Sugar

Lucy Reid

Lucia’s PoV

“Lucia, it’s 6 in the morning. You have to wake up if you don’t want to be late to work.” I heard my mother knocking on my door as I got myself up from the bed. Luckily I managed to finish my assignment last night before going to bed.

After getting ready, I went out of my room and to the kitchen to have my breakfast. As soon as I took my usual seat, my brother cleared his throat and said,

“Lucy, will you help dad pay off the debt?” I shrugged my shoulder. Even though I don’t have to pay for my university fee, I need to pay for food and books.

“We don’t even know that grandpa borrowed money from loan sharks. Dad’s name isn’t even on the will. Why should we take care of the debt? Uncle Jimmy should be the one to pay it off since he got most of the wealth instead of our father.” My brother leaned back in his seat when our father walked into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry that my father places a burden on our family. I promise I will do my best to pay it all off.” We all know that our father couldn’t afford to pay the debt and provide for the family. His salary as a teacher is not enough for any extra expenses.

“Can you even afford it, dad? I don’t think you do. You can’t even pay for my school trip to the mountains.” Our savage little sister walked in and smiled at us. She shouldn’t say such things to our father, but it’s the truth.

“You should have said something to uncle about the debt. We can’t afford to pay it off! He should be the one to do it since he has a good job. How are we supposed to survive without any money? Those gangsters will surely come to see us if we don’t make any types of payment.” My father kept his head low. He knows he f****d his own family up.

“But I couldn’t say no to your uncle. He had a point when he said he and grandpa had helped our family many times before. It’s-“ my brother raised his hand.

“That doesn’t mean you should put yourself in such a situation. Look at yourself, dad- you can't even sleep because of this mess! And no, I won’t let mom search for a job. Lucy and I will think of something.” What? We didn’t agree to this.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” My brother asked. I shake my head no before eating my breakfast. As I was getting ready to work, my mother suddenly pulled my brother and me to the side.

“What’s wrong, mom?” My brother asked.

“On behalf of your father, we would like to apologize for putting you in such a situation. We feel guilty, and we know we should do better than this.” My brother sighed.

“Mom- you shouldn’t apologize for anything. It’s our duty to help our parents. So please stop saying you’re sorry. I should go now. I don’t want to be caught by the traffic. Lucy, do you want me to send you to the cafe?” I nodded.

“Never apologize for telling your children to help you. Love you, mom.” I kiss my mother on the cheek before following my brother towards his car.

“Please wear your seatbelt.” Why does my brother always remind me to use my seatbelt? Does he need to say it every single time?

“James, I’m not a little child anymore. And I always wear my seatbelt.” My brother chuckled as he drove me to work.

“You may be an adult now, but you’re always going to be my little sister, Lucy. I’m sorry, but it will take you quite some time to get rid of me.” My brother may look like someone who doesn’t care about anything, but deep down, he does. He’s quite a gentleman, and as his singer, I could always rely on him.

“Do I have to pick you up after your shift today?”

“Will it be alright for you to pick me up? You must be tired from work.” James waved his hand.

“What’s so tiring picking you up from work? I’ll be picking you up tonight. Call me once you’re done.” I smiled at my brother.

“Are you worried that guy who followed me home from work tried to see me again?” James shrugged his shoulder.

“Do I need a reason to pick my sister up from work? Besides, that’s also one of the reasons why I should be wary of your safety. You’re my sister, and it’s my duty to take care of you.” I- I wanted to cry, knowing how much my brother cared.

“Please don’t start crying. We’re near the cafe now. What if others thought you fought with your brother? Ladies would turn their back from me.” My brother teased.

“I think the ladies decided to stay away from you because you never smile nor show that you’re harmless. I mean- you were born with that face. You’re handsome, don’t get me wrong but try to smile. I’m sure you’ll get someone you like soon.” James scoffed.

“I’m proud to have this kind of expression. That way, I could find the one.” Yea, right. My brother stopped in front of the cafe, and after exchanging goodbyes, I got out of the car and waved at my brother as he drove away.

“You’re early. Good morning.” I smiled at my manager, who had just come.

“I thought I could do some of my chores before the cafe opens.” My manager crouched as he opened the door.

“Good. You’ll be going places if this kind of attitude continues.” Is that a compliment from my uptight boss? Wow. It’s going to be a good day.

LATER THAT DAY,

“One cold brew, two pieces of scones, and one doughnut. That would be nine dollars.” I smiled at the customer before thanking him for his patronage. I sighed before looking at my friend working by the drink counter.

“Is everything alright, Lucy?” My colleague asked. I nodded with a smile.

“I’m alright. What a hectic morning, huh?” My colleague chuckled.

“What do you expect? After what happened, I’m surprised that there are even any customers today. I can say that I saw it all since I’ve been working in this line of work for quite some time now.” I chuckled. I don’t understand what my colleague is trying to say.

“Is it just me, or do today's customers seem more polite than usual? Is it because I yelled at the customer yesterday? I told him not to cut off the line, though. Did I go viral?” My friend laughed.

“You didn’t know that you went viral on social media last night? Service workers like us would understand the reason why you yelled at the man, but as for the people of the internet, they aren’t as open, We thought. There are still people who defended that rude man even though he was the one who started it all.” Of course. I’m not even surprised at this point.

“Luckily, the manager didn’t fire me. If not, it would be hard for me to find another job.” My colleague chuckled.

“The manager had his fair share of experience dealing with customers like that. He is probably rooting for you without showing any sign too. I know him too well. He wouldn’t fire someone just because his workers fight for their honor.” I smiled, knowing I had the best boss and colleague anyone could wish for.

