Episode 2

Maisa...

I rise early, perform my personal hygiene, and take a brisk shower. Today is Luna's first day of her internship, I stop by her room, and she's already awake. I give her a kiss on the cheek and a tight hug.

Maisa: Good morning, little sis!

Luna: Good morning, big sis!

Maisa: I thought you were still asleep!

Luna: Not at all, I'm super excited about my first day of my internship!

Maisa: Then get ready, I'm going to make breakfast!

Luna: OK!

Leaving the room, I head to the kitchen, brew some coffee, and whip up some scrambled eggs, Luna's favorite dish.

I must admit, I'm quite apprehensive too. The cafe manager has taken leave, and the boss will be appointing a new person to fill in. I'm hopeful it will be me since I always assisted the manager. A promotion would surely help with the household expenses, and I might even save enough to start college.

Luna: Maisa! Did you get the rent money?

Maisa: Yes, I managed to get an advance at the cafe!

Luna: Did that lazy Natalia chip in her part?

Maisa: No, she had to send money to her parents again. Her mother’s health has worsened, and...

Luna: Please, Maisa! Don't be so naive! She can never contribute to the household expenses or the rent, but she's always wearing new clothes!

Maisa: Her boyfriend gifts them to her!

Luna: Yeah right! Funny how we've never seen this boyfriend of hers!

Maisa: Don't be so suspicious, little sis!

Luna: The thing is, you're killing yourself working to support us all, while Natalia prances around with her antics! - she said, rolling her eyes. - At this rate, you’ll never make it to college!

Maisa: I will! I’m confident I'll be the new manager, then I'll enroll in a good college so we won't face such hard times!

Luna: I can't wait to get my first paycheck and help you, big sis! It might not be much, but it'll help, possibly even cover the college tuition!

I finished my coffee when Natalia returned from being out.

Natalia: Good morning, girls!

Maisa: Good morning! Did you stay out again?

Natalia: Yes, I had an incredible night with my boyfriend! - she said, sitting down. - Speaking of boyfriends, where’s yours? I thought he spent the night here!

Maisa: You know very well that he didn’t! Diego respects me and my sister!

Natalia: Being such a goody two shoes is going to bore him eventually! You're like those old-fashioned women who only had sex after marriage! We live in a different generation!

Maisa: Maybe, but that's my condition for being with Diego, and he understands it quite well!

Luna: What does it have to do with Maisa's choices, Natalia? That is her business, not yours!

Natalia: Geez, we’re just talking!

I don't give much thought to such comments because I have my reasons for not wanting to have sex right now.

Luna: It didn't look like a conversation to me, more like you mocking her!

Natalia: Wow, Luna, you take things too seriously. You need to loosen up a bit!

Seeing my sister getting upset, I joined in the conversation.

Maisa: Luna, go finish getting ready. It's not good to be late on your first day!

She nodded, then stood and left the table.

Maisa: Don’t mind Luna, she's just nervous about her first day!

Natalia: I get it! I'll get ready and head to the cafe with you soon!

While she went to prepare herself, I cleared the table, washed the dishes, and went to my room to grab my purse. The three of us left together, our cafe is two blocks from the hospital.

Natalia: Maisa, I don’t get why you still work at that cafe! Diego is filthy rich; he could give you everything, pay for college. You should take advantage!

Maisa: I disagree. Diego has already done a lot for us, and I don't want his money! No matter how challenging it is, I like to work and earn things through my own effort!

Natalia: You'd be making an effort to enjoy his money too! You're so old-fashioned, my friend!

Luna: My sister is not a freeloader! But what about you, isn't your boyfriend rich too? Why don't you just stop working and marry him?!

Natalia: You wouldn’t understand! You’re still too young!

Luna: Maisa, I'm heading to the hospital. Wish me luck! - she ignored Natalia.

Maisa: Good luck, little one! - I gave her a kiss on her forehead, and she moved toward the hospital.

Entering the workplace, I changed into my uniform and headed to my post. Before opening the cafe, the chef gathered everyone.

Man: I've gathered you all because, as you know, I need to appoint a new manager since Benedito had to leave due to force majeure. After reviewing everyone and following his recommendations, Maisa will be the new manager!

I was ecstatic, everyone applauded except Natalia, who seemed not too pleased, but I understand her; everyone wanted that position, especially her with elderly parents to support with medication and food. Everyone congratulated me, Natalia got back to her usual self and the day went by smoothly.

I spoke with Luna on the phone, who was thrilled about the news and happy with her internship. At lunchtime, Diego came by, and we ate a sandwich together.

Diego: I don’t understand why you won’t marry me and stop working here for good!

Maisa: We’ve been through this before, Di!

Diego: Alright, let's not argue again.

He doesn't accept my job; he even proposed marriage once, hoping to convince me to quit, but I refuse to depend on him for anything. It’s not about pride; it’s about integrity. Of course, if we were starving, I wouldn't turn down his help, but as things stand, we can get by.

We parted with a peck on the lips, he returned to his company, and I to my duties.

At the end of the shift, I closed the till, tallied the money, and stored it in the safe. Natalia waited for me so we could return home together. On the way back, she received a call from her boyfriend and decided to meet him; I walked home alone, savoring the beautiful night.

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