Chapter 2: The Water's Surface – Tifa

"Excuse me Mrs Lockhart, can I have a 'Seventh Heaven' cocktail, please?"

"Yeah, sure; I'll be there in a minute".

Typical days at Seventh Heaven use to be like this.

During the evenings, the bar gets particularly crowded; people come and go, lots of them.

Throughout these years, the bar has become a landmark for a great amount of people in Edge.

If I think about the first period after Meteorfall, everything just seems so surreal.

We were broken, without a home in which to come back, and Midgar was in a poor state.

Barret, Cloud and I helped the survivors to rebuild what was inevitably destroyed by the strength of the collision of Meteor and the Lifestream.

It was during those times that we did our best to build a new bar in what once was the recently built Edge.

At that point I was so low that I couldn't even think about a name for the bar.

We let Marlene had a say in the choice of the name and, with an innocence typical of a child, she opted for "Seventh Heaven".

My sense of guilt was so oppressing to the point that I couldn't let the recent past marked by death and sorrow sink into our present.

To Marlene, contrariwise, "Seventh Heaven" was a name associated with happiness and joy.

She lived there ever since she was a baby; Barret was her family, I was her family, Avalanche was her family and Seventh Heaven was her home; I couldn't interfere with her joyful memories, so we opted to choose that name in order to commemorate what once was a meeting-point in Sectors 7's Slums.

I reach for the ingredients, and then I add them to the mixer, which is already half full with crushed ice, and I proceed to shake it in a strong yet balanced way.

Then I pour the drink into the glass, handing it to the man behind the counter, who is a young man, probably in his twenties.

"Here you are, enjoy it!".

"Thank you Miss Lockhart".

After the initial struggle, the business eventually started to get pretty good.

People loved to meet their friends and share a drink in an almost familiar context, and I was also pleased to make relieve the customers' tiredness in this simple yet beneficent way.

During the first period after we adopted Denzel, the affluence to the bar started to reduce, mainly because of the unknown nature of Geostigma and the consequent fear of the people about it.

We never really minded the audience drop, as long as it concerned Denzel's wellbeing we were willing to do everything.

But now, after the various turmoils that occurred during the past 2 years, everything has settled down.

The general atmosphere is very quiet, and even if it sounds strange, we are living in an extremely peaceful moment.

Today Cloud left early in the morning for some deliveries; he said that he would try to make it home earlier than usual, but I know his schedule is pretty busy, so I completely understand if he won't be home in the evening.

But if there is one thing that I'm particularly glad about, is Cloud's presence, especially after everything he went through.

During the first times, I had this strange sense of elusiveness associated with Cloud, and probably accentuated by his growing loneliness dictated by Geostigma.

I have to say that, even if he acts in a very stoic and quiet way, he really cares about our family.

He really cares about the kids, and Denzel really appreciates receiving Cloud's attention (not that Marlene doesn't mind though).

Ever since he took him home, he looks up at him as a hero.

I remember that once, Reeve called to inform us that he wanted to join WRO to become just like Cloud.

Cloud didn't react conspicuously to the news, he indeed gave me a faint but sly smile, but I can tell that he was really proud about it… he just didn't show it in a flashy way.

His young age was a limitation to join the WRO for sure, but even so, we tried our best to convince him that what he does on a regular basis is very important to us, so there is no need to push himself so hard.

Meanwhile, I serve some dishes for a family of three which is sitting at a table on the right corner of the bar, while I also manage to serve some plates to a couple of men in suit and tie; they probably are some employees on their lunch break.

Ever since we opened again 4 years ago, we decided that we should make it become an all ages free diner.

During the slums days, the bar was crowded, mostly by people who wanted to just drink, and even some drunkards; but now we decided that we needed to create a more welcoming climate.

Taking and serving the people's orders has always been my main job; Cloud and I sometimes discussed about hiring other people in order to add them to the staff, but the earnings are pretty modest and we just can't afford it.

I just try to do my best in order to provide the best service to the customers, while at the same time, I try to compensate for the lack of other staff members.

Cloud said lots of times that I tend to overwork, but I just don't notice it, even if he is probably right.

It's pretty strange considering his work schedule.

Ever since he opened the Strife Delivery Service, he has been working tirelessly, in order to make ends meet.

Sometimes he even surprises me by bringing new ingredients to improve some of my dishes; it's an old habit that he kept over the years since we've started living together.

I really appreciate his attentive behavior, but sometimes I cannot do anything but feel a bit guilty, especially because I feel that he pushes himself really hard to help us in every possible way.

I know that he would simply dismiss any of my arguments about it with his calm behavior and his simple yet so effective speeches, but I fear that I might be taking advantage of it; I know this one is probably just another obsessive thought of mine, but in some way or another, it just comes back regularly.

