C4 ICECREAM MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER

NIGHTINGALE

***

“Where did you hide it? Come on, tell me.” Quetzal asked and I considered telling her immediately, but that wouldn’t be fun.

“A magician never reveals her secret.” I said and she folded her arms with a knowing look.

“It’s in your shoe isn’t it?” She asked and I smiled. Smart girl.

“Close but still off. It’s actually in my socks.” I said to her.

“And your socks are in your shoes, so I got it.” She said and I tapped her nose.

“You get to decide what we eat since you’re so smart. And just so you know, I never doubted that you could get the lead role. I am so proud of you for taking steps to overcome your stage fright. You may not have completely won the fight, but you’re getting there and I will be with you every step of the way. I will cheer you on during your presentation even if you freeze up and forget your lines. I will take a front row seat and throw you roses. I will blow you kisses and give you a standing ovation. I’m your biggest fan, don’t forget that.” I told her because I knew she was worried about how the presentation would go.

“I love you Nightingale, so much. I don’t know what I would do without you.” She said to me as she hugged me tight.

“We’ll never be apart so you’ll never have to find out what being without me is like.” I said as I hugged her back and kissed the side of her head.

“I just wish I could do more for you, for us.” She said as she pulled back to look at me.

I wiped the tears that rolled down her face.

“Everything will turn out fine soon. Let’s just hold on a little longer, okay? Can you do that for me?”

“Pizza. That’s what I want us to have. Pizza and ice cream.” She said with a small smile. That was her way of telling me that she was with me to the end.

“Your wish is my command, princess.” I said and she laughed as I bowed.

The sound of her laughter made it all worth it. I would endure everything life threw at me no matter what just to keep a smile on her face. She is my everything.

“But you can’t go out looking like this. You need to take a shower and change. I’ll help you put on concealer.” She said as she led me to our shared bathroom.

After she was done fussing over me, I untied my ponytail so my curls would cover most of my face. We left for the pizza place a few blocks away. We hadn’t had pizza in months and ice cream for almost a whole year. They were both low on the food and priorities list so we could only afford to get them on rare occasions like this.

After getting pizza and ice cream, we walked to a park close by to eat. We sat down on the grass opposite each other and set our food between us. We talked and laughed for hours till it was almost time for my night shift at the bar so we returned home.

This was the time of day that I dreaded the most, leaving Quetzal home alone. My father would be home soon and she would be here with him. Even though she always locks the door and hides in the small compartment I built inside our room, I was always terrified to leave her here with him. My night shift was in a bar and I couldn’t take her with me. I also couldn’t stop working there because it was our biggest source of income. Without it, our escape fund would not have gone even halfway by now.

“Stay here and don’t come out till I return and come for you, Quetzy. Stay in here no matter what.” I said to her and she nodded.

I told her the same thing every night, she always complied and nothing ever happened to her but leaving her almost brought me to tears every single day. Maybe I was just being paranoid, but I couldn’t take any chances with her safety.

“I will, Nightingale. Don’t worry about me, worry about yourself.” She said to me but I shook my head.

“You are more important, Quetzy. Use your penknife if you have to. Do not hesitate. I love you.” I kissed her cheek and closed the camouflaged compartment door inside our wardrobe.

***

When I got to the bar, it was already filled with people as usual. I got in through the employee entrance and then to the changing room. I sighed as I saw my outfit for the night. Normally I was mandated to wear a short skirt and really tight top, but sometimes we had to wear special outfits, nights like tonight. Tonight’s ensemble was a red body con dress that showed as much skin as a bikini and ridiculous red heels. It even had a red cat ears headband to go with it.

‘You’ll leave all this soon. Just endure it all for a few more months. You’ve done so for years, a few more months is a piece of cake.’ I told myself as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I changed and almost quit my job then and there. If I made the mistake of bending in this outfit, even just a little, I would be practically naked. I stepped to the main floor where I was stationed to start working. The earlier I finished my shift the sooner I could get home. I was just serving the third round of drinks when Trevon walked up to me. He also served drinks and doubled as a handyman.

“Hey Night, the manager wants to see you in his office now.” He shouted so I could hear him over the loud music that was blasting through the enclosed space.

“Why? Is there a problem?” I shouted back.

“I don’t know, I was sent to deliver a message and I have. See you around.” He said and left.

As I dropped my tray and turned towards the hallway that would take me to the manager’s office, I wondered why I was being summoned.