A week has passed, and I named the cat Pearl because she was a fluffy white cat with blue, almost purple, eyes that seemed to sparkle whenever the light hit them. She looked like a little pearl herself, soft and delicate, yet with a certain mischievousness in her gaze. Gabriella and I have grown even closer over this time, and my neighbour Evelyn will start working at the café today, which feels like the beginning of something new, something positive, for all of us.

Flashback, a week ago:

On a Sunday morning, I was shopping online for Pearl, buying her all sorts of treats and toys to make her feel at home. I had just finished my breakfast and was about to leave for work when I heard a knock on my door. I put my phone in my pocket and walked over to answer it. When I opened the door, I found Evelyn standing there, looking at the ground, her posture tense, obviously nervous. I hadn't seen her look like this before—she was usually so friendly.

"Good morning, Evelyn. Do you need anything?" I asked, closing the door gently behind me so I could give her my full attention.

"Good morning, Mia. I wanted to ask if you knew anywhere that's hiring for part-time work?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper, and I could see that she was holding back tears. The words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with emotion.

I remembered that my manager had mentioned last week that they were looking for a part-time server. It felt like a coincidence, but it was also a stroke of luck for Evelyn.

"Oh my God, you're not going to believe this! We actually need a part-time server at the café!"

Evelyn's face lit up at the news, her eyes widening with excitement as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Without thinking, she grabbed both of my hands in hers.

"REALLY?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with hope and relief.

I nodded and asked if she'd like me to take her there straight away. She nodded eagerly, her nervousness beginning to fade, replaced by a look of determination. We headed to my car, and I could sense that this was an important moment for her—she had hope in her eyes, something I hadn't seen in a while.

When we were close to the café, I turned to Evelyn and asked, "Why do you need this job, Evelyn? If you don't mind me asking."

"Oh... um... I've just started college. I moved here to study, and my parents told me they'd help me with the rent, so I wouldn't need to work. But when I came out to them as bi... they disowned me. That's why I need this job." Her voice broke slightly as she spoke, and I could see the pain in her eyes. It was hard to imagine anyone being so heartless to their own child, but I knew it was far too common.

I tried to comfort her by rubbing her back, offering a kind smile, though I could tell from the way her shoulders were slumped that she was still carrying a lot of weight on her heart. When we arrived at the café, I told her to knock on the door, and my manager would interview her.

A few minutes later, she emerged from the room, her face lighting up with a smile that made her look like a child who had just received a long-awaited gift. She told me she got the job and pulled me into a tight hug. I hesitated for a moment—unsure if it was appropriate—but then I hugged her back, feeling her relief and gratitude radiate through her.

"I'll start on Monday next week," she said before she left, her voice bright with excitement. It felt like a fresh start for her, and I was glad to have played a small part in it.

When I turned around, I was met with a frown from Gabriella. She was sitting at her usual spot by the window, her brow furrowed in that way that always made me wonder what was going through her mind. I smiled at her as she approached.
"The usual?" I asked, tapping in her order at the till. She just gave me a brief "mhm" and returned to her spot staring at her laptop, not meeting my gaze.

For the next two hours, she refilled her coffee several times, her fingers tapping away on the keyboard as she worked. I couldn't help but notice how she seemed more absorbed in her work than usual. I found myself glancing over at her now and then, trying to figure out what was bothering her, but she wouldn't acknowledge me. I felt a little frustrated—what had I done wrong?

At 12:00, I decided to go over and sit next to her. I could feel her stiffen as I approached, and she acted like she didn't notice me until I spoke.

"Is everything okay, Gabriella?" I asked, confused by her behaviour. She didn't answer, just continued typing away, her eyes fixed firmly on the screen.

I was getting more than a little frustrated. I had asked her three times already, but it was clear she wasn't going to respond. I grabbed her hand gently and stood up, pulling her along with me. She looked up at me, stunned, before I led her into the staff-only room. I locked the door behind us and pushed her back against the wall. She still hadn't said a word.
"Go on, speak," I demanded, my voice quiet but firm. She pouted and turned her face to the side, clearly not wanting to engage. I rolled my eyes, trying to calm myself, but I couldn't stop the frustration bubbling up inside me.

"ARE YOU GOING TO POUT LIKE A BABY, OR ARE YOU GOING TO SPEAK, GABRIELLA?" I raised my voice, my patience running thin. She turned to face me, her mouth slightly open in surprise, then covered it with her hands. I noticed her ears turning bright red, and I was taken aback. What was going on?
Before I could say anything, she stepped closer, grabbed my hips, and pinned me against the wall. I stared at her, completely shocked, my heart racing.

"God, you're so hot when you're angry," she whispered, her breath warm against my ear. I felt a shiver run down my spine. I crossed my arms, trying to steady myself, and asked again, this time softer but no less confused.

"Why are you mad at me?" She let go of my hips and took a step back, looking at me with a serious expression.

"Who was hugging you this morning? And why?" she asked, her voice low, but the intensity in her eyes told me she was serious. I couldn't help myself—I burst out laughing. The tension that had been building between us seemed to crack, and I realised just how ridiculous the situation was. Gabriella pouted again, and I noticed her ears were even redder now.

"Aha—ahh, my stomach. Are you jealous?" I teased, holding back another laugh.

"N-no!" she said quickly, looking down at her hands, clearly embarrassed.

"Don't worry, Gabriella. I only have eyes for you," I said, my voice softer this time, and I pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. It was meant to reassure her, but before I could move away, she grabbed me again, pulling me in for a kiss. I kissed her back, my heart racing, and she pushed me against the door. Her kiss was so fierce, so passionate, that I felt lightheaded. My legs were growing weak, but when she pulled away, the look in her eyes made it clear that she wasn't done yet.

We heard a knock on the door, and I jumped in surprise, quickly covering my mouth in shock.

"Bitch, get out of there! If Elliot sees you, you're getting fired!" came the voice from the other side, and I immediately knew who it was. Mei.

I opened the door quickly, and they shot us a sly smirk before walking away. I pushed Gabriella out of the room and closed the door behind us, my heart still racing.

After my break, Gabriella waved at me as she walked out, her usual cool demeanour back in place. But I knew something had shifted between us, and I couldn't help but smile.

Flashback ends.

*****

END OF CHAPTER 7

Q: what's your favorite flower?

A: tulips