CHAPTER 15
I took a deep breath and started telling mom, dad and Jake about my idea, “I want to give all my salary to her, so she could have a little more money to help her brother. I know that will not suffice, but it’ll atleast help.” After finishing I looked around for acceptance from everyone but I was greeted by blank and expressionless faces just like Kristen Stewart. Suddenly all three of them had the biggest, broadest and the brightest smile spread across their faces. It was so relieving.
“We are so happy Ash, you have really grown up. We are so proud of you, love.” Mom said, tears welling in her eyes.
Wait a minute, was that a comment or compliment. But either ways, I am glad that they are supporting me and are happy because of me.
“Honey you can ask for any help from us too. We’ll be happy to help.” Dad said.
“Dad I want to help on my own but I know I can always count on you, right?”
“Of course darling!” he replied.
“Also I was thinking that maybe I could visit her brother once in a few days and help her in any way I could.”
“Of course dear, you can visit her anytime you want.” Mom assured.
“And I would love to drive you there anytime you want.” Jake said, excitedly. “It’s just wonderful whatever you are doing for Emma. You are truly a great friend. I too am really proud of you. Anytime you could come up to me for any help you want. I will always be there.”
“I know you will be.” I whispered. My eyes burning into his. We stared at each other for a minute and the charm was gone when my dad pretended to cough. Dad will be dad. I don’t understand how can he possibly walk me to the aisle, he’ll breakdown halfway.
“Thank you all so much for your support. It really means a lot to me.” I said, overwhelmed.
The next day I went to the restaurant full of zeal and enthusiasm. Jake was beside me, he wanted to meet Emma. He has such a good soul. I doubt he is Becky’s brother. Both of them are just opposites and just for record Beck didn’t apologized to me. This time, I am not going to give in. I won’t be the one to say sorry. It was her fault; she was so rude and harsh. I really had a shitty day and she could not have made it more worse. She was shouting and Jake came to know. Okay, it was my fault too but I did said sorry and was polite the whole time even though she went crazy. I took a deep breath and told myself to stop thinking about her. We entered the kitchen and Emma was already there, before time as always.
“Hey Em!” I greeted her excitedly and wrapped my arms around her.
“Hey Ash!” she replied, freeing herself from my strong embrace.
“Hi! I am Jake.” Jake said bringing his hand forward for a hand shake. “Well I am as excited as she is but showing it that way would be really inappropriate.” He winked and both of them laughed. Emma saw Jake‘s hand still in position and hurriedly shook it.
“Sorry!” She said.
“No problems at all!” he replied. I think it is his favorite sentence.
“Now, if you both have finished your little meeting, then can I speak something please?” I said making quote marks with my fingers.
“Just jealous!” Jake murmured to Emma and I hit him hard on his shoulder. But from inside I am happy that he was able to make Emma smile and laugh.
“So as I was saying, Emma, you and I have become really close in the past few weeks. You are my best friend now. I knew no one when I started working here, you helped me settle here and you made me feel so comfortable. Now it is my turn to help you. I felt really bad for your brother and I want to help you out. I have decided that from now on, all the money I earn will be yours. All of it.” I finished, feeling so lightened. It really feels good to help others.
“No please, I cannot accept it, it is your money. Besides I will feel really guilty taking money from you.” She said. Suddenly her expressions changed. She is a girl with lot of self-respect and I’m not trying to make her look inferior, I just wanna help, that’s it.
“You are right it is my money, and I am allowed to do whatever I want with it and I want to give it to you.” I replied, confidently.
“But…. I….” Emma was completely tongue- tied at that moment.
“Come on Emma, she really wants to help and not out of pity she genuinely means it. So you don’t have to feel guilty at all. Friends always help each other. Don’t they?” Jake said taking my side.
“You are right Jake but….” She started but I cut her in between.
“No Buts you are taking the money and that to with full right, I am not doing any favor to you, you will pay me back by being my best friend forever and by always being there for me when I need you.” I joked, to lighten up the atmosphere.
“Ash, thank you so much, you are truly the best friend in the whole wide universe. I love you.” She said and hugged me tightly. I am so happy everything is working out except Becky. Just thinking about the last night, I feel thick in my throat and angry as well.
“I think we should get back to work before Justin kills us.” Jake reminded us of that beast.
“Yes. But before that, Emma we also wanted to say that we would like to visit your brother every now and then and help you take care of him.” I said. She didn’t say anything but smiled and happy tears ran down her cheeks. I know she is really happy and she deserves it. Emma is the most strong and independent girl I have ever met. She has all her focus on her brother’s health. That is so sweet. I am sure Emmet must be really proud of her and her parents too, wherever they are. I am so happy I met Emma and got to know her. She is a brilliant person and very caring. I really love her.
“Well gals I gotta go, duty calls.” Jake said and waved us goodbye to join his band.
“Bye Jake and thank you so much.” Emma said.
“You are more than welcome!” he said politely and left, hands in pocket as usual. We both wore our aprons and took our little notebooks and went outside. There are only a couple of customers today, the place is almost deserted. Well finally we’ll get some rest. Those customers are already being served so Emma and I are just standing. I am staring at Jake and Emma is staring at me and smiling foolishly.
“What?” I asked.
“You both really look great together; I do not understand why haven’t you asked him out yet?”
“I don’t know I just like it this way you know. The way he cares for me, the way he smiles at me, winks at me. I like every bit of it. I don’t feel alone in his presence even though we are standing so far.”
“Now, that is cute. I think you are right. Hurrying always results in trouble. Just one advice the relation you have now, is very special don’t ever ruin it. Think of taking it up a notch. Not do something and finish such a beautiful thing.”
“You are absolutely right. That is why I need you, so that I don’t end up doing something really stupid. Thanks Em.”
“Anytime, sweetheart.”
After some time groups of friends started flooding the place and Emma and I had to get back to our jobs. Today I was not flashing a fake smile to the customers, I was genuinely happy and the smile came from within. Maybe that is called joy of giving. I really like its feel. I don’t know how I will feel when I meet Emmet. I am just so excited. But somewhere at the back of my mind I know I have lost Becky. This cannot be happening; we were inseparable and know it is like I don’t even know her. She has turned into a whole new person, whom I don’t like. She is mean, rude and insensitive. I think it is time to let go of her. In the journey of life we make new friends and eventually have to get over our old friends. But it is too hard, keeping in mind that she is Jake’s sister too besides being my soulsister. But why am I worrying when she is not even bothered to call and say sorry or try to patch up. Yesterday’s sadness has turned into anger. Okay, Ash now forget about her and concentrate on the good part that is happening in your life. My thoughts were interrupted by a customer.
“Excuse me miss!” said a man in a heavy voice. The man was wearing a brown suit and was looking absolutely per
fect. Not a sigh of lint on his suit. He had little stubble which made him look really gorgeous. Focus Ash, he is the age of your father.
“How may I help you sir?” I replied in an impressive waitress tone. I don’t know somehow I think I know him.
“A bottle of white wine please.” He replied.
“Sure sir. Anything else sir?”
“That’ll be all. Thank you!” he said and looked at his watch. Maybe he is waiting for someone anxiously. I went to the bar and placed the order to Rick, he is responsible for alcoholics. He handed me a very expensive looking bottle of white wine. Oh My God! I am scared even to touch it. It seemed so delicate and expensive. How the hell will I carry this all the way to the man’s table? Although I really liked the bottle, maybe I would try it. Somehow I took the tray from Rick and steadied my hand. I walk slowly towards the table and as I near it, I am frozen to my spot. I can’t walk. What the hell?!? I slowly face Jake and he is also staring at the table and not in a good way.