After a couple of hours, during the afternoon, in probably one of the quieter moments of the day, I hear the bar's door opening and two figures crossing the entrance.

"Good afternoon Tifa, we're home," Marlene began as soon as she entered the bar, followed by a more laid back and quiet Denzel; her tone is jovial as usual.

"Welcome home!" I greet them as best as I can, but they are already all over me, hugging me.

I instinctively hug them back; their positivity is always welcome, it sometimes serves as a reminder to me and Cloud that we can allow us to be truly happy with what we have achieved.

"So, how was your day at school?"

"It was fine and really fun-"

"As long as it can get" adds Denzel, in a very sarcastic but also joking tone.

I can help but chuckle at his words.

Tossing their backpacks to the ground they quickly ask:

"Do you need any help Tifa?" The expression on their faces in particularly serious.

A huge smile crosses my face.

"Thank you, I really appreciate it, but for the moment I think I can handle it just fine, so… you can relax, especially after your day at school; but if you have some homework to do you should work on them later".

"Okay, that's fine," her tone is particularly understanding.

"By the way, do you want something, like some juice?" I ask them, knowing that they definitely need a break after all.

"Yeah, that would be great" Marlene seems particularly happy about it.

"That sounds great Tifa!" Denzel is smiling while he is also giving me a thumbs up.

I would lie if I say that his laid back attitude doesn't remind me of Cloud; sometimes I wonder how much did he take from him.

Then I proceed to pour the orange juice in their two glasses, and I give it to them.

"Thank you, you are the best!". They both exclaimed; their faces are brimming with happiness.

Taking back their backpacks, they head towards the stairs, with the intention of reaching their room, carefully enough to not let the juice spill on the floor.

After the kids went into their room, I resumed some of the little chores left pending; after that I decide to wash some dishes, taking advantage of the quiet spot between the afternoon and the evening, considering the low people affluence.

The evening is typically the moment of the day in which the bar gets the most crowded, so I tend to get ready in advantage in order to not get overwhelmed by the numerous customer's orders.

After a couple of hours few customers are left, and those who are still here, are drinking at their tables, which gives me some spare time, so I decide to clean some plates and glasses.

The closing time is approaching, so I decide to take care of these matters to not overwork later.

My focus is still on the tasks, until the sound of tiny footsteps caught my attention.

"Tifa, we thought you might need some help, so we came to see how things were going," this time Denzel is the one to speak first, Marlene follows him.

I try to greet them with the most relaxed expression I could give them, but judging by their looks they can sense how tired I am.

"I'm almost done, so don't worry".

"Are you hungry?". I ask them, knowing that the work rates at the bar at pretty intense and I haven't been able to give them the proper attention during the rest of the day; I'm almost certain they must be hungry by this time, considering it's almost half past nine.

"Yeah, definitely". This time Marlene answer first.

Tossing the washing cloth onto the counter I decide to start cooking for the kids; I prefer to postpone dinner, so I can wait for Cloud, in order to keep him company and have dinner together.

I ultimately decide to cook a plate from the menu: "The Chocobo Special"; it's one of the simplest recipes that I have thought for the bar, but it's probably one of the most balanced plates for the kids.

It consists in stir-fried meat seasoned with some spices.

I eventually serve it to them, who have taken a seat in one of the tables nearest to the counter.

Meanwhile, only a few customers are left in the bar, so I decide to close it, considering the hour.

That means that I can finally spend some free time with the kids, eventually approaching them with a lighthearted conversation.

After dinner, we decide to get a breath of fresh air outside.

We opt to sit on the stairs in front of the bar entrance, right under the porch; Marlene and Denzel think that we could make a surprise for Cloud.

Sitting here I can't help but to give some glances at the dimly lit alley, and I notice that even some people walk around nearby, which is kind of surprising considering that this isn't in one of Edge's main avenues.

The faint illumination, however, gives me the chance to take a look to the starry sky, considering that today the sky is particularly dotted with them.

Stars.

Everything started from it; a promise under a starry sky in a small country town.

Even now, after years Cloud still reminds vividly that particular moment that we shared together; of all things he has always been faithful to it.

And to a certain extent, I think that a promise is what also gives him the will to keep going forward and to preserve our family union.

I vaguely glance at the ring on my right hand.

The wolf ring.

I remember the day Cloud gave it to me; ever since that day it took on the meaning of union, while also remarking the promise that we made years ago.

"Tifa… are you ok?" asks Marlene.

My eyes are now on her; she seems really concerned about me.

That expression reminds me the type of looks that she gave me during the short amount of time in which Cloud left us and stayed at the church; like always, she had the ability of reading though me, noticing every emotional drift.

