Hot Coffee (The Hollens)

Emma's POV

When I saw him in the kitchen preparing breakfast I wanted to tell him. I had to tell him what I heard last night, but when he told me about the paycheck, my mind state changed. I was so looking forward to buying some new stuff, from underwear to clothes to getting a new hair-do; so I let it be.

And Sharon was sort of scary with her judging eyes, sharp mouth and long nails. She would slap me back to Africa if I had told him about her conversation. Besides, it wasn't my business. Mr. Hollen was capable of taking care of himself and his relationship was above my pay grade.

The next day I looked at my paycheck. I wanted to cash it out so badly. One thousand dollars in just one week was indeed generous. I didn't make that at Carl's Cafe in a month.

I found Halley in the backyard watering the plants.

"Um, Halley," I began. I was still mindful of how I approached her. "I really want go to the bank and cash this so I'm taking my half day today."

"I think I'll come too."

"Okay, but... Uh."

"Relax, Emma. Mr. Hollen isn't here and there isn't much to do. We can take a half day together. I'll get my bag."  She moved towards the chambers.

Did she seriously want to go out with me? Halley? That was very unexpected.

Luis took us to a near-by bank. I loved how the mansion was situated between nearly everything we could need: supermarkets, clothing boutiques-- affordable and not-so-affordable, hair salons, movie theatres, stores, parks, clinics and health centres, libraries, a museum, malls and churches. 

"After this we'll go shopping," Halley said softly as we cashed in.

The car was parked on the street and Luis followed at a close but respectable enough distance behind us as our personal bodyguard.

"Is he obligated to do this?" I asked.

"Yes. Whenever we leave the mansion. It's just for protection."

"Oh, okay then."

Halley led us to Sisters, a fashion boutique with a wide range of accessories and different styles in clothing.

"Try this on, Emma." She handed me an off the shoulder black dress and ushered me into a changing room.

I took off my over-sized dress and tried on the new one. Halley's mouth dropped open when she saw me in it. "Emma, you're beautiful. Why do you cover up yourself like a saint?"

did fit me beautifully so I took it

salon now. We have to do something about that abomination on

asked as I tried to match her

without looking back

like to do to your hair today?" the hairstylist

smiled back.

"Okay. Lets get started."

ushered me into a chair and

for my now relaxed hair, and what she explained made me regret having a

were over,

into the dress now because we're going to the mall

the hair salon and it felt magical, like when Cinderella's fairy godmother changed her rags into the beautiful ball gown. Halley's eyes popped again. She paid for the service, took my hand and

you to do one

"What's that Halley?"

and threw them out of the car's window as

"Halley, what the hell!"

We're going to the mall. I've got a friend there. She's an eye specialist. We'll get you some contact lenses instead of that ugly pair of magnifying glass

there a catch to

but we're a team now. Agnes had a good talking to me before

Mr. Hollen fired

laughed. "No,

she could spend more time with her  grandchildren and have her own life. I'd cursed Mr. Hollen in my mind

out, once again, and

they're in your eyes," the eye specialist said as she showed me how to insert the contact

my vision was much clearer than

and I fall asleep?" I asked with concern.

sleep with those on. You just may not want to

"Really?"

"Affirmative. I don't kid."

paid for it and she gave me a free pair courtesy

up an escalator. We entered a clothing store and Halley took a dress off



"What do you think?"