Broken Promises

• N I N E T E E N •

~ a l i ~

"Ali, I need to speak with you," Diana called from her office as soon as I stepped foot into the cafe.

She called me to tell me to come to the cafe early for an important matter. Which totally didn't make me freak out. I had quickly sneaked Saba into the house and made my way to the cafe.

I went towards Diana's office. I walked in, and she gestured for me to sit down.

"Yes, Diana?" We always called her Diana instead of boss. It was her request as she said she didn't like being over people.

"So," Diana started. "I've seen how much you've been working and decided to do something to help you out."

Please say you'd give me a pay raise. Please.

"I'm going to give you two days off Tuesday and Thursday-"

My eyes widen in panic, "but-"

"Let me finish, please," she said sternly.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"As I was saying," she continued. "Two days off but your paycheck would stay the same."

"How..?" I trailed off.

"I've found someone willing to work those two days for free and in return, you'd keep your current paycheck and have two days off." She explained.

"Who would do that?" I ask bewildered.

"It was a young man and a girl around your age. But it seemed to be the young lady's idea. The young man is the one who would be working in your spot. They said they were old friends."

Could it be...no, it can't.

"What did they look like?" I asked hesitantly.

"The girl wore a hijab," Diana answered with an unreadable tone.

No way. No, it's not possible.

"Um, so what now?" I asked, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Well, you don't work today or Thursday. Just like I said." She smiled softly.

A little spark of hope enlightens in me. I could catch up with school and get back on the team. Maybe even be captain again, and still, get the same money.

"Okay," I grinned in excitement. "Thank you."

Diana let out a small laugh at my excitement. "Don't thank me. Thank the other two. Now get back home."

"Yes, ma'am," I smiled and practically skipped outside the cafe.

~•~

I have to know who it was. If what Diana said was true and it was who I think it was, then he should be in there.

I had gone home to tell Saba the news and thought I should come back to the cafe. It was currently 7:00 PM meaning the person who took my spot should be working my shift.

I walked into the cafe, and my eyes immediately went to my cashier. And as expected, a guy was standing there. His back was towards me as he was messing with something at the table.

I walk up to the cashier and clear my throat.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," the guy turned around. "I was..." both of our eyes widened as we just stared at the other.

"Hi?"

Khalid grinned sheepishly. "Hi."

"What? Why? How?" I spluttered.