Chapter 3 – A good day

As silently as she could, so as not to bother his rest, Ciara cleaned up the kitchen. Afterwards, she figured out how to go about her laundry. When she was done, she sat on the couch. There were a couple of pillows on it. She inhaled deeply, savoring her good situation. She grinned as she positioned the pillows on both ends. She has a place to sleep, and oh, it was comfortable. She looked forward to a really good night sleep. She turned to look at Renzo. The man was sleeping on his side and she took the time to stare at him. It won’t be an understatement to say he was her hero. She previously did an essay about hero worship for a class homework. She could understand the concept better now.

She went near the door to turn off the light and made her way back to the couch. There was a lamp near his bed, but she didn’t think it would be appropriate to turn it on. Maybe he doesn’t want it. She laid on her back and stared at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep, but it wouldn’t come. Why?

She groaned as she sat up. She should be able to sleep now, right? Comfortably. No fear that bad things could happen. She could lower her guard a bit. She exhaled as she mulled things over. In a while, she found herself crying again. Alright, this would be the last time, she told herself. She silently cried, releasing all her resentments in the last few years, especially in the last few months. Maybe it was because her situation was better now, she could finally feel bad about her previous situation. It was truly hard. She merely persisted. She didn’t know how much longer she could have endured. Maybe a few more days? But she didn’t need to. Not now. She’s okay now. She comforted herself with that knowledge, slowly pulling herself together. She had to try her best tomorrow. She strongly felt that tomorrow will be a very good day.

Renzo opened his eyes as he heard a low noise. He frowned as he listened. It took him a while to figure out it was Ciara. The girl was crying. He admired her resolute character. She was crying so silently, barely making any sound. He closed his eyes again, not wanting to bother her, or embarrass her. It took a while before he heard her sniff as she stopped crying. She exhaled deeply a couple of times as well. As silently as she could, she blew her nose on a handkerchief she hastily took from her new drawer. Renzo almost smiled at her actions. She was considerate. It would seem she has a good personality. Otherwise, he might be forced to throw her out as well. He froze with that thought and frowned. Would he do that? It would be much kinder to teach her and correct her behavior than to throw her out. He took a deep breath of his own. Well, it didn’t seem like he’ll have a problem with her.

The next morning, Renzo woke up first. He boiled a few eggs. He would have to buy something later. As he prepared to go out, he decided to wake her up. She must have exhausted herself the last few days, it was understandable that it’s her first night to get proper rest. She looked peaceful as he tapped her arm.

“Hmm?” She started as she opened her eyes and surveyed the room. Right, new place. She sat up when she saw Renzo standing on the other side of the couch.

“Yes?” Horrified, she realized she must have slept in. He was already dressed and prepared to go out. She only realized now how attractive he looked. Maybe it was the hero worship working on her.

“I’ll be leaving first.” He stated as he took out his wallet. He pulled two twenties.

“Use this when you go out.” He offered them to her and Ciara stared.

She shook her head, “Oh, no. I still have a few bills. I can manage.” She really couldn’t accept any more kindness from this man. She smiled at him.

Renzo hesitated for a bit, before he insisted.

“Well, take it. Just in case.”

Ciara felt like it would be really rude to reject him, though.

“Thank you. I’ll use it only if needed.” She decided she will leave the bills in her drawer. She was not going to use the money.

“Deal.” Renzo smiled at her reply. He nodded before walking away. Ciara watched as he exited the door.

She immediately made her bed, well, couch. She checked the kitchen and found the boiled eggs. She hesitated for a minute before grabbing coffee and a pack of biscuits. She should make herself presentable today. She wore her best clothes after another shower.

She was not shy when it comes to applying for odd jobs. She picked up her IDs and coin purse before going out. She slipped the key into her necklace. It felt a little heavy on her neck, but she liked it. She hid it under her blouse.

Before the morning ended, she was hired as a part-time waitress at a small restaurant. Minimum wage. They do like to hire students because of lower rates. She could live with it, though. When she asked if she could start that day, the owner looked surprised but he humored her. It was only six hours a day, anyway. Four days a week. And he could also assess her skills. Ciara was thrilled. For the rest of the morning, she watched how business is done from a corner. She was introduced to the others and she greeted them politely. She did look better today. She had a bright smile on her face and it was contagious.

After working for a few hours in the afternoon, the owner and the others did like her. She’s very amicable with the customers and got good tips, too. Sometimes, she herself would wonder why she couldn’t act the same way with her classmates at school.

“Well, here you are. Pay will be weekly starting from tomorrow’s work.”

“Thank you very much.” Ciara accepted the envelope with glee. Maybe she could buy something today for the house.

She went to a grocery store after work. It’s nearly seven. She wondered what time Renzo normally comes home. She figured yesterday was a one-time thing. He did say he’s normally out. She picked out food items. Some detergent and soap. A new toothbrush. Basic toiletries. For some reason, she also grabbed a small glass bowl.

What can she cook for dinner? She picked out a small package of fish meat and some vegetables. Seasonings. Maybe stew. She grabbed some bread, too. Including the tips, she was able to afford her purchases. Some change. It was a really good day.