responsibilities. So I push it all aside until I am out of work and in the comfort of my own home. Cameron being the wonderful soul and best friend that she is, decided she was going to take the kids to daycare & school for me. So my morning is already easier in that sense.

I'm up earlier than needed due to always having to get the kids ready for the day so I start getting myself ready earlier than usual as well. Getting in the hot shower I am able to breathe a little bit easier, I feel almost lighter. So I take my time washing with some lavender body wash in efforts of using the smell to relax a little. Once I was done in the shower I hurried while getting dressed, I couldn't be late. No matter my emotions I still had to think of my responsibilities, which was keeping my little family afloat. I can grieve after my shift is over.

I know how busy it can get on the brink of the weekend & I'm the only waitress working today. They won't open until I'm there, & I'm still going to be considerate regardless of how I'm feeling. My bosses, Heidi and her husband Paul are the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. They know my story and have always helped keep me going, they've also practically adopted Noah & Mia as their grandchildren. The kids even call them pop pop and Nini. They're family.

The drive to the diner was quick as usual, it's only a few blocks away from home. Getting out of the car, I look towards the cute diner that reads "Ma's love" in neon letters. Walking towards the diner reassuring myself I can do this.

Today's going to be a long day.

9 hours later

I'm beyond exhausted and I still have another an hour until closing. It's still pretty busy but I can finally sit down as everyone is busy enjoying their food or talking. This diner is one of the few places to eat around here that won't give you food poisoning so the flow of customers don't really slow down.

Just as I was about to sit down I hear a loud voice call out to me, "Maxi!" Snapping out of my tired daze I speed walk to the kitchen. As soon as I walk in I see Heidi and Paul both leaning against the counter talking quietly amongst themselves. Neither have looked up from one-another. Clearing my throat, catching their attention "Yes?"

They both give me small smiles and open their arms "Come here honey" doing as they said I walk into their embrace, they squeeze me tightly & Paul gives me a kiss on the forehead. They know what today is, apparently both wanted to close early today & have a family dinner to distract me. I said they didn't have to do that but they insisted.

Once the hugs is over, they both look me over and shake their heads. Probably just now noticing my bags and still blood shot eyes. Neither of them have had the chance to really look at me to notice either because of how busy we've all been today.

Heidi is the first to say something "Sweetie we can close & go grab the kids? Even pick up some ice cream & movies for after dinner?" Before I can even say no Paul speaks "Listen Maxi, I know todays been a hard day on you. And I don't know about you but I'm starving. Being surrounded by all this food isn't helping. Why don't you go turn the sign out in the front & we'll start cleaning up the back." Knowing I won't win this argument, I sigh and go out towards the front turning the sign from open to close. It doesn't take much longer for the customers already seated to finish with their food and get ready to pay, slowly they all start to trickle out.

I start cleaning tables off, by the time I'm almost done I hear the front bell ding and the door open. Without turning around "We're closed." Not hearing anyone leave. Getting a bit louder "I said we're closed." Still hearing silence, I turn around getting ready to lay into whoever doesn't know what closed means but I'm met by a pair of familiar silver eyes & smirk.

"I heard you the first time, piccola."