C19 A SHIELD IN THE CHAOS.

“A coffee shop? Really?” “Such a shame,” came the voice in an arrogant tone whether for the grief or mockery. The man smirked and glanced at the broken cup and coffee spill on the floor beside Laura.

“And you should clean the mess you just made too. I’m not surprised you’re good at destroying things,” he added with a cruel laugh.

Laura froze, her hands tightened into fists at her sides as the voice sent a shiver through her. She slowly looked up, her heart sank. It was him.

The man who was her boss in the past and sacked her from her employment as a cleaner without affording her an opportunity to clarify herself was next to her. She could feel his unpleasant presence hovering over her.

Jerry stood a few steps away, noticed the tension, and stepped forward, he placed himself protectively in front of Laura. His jaw tightened as he fixed the man with a firm, warning look.

“Laura… who is he?” Jerry asked, his voice calm but with an edge of anger.

“He’s the one I told you about,” Laura replied softly as her voice trembled. “The boss who fired me from my last job.” Tears were brimming in her eyes and she averted her gaze knowing fully well how shameful it was of her for this man to have control over her.

The man laughed, looking content, his gaze locked on Laura's expression.

“Ah, yes. And what do you want this time, Laura? Sympathy? Pity?” He sneered, his voice dripped with sarcasm. “Oh, wait. Is this your new boyfriend?” His eyes flicked to Jerry and a mocking grin spread across his face.

Jerry’s face darkened, and he took a step closer to the man.

“What do you want… Sir? A cup of coffee? Jerry commanded the man with anger laced in his voice.

“I understand that you want your coffee, but you can either remain seated and wait for it or simply get out. Now!.”

The atmosphere was thick with hostility as the two men exchanged unapologetic gazes.

It felt as if the coffee shop was secondary to the event, the soft buzz of people's chatter being completely outclassed by the enormity of the tension.

He raised his palms as though giving up but the mischievous smile never faded. “Easy, tiger. I’ll leave. You can keep your coffee.” He threw one last glance at Laura, his eyes narrowed. “Good luck with your new life, Laura. You’ll need it.”

As he stormed out, Laura felt a weight lift off her chest, but it was quickly replaced by an ache of humiliation and anger. She lowered her head and avoided Jerry’s gaze.

Jerry reached out and gently took her trembling hands in his. “Are you okay, Laura?” He asked softly, his voice full of concern. “Just relax, please. He’s nothing. Don’t let him get to you.”

“I—I don’t know why they keep following me,” Laura stammered, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m tired of this, Jerry. I just want to be left alone.”

Jerry squeezed her hands, his touch steady and reassuring. “It’s okay, Laura, wipe your tears”, he said gently. “He’s gone now. You won’t see him again. I’ll clean this up, don’t worry.”

Laura nodded weakly, watching as Jerry knelt down to clean the shattered mug and spilled coffee. Her eyes softened as she observed him. In this chaotic moment, he was her anchor, her safe haven.

To her, Jerry seemed to be a divine creation whose primary purpose was to provide companionship to her.

“Thank you,” she said, almost inaudibly, while still assessing him.

Jerry lifted his gaze her way, beaming with affection. “You’re welcome,” he replied, his tone gentle.

As Jerry finished cleaning, Laura suddenly remembered her mother. Panic seized her, and her hand instinctively went to her phone. “The hospital... I have to call them,” she mumbled, and pressed the doctor’s number and her fingers trembled.

The line was busy, and Laura’s heart beat louder with each passing second as she started to walk around the room, her thoughts filled with terrible possibilities. She sensed Jerry place his hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner as she waited for the phone to be answered.

“Hello?” The doctor’s voice came through the line, calm and composed.

“H-Hello, sir,” Laura stammered and her voice trembled with a mix of fear and hope. “I’m calling to ask about my mother. Has she… has she woken up?”.

The doctor’s response was measured. “Yes, Laura. She woke up a few minutes ago, but she’s still weak. We’re monitoring her closely and doing everything we can.”

Laura let out a shaky breath and relief washed over her. “Thank you, sir. “I appreciate it,” she responded, panting with some effort as she supported herself on the countertop and released a heavy breath.

“It’s okay Laura. Make sure to visit often too, it really motivates us to do our work,” the doctor said calmly. “And don’t forget about the money… That's very important too.”

“Sure, I will… and as for the money, I’m working on that too. Thanks again,” Laura assured as she forced a smile and she gazed at Jerry.

“Goodbye Laura, do have a lovely day” the doctor added as he ended the call.

As the call ended, Laura turned to Jerry as tears streamed down her face.

“Jerry… she's awake now” Laura disclosed as she turned to Jerry and gave him a hug. Jerry pulled her into a tight hug and held her.

She sobbed into his shoulder and stared at him with joy written all over her.

“That’s great news, Laura,” he whispered. “Your mom is strong. She’ll pull through this, I promise.”

Her mind was more relaxed now, though she wished for her to be completely fine and out of the hospital. But knowing she's awake was a huge relief too.

“Um… I—I should get back to work now,” Laura said softly, her voice breaking the fragile silence between them.

She pulled away from the hug slowly, her hands lingered for a moment before they dropped to her sides.

Jerry stood there for a beat, his arms still half-raised as though reluctant to let her go.

