Chapter 2

Chapter 2
“Why you not up yet, Auntie M,” exclaimed the toddler who presently had decided my face was a trampoline.
I rolled over and was greeted by another face.  Both of my intruders had bouncy blonde curls and piercing blue eyes that seemed to make them immune to punishment.  
“Mel, you promised, we would go today.  And it’s today,” pleaded my four year old niece, Jadyn, apparently not concerned with the fact that stores don’t even bother opening this early.
“Let go, go, go, go,” voiced up Emmy who felt left out of the conversation.  
I should really learn to lock the door.  
“Okay girls, give me one more hour of sleep and then we will go.”
This had no effect on them at all.
“But, momma already made you coffee to get rid of your grumpy,” Jadyn said knowing this would be enough to get me to roll out of bed.  She already knows my weakness.  With a groan of surrender, I rolled out of bed hoping my feet would support the rest of me.  
“Okay girls, shoo, so Auntie M can get dressed.”
“Are you sure you are not going to crawl back into bed when we leave?” inquired Jadyn
“Why ever would I do that Jadyn?”
“Because that’s what I do when Momma wakes me up and I don’t want to get up.”
“Smart girl but I promise to be down and ready for that cup of coffee in five minutes.”
“Okay, c’mon Emmy, lets go pick out a cup for Mel.”
This new game was apparently enticing enough to ensnare the toddler.  Emmy took off running after her older sister.  What a way to start the day.  I kind of expected the wake-up call.  Jadyn and I have started the tradition of going to Barnes and Noble every Monday morning.  Jadyn has not quite figured out that just because she is awake in the morning, does not mean the store will be.  But again, how do you say no to two of the most adorable nieces ever.  Russell says I spoil them; he is probably right but I have not decided to care about that yet.  
    I quickly grabbed a pair of jeans, a comfortable shirt, and slipped into my Toms.  I was ready to go.  Grabbing my bag, as I walked out the door, I rushed downstairs before my nieces became impatient.  Walking through the door to the big house, I was greeted by the expectant faces of two small girls.  
“Look, we picked out your cup.  Isn’t it pretty?”
“It is very pretty Jadyn.  Do you know what would make it even better,” I asked.
“Uhh...I don’t know,” said the perplexed four year old.
“It will be better when it is filled with coffee.”
“Mel, you silly.  You drink too much coffee.  Momma says so.”
“Is that so Ash,” I asked across the kitchen.
“When I told her that, my name was right along with yours,” Ash defended herself.
“I feel like I am being judged by a 4 year old for my caffeine intake.”
“Welcome to my life,” Ash replied.
“Can we go yet,” announced Jadyn, impatiently waiting.
“Go, go, go, go,” shouted Emmy.  
“Okay, Okay, give me a sec. Hot liquids are not meant to be guzzled.”
“What does guzzled mean?” inquired Jadyn.
“It means to drink too quickly which would burn my tongue.  You don’t want me to burn my tongue, do you?”
“Well, I guess not cause that would make you grumpy again.”
“Good choice.  Now go help Emmy find her shoes so we will be ready to leave when I finish this.”
“Okay,” Jadyn reluctantly said as she headed off to help her sister.
“I am sorry they woke you up.  I held them off as long as I could,” Ash commented with a grin.
“Oh, I am sure you put forth a valiant effort at containing them.”
“I blame you. You talked about it all last night and how much fun they were going to have.  They jumped in my bed first.”
“Sorry bout that, I should be more careful.  I forgot what its like to be a kid, worry-free, waiting in hopeful expectation for one thing.”
“Ahh, those were the days.  When do we lose that?”
“About the same time we start paying bills and losing our jobs.”
“It will get better for you.  And if not we will let you stay here until you are too old to move.”
“That’s comforting.”
    I could see it now.  Eighty-five years old and still living in my brothers upstairs apartment.  Only by then , There would have to be an escalator in place of the stairs to help haul my old fragile bag of bones up the steps.  I would have 80 cats and give into the life of being a Walmart greeter.  I would be the weird old lady to all the kids in the neighborhood.  And when I finally died, after living my old decrepit life, they would make up haunting tales about me and my cats. Oh goody.
“Aunt Mel, aren’t you ready yet,” Jadyn asked bringing me back to reality.
“Yes, let’s go.  C’mon Emmy.”
“Yay, We go, we go, We go,” screamed Emmy not able to contain her excitement.  
    I headed out the door, with my two nieces in tow.  Ash had already put the car seats into the back seat of my car to save me the trouble, and because she knows I am apparently inept at getting a car seat securely into a car. I can add that to my “things I suck at list.”  It seemed to be getting longer and longer these days.  Soon it would be a small book.  
