I'm Good Without You

Life was too hard and I had gotten the best part. Unlike my university classmates, my life was full and wonderful. I heard complaints and more complaints, but from my side, I didn't hear anything.

My father was a wonderful man, hardworking and a fighter, and my mother was a high-end pastry chef, as well as a homemaker. Despite arguing, they always resolved their problems. Every day, I worked hard to be an excellent student. I was in the last year of my degree and had teamed up with a nice girl from the city, with a good position and a free spirit. We made a good combination. Despite being a good student, I liked partying, drinking, and having a good time. I'm a free spirit.

Today I had an important accounting exam and I was prepared, so I wasn't afraid. I leave my house at seven in the morning, I like to be punctual. As I'm on my way, my dear Lis calls me.

"JULI!" she screams as she runs to catch up with me.

"Hi dear, why are you running?" I ask with a smile.

"I'm trying to catch up with you, are you ready for the massacre?" she says, smiling.

I smile. "Of course, I studied a lot for that."

"I didn't study anything, my parents will kill me. After studying, I want you to come cheer for my cousin. He's in the last year of administration and he also plays soccer, so we'll go cheer for him."

"Oh no, don't try to set me up. I don't want boyfriends or going out with strangers," I say seriously.

"Alright, I'll accompany you. But let's go, we'll be late," I say as I continue walking.

We walk quickly, I don't like being late. However, I'm delayed because I was talking to Lis. When we arrive at the classroom, the exam has already started, so I receive my professor's angry look. But I don't care and continue my path. I take a seat and the professor hands me my exam paper. Turns out the exam is quite complicated, but I'm not afraid, so I face all the numbers. The forty minutes pass quickly and when I finish, I turn in my exam and leave the classroom. I walk to the cafeteria to wait for Lis. I order a strong coffee without sugar, I prefer it that way. Despite my mother being a pastry chef, I don't like sweet things.

"Lis, how did it go?" I ask as she reaches my table.

"Fucking great. If I keep going like this, I won't graduate," she says, placing her head on the table.

"Calm down, Lis. I'm sure you did well and you're exaggerating. Stop partying so much and start studying," I scold her. I care a lot about her, I love her, she's my only friend.

"I can't, parties call me," she says, smiling.

After finishing the rest of the classes, I send a message to my mother letting her know that I'll be going to a soccer game with Lis. She trusts me, but I like her to know where I am.

When we arrive at the damn game, the team is composed of many monumental-sized guys. They are too tall and muscular. We sit in the stands and when one of the team scores, Lis stands up and starts shouting like crazy.

"THAT'S MY BOY, YOU CAN DO IT EDDER, YES WE CAN!" she shouts excitedly.

I smile as I watch her excitement. American football is a too violent sport. I don't like the sound of bodies colliding when they tackle. I don't enjoy seeing this kind of thing. My phone rings and it's from my house, so I quickly answer it.

"Hello mom, what's up?"

"Hi dear, I need your help. I have some orders to fulfill and your father can't handle them all. Can you come? I know it's your day off, but we need you," she says.

"I'll be there in five minutes," I say, hanging up.

"Lis, I have to go. My mom needs me," I say in her ear so she can hear me.

"WAIT! Don't go," Lis says.

"My mother needs me. I'll call you later," I say as I leave the place.

It's relatively close to home, so I walk. When I arrive, my father has huge boxes in the truck and mom is full-on in the kitchen.

"Oh dear, you've arrived. Come, help me."

We spend the afternoon making cakes and pastries. My mother has a huge order for a regular customer's wedding. Turns out the lady has a daughter who is marrying an important businessman. So they spare no expense. My father has brought a lot of treats in all flavors and colors. I like watching her bake. She teaches me how to make delicious meringues. Of all the sweets I've made, meringues are my downfall. I love the taste when they melt in my mouth, especially if they are filled with chocolate.

After helping my mother with the pastries, she calls me back to the kitchen. So I don't hesitate for a second to go to her side.

"Tell me mom, what am I good for?"

"Daughter, I know you've worked hard, but today I need more of your help. We have to go to the party we're catering, it's a wedding and at the last minute one of my guys can't help me. So I have no choice but to bother you."

"Don't worry mom, just tell me what to do and I'll do it."

"The uniform is in my room. Choose one in your size, but hurry up, dear, we're running late."

I sprint out of the kitchen, running to her room and do as she instructs. I choose one of those penguin suits. Luckily, there's only one that fits me decently. It's a little tight for my taste, but it's better to go like this. I leave there to go to my room, where I take a quick shower. When I'm ready, I dry my hair and put it up in a high ponytail. Then I proceed to put on my uniform. To be honest, I don't look too bad. I'm not very tall, but there I am with my best heels, the most comfortable for work. I've been in love with those boots since I turned fifteen. I love the color black and the slightly rocker style. I leave the room half an hour later. When I arrive in the living room, my mom is already waiting.

"It looks great on you, dear," says mom with a smile.

I laugh. "Yeah, sure, mom. Just that I won't be able to laugh or eat, if I don't want a button from this shirt to fly off and kill the bride."

"Oh God, you're too eloquent. Sometimes I think you're your aunt's daughter," she says as we leave the house.

The ride is quite comfortable. Turns out my mother's employees are only slightly older than me, so we get along well. In total, we are fifteen people and we all fit in a small Mini. The jokes keep coming, making the trip more enjoyable and less long. When the van parks, everyone gets out and forms a circle, leaving my mother in the middle. I stand there, watching what is happening. The guys do a little ritual before going in to serve the tables.

"Guys, more than a job, this is a family. You know I'll be here for whatever you need. If you encounter any problems or see that you can't handle it anymore, just call me. Understood?" says my mother.

"Yes, ma'am," they all respond at once. I'm amazed by the dynamic these guys and my mother have. It's great.