FATIMA WOKE UP with sweat running down her face as she tried to calm herself down after dreaming about the horrible accident she and her father got into. It's been almost six years since the accident happened. It was exactly on her 20th birthday when it happened, that’s why she doesn’t celebrate her birthday anymore but rather visits her father on that day.

“I’m hungry.” She almost fell off the couch when she saw her younger brother speak.

“God, Philippe. Don’t we have some food left?” Her brother shook his head and pointed at the younger boy, who’s also her brother, who was eating the last food they have. Fatima sighed and got up from resting. “I’ll buy us food, alright?” Philippe and the younger one, Timothy smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

She put on a jacket before leaving the house. She still can’t believe her boss let her get the day off today. It’s currently ten in the morning and all she did was cook for her siblings before going back to bed since this is the first time she was able to rest. The best part? She’s getting her pay for today even if she wasn’t able to work. Insane!

The only reason she’s putting up with the treatment of the bar owner is for her younger brothers. They need to get fed and live comfortably. She’s working hard to provide for them. Philippe is her biological brother who’s already sixteen years old while Timothy is her half-brother. He’s almost 9 years old and they have no idea who the father is.

Nine years ago, Fatima’s mother cheated. That’s why she was glad her husband died in that terrible accident. Her mother’s words still haunt her today. (“I wanted you to die with him..”) her mother's words lingered in her mind.

After buying food with the money she had left, she went back home. She gave food to Timothy and Philippe first before giving herself a little bit of food. “Eat enough as well..” Philippe stated before putting some of his food on her plate.

“I’m fine, you can eat it.” He ignored her words and started eating his food while urging her to eat the extra he gave her. She sighed and grabbed food to start eating as well. Her face grew a smile when she saw how happy Timothy is with the food. He barely talks though.

“I need to go do a school project at my friend’s place,” Philippe stated and cleared his throat.

“Is that friend a girl?” Fatima teased while staring at him with curious eyes.

“Fatima!” he exclaimed and she rolled her eyes.

“Looks like your older brother is flustered, isn’t he?” Timothy giggled and nodded his head. Philippe rolled his eyes before getting up from his seat. “I’m done eating. I’ll go now,” he said and squinted his eyes at Fatima before rolling his eyes.

(Girl, my ass,) he thought to himself and shook his body in disgust.

“Be careful, alright? Don’t do anything stupid.” She always reminds him whenever he goes out. He’s an obedient kid, although he can cause trouble sometimes.

After Philippe left their apartment, she cleaned the plates before laying down on the couch again. She was drifting off to sleep when she felt Timothy touch her head and massage it. “L-let’s go to the park..” he shyly requested and she smiled. She feels exhausted and wants to rest but she can’t say no to that.

“Want to get some ice cream too?” He joyfully nodded his head and Fatima giggled.

“Alright, let’s go!” She enthusiastically stood up and Timothy followed behind her. She grabbed some spare cash before they left the house. They walked down the road while she held her little brother’s hand. The park is almost a 10 minutes walk but her brother doesn’t mind it.

“Why do you like going to the park so much, hmm?” she asked in a teasing way while her brother just shrugged.

They continued walking until they arrived at the park. Timothy ran around the fountain as soon as Fatima let go of him while chasing birds around. Fatima chuckled at the scene. It’s not a big deal but seeing him like that makes her very happy.

“Make sure to stay near the fountain! Alright?” He nodded his head and Fatima walked to the other side of the road to buy ice cream at the shop next to the coffee shop.

Her eyes wandered inside the coffee shop and her eyes widened. A familiar face wearing an apron and a hat is being ridiculed by a customer. With no hesitation, she entered the shop and stated, “Philippe? What are you doing here?” Her brother’s eyes widened when he saw her.

“F-Fatima..” he stuttered with his words, startled to see her.

“You spilled coffee on me!” The angry customer complained and Philippe bowed his head and uttered sorry.

“You work here?!” Fatima questioned and Philippe nodded.

“Where’s your manager?” He didn’t have any time to explain the situation to his sister. He went behind the counter and called a girl named Nikki to talk to the customer. His sister is still in shock that her brother is working at the coffee shop.

“Please talk to the customer.. my older sister is here..” he said in panic and Nikki, the woman, nodded.

Nikki approached the customer while Philippe was behind her. Fatima looked at him with daggers in her eyes which scared him. “I am really sorry for what happened. We will gladly offer you a brand new coffee and a refund. This young boy and I are the only workers here so it’s been hectic.” Fatima also listened to the conversation.

“Go step outside for a little bit. Talk to your sister.” His co-worker knows the situation of his family so she lets him out. He scratched his head before following his sister outside the coffee shop.

Once they were outside, Fatima already started interrogating him. “Is this why you were always out of the house?” He nodded in response.