    “Okay, Jadyn, get in your seat.  Emmy, you too.”
    The two girls climbed into their respected seats and waited for me to buckle them up.  Done.  Time to head out.  Going into town with my nieces had its ups and downs.  I always enjoyed spending time with them but I always had to clarify that they were not my children.
You can always tell when the question was coming.  It starts with a glance to verify you are there with children.  Once they assess you are not a creep-o in the children’s section of Barnes and Noble without a child, they feel free to slowly edge toward you because the presence of children put you on even ground.  They slyly observe your postures and actions to determine what kind of parent you are.  They realize you seem to be completely sane and are good with your kids so they feel free to start a conversation with you.   And this is where the fun begins.
“Excuse me, but your kids are just so precious,” says the random stranger who is starving for adult interaction that does not involve finger painting and potty training.  
    This is where I have the choice to make one of two decisions.
Choice # 1 - I can pretend that the children I am with are indeed mine which will lead to a conversation of popular parenting techniques.  She will finally be able to get the adult conversation she craves and I can walk away knowing I have just made this random woman’s day.  She will go home and tell her husband about our wonderful, delightful conversation and he will pretend to be interested for her sake.  
or
Choice # 2 - I will begin the endless confusing story of how these are not my children and how they are my nieces.  This will lead to the are you married conversation which I secretly loathe, followed by the rebuttal of how she met her husband and how things will eventually work out for me.   

    Oddly enough, I normally choose Choice # 1.  Today though, God apparently showed mercy on me and allowed my nieces and I to explore the children’s section alone today.  The girls were given an hour and a half to sucker me into buying 2 books for each of them.  Jadyn always insists on going up on stage and reading at least one book.  I don’t mind doing this but send a prayer up in advance in order to ward of curious observers.  I find it is easier to let loose inhibitions without bystanders witnessing.  So after a grand play of intense emotions with sound effects galore, we left the store leaving $22.50 behind.  A relatively low price to pay for a day of fun.  
    On the way home, Jadyn decided to interrupt my inner peace with a couple questions.  I was driving down the road, when I hear my niece from the back seat.
“Bethany, do you not have a husband yet?” inquired the small child.
“No, Jadyn, I don’t have a husband yet.”
This puzzled her and gave her a slightly concerned expression.  Oh great, even the five year old was concerned about my lack of a love life.
“So you are just all alone all the time.  You just go home to nothing,” said the exasperated five year old.   
    Just figures, as soon as you feel like you are in the clear, some inquisitive mind comes around and questions your existence and your determined way of life.  Oh what joy.  So before I realize, I do not actually have to say anything to my niece, I start to defend my honor and chosen life.  Never-mind the fact, that I am choosing to unleash years of pent up rage and annoyances onto a five year old.   
“Jadyn, sometimes girls do not get married.  Sometimes, they never meet the right guy. Sometimes, life throws stuff at you that knocks you to the ground.  Sometimes, things do not work out.  Sometimes, people live there entire lives as a single person and THAT IS OK. BECAUSE  WE ARE HAPPY!  WE ARE OK BEING SINGLE!”
“THEN WHY ARE YOU YELLING CUASE THAT IS NOT A HAPPY VOICE!” responded Jadyn choosing to be just as loud.
“Yay, we home, we home,” chimed in Emmy, unaware of anything else.
    I pulled into the driveway and turned around to talk to Jadyn.
“Jadyn, I am sorry for yelling.  I didn’t mean to be unhappy with you.  And I will be sure to let you know the moment I find a husband and you can see if you approve,” I said hoping to fix the mess that I had started.  
“It’s alright Mel.  I am sure there is a husband for you somewhere out there.  I would try to help but all of Daddy’s friends are already married.  I was talking to mom the other day and told her that I wanted to marry Joshua when I grew up but she told me that was not ok.  But I think I will be able to find one when I get old like you.”
“Always the charmer there Jadyn.  And, I agree with your mother, marrying your little brother is not an option,” I said laughing.
“Out, Out, Out, Out,” screamed Emmy, not caring for our conversation.
“Ok, I am coming, hold your horses chica.”
I crawled out of the seat and reached back to unbuckle the two girls.  They each grabbed their bags and headed inside.  I walked in after them.  I saw the clock in the wall as I walked through the front door-11:30am.  Good, I still had time to get plenty of job searching done before dinner.  
“Hey Ash, I found these at the bookstore. You want them?”