Every second spent close to Laura felt like a dream, and letting it end always seemed like a cruel reality pulling him back.

“Yeah… I—we should get back to work,” he stammered, looking down as he ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit that betrayed the emotions swirling inside him. His words sounded forced, like he was trying to convince himself as much as her.

Laura watched him, her lips curved into a small, knowing smile.

She could sense his awkwardness, his struggle to balance his feelings for her with the professionalism they both tried to maintain. She admired his sincerity, even if it often left him fumbling for words.

“It’s okay, Jerry,” she said gently and tilted her head slightly as her warm gaze met his. “Everything will be fine, okay?”.

He finally found the courage to look back at her, his brown eyes softened. “Yeah… it will. I promise.” His voice was quiet but steady, carrying a conviction that made Laura believe it too.

She nodded, her smile lingering as she turned to continue her work. Jerry followed her lead, though his heart wasn’t quite ready to let the moment go.

****

Later that day at the cafe…

As the gentle rays of the sun in the afternoon penetrated the windows of the cafe, Jerry leaned into his thoughts. The hum of the coffee shop drifted into the background as the torrent of insane ideas in his head began to take center stage.

He was preoccupied with the thought of Laura's forthcoming interview at the company's Fred. He could not even bear the idea of her going into that office.

It was as if the very second hand of the clock was drawing nearer and closer to him all the time while the stress of his fear was gradually reaching a very high boiling point.

At the counter, he was able to put his gaze on Laura who was busy moving about the cafe quite skillfully with a modest and large smile on her face as she helped even the most unpleasant of her customers.

She was natural at putting others at ease, yet Jerry knew the weight she carried beneath that exterior. Her resilience amazed him, but it also deepened his protectiveness.

How could someone so kind, so selfless, be forced to face the likes of Fred? The thought made his stomach churn.

Jerry’s grip tightened on his phone as he made up his mind. He couldn’t leave this to chance. Fred had made promises before, but Jerry knew his cousin too well to trust him fully.

He would have to remind him, one last time, what was at stake.

“Jerry?”.

Laura’s voice cut through his thoughts like a soothing melody. He blinked and looked up, startled to see her standing so close. Concern was etched across her face, her brows slightly furrowed as she studied him.

“Are you okay?” She asked, her voice soft and tentative. She leaned in a little, her fingers brushed his arm gently. “You’ve been quiet… and you seem distracted.”

Jerry forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah… I’m fine, Laura,” he said and waved a hand dismissively. “Just trying to figure something out.”

Her gaze lingered on him, skeptical. “Are you sure? You don’t look fine.” Her touch on his arm lingered, a quiet reassurance that she was there if he needed her.

"I assure you I'm alright," he stressed, stood up abruptly, and took his phone. "I just have to make a quick phone call. I’ll be right back.”

Before she could respond, he turned and headed toward the changing room. Laura watched him go, a crease forming between her brows.

Something was definitely bothering him, but she decided not to press. She trusted that Jerry would open up when he was ready.

Jerry stepped into the changing room and allowed the door to fall behind him. He pushed his back against it and exhaled loudly, shaking in a gesture of relief. It was a dark and stuffy room, with a faint but noticeable sound of the light bulb hanging from the ceiling.

He looked around ensuring that he was by himself and in the middle of the room, moved a chair towards him.

With a loud thud, he crash-landed into a chair and clutched at his cellphone as if his life depended on it.

“Hey, do not be so mad!” he reproached himself and quickly wiped his face with the other hand. For a second, he closed his eyes thinking about what he was going to say before pressing the call.

Fred picked up on the second ring.

“Jerry! What’s up, man?” Fred’s voice was annoyingly cheerful, as though they were just catching up for drinks.

Jerry didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Fred, we need to talk. It’s urgent.”

Fred laughed, the sound grating on Jerry’s nerves. “Why do you sound like you’ve seen a ghost? Relax, Cous.”

“This isn’t a joke,” Jerry snapped, his voice low but firm. He glanced toward the door, and his paranoia kicked in. “She’s coming for the interview tomorrow.”

Fred’s tone shifted, a smirk audible in his words. “She? Wait, you mean… Laura?”.

“Yes, Laura,” Jerry said through gritted teeth. “Fred, this is the last time I’m saying this, do not make her regret her action. Honor your word, else, I will expose who you are to the public.”

Fred rolled his eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh. “Listen Jerry, this is getting ridiculous. I told you I would take care of it, and I will. You are way too anxious about this.” Seriously, what is she to you, anyway?”.

“That’s none of your business,” Jerry snapped, his jaw tightened. “Just don’t mess this up.”

Fred chuckled, his amusement only fueled Jerry’s frustration the more. “Relax, Cous. Everything will go as planned. "I will be on my best behavior, like I said."

Jerry was about to say something when the sound of the door creaking open caused him to stop. He gasped and quickly tried to hang up the phone.

He turned slowly, his heart pounded in his chest.

“Lau… Laura…”

She remained motionless at the entrance with a mysterious look on her face and her gaze fixated on his. The illuminated cafe spilled into the space and wrapped her figure in a pleasant shade.

Jerry felt a wave of emotions crash over him, fear, guilt, and anxiety all at once.