Chapter 2 Hope & Hardship

DARLENE

"Darling!" She called out at the sight of me.

"Happy Birthday to you...

Happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday sweet Lyn Lyn...

Happy Birthday to you..." I sang melodiously as I watched little Lyn approach with a big smile that extended from ear to ear.

"And here's a cake for the birthday girl," I lowered gently to her height.

"You can now make a wish little one." She shut her eyes, and blew the candle before making a wish.

I couldn't attend her party, so this was my little way of making up for it.

"What did you wish for Lyn?" Rosie asked in the euphoria of the moment.

"I'm not telling," she shut back with a smile, which made us giggle.

Lyn just turned 4 and ever since she told me about her birthday a few weeks ago, I had saved the date and planned to do something special for her. Luckily, the restaurant was a little less crowded than usual.

I couldn't afford to buy her a big cake, but I'm glad she loved the tiny cupcake I got her.

"Hmmm," she savored as she munched a little bite. "It tastes so nice, Darling!"

"You like?"

"I love it. Thank you Darling." I giggled and she wrapped her little hands around my neck and planted a kiss on my left cheek.

Hearing her call me 'Darling' instead of 'Darlene' always made me laugh, it sounded cute. For the past few months, Lyn and Rosie, her Nanny, have been regulars.

Just like yesterday, I remember when they walked in for the first time. Her hair tied in a bun and adorned with pink little butterflies to match her pink floral dress. The kid looked so pretty, even with a long face.

Apparently, another kid had called her ugly. Not like I was surprised; some kids could be so mean. But I managed to switch up her mood with a cup of strawberry and chocolate ice cream with toppings. Since then, we've been best friends.

"Ice cream is just an excuse, I'm sure Lyn comes here every time to see you," The skin at the corners of her eyes wrinkled as she smiled at me. At first, I used to think Rosie was Lyn's Grandma until I heard the kid call her Nanny, which got me curious.

This whole time, I had never seen her parents or family, and couldn't help but wonder, however, it was none of my business. I had too many things to worry about. Lyn's parents weren't one of those, the child seemed pretty okay.

"I'm glad! I love it. I love seeing her here." I flashed a smile as I turned to look at Lyn, munching the remaining cake with dark patches of chocolate cake dancing around her mouth. She looked so adorable.

I ran my hands through her hair and excused myself to return to work.

As I got to the kitchen, I instinctively put the tray down, a smile spread across my face as I stared into space, reminiscing the little joyful moment with Lyn.

"Hmm..." I exhaled. Slowly my smile began to fade as my predicaments came flooding.

Mom's health had deteriorated lately and her treatment had taken a toll on my finances. After her kidney condition was diagnosed, she had to stop working, and dad had to cut down on work hours to take care of her. Our savings were exhausted and we've not been able to raise money for the surgery either.

Now I'm stuck with working two jobs that barely cover our needs. Overwhelmed by my thoughts, I leaned on the wall and shut my eyes.

"Darlene?" Kylie called out. Although the voice was familiar, it didn't stop my surprise because I wasn't expecting to see her.

"Kay, you're here." I forced a smile that even a blind man could tell was fake. Masking my feelings with a smile wasn't a super power I possessed. And even if I could manage to fool anyone, not Kylie. We've been best friends since we were kids, and she knew me like she knew her name.

"You are worrying again, Dee," she said.

"Of course, I'm not," I responded with a chuckle that sounded even worse. She tilted her head, crossed her arms and stared at me with a raised eyebrow. I knew that look, she wasn't buying it. Kylie had been with me through every struggle of life, from my first breakup, to my heels breaking in prom, even when Poonie, my dog, died, and that's just a few.

How did I even think I could deceive her?

"Fine, I'm worrying. What else can I do?" I threw my hands in the air, and walked a few steps to the table. "Nothing is fine Kay. I work so much but it doesn't seem like it."

Accepting it made my heart heavier, I wasn't seeing a way out.

"Stop it, Dee!" She scolded. "You are doing your best."

"But it's not enough," I whispered as the tears building up had finally found their way down my cheeks.

"Would worrying make it enough? You are just going to keep wearing yourself out."

"You won't understand!" Just thinking about my situation was depressing.

She really wouldn't, even if she tried. For a young lady in business, she was doing just fine. Although not very rich, her family wasn't dependent on her.

I wasn't envious of her. She is my friend and I love her, but she could never really comprehend what I was going through.

"I don't, and maybe I never will. All I'm saying is please be a little kind to yourself. You are doing your best love, everything will be fine." She took my hand and reassured me, "just give it time."

"How much more time?" I snapped and pulled away. "How much? Till my mum dies?"

"Stop it, don't you dare say that." She scolded. "Just have a little faith, will you?"

"I don't know just how long I could hold on for. I'm tired," I whispered.

"I wish..." Just then a chirpy voice cut in.

"Darling?" I could tell it was Lyn, even with my eyes closed, although I hadn't noticed she was there.

I quickly dried my eyes, and flashed her a smile. The last thing I needed was her trail of questions, but I wasn't quick enough.

"Are you feeling sad?" she asked looking up at me in concern, with her adorable little eyes.

"I stooped down, and let out a reassuring smile as I touched her cheek.

"Just a little sweetheart," I whispered.

"Sorry Darling," I giggled at her soulful charming voice. "Do you want a hug?"

"Thank you, sweetheart. Can I get one?" She nodded and smiled at me. Then she clutched her little hands around my neck and kissed me on the cheek.

After a few long seconds, she pulled away. "Did you like my little bear hug?"

"I loved it."

"Are you happy now?"

"Yes, my love, it worked just like magic," snapping my fingers.

Although my problems didn't miraculously go away, I felt a relief. Maybe it unlocked my childlike carefree self for a bit.

Lyn was such a caring and thoughtful child. So mature for a child her age, which was rare.

"Lyn dear," Rosie called out, breaking off our little chit chat. "It's time to go, say goodbye to Darlene.

"Oh, can't we stay a little longer, Darling is feeling sad and I'm trying to cheer her up just like she does for me," The corners of her lips dipped as she pouted her lips.

"No, my love, I'm smiling now."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. See," I forced a smile.

"Okay. Bye Darling." She turned to me and waved with a smile.

"Bye Lyn." I kept waving till the door shot behind them.

"Such a sweet kid," Kylie said.

"I agree. I've gotten so fond of her."

I wished I could see life just as simply as she does. Just one hug and all the stress is gone."

"I know you'll get something better soon. Cheer up girl." She put her hand on my shoulder.

"Hmmm...I hope I so. I'm losing it." I spoke. "You know I wish, I could just have my prince charming come here on his horse and rescue me from this financial chaos," I gasped.

"Wake up, dreamer!"

"Leave me alone, it costs nothing to dream. Maybe the universe might just hear me and send me and send me a prince. At this point, he doesn't even have to charm me."

"What do mean, even if he doesn't love you?"

"We've got so much love at home honey, what I need now is a financial miracle." Kylie laughed all the more. Maybe at how I said it, but factually, there were sleepless nights I hoped for a miracle, even a chaotic one.