“Hmm...let me see.  I will take the small one but you can return the tall gangly looking one,” Ash said with as much mock seriousness she could muster.  
“I am not glangey,” said Jadyn being sure to stomp her foot to imply serious offense.
“I said gangly but I didn’t mean it.  I would take you two girls any day of the week,” said Ash bending down to wrap her arms around her two daughters.  Just then Joshua crawled in from the other room.   This new appearance by their younger brother, had the girls running out to meet him, insisting that they all play.   This normally meant incredible fun for the two girls, and slow torture for the defenseless brother who would end up wearing a dress and pearls.  Ash  slowly got up and turned back to me.
“So, what are you up to for the rest of the day,” inquired Ash.
“I think I am going to head back into town and get some more job hunting done.”
“Are you going to make it back for supper?”
“Yes, I should make it back.”
“How are you on money?”
“I still have enough to last for the next month or so.  I am glad I finally took Russells advice and started that savings account.  Of course, not having to pay rent out of my last check was helpful.”  
I gave a small smile to show I was ok.  I did have enough money in my savings account to last for a month if I monitored my spending.  I would not exactly be able to take my nieces to Barnes and Noble every day but I did have some breathing room.  I was going to be ok.  Ash took in my smile and decided, to not press the issue further.  I walked out the door and got back into my car.  I had a list of available jobs in the area.  I had put them in order of distance starting with the one farthest away.  It was a collection of department stores, secretarial, school district, and food service jobs.  I was determined to stay in a good mood.  
    When 3pm rolled around I was somewhat less determined to stay in a good mood.  I had been to 6 different places filling out the same monotonous application at each place.  You would think employers would just make a generic job application where a person could fill out one and make copies and turn it in, to each employer.  But no, it is way more entertaining filling out the same dag-gum sheet which is simply formatted differently for each employer.  Nothing like a mindless repetitive task to keep a body in a good mood while struggling through severe life issues.  This was 32nd day of hunting and nobody seemed to be willing to hire: overqualified, under-qualified, underpaid, no hours, horrible hours, part-time only, tall-blonde-bimbo only, lack of experience.  I was not catching a break.  
    My stomach started growling.  Apparently coffee does not count as nourishment and my body was letting me know.  This is somewhat normal behavior of my body.  More often than not, I forget about eating.  No, I do not have a disorder, I just simply forget to eat cause it is not at the forefront of my mind until my stomach decides to put it there.  I pulled in to the lot of a small cafe I had never seen before.  I wanted something cheap without succumbing to the fast food trend.   Walking in, I noticed the layout was nice and had a corner booth that would be perfect for sulking without interruption.  I went and set my bag down noticing the free Wi-Fi sign.  Yay for small favors.   Free Wi-Fi meant I can search for more job openings and replenish my list while filling my stomach.  Always a plus to multi-task.  As I pulled out my computer an older gentlemen approached wearing a short red apron.
“Good Afternoon Miss.  What can I get for you today,” he inquired while pulling out a notepad and pencil.
“I want something delicious and inexpensive so what do you recommend.”
“I would try the house special: grilled cheese and tomato soup.  It will take you back to home around the dinner table while it’s raining outside.”
“Well, how can I resist a meal with that kind of ability.  Can I get a water with it?’
“Yes, miss. I will have that right out for you.”  
The man walked away stopping to refill the cup of one of the only other patrons in the petite cafe.  As I looked around, I wondered how I could have missed this place.  It was simply wonderful.  The colors relaxing.  The music entertaining.  The decorations subtle.  Everything was so well thought about.  This was the type of place that could take away all your troubles if even for just a moment.  With that noted I nestled my computer back in my bag, and leaned my head back on the booth.  I wanted a break, a moment to forget about the world and all its troubles.  
“Long day miss,” the man inquired returning with a plate containing one of the best looking grilled cheeses I have ever seen.   
“You have no idea.  I’ve been job hunting, and not having much luck.”
“Maybe you have not been hunting in the right place.  What are you good at?”
What was I good at.  I had not started writing that book.  I just had my things I suck at novel started.  
“I don’t know.  I suppose I am a good cook.  I love to write.  I am great with kids.  I absolutely love my nieces and nephew to death.  I like to think I am fairly intelligent and somewhat easy on the eyes.  I keep the horns sawed down so as not to frighten the tiny children.  I have not committed any heinous acts other than in my mind.  I guess I could have left that last bit out.”
“It’s alright, who hasn’t ever thought about hiding the neighbors yapping, annoying, loud dog so it will never be found again?”
