Chapter 16

Oh man, I felt so sore from all the training Baby had been putting us through. I was sure Micah and Beck were also aching. It was making my whole body stiff. I got out of bed and was ready to head out to school slowly for our last day of school before spring break.

Coming down the stairs and rounding the corner, I could see my mother on the couch, tumbling with some paperwork. I yelled back to her, grabbed my backpack, and started to walk out the door.

Hey, Mom, I'm heading to school now. I'll talk to you later. Love you, I said back as I looked at her exiting out the door. Just as I started to shut the door, I noticed that she was crying. I paused and walked back inside, shutting the door behind me. I know my mother, and I don't get along much, but I have never remembered her crying.

What's going on? Why are you crying? I asked her.

These bills are stacking up. I took out a loan. I already had to do some extra overtime since your brother left, and we are about to get evicted.

Why don't I go find a part-time job somewhere since this is the last day of school before spring break? I could help you with the bills for at least now.

I couldn't possibly allow you to do that. You are the child, and I am the parent. It's my responsibility alone to come up with something.

I completely understand that, but it's also my responsibility to keep this house going alongside you as your family. If there's any way I can help and contribute, I will. On top of that, if we lose our home, it hurts both of us. A little work on the side won't hurt me any. It'll help build character, and since it'll be part-time, I'll be able to continue with schoolwork when school's back in.

As I headed off to school, I was not quite sure where I was going to find a job. Once the day was over, I figured I'd walk around downtown, where all the stores, restaurants, and shops were, and see if anybody was hiring.

When I got to school, the girls could tell something was up and started asking me. I guess some of the training paid off because we've gotten a lot closer in our relationships.

Unfortunately, my mother's been struggling to pay some of the bills after my brother left, and I'm going to find a job after school to see if I can help her get out of debt and back up to float.

Beck said we could accompany you in your search, and it could be a good team-building exercise.

"I know of a couple of places that are hiring," Micah chimed in. One of them happens to be where I work.

Hold on, you have a job, but I didn't know that.

Yes, I work at a little maid Cafe that my family owns called Tenshi-tachi.

Oh, that's cute. Your Cafe's name is Angel. How come you guys are used to a Japanese name?

I have a family that is of Japanese descent.

Okay, then, that is the plan. We'll head over to the cafe after school, put in our applications, and go from there.

When we got there, we could already tell that the place was popular; it was completely packed. I had a little bit of social anxiety and was nervous to take on my first official job. We went and filled out our applications, and they had us start today because they were already understaffed.

Becky was more than excited to start. Micah, I was just relieved that we were there to help her. We each were given our tasks of waiting on the customers.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Micah knew the menu better, so she took the orders. I was good at balancing things, whereas Beck was quite a klutz, so I helped with bringing out the drinks and some of the food. Beck helped check out the customers by ringing them up or bringing them their receipts after their meals.

I thought we worked pretty well together and made a decent team now. We made quite a few tips within the day because there were a couple of birthdays. Also, the people there were very sweet and kind. They understood that it was our first day and were quite patient with us. We made decent tips on top of our regular full-shift pay.

Kaysi, before you head home, I wanted to talk with you in my uncle's office.

Okay, what is this about? Did I do something wrong? I was trying to be very careful and not mess anything up.

No, that's not the situation at all; you did very well on your first day. Most of us don't expect you to get everything down since we're new. And even over time, the people are kind enough here. They still work with you if you have a problem. I've been here for a long time and still make mistakes. No one is perfect.

I wanted to talk to you about something I told my Uncle about you and your mother having a hard time. He said that if you keep coming every day, he will give you a permanent position as well as Beck.

Thank you, but I don't know how I will manage after spring break is over and school starts again.

It's not hard. As you can see, I go to school and maintain a short part-time schedule here at the cafe. I can help you budget and manage your time, as well as help you with some of your homework if you have any issues.

I highly appreciate that right now. I really do with my mom's debt and everything.

Oh, and that's the other thing. In addition to your tips, my uncle wanted to give you a small bonus to help your family out.

There is no way I couldn't possibly take extra pay without working for it.

Don't think of it that way. Uncle gives bonuses, usually around the holidays. Our business did quite well with the couple of birthday parties that we hosted here today. He said that if your family is struggling, your focus won't be on work; it'll be on you worrying about your family. He wants you to be at the top of your game every day you come to work here.

Oh wow, I can't believe this. It almost makes me want to cry. This is such a large amount, even for the couple of groups that we had.

Yes, well, I threw in my paycheck, and so did Beck. What? No way, you can't do that.

No, just like my uncle said, we want you to be able to perform to the best of your abilities without having to worry so much. Plus, we wouldn't be able to work together if you moved. It makes things a lot more difficult, and we just barely started training together.

I guess you're right that I owe you guys one. I'm not quite sure what else I can say.

I know we just starting genuinely getting to know each other. I want you to take it also as a thank you for the time that you saved our butts, Becks, and mine.

I cannot thank you enough for all that you guys are doing for me I am very much appreciative that this saves us a great deal.

You're welcome. Now that it's time to close, we need to wrap things up and do some of the chores we do after the store is closed.

Since it's late at night, I will help you so we can get out sooner. We'll just tackle the rest of the work together. The last thing on the chore list is to take out the trash to the back alley.

As we finished and got all our last chores done for the night. We headed out and left with the trash in our hands through the back alley, locking the previous door.

As we neared the trash can, I felt an eerie sense coming over me. It was dark in the alleyway, so maybe it was just superstition. I still decided to keep on my guard for whatever had made me feel off.

Ummm? Kaysi, Beck, do you see this here?

No, I don't see anything, do you, Beck? No, nothing at all. What are you seeing?

I know it's not my eyes playing tricks on me. There's a little girl standing right there at the end of the alleyway.

What, are you serious? We all have Seer powers so we would be able to see whatever you're seeing.

Does it have something to do with the demon that dwells inside you? Maybe it's trying to play tricks with you.

No, I'm not crazy, Beck. There's a little white-haired girl at the end of the alleyway.

Okay, so what do you think we should do, Beck questioned.

I don't know; assuming she's a ghost or something, should we try to approach her?

I'm telling you, Micah, there's no one there—not a soul in sight. This Alleyway is not very big, so it's not like we wouldn't be able to see whatever you're seeing.

Could this have something to do with the eerie feeling, or was Micah's mind messing with her?

Okay, haha, whatever you guys are messing with me is trying to make me feel like I'm crazy. Let's just go ahead and head home; it has been a long day. If she's there tomorrow, then maybe we'll figure out most of what to do. Or maybe we can ask Baby about this situation.

Yeah, maybe she'll have a solution if you can see the ghost and we're not. Assuming I understand that is what you're saying.