The Distance Between

Everything seemed more vibrant now, even though it was near 8 pm. The Earth had bathed in the rain, and the soil everywhere entered. Just yesterday, only the growing blades of grass were apparent, but after the downpour - the rich soil thrust to the surface. I noticed this when I wandered into Twin Town Diner after Alex dropped me off.

Thankfully, it stopped raining. As much as I appreciated the rain - it wouldn't help with my cold. I was slowly getting better, but I was past the contagious stage and I definitely didn't feel like going back.

I was craving a hot drink as it was still cold outside - it made me miss my Anise tea that I had to throw out. The thought of it sent my mind reeling back to the two men that ensnared me in the kitchen. I still couldn't believe that they wanted me to go to California with them, for a sport I didn't even play professionally.

Having me on the team would only cause their progress to go downhill. Christian would get over it soon enough, I mean, they were leaving in a few days, anyway.

"Nala!"

I looked up from where I was binding the white apron around my waist. My uniform comprised a short baby blue collared dress and white trainers.

"Wow, that's so pretty," I cooed at the three-year-old girl on the couch in the break room. She couldn't pronounce Denara so Nala it was. Her unruly auburn ringlets were all over the place, even though I brushed it ten minutes ago. It was like she put her head on the ground and whirled in a circle - that's how slovenly her hair was. "Is that me?"

Alina nodded, pointing at the scribbles on the paper as she looked from me to her drawing. "Just like you!" I kissed her chubby cheek as I grinned. If those scribbles looked like anything, then it would be her hair.

"I'm gonna hang it right here," I told her, sticking the drawing against the wall where there were copious others of her work - all scribbles. Alina applauded before going back to producing more art.

She was a frequent visitor here at the diner since Max babysat her occasionally when her parents were unavailable. Alina Orlov was the daughter of Matvei and his wife, Olivia. They went on a date tonight and left baby Alina in her uncle's care. It helped that Max looked exactly like her dad.

My phone pinged from its place in my apron, right next to the pack of peppermint gum. I groaned, already knowing who it was. Mary only ever visited the diner when she knew I was serving because then she had the privilege of messaging me whenever she wanted something.

Max chose that moment to enter the break room, his bulky frame barely fitting through the doorway. "Thanks for watching her, Solnyshkuh." I beamed at the nickname, meaning sunshine. "I just had to sort out a few things."

"It's no problem," I responded, grasping a notepad and pen from the counter before blowing a kiss to them and gliding out the door. Tucking some stray strands of hair behind my ear, I glanced around and spotted Mary at a table with her boyfriend, Shane.