3

"What do you mean Wren? You decided to skip town two months earlier and you are just informing me?" Carlton asked in disbelief, his voice strident.

I bit my bottom lip as I thought of a suitable excuse to cajole the only person who cared about me that I was two weeks into my move to Toronto and couldn't deem it fit to call.

"Carl, I'm sorry for not telling you about my impromptu move but things have been so tough here and ah- you know what? I have no excuse" I sighed in defeat.

He scoffed "So if I didn't call, I wouldn't have found out. This is unbelievable Wren. Just take care of yourself as well as Abby and don't get into unnecessary trouble, bye" And with that, he ended the call.

Knowing Carl, he was definitely pissed by my actions as he was the one that got me the apartment as well as a car and other furniture, but I'm sure he'll come around.

He usually does.

I tossed my phone back on the bed as I clumped to Abby's room to get her ready for the day before getting myself ready as well.

Since I had just less than two months before school and I still hadn't found a job, I only thought it was wise to take her along with me and not enroll her into a daycare yet so that I could save up.

"You ready Abby?" I asked as I strolled into the living room where she was.

I got no reply so I turned to face her that was when I noticed her wistful expression, then she finally she spoke up; "Does Mummy miss us?"

I was startled by the question itself and the emotions contained in those words that I began to stammer but she continued nevertheless "She doesn't like me that much does she?"

Taking a shaky breath, I put on a brave smile for her and answered "Abby, Mum loves you more than anything in this world okay? But she just needs some time to take care of herself for us and I'm very sure that she thinks about us but don't worry, she'll come around I promise"

She put out her pinky, waiting for me to do the same with an unsure smile "Promise?"

I chuckled and brought mine as well, pecking the side at the same time before she pranced on me with a hug which I returned.

Why do I feel like I was reassuring myself that she'll come around?

After hours of looking for suitable jobs that will sustain both Abby and I, a job opening caught my eye on the way back to the apartment so I decided to stop and check it out.

As soon as we got a spot to park in, I then carried Abby out of her seat as we headed to the building with the name 'Walters diner' which looked way too modern and sleek if I must say.

As soon as we entered, I was hit by the comforting smell of food, which triggered my drive to eat, the voices of customers buzzing through the air gave it a homely look. The uniquely textured interior gave a smooth yet flowing look. The vine plants that clasp to the walls ever so freely gave it a natural appearance and the marble tiled floor beneath me gave it a clean yet calm look.

I hope I get this.

I was immediately greeted by a girl, possibly in her early twenties with a ladylike temperament. She had a willow, queenly figure at our first sight, she gave us an electrifying smile before saying; "Good afternoon ladies and welcome to Walters, please join me to show you to your seats"

I gave her a small smile and followed her to the seats she showed us, set Abby down before taking mine.

"I'm actually here for the job interview I saw outside. Is it still open?" I inquired, hope gleaming in my voice because I can't keep up with the job hunting.

"Oh goody, we've been super understaffed lately so it's your lucky day, as well as mine" I couldn't miss the tired sigh she let out.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding causing Abby who had been quiet throughout to squeeze her hands in mine, sending a small smile.

I guess I wasn't the only tired one.

"When can I, you know-"

"Oh, come along, Mrs. A is here. You don't have to worry about her" she said referring to Abby "I'll take care of her"

I glanced at the lady then back to Abby who looked a little too scared to be left with the lady, but later smiled when I kissed my pinky, letting her know that I promise that she'll be fine.

The lady gave Abby over to one of her colleagues who seemed very happy to take care of her. She then led me to a door separating the restaurant but stopped abruptly, which caused me to walk into her back "Oh, where are my manners, my name is Stephanie"

I looked at her outstretched hand hesitantly before answering "Renee" and returning the gesture.

We entered an elevator leading us to an office like floor with a reception situated right in front, with a receptionist by the desk.

"Hey Mo, Renee here wants to apply for the job so you can go over everything with her while I get back to my job. Good luck Renee!" she chirped and ran off, leaving me with the stranger I'm guessing was Mo.

Ugh, I hate people.

"Hello, the name's Monica, but call me Mo. Just give me your documents and I will get back to you shortly and um, do have a seat please"

She wasn't as bubbly as Stephanie, but she was quite polite and friendly so that would do. It's not like I was any better.

I fiddled with the hem of my top as I waited impatiently for my interview and after what seemed like forever, I was called to meet with the owner.

As I walked into the perfectly decorated office, I looked to see a woman, the owner. She looked like she was in her late forties, but her smile was like that of an eighteen-year-old girl and she looked very well dressed up and well-groomed.

"Hello Renee, I'm Mrs. Adelaide or Mrs. A as those stubborn kids downstairs call me. But feel free to call me Jessica" she said with a warm smile.

Not being used to the amount of smiles I received in just a day, returned a polite yet tightlipped smile "Nice to meet you Mrs. A" earning a slight chuckle from her.

"Let's get to business shall we?"

I eventually got the job after series of questions and I had to start the next day because they were really understaffed at that moment but either way, I was super ecstatic that I literally ran to let Abby know who surprisingly didn't seem to care as she was preoccupied with her new friend which happened to be Mrs. A's daughter.

After fueling our hunger with dinner from the restaurant, we decided to call it a night, so we headed to say a quick goodbye to Stephanie who she seemed way too happy to work with me. According to her 'you are going to have the time of your life' as if I know what that meant.

Abby took my hand in hers as we walked to the car only to see some dude checking inside through the window. My first instinct was to shout at the nerve of the dude and that was exactly what I did.

"Hey mister, got some problem with my car?" I asked which caused him to quickly turn around and might I say that I was star struck?

I wasn't one to stare but now, I had no choice because standing before me was a six-foot-something guy with mussed, Nordic-gold hair, arched cheekbones on taut skin and a craggy jaw that was square and firm. In summary, he was dashing with a roguish smile.

Noticing my shameless looking, he smirked and answered "Actually, your kind of parked in my spot" his British voice capturing my senses. But being the snappy girl that I am, I cracked.

"So does that give you the fu-" I began but stopped at his teasing smile towards Abby then I glared at him before correcting myself "-freaking right to look into my car?"

"Cool it Snarky, I'm not arguing okay? And I apologize for looking into the car if that's what you want" He pleaded sincerely but no, I just didn't want to let it out but before I could say anything, Abby spoke up, cutting off my thoughts; "Ree, I'm tired"

Now that all my focus was on her, I carried her to her car seat and strapped her in then got to my side of the car, not before sending the guy who watched the entire ordeal play out a glare and telling him never to call me snarky.

Even at that, he still chuckled like I was a joke.

Stupid dude.