“Since when?” She further asked.

“A few months ago...” he answered like he’s in detention.

“You should’ve told me! How about your studies? Are you still going to school? Gosh, were you lying to me all this time?!” He scratched his head.

“I wanted to help you, okay!” She blinked a couple of times because of his response.

“Help me?” He nodded.

“I know you’re struggling for us.. I just wanted to help. I wanted to have money so I can be some sort of help. I’m still studying and my grades are good, I swear!” He raised his hand as a pledge of allegiance and she sighed.

“Do you.. still have your shift?” She cleared her throat and he nodded.

She sighed and nodded. “Okay. Let’s discuss this at home later. I’ll go buy Timothy ice cream.” Philippe just nodded and let his older sibling go. Is she mad? He can’t really tell. Ever since he was young he wanted to help her but no one hires him because of his young age.

“Aish,” he whispered before going back inside the coffee shop.

After Fatima got the ice cream, she hurried back to the fountain. She looked around and couldn’t find him anywhere. Panic consumed her as she tried to find him. “Timothy!” she screamed as she wandered around the park.

“Timothy! Where are you!” (Fuck!)

“Timothy-“ Her eyes landed on him sitting on a bench with ice cream in his hands. “I told you to stay near the fountain!” She scolded and he lowered down his head.

“Don’t do that again! You could’ve gotten lost!” She continues scolding her little brother.

“He’s fine.” She looked to the left and saw Christopher sitting beside Tim. She didn’t even notice him until he spoke. “What.. what are you doing here?”

“I was just walking around and saw this little guy. Is he your child?” He raised an eyebrow and her eyes widened.

“What?! He’s my brother!” she immediately exclaimed and he nodded.

“That’s great news,” he whispered to himself and smiled slightly. (That means she’s single..) he thought to himself.

“Don’t go anywhere with strangers, got it? You’re lucky this guy isn’t a kidnapper,” she told her brother and he nodded. She sighed again in relief that her brother is safe.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been working at the bar?” Fatima eyed him, thinking what his intentions towards her were.

(He’s your ex, Fatima. Don’t befriend him!) she reminded herself to not get close to him. Not again.

“None of your business.” She grabbed her brother’s hand and let him stand up. They were about to leave when Christopher spoke.

“You should quit. I can offer you a job at my company.” She turned around with furrowed eyebrows.

“Why are you being nice to me, huh? You don’t even know me.” She questioned his motives. He clenched his jaw as he examined her face. (I know everything about you, you were my lover. Stop trying to convince me you’re someone else,) he thought to himself.

“Well, if you don’t want to.. the coffee shop across the road is hiring.” (The one where Philippe works?) she thought to herself.

“I heard they pay a good amount to their workers.” Fatima starts thinking about it. She hates working at the bar. If she can work at the coffee shop, maybe she can work freely. The woman before seemed nice enough to Philippe.

“How do I apply?” She turned to him and he smiled.

“I have no idea. You should ask the female working there, she should interview you,” he responded with a smile on his face. She eyed him before carrying her brother so she can get home quickly. She looked at the coffee shop again before heading home.

ONCE NIGHTTIME CAME, Philippe went home and found his sister waiting for him in the living room. He silently went next to her like an obedient student. She cleared her throat and handed him the ice cream she bought earlier that was in a bucket.

“Thanks..” he said slowly.

“You should’ve been honest with me, Phil.” He lowered his head and held the ice cream. She looked at him and sighed. “We’re a family.. we should be open to each other and not keep secrets like that, okay?`` She reminded him and he nodded.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to help.. ever since dad passed away... you’ve been just..” he whispered his words as his eyes started to water. Fatima extended her arm and hugged him. “I know it’s been hard for the both of us..” Fatima whispered and wiped his tears.

“I miss dad...” he whispered and more tears fell. She hugged him tighter. She rubbed his head and whistled a tune.

“Our lives will be a lot different a few more years from now, trust me.” He started to calm down and hugged her back.

“You can continue working but don’t miss classes because of it, okay?” He nodded.

“And uh.. is that coffee shop still hiring employees?” She wondered about what Chris told her earlier.

“Do you want to work there?” he asked and she nodded while pursing her lips.

“Hmm! It might be good if we work together. My old job isn’t that great,” she said and laughed.

“What’s your job anyway?” She scratched her head and didn't know how to answer him. She kept her job a secret because she doesn’t want her brothers to worry that she works in a bar.

“Server at a restaurant.” Philippe nodded slowly and she smiled at him. She can’t help but lie in order for them to not worry.

“I’ll ask the manager tomorrow about it.” Fatima clapped her hands and hugged him. “Thank you!” she exclaimed. She can’t help but think of Christopher though. She should avoid him at all costs. Her heart beats differently when he’s around and she doesn’t like it.