One night, he came home drunk and he took his shirt off before going to bed. Cindy was startled, but she recovered quickly when it became clear he’s already sleeping. She’s not sure whether she should cover him up, or what. The alcohol might be making him feel hot so covering him with a blanket would not be appropriate. She turned the old air conditioner to a cooler temperature. Every now and then, he would groan in his sleep. Cindy doesn’t know if she’s supposed to do something or what. Is she supposed to wipe him with a clean, cool towel? Make him drink something hot like coffee?

She searched for his phone in his pockets. As she doesn’t have her own yet, she’s merely borrowing to do a quick search online. How to take care of someone drunk?

Initially, she was attracted by his kindness, then by his face. Now, she would admit his body is attractive to her, too. Definitely her type. He’s pretty much the whole package now. Except she does feel as if he’s treating her like a kid. She’s six years younger and she’s still a minor.

She expects that it would get awkward between the two of them if she’s to show him her feelings. He would probably avoid her, or worse, kick her out. Arrange somewhere else for her shelter or something. He probably won’t give her a chance.

She tried to calm her heart as she wiped his body. She pushed him onto his stomach so she can do the same to his back. He’s quite heavy. He grunted when she turned him over.

Why did he drink tonight? Cindy wondered as she watched him. It’s not a bad case, though. He definitely knew how much he can take. He didn’t need to be watched over, but she liked watching him. She has enough time before her usual bedtime, anyway. She used his phone to do a bit of research. She wanted to open a savings account in a bank. She would feel more at ease knowing her hard-earned money is safe from theft. She’s slowly building her finances. It’s not much, but she’s happy with it. What she’s most happy about is the fact that she has no debt. She learned how to budget at an early age. She feels she couldn’t go wrong with her financial plans. Take it slow, she told herself.

She put the phone on the bedside table as she goes to sleep as well.

Cindy was feeling great the next few days, until she saw Elian with a couple of guys and a woman. She bit her lower lip as the woman clings to his arm. They seem really close, and he’s smiling at her, too. Cindy felt a faint ache over her heart.

She’d never seen him smile that brightly. The smiles she’d seen don’t reach his eyes. They were mild. She guessed the woman to be the same age as Elian. Well, Cindy will lose on that category. She’s not even qualified yet. He still sees her as a kid. He does call her “kid” sometimes.

Before she started work, however, she got her feelings under control. She won’t be greedy. She’ll wait it out. Maybe she’ll have her chance in the future. So, now, she’d settle with secretly admiring him. It’s already nice to see him almost every day.

When she returned home, and as she cooks dinner, she wonders, though. What if he gets a girlfriend? She’s sure no girlfriend of his would approve of her staying at his house. Would she get kicked out? Elian wouldn’t have invited her if there’s someone who would fuss about it, right? She initially thought he doesn’t have a girlfriend. He seemed like a really hard worker, always having work in his mind.

But… she’s tempted to ask him later if that woman is his girlfriend. She looked pretty and sophisticated. Her clothing was sexy on her, too.

She groaned. Would she stop thinking about it? There’s nothing she can do. She’s not about to spend money on dresses. Focus on earning and saving money. She took out the meat she bought earlier. It was only recently that she decided to eat meat once a week. It’s a sort of reward for all her hard work. Today is that day. She’s salivating at the mere thought of it. It’s not much, but enough to excite her. Elian should be home in an hour. She started grilling a few pieces. She can’t exactly wait for him every night. At most, she’d wait until a certain time. If he’s still not in, she’d eat on her own and save his portion. This is one of those days.

She was almost finished with her meal when he came.

“Hey, come and eat.” She immediately prepared utensils for him. His smile was ordinary, but still warm. It still made him look charming in her eyes, though. One day, she would make him smile brightly as well.

“Wow, you grilled meat?” Elian inhaled deeply. The delicious smell made him extremely hungry. He immediately sat and reached for the dishes she prepared. She’s an excellent cook. He feels that it was a very good decision to take her in. He tasted the warm soup first. He complimented her on how great her cooking skills are. She grins a certain way at him, showing most of her teeth.

“You’ve made my life much easier since you lived here. I wouldn’t have the time to make dinner and eat something delicious.”

“It’s the least I can do. I’m still unable to contribute any rent money.” She sat down across him and watched him eat. It’s a good excuse to ogle at him.

“Don’t worry about it. You’re doing well, getting groceries and all. I normally forget to stock the kitchen.”

His praises made her feel warm. At least, he thinks she’s useful or making things convenient for him. She chuckled as she realized he’s eating hurriedly.

“Are you going somewhere? Why eat quickly?”

Elian shrugged. He chuckled, too. “I feel like the meat will run away. Actually, I just wanted to devour them quickly. These tastes really good.” He sipped the soup directly from the bowl.

“Would you like more soup?”

“Are there more?”

“Yes.” She took the bowl and refilled it. She made plenty even for breakfast.

“By the way, this is just a curious question.” She set the bowl in front of him, and he took another sip. He looked at her expectantly.

“Do you have a girlfriend? Would someone be visiting?” She already mentioned his male friends visiting before. He shouldn’t be suspicious of her question now.

“No. I’m too busy for that. I doubt I could even afford to have one. Don’t most girls like receiving presents and being taken to fancy restaurants?” He answered plainly, and in a way, his answer made her glad. He’s available. And it doesn’t look like he’s looking for a relationship. Maybe when she gets older. She tried hard not to appear excited about it. She agreed to his statements with a nod.

“Right, I have another question.”

“What is it?”

“What gigs do you do at night? I’m thinking of looking for some.”

Elian stared at her, considering what to say.

“You should pace yourself. Don’t take on too much. How many jobs do you have now?”

“Three part-time.” She replied.

“That’s good enough. Any more and you’ll probably get burned out. When that happens, you’ll hate everything and will probably dislike all the jobs you have.”

Cindy took the time to digest that. Right now, she does feel like she can take on more. Although, she’s already working a total of fifty hours a week.

“How many jobs do you have?” She returned the question, curious about his situation.

“Three. I can get two more, but only a few nights a week. My evening gigs are mostly for night clubs and bars. I won’t really recommend them for you. They’re mostly for guys. You should rest well at night. It could get dangerous.”

She thought it over and began to nod. Yeah, she probably couldn’t work in that environment as well. She’s a little afraid.