The Pretend Wife

It was just a small city. In the quiet morning, another cycle of day and night began; though none could tell whether the day was the beginning or was it the night? None would be bothered to think about it.

In this serenity, another day just meant to be the same routine for the woman named Mia Ford. She continued to serve those customers who were looking for warmth amidst the cold air surrounding them.

Yet, they didn't notice her cold heart was the same as those snow outside, frozen. She continued to smile. It was subtle, and if one didn't really pay attention close enough they wouldn't be able to notice that the smile was just forced.

If those people proclaimed to hate fakeness, then they would hate that smile, or even her. But, she wouldn't care anyway.

"The customers this morning is really more crowded than yesterday." Seina, the other waitress who worked alongside her exclaimed.

Mia just glanced at her briefly and didn't speak. The other person seemed to be used to her quietness. After all, when Mia wasn't facing those customers, she was really a cold person. It was what Seina learned after they worked together for more than three years.

"Mia, how's your son?"

Yet, there was only one person that would melt the coldest ice. Mia finally looked at Seina, her eyebrow was raised. "Why are you talking about my son?"

Seina seemed to be happy that Mia was willing to talk to her. They had served all of the customers and finally got some break in between that they can have some talk.

Seina shrugged her shoulder. "I am just missing that cutie. Don't act like that to me. I also considered that kid as my nephew."

Mia didn't have too much emotion on her face right now, but inside, she was quite helpless. In her lonely time, her son, Aiden Ford was the only source of warmth. So, it was natural that she was so protective of him.

"Alright." Mia nodded and didn't speak more. She moved away as soon as she saw someone raising their hand.

Seina blinked at her friend, and just sighed softly. But, she was also a patient person. She had the past, and Mia also had one. They never talked about it to each other, but their level of understanding of one another was also deeper.

Mia sometimes would care for her, despite that cold mask she would always put on the crowd; besides when she was working. Seina also knew about it. Mia was a woman of few words, yet her actions said it all.

As Mia walked toward the counter, bringing with her the dirty cups of the customers, Seina said to her, "I am going to visit your home tonight, just wait. I have been saving candies for little Aiden."

Mia didn't answer, but Seina knew that it was a silent agreement that she didn't reject her. Seina was a bit happy.

Mia looked at Seina and sighed in her heart. This friend of hers was really a patient person. Seina was the only one who came close to understanding her all those years, she never abandoned her.