The Red String

Chapter 2. Unexpected Help

Narciso let out a sigh as his designs took center stage on the runway, his attention quickly drawn to Lauren, who was eyeing everything attentively. As far as he was concerned, that collection was flawless, and he was proven right when she quirked an eyebrow with a half-smile on her face. Their partnership had always yielded positive outcomes, and as he watched Lauren nodding while taking another sip of her wine, he knew that his work had been given her seal of approval; that was the cue he needed to start packing. Next stop, Japan.

*****

Brooklyn, New York

"Come on, little one," Camila said, gripping her sister's hand as they crossed the street, finally making it to The Corner.

"Kaki?" Sofi called out, prompting Camila to look at her. "Where are we going to live?"

"For now, we're staying at our place, and then we'll figure out a place where it's going to be just us two," Camila murmured, realizing they couldn't keep living in the apartment since she couldn't afford the rent on her own. She couldn't risk having social services show up at their doorstep either. "But you don't need to worry about anything other than school, okay? You can sit down at the back while I'm working. Just promise me you and Regina will stay out of trouble."

"Regina's here?" Sofi asked, referring to her inseparable friend, who happened to be Dinah's younger sister.

"She's having piano lessons down the street. But after she's done, she'll come over to the restaurant and have dinner before going home," Camila explained.

"Piano lessons?" Sofi asked with interest. The brunette nodded. "Sounds fun," the younger girl mumbled, causing a pang in Camila's heart, reminding her of the stark contrast between their lives: Dinah and Regina had a wonderful family who had their own business, while Camila and Sofi were on their own.

Camila pushed the restaurant door open, and the delicious and familiar smell of food coming from Milika Hansen's kitchen invaded her nostrils, making her stomach growl; she hadn't had a chance to eat yet.

"Did you eat anything?" Camila asked, crouching down in front of her sister.

"No..." Sofi mumbled, lowering her gaze. "Papa told me to make something to eat, but you said I shouldn't use the oven without someone watching, so I didn't. And there wasn't anything in the fridge..."

"I see..." Camila muttered, feeling her blood boil with anger toward her dad, as she pulled a sandwich she had made for her in the morning from her bag. She had only been able to make two—one for herself and another for Sofi—hoping her dad would give her money to buy more food that afternoon, but that expectation fell flat. Looking at the sandwich in her hand, she handed it to Sofia before gently stroking her hair. "Here."

"What about you?" Sofi asked while Camila brushed her cheek. "This is yours, Kaki. I ate mine at school already." She held the sandwich out to her, but the brunette shook her head.

"Dinah and I ate together on campus," Camila lied. "And I'm not feeling hungry right now, so you can have it, little one." She gave her a reassuring smile. "Now, I'll go change and bring you some orange juice real quick. Just sit down at the back and be a good girl until Dinah and Regina get here, okay?" she said, kissing her cheek.

"Yes, Kaki." Sofi nodded. 

Camila watched her sister carry her backpack and her sandwich to one of the tables at the back. Looking up, she turned around, her eyes shimmering with tears as she made her way toward the back of the vacant restaurant.

"Hija, you're early today!" Milika exclaimed with a smile, walking out of the kitchen to greet her with a warm hug. "We're not open yet, you know, I'm still waiting for Dinah and Regina to show up." The woman chuckled, but her expression fell when she noticed tears streaming down Camila's face. "Oh honey, why are you crying?"