“Exactly,” I announced chuckling at the memories of wanting to get rid of obnoxious pets. “Other than that, I am just not sure anymore. I used to think I knew what I was about and then I just lost myself out there.”
    It was the first time I had admitted this to a person. I had been so sure of myself.  After graduating High School, I received the scholarships required to get me through college with a degree and enough accolades to earn an internship.  From there, I moved from intern to the next rung on the ladder and was slowly moving further until the ladder was just tipped, dropping me back on the ground where I started.  I like to think I fell gracefully.  
“My name is Malachi,” the old man announced reaching out his hand for mine.
“My name is Melody,” I responded, thinking it was an unusual time for an introduction.
“Melody, I want to help you.  I have seen to many people lose hope after lost chances and I don’t want you to fade away into complacency.  I know it is not your exact expertise and there a probably a million other jobs you could do better but I would like you to come work for me.  For two year, I have only been hiring people part-time.  Mainly students who need a job for a semester or so but then need to move on.  My last two employees last day is in a week.  I would like to hire you on full-time.  What do you think?”
    At first, I was a little too stunned to respond.  Here, after all my searching, over a grilled cheese sandwich, I was being offered a job.
“Here there, no need to cry dear,” Malachi said as he passed me a napkin.  I had not realized I was crying till then.   I did not realize jut how desperate I was until a lifeline has been thrown to me and only then, I realized the waves that were crashing down on my heart.  
“Thank you so much for this kindness.  I would love to work here Malachi.” Oh how I would love to work.  I had no idea what I was committing to but it was something.  A purpose, a goal, a reason to wake up every morning.
“Well, let me go get some paperwork for you to fill out after you finish your lunch,” Malachi said as he got up and headed to the back. “
    I just sat there.   I had a job.  I was no longer unemployed.  A glimmer of hope seeped into my life.  I laid back against the booth and closed my eyes.  Peace washed over me.
“I know you might be sick of these, but I will need you to fill out this paperwork.”  Malachi passed a package of papers that I had come to hate in the last month.  But this time, knowing the job was already mine, it was a joy to fill it out.  An hour later, I left the Cafe
    As I pulled into the drive of my brothers house after leaving the cafe,  I was filled with the joy of knowing I would be able to smile and truly mean it.  I would not have to walk in and acknowledge the hopeful look in Ash’s eyes with a forlorn shake of the head.  I looked up to see three smiling face peering out at me through the french doors.  Jadyn a head above her brother and sister teasingly locking the door.  Emily trying to make up her mind between torturing her younger brother or getting out to see me.  I walked up to the door with a fake pleading look in my eye. 
“Nope, we ain’t gonna let you in,’ yelled Jadyn though the double doors.
“Not gonna open,”  announced Emmy, not to be left out of a conversation.
“No, we are not going to let you in is the correct way to say that Jadyn,” chimed in Ash, coming up to unlock the doors for me. 
“Sorry about the guard dogs, Russell keeps telling me to leave them out back but I just think they are so doggone cute.”  She reached down to pat the girls on the head. 
“Do you wanna watch a movie with us M?” Jadyn was looking up expectantly hoping I would give in.  “We are gonna watch Despicable Me.”
“Ya, picable me. It good M,”  Em continued.  Again, how am I supposed to respond negatively to two of the cutest girls in the world.  Each of them had a hold of one of my hands, already dragging me to their room, not waiting on a response.
“Whoa, wait one second.  Let me talk to you momma for five minutes and then I promise to be their to start the movie.  Got get it all set up Jadyn.”
“Yay,” exclaimed the girls as they ran off to set up the movie in their room. 
Ash was looking at me with the same expectant look she had given me for a month now.  I couldn’t resist cracking a smile. 
“You got a job!?”  Ash was overflowing with excitement on my behalf.
“I got a job! I responded with just as much of the infectious excitement.   “I want to tell you the whole story later.  In short, I am now a full time employee with a nice amount of hours at a small wonderful cafe.  And now I am gonna go watch a movie with my two adoring nieces.”
“I am so happy for you and enjoy the movie.  We will talk later when Philip gets home.” 
“M, HURRY UP!”  Jadyn was losing patience if she really had any of them to begin with.
“Jadyn Elizabeth, be nice,” retorted Ash with a bemused face.
“HURRY UP PLEASE!” The please righted all wrongs in Jadyn’s mind and was enough of a change to earn a satisfied look from her mother.  I walked over to the doorway and was pulled the rest of the way in by two expectant children waiting to press play.

Author's Note

First Draft (not edited) Still just in dire need of feedback. And as I said before, harsh criticism is always welcome.