“I can say that you show that man how to respect others. It’s not his first time being rude to service workers like us. There were times when he would yell at the manager too. But for some unknown reason, he kept coming. The coffee we made must match his taste.” I chuckled before continuing to take another customer's order.

As the days went by, I noticed many things while watching the customers come and go. I guess everyone has their own life they are living in. Some may look like they have achieved what they worked hard on, and some look worn out, struggling to continue their path towards their goal.

That includes me.

It wouldn’t be a lie if I had the dream I wished to achieve. But with the current situation I’m facing within my family, it seems a little hard for me to focus on just that yet. Even though I managed to get myself into the best university in the country, there’s no way I would study with peace of mind with the debt that was placed on my family after the death of my grandfather.

“Lucy? It’s lunchtime. We should eat while we can. The manager can handle the counter while we rest.” I smiled at my colleague and followed her to the back.

"So, how is campus life? I'm sure it's exciting since it was when I was a student. Did you make some friends yet?" I shake my head no.

"It's hard for someone like me to make friends with people who had been swimming with money since they were born. But someone did talk to me when I first arrived. I was surprised because someone like her even talked to me." My colleague chuckled.

"Maybe that person is genuinely friendly and wants to make sure that you're not uncomfortable. Why not try to be friends with her? " I shake my head no.

"That would be too much of me to do. What if that person thinks I'm a freak?" My colleague shakes her head no.

"Why would you think of yourself like that? It would be best if you didn't think like that. Be positive and have confidence in yourself. I'm sure that person will also see the charm that you have." This woman knows how to cheer me on. I'm grateful that I have someone who put her trust in me.

"I've been meaning to ask this, Lucy. You look like you're in trouble when you return to work after attending your grandfather's funeral. Did something happen?" As expected, my colleague has such sharp senses.

“Before my grandfather's death, my family had no idea that my grandfather placed my father’s name as the one who continued to pay for his debt after he was gone. I’m worried that it might take a toll on my father’s health. Even my mother decided to search for some part-time job to help my father pay the debt.“ my colleague seems to share my worries. Perhaps she shares the same situation as I am.

“Your grandfather borrowed money from loan sharks?” I nodded my head.

“That’s why I’m worried. What if those gangsters decided to come to my house and threaten my parents? What if my sister were alone at the time? I don’t feel safe knowing that my life may be on a line.” I sighed.

“What about asking for help from the police?” The police?

“What can they do? What if my father got into trouble? How can I help my parents?” My colleague showed her sympathy. It’s nice to have someone to share my problem with.

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t help you much. The only thing I can do for you is here and listen to your troubles.” I smiled.

“You’re here- that’s enough for me. Anyway, we should eat before our shift starts. I’m sure the manager has difficulty dealing with the customer.” My colleague chuckled while we shared our lunch.

“Did you cook your lunch?” I shake my head no.

“My mother. Why? Is it delicious?” My colleague nodded her head.

“It’s been a while since I tasted home cook meals. It brings out such old memories of mine when I was a teenager living with my parents. It’s melancholic.” My colleague hasn’t seen her family since they live far away. I hope everything goes well for her.

LATER THAT NIGHT,

I was about to close up the shop when I saw someone familiar standing by the glass, waving her hands. Of course, I was surprised and invited her in since it was weird for her to come and see me at work.

“Nicole? What are you doing here?” Nicole took a seat on a chair before explaining her reason for coming to my workplace.

“In other words, you’re trying to runway from meeting your parents and decided to risk your life by coming to my workplace? Don’t do that. It would be best if you had driven here. What if something bad happened? You never even booked a car service before.” I can’t believe I’m nagging the only person who talks to me at the university.

But I am so mad that she decided to come here without caring about the world.

“Is it alright for me to sleep at your home tonight? Just for tonight. I promise.” It’s not like I have your choice, am I?

“Sure. But you have to wait until I’m finished closing the cafe.” Nicole nodded her head before asking me if I needed help. I asked her to stay put and not touch anything since I know how clumsy she is.

“Don’t touch anything- I mean it.” Nicole smiled as I went to the back and continued to clean the counter and drink station. Not long after, my colleague walks out of the kitchen, and we’re shocked to see Nicole.

“Did we accidentally lock a customer inside?” I chuckled before shaking my head no.

“She’s the friend that I mentioned before. She does look like a lost puppy sometimes, but she’s a nice person.” Nicole waved at my colleague before looking at her phone once again.

“She looks like those girls from gossip girls. Are you sure she is not playing you?” Hmmm- I asked myself that question every day.

After closing the cafe, I text my brother before going to the back and getting my things.

“Are we gonna walk home?”

“My brother will pick us up. I had already told my mom that I’d be bringing a friend home. Everyone seems happy that I finally have a friend.” Nicole laughed.

“I can feel that your family is different than mine. I’m excited! This is my first time sleeping over at someone else’s house.” I’m glad, but- what if Nicole finds it-

“Oh- is that your brother?” I nodded before telling the manager and my colleague I was off.

“You must be Nicole. I’m James, Lucy’s brother.” Oh dear- Nicole seems surprised by James’s introduction.

“Nice to meet you.” Eh- I don’t like this vibe. Why is Nicole acting this way? Don’t tell me she likes my brother. That would be weird.

“Are you girls hungry?” I turned to Nicole.

“Have you eaten tonight?” Nicole shook her head no.

“We’re hungry.” James hummed as he turned on the ignition.

“Nicole, are you up for something delicious?” Nicole nodded her head.

“Great! Let’s go.” What the- did Nicole just blush at my brother?!