The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

17.

"Are you fine? That's what I want to know," Nathaniel sighed

"I'm fine, but I'm sorry for not being careful," Esther hanged her head

"It's fine, Esther. I can buy a new one or repair it, but I can't get another you," Nathaniel pulled her into a hug

"I love you," Esther said, her chin resting on his shoulder

"I love you too, Esther," Nathaniel kissed her head
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"So, what happened with Anastasios?" Elliana asked as she sat on her bed

"We just talked," Esther said, brushing her hair

"Yeah right. Why were the both of you hugging?" Elliana smirked

"Because.... we.... missed each other," Esther said, hiding her face with her hair

"Oh my god! Does that mean that you like him and he likes you?" Elliana gushed, "Are you finally going to get a boyfriend?"

"Elliana, please stop," Esther whined, her cheeks burning

"Oh, come on. I just want to know, but do you even like him?"

"It's just a crush, nothing more," Esther said, shaking her head

"I think there's more to it. You got mad at me for telling you that I liked him and you went off on me saying that I barely knew him," Elliana smirked, "I think my lil sis is knowing the meaning of liking and loving,"

"Elliana," Esther whined, hiding her face in her pillow

"There's nothing wrong with feeling those emotions even your bound to feel those emotions," Elliana said, sweetly smiling at her sister

"It's just a little scary. I never felt like this before," Esther said, lowering her pillow

"You just gotta figure it out on your own. What do you think about him? Are your emotions true for him? It's based on your thoughts and emotions and nobody else's," Elliana told her, giving her a pointed look

"I'll keep that in mind, Elliana," Esther smile and nodded, "We should get some rest since you have work and so do I,"

"Goodnight, Esther," Elliana said, blowing her a kiss

"Goodnight, Elliana," Esther blew her a kiss as well

♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

"Dad, I can do this," Esther whined as Nathaniel blocked her way of the oven

"No. I can't let you harm yourself or set the cafe on fire. Now stay at the register," Nathaniel pointed to the kitchen door

"Dad, it was only one time," Esther whined, "It won't happen again,"

"Yes, it won't happen again since I'll be back here taking care of the baking," Nathaniel stated, crossing his arms

"Ugh!" Esther groan, walking off to the kitchen door, "Let me die of boredom at the register,"

Esther left the kitchen and stood at the register, taking the customers orders. She was annoyed that she couldn't bake anymore since the incident yesterday, but it was a interesting day yesterday so something bad was bound to happen.
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"Excuse me, miss," Esther looked up from the newspaper and at the customer, her eyes widening

'The crazy blue eye man, Israel.'

"Yes, what can I help you with sir?" Esther asked, standing up

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry, Esther. I didn't mean to act arrogant, I was just surprised," Israel said, an apologetic look on his face

"I understand that you were surprised, but that doesn't give you the right to act like a arrogant bastard. Now, are you going to order?" Esther asked, tilting her head

"If I buy more than $20 worth of your pastries, will you allow me to explain myself?" Israel asked

"It depends if you can stay true to your word and I get to pick the place," Esther stated

"I'm fine with that. I just want to explain myself," Israel agreed

'Shit! I'm screwed.'

"Pick whatever you want, but it has to be $20 or more," Esther resaid his words

"I want two of everything," Israel said, smiling at Esther

"O-oh okay," Esther got right to it, grabbing each pastry and placing it into separate bags

It took a while, but she got it all done. She pushed the bags forward to him, "Well, you certainly overdid yourself, but your still missing $3,"

"Here," Israel placed two drinks on the counter

"Well, you're smart," Esther added the drinks, "Its $21.40,"

Israel handed her the exact change and grabbed the receipt once Esther handed it to him, but he brushed his fingers against her skin.

"When is your break? Or when do you get off?" Israel asked

"My break is only 30 minutes and I get off at 7pm," Esther told him

"Is there any way for you to have a longer break or to get off early?" Israel asked, looking impatient

"Well, I have to ask my dad, but I'll see what I can do," Esther smiled and nodded, wanting him to leave

"I'll wait," He step off to the side

'Gosh, this man doesn't take a hint. Well, you did bring this upon yourself, Esther.' Esther let out a sigh and finished attending to the customer before going to the kitchen to ask her dad about having a longer break.

"Dad, can I have a longer lunch break?" Esther asked, her hands behind her back

"Why?" Nathaniel asked

"I'm meeting up with an acq- friend, who I haven't seen in a while and they only have time when I'm having my break," Esther lied

"Do I know this friend?" Nathaniel stopped what he doing and looked at Esther

"Of course. Its Anastasios and Lukas,"

"They're back?" Nathaniel said, shocked

"Yup, so can I go?" Esther leaned back and forward on her heels

"Yes, but be back before 2pm,"

"I will, dad. Love you," Esther went over to Nathaniel and kissed his cheek

"Love you too, Esther," Nathaniel chuckled

Esther walked to the door and let out a breath before walking out. She walked over to Israel, who was still standing.

"Israel," Esther said, standing in front of him

He looked at her and smiled, but Esther could see the impatience written all over his face, "So, what's the news?"

"I'm able to have a longer break, so I'm hoping you can wait a few more minutes until my break starts so a staff member can take my spot," Esther said

"Of course, I can. I'll be here waiting," Israel nodded, smiling

"Thank you," Esther walked back to the register, ultimately frowning

'Why did I bring this upon myself?'