Chapter II

" Yeah, I'm fine, you know, just that damn dream"

" Seriously, you must find a solution to these dreams, which have increased recently. I advise you to see a psychiatrist or one of the magicians "

She said at the end of her words with a wide smile, forcing the other to look at her with hatred, as the other raised her shoulders as she moved to her room to take her jacket and bag.

" Come on, we have to go. You don't want to lose your only source of livelihood"

Astraea remembered that damn Rose, the owner of the café, that she really takes advantage of them, but no one can accept to hire an orphan girl without certificates to work with him.

" Yeah, let's go"

The freezing cold was caressing their noses as they walked down the main street, switching words while Estera was still insisting on the witch's story.

Finally, they arrived at the happiness café, where they work, what happiness is in this place, they are not even allowed to respond to the harassment they receive in this curse

" it's still early for you girls"

" Good morning, Mr. Rose. We are also glad to see you again"

Said Estera, rolling her eyes very bored, and looking at that damn woman who was staring at her coldly, but she couldn't fire her because most of the customers came here for the two girls.

Rose ignored her, while the other did the same, and everyone went to work under the silence that controlled the place, it was still early for the customers to come

That heavy silence was interrupted by the sound of the door opening, which made a sound that made Astraea , who was wiping the table, turn to the source of the sound, not knowing why she felt her heart hurt so much, as she looked at these men who were in frightening forms.

She moved quickly to Estera, who was standing behind the bar, wiping the glasses

" Am I the only one feeling weird here? Or are these people look familiar? "

Estera looked at her sarcastically before looking at the men in black suits with a side smile, then back to her friend, saying:

" Honey, you always feel weird "

She looked at her coldly, the other smiled at her, she really liked to provoke her, Astraea ignored her, she was really not in a good mood for her, and besides, there is that Rose who is watching them with exasperation on her face.

She swallowed her saliva, and approached them with slow hesitant steps, not knowing why her heartbeat rose, she shook her head calmly, she should forget all this chaos, she tried to control herself, and approached them with a smile that she tried to make it natural.

" Welcome to the Happiness Café, what can I get you gentlemen "

The three looked at her with looks that felt like they were tearing her soul, but she attempted to hold on to them as she looked at them with a nervous smile.

" Three cappuccino cups "

She just smiled and ran to the bar to get their order, Estera raised an eyebrow.

"What happened? Do you know them?"

Astraea looked at her very coldly, and made the other smile on her face

" Calm down Astraea , you're just exaggerating things, it's all because of that damned dream"

She took a deep breath before giving a calm smile

" You know, you're right, I'm really exaggerating on things "

Astraea ignored her feelings this time, as she served coffee to her owners, before returning to her work again, and the men left after a good period of time.

Later, it was close to the afternoon, and Astraea was busy washing the utensils in the kitchen, before she heard a commotion in the café outside, forcing her to go out to see what was going on.

Her friend Estera was arguing with a customer, she knows him well, John is one of the harassers who always likes to touch her body in a disgusting way, and if she usually ignores it, then Estera will never do that

" I didn't touch you"

" Oh really, so I just imagined that your dirty hand almost touching my fucking ass "

She said angrily, hitting the table in front of that bastard, who stood in front of her screaming

"I denied touching you, do you have proof?"

She looked at him coldly, before hitting him between his feet to fall to the ground while holding his penis in great pain, before smiling sideways as she pointed to one of the cameras

" See, that's there. It's proof"

She said with a triumphant smile, as she looked sarcastically, while his eyes widened in great shock, but before she could win, the damned Rose was standing behind her saying:

" I guess I asked you not to make a mess in my restaurant "

She turned to her coldly, gritting her teeth in anger

" Damn it, Rose, he's harassing me. Check the cameras"

" The customer is always right "

Rose said coldly, causing Estera's eyes to widen in shock, her hand clasping in anger, but before she could say anything, Astraea was hurrying to her as she grabbed her mouth and bowed respectfully.

" I apologize for her, Mr. John, sorry, Mrs. Rose "

Both of them smiled contentedly, but Estera looked at her furiously, whispering to her from the bottom of her teeth.

"Don't forget the late rent and the empty fridge, please calm down"

Estera cursed under her teeth to complete Rose's continue

"That's not enough, you're separated for half the day, miss, leave "

"But....."

Again, Astraea was holding her hands, to force her to be quite , She pulled her hand in anger, and took off the café's apron, throwing it on the ground, to get out angrily.

It was half past eight at last, work was over, all Astraea wanted currently was sleep, sleep and sleep only, she is tired

She stood at the bus station looking at the street quietly, holding a bag full of food for her and for her angry friend, and as soon as she mentioned her, her phone rose her number, she smiled softly to put it on her ear saying

  " Have you calmed down now? "

" Astraea James "

A strong masculine voice came from behind the phone, causing her heart to contract in excruciating pain as Bogle answered

  " Yes, who is with me?"

" An old friend...do you want to come or do i need to force you to come..."

Then he added very slowly

"Lotis...I'm waiting for you where it all started"

She froze in place and the phone fell from her hand, turning into pieces. This nickname, it's impossible. Is her father still alive????