My fiance s Brother

Amelia awoke to the blaring of her alarm clock. She groaned and rolled over, slapping the snooze button. Just five more minutes. She had worked late again last night coupling her work at the company and the Cafe, and her body ached for more rest.

But duty called. With another groan, Amelia forced herself to sit up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She winced as her sore muscles protested. It was going to be another long day.

After a quick shower, Amelia shuffled to the kitchen, hair still damp. Her father sat at the table reading the newspaper.

"Morning," she mumbled.

"You look tired," her dad said, peering at her over his reading glasses. "Those double shifts are running you ragged."

"I'll be fine, I still have my other job at the entertainment company" she assured him, pouring a large cup of coffee. The bitter liquid burned her tongue.

"If you need help with your mother's medical bills..." her father began.

"I've got it covered," Amelia said firmly. She felt a pang of guilt at the worry in his eyes. "Anyway, I should get going. See you tonight."

She hurried out the door before he could protest, shoulders slumped with exhaustion. The bus stop was still a few blocks away. She wondered if she could power nap on the ride to work. Just a few minutes of rest would get her through the day.

With a sigh, Amelia trudged onward. She couldn't give up now. She had to do this for her mom, she may be gone now but it is her responsibility. She owes it to her. Soon she'll be all done with the bills, just a little more she sighed again.

Amelia hurried along the busy sidewalk, dodging pedestrians as she made her way to the bus stop. By the corner of her eyes, she noticed a small group of people gathered around a folding table. Curious, she slowed her pace to see what they were doing.

As she drew nearer, she saw stacks of pamphlets, sign-up sheets on the table, and banners hung.

One of the banners read "5K Fun Run - Raise Funds for Families in Need." She realized it was a charity event to raise money for people who couldn't afford medical treatments.

As Amelia approached, a cheerful woman with a clipboard waved her over. "Good morning! We're raising money for families struggling with medical bills. Would you like to sign up to walk or run in the 5K?"

Amelia hesitated, knowing she didn't have time for a 5K today. But the cause spoke to her situation. "I...I wish I could, but I'm on my way to work right now," she explained.

The woman smiled sympathetically. "No problem! We also accept donations if you'd like to contribute.

Amelia paused, considering the woman's words. A donation, even a small one, would make a real difference for families like hers. She dug into her bag for her wallet, hoping she had a few spare dollars.

"I don't have much right now," Amelia said apologetically, fishing a crumpled five-dollar bill from her wallet. "But I want to help."

The woman's face lit up as she accepted the money. "Every bit counts! Thank you so much for your generosity. Here's a pamphlet with more info about our organization if you want to get involved."

Amelia smiled and tucked the pamphlet into her bag before continuing her way. As she walked, she felt a warmth in her heart. It was nice to be on the other side for once, to be the one helping instead of needing help. Even though she badly needed one.

She continued her walk to the bus stop and arrived just in time. She got in and took a sit by the window, settling in she exhaled slowly.

Once the bus had carried all the passengers, she checked her time only to see that she was running late.

Sometimes, she despised the fact, that she had to work so hard, leaving no time for herself.

Looking out the window, she admired the beautiful houses and nature wishing one day when she finally paid up all her mom's medical bills, she could buy a house for her and dad to enjoy their lives.

Speaking of the devil, or the angel in this case, she gets a call from her dad, she accepts the call

"Hey Dad, are you fine? do you need anything ?" She asks her dad, her tone a dual mix of affection and despair.

It was only two of them against the world now, when her mom died it was like a dark phase for them and she never wanted to relive that time ever again.

'' Of course, my darling, why wouldn't I be fine? I'm speaking with my beautiful daughter right now. You ran out of the house so fast without having breakfast, you make me worry so much Amy bug." Her dad said, laughing softly but in a pained tone.

You don't have to worry about this old man, okay, just take care of yourself and make sure you get something to eat.'' he added quietly.

'' Yes, Dad I will, just take care of yourself. I'll be back soon okay," Amelia said assuredly to her dad.

'' Quit worrying about me, you're young and have a life ahead of you. You don't deserve to be stuck in this mess. I'm so sorry. " He said apologetically, his voice thick with emotion.

I shake my head in a No movement, only realizing he can't see me.

'' Of course, not Dad, don't ever say that. You don't have to apologize for anything alright? For what is worth I'll take extra care of myself. I love you Daddy please " I tell him as my eyes welled up with unshed tears. Perhaps I just needed this moment.

'' I'll talk to you later, Bye. " I hang up the phone, full-blown crying to work and I don't want anyone seeing me in this vulnerable state. She cleaned her tears and rearranged herself.

The bus stopped her at her usual spot, just a block away from her workplace.

She stood up and headed for the door " Thank you Mr herringbone" she said loudly as she ran down in a hurry.

I arrived at my workplace, a high-end cafe that sells all types of coffee, both locally blended and internationally sourced. It was fun working there sometimes, at least you get free coffee for the day and your pain.

"Hey, Amy bug, you're here a little late. Don't let Mr Grumpy's pants catch you slacking off," her co-worker, Jenny, teased with a smirk, smacking her back softly.

Amelia rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, you know me. Always fashionably late."

Jenny chuckled and handed her an apron. "Well, you better get to it. It's going to be a busy day."

Amelia nodded and put on the apron that had the café logo Thirsty on it, as she took her position behind the counter ‘Barista duties'. The familiar scent of coffee filled the air, and Amelia felt a sense of comfort despite her fatigue. The cafe was bustling with customers, and she jumped right into taking orders and making drinks.

As the day went on, Amelia's fatigue started to catch up with her. She was running on autopilot, barely registering the conversations around her. Her mind wandered to the conversation she had earlier with her dad and the mounting medical bills. She pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Suddenly, a not-so-familiar voice cut through the noise of the cafe. "Is this seat taken?"

Amelia looked up to see a tall, impeccably dressed man standing right in front of her. His piercing blue eyes met hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"Um, no," Amelia stammered, gesturing to the empty seat across from her. "You can have it."

The man smiled, revealing a perfectly straight row of white teeth. "Thank you."

As he sat down, Amelia couldn't help but sneak glances at him. There's something about him that seems out of place in this ordinary cafe. His presence exudes wealth and confidence.

"Are you a regular here?" Amelia asked, trying to make conversation.