Chapter 23: Snowfall

As reported on TV, snow is falling in Quespion. District 36 also got their snow, since last night the snow fell slowly from the sky. There was no sign of a blizzard that day. Luckily, the snow wasn't too heavy so people could still go about their normal activities. Although the roads became a bit slippery due to the ice.

"I haven't bought a heater yet, but it's already snowing. I've searched the electronics stores here but there aren't any. I'll have to buy it later in the city center," Amanda commented looking out the window.

It was colder than ever, considering the snow that had fallen everywhere. The children started playing snow war in front of their house. They seemed to be enjoying their time outside.

Even though it was very cold, Amanda still went to work. She put on an even thicker sweater and a scarf around her neck and went to Jhon's cafe.

When she passed the beach, she saw that it was very quiet and there was a lot of snow on the sand. The water would definitely be very cold at this time of year.

"Who would swim at the beach at this time of year? That must be crazy..." Amanda said as she entered the cafe.

It was surprisingly warm inside which made Amanda feel relieved to be there. She went into the kitchen to greet Jhon as usual, before finally going into the locker room to put on her apron.

When she was tying her apron, her pregnant belly was very obvious. Her belly looked round from under the apron.

"Hmn... It's getting bigger. It's already the 18th week, it doesn't feel like it. You're already big," Amanda said happily while rubbing her stomach.

But she couldn't show her pregnancy now, she was worried that Jhon would fire her sooner. Amanda tried to loosen her ties, but before she could do so, Jhon entered the room.

"Amanda... Today I want you to..." he stopped himself when he saw Amanda's big belly. "Amanda?"

"J-Jhon?? It's... It's not what you think. I..."

The man told Amanda to go ahead, Amanda couldn't say anything and just followed Jhon. The two of them sat on the cafe chairs, facing each other. Amanda could only remain silent while bowing her head.

"I didn't think you were pregnant all this time," said Jhon in a slightly disappointed tone.

"Sorry... I should have told you this from the beginning. I was already pregnant before I worked for you. I need this job for my future child," Amanda replied.

"How can I hire you? The longer your belly grows, the harder it will be for you to do the work here."

Amanda immediately dismissed those words, saying that she was able to do her job as usual even though she was pregnant. She promised to continue working as usual as long as Jhon did not fire her.

"Please Jhon, don't fire me. I need this job and I don't know where I'm going to find another one. This is the only place I can work," Amanda pleaded.

She was already comfortable working with Jhon at the cafe. She didn't think Jhon was as bad as they said. She also enjoyed meeting the people who often came to the cafe. Amanda didn't want to just quit.

For a moment, Jhon was silent and thought about his decision. On the one hand, he could accept Amanda continuing to work for him, but on the other hand Amanda could experience a lot of problems because she was pregnant.

At that time Amanda had given up, she knew Jhon would definitely fire her because pregnant women would only be troublesome if they worked as waitresses who had to move a lot.

"Well, you can keep working here," said Jhon.

Hearing that, Amanda was so happy. She never thought that Jhon would still accept her to work there.

"It's hard to find workers who last as long as you, you've also done very well so far."

"Thank you, Jhon! I don't know how else to thank you!" Amanda said happily.

"But... If you feel tired, you can sit down for a while. I don't want you to have any problems with your pregnancy," said Jhon and got up from his seat and went back to the kitchen.

Amanda knew that although Jhon was a fierce and creepy man, but he was actually a kind and caring man. She also got up and started cleaning the cafe as usual.

That day, because of her rounded belly, some customers were surprised to learn that Amanda was pregnant. At first, Amanda thought that they would talk negatively about her after finding out she was pregnant.

But instead, they supported her and encouraged her.

"You're very kind and hardworking, I'm sure your baby will be very proud to have a mom like you," one customer said kindly.

"Thank you very much. I hope so too," Amanda replied.

However, there were also those who were disappointed to find out. Some of Jhon's male customers were hoping to get Amanda, which is why they came to the cafe. But knowing Amanda was pregnant, they felt lied to.

"It's very disappointing. I thought it was a beautiful, pure woman, but it turns out to be someone else's ex," they sneered at Amanda.

"What's wrong with carrying your own child? You're the ones who are expecting the impossible. Just look at your faces first, do you deserve her?" replied the female customer who was annoyed by the men's remarks.

One of the people who was very surprised to know about Amanda's pregnancy was George. He had always liked Amanda and thought she was an ordinary woman. It turned out that she was a single parent who was pregnant.

He ventured, asking Amanda about the father of her baby. However, Amanda argued that the father of her baby had died in an accident. She couldn't possibly tell anyone the truth. Only Camille could she trust, because only Camille knew the truth.

"I see, your baby had to be born without a father," George said.

"Yes, but that's okay. I can raise my baby myself and give her the love she needs," Amanda said with a smile.

Seeing Amanda's sincere smile and eyes filled with love, George's affection for Amanda grew. He even thought that he could be the father that she needed.

But of course he couldn't just say that to Amanda. He had to approach Amanda slowly until she melted into him.

"Good then. If you need help or anything, you can call me. You still have my number, right?"

"Yes, I still have it. Thank you for taking care of us. Then I have to get back to work." Amanda brought a pot of coffee and offered it to the other customers.

George kept watching Amanda as she greeted other customers and offered them coffee. He thought for a moment that Amanda must need a man to be her companion. Someone who would look after her and protect her and her child.

Moreover, all this time, he did not know that Amanda was pregnant. In his opinion, it must be hard to face it all alone. Even so, Amanda still smiled kindly at people and never looked sad.

George's heart was beating fast, realizing his affection for Amanda at this moment.

'I hope that someday, you will accept me as one of you. I promise to protect and love you both.'