This time, however, I'm not devastated like I was two years ago; instead I feel relieved by thinking about one of the reasons that kept us together for all this time.

With a smile on my face I try to lift off that sense of concern painted on her.

"It's okay Marlene; Cloud will be home soon, so I'm happy to see him today".

She seems really satisfied and relieved by my words, sensing their sincerity; she can't really hold her happiness to the point the she abruptly hugs me.

I hug her back, also reaching out to Denzel with my right arm in order to hug him too.

"Everything is fine," I say in a low voice almost whispering, while I also start to slowly ruffle their hair.

They don't say anything, but they seem really relaxed and happy.

I don't know exactly how much time has passed; I got lost in my thoughts, and I realized only now that the kids fell asleep, and I can't blame them at all, it's getting pretty late for them.

I decide it's time to take them into their room; It's starting to get pretty cold outside, and I don't want them to get sick.

Just before I can get them inside, I get interrupted by the roar of an engine; That sound is so quaint that I can't get confused.

It's Cloud.

He just heads to the garage located in the back of our house and parks Fenrire inside it, as usual.

Then, he goes straight to the main entrance of the bar, he notices us from a distance, probably thinking that something must be off.

I smile at him.

"Welcome back Cloud!".

At first his expression is pretty puzzled, but then he puts up a sincere smile on his face.

"I'm back Tifa… do you need some help?". His tone is actually really soft, but at the same time he maintains a thin humorous veil in his voice.

"Don't know about need," I answer sarcastically, smirking at him.

Cloud snickers at my statement, probably because, given the situation, he would have probably answered in the same way.

After that, he gets closer to me, just to exchange a short kiss; then he proceeds to lift Marlene, while I do the same with Denzel.

Marlene musta have noticed the drastic change, so she briefly opens her eyes, and meets Cloud's.

"C-Cloud? You are back," she seems really uplifted.

He just nods while smiling at her.

We take them to their room, and tuck them in.

Denzel, who was fast asleep during the short travel, now woke up; his eyes are sleepy, but he instantly recognizes Cloud.

"Oh, H-hi Cloud".

"Hi Denzel".

We say Goodnight to them, and closing their room's door we head downstairs.

"You must be hungry, would you like to eat something?". After his long travel, he must be starving, and I'm pretty hungry too.

"Yeah, thank you Tifa". By his voice, I can tell he sounds tired.

Once downstairs, I decide to prepare a brief and light dinner for us; considering the hour, I prefer to opt for something that is easy to digest.

During the dinner we chat about the day, while also keeping the conversation in a lighthearted way.

When we don't talk, we just enjoy the silence.

This is one of the most peculiar traits about Cloud's personality that I love.

This kind of silence never makes me feel embarrassed nor distant from him.

The silence that we share together always feels relaxing in a way; it's hard to describe it, but it's another way that we have to communicate something; just being present for each other is enough, so sharing these moments together is always a pleasure.

After dinner, like we usually do, we sip a glass of some Corel wine, just to relax a bit before going to bed.

Cloud then, proceeds to change his clothes and brush his teeth; meanwhile I wash the remaining dishes, and then I join him in our bedroom.

Once we go to bed, we exchange some more chatter in our typical way; but I notice that sleep is starting to overwhelm us, so I decide to curl up against Cloud, and he just extends his left arm to hug me, in his protective yet tender way.

After a few minutes I can feel my own thoughts starting to get blurred, and at that moment sleep start to take over me.

When I wake up, it's 5:45 in the morning, the hour in which I wake up to start to settle everything up.

I usually don't need an alarm clock, my body has been adjusted to this routine ever since the Sector 7 days.

Today I feel like something is off, but I can't put my finger on it.

Getting out of bed is more difficult than usual; I don't know why, but I feel definitely more tired than any other day.

After getting out of bed, I realize that I feel dizzy, and also my head feels uncharacteristically heavy.

Cloud is still asleep, his breath is slow and steady; he seems so relaxed, after all seeing him in this state makes my heart flutter.

I get my clothes from the closet, careful to not make any noise that could possibly wake up Cloud.

I know it will be a matter of time before he gets up, but I don't want to disturb his sleep; after all he had a very tiring work day, and I have a feeling that waking him up so abruptly won't help at all.

The dizziness does not seem to pass, and to be added I'm starting to feel pretty nauseous.

I know that I'm probably getting sick, and these are the first symptoms (I've probably caught some cold last night).

I close the bathroom door, but I don't lock it, it's kind of a habit of mine.

I would normally be having a shower in the morning, but the nausea is starting to overwhelm me, as well as the dizziness.

God… It just doesn't pass.

I decide to put the clothes in a basket beside the sink, ready to undress me and get into the shower, hoping that this feeling of discomfort (somehow) will pass.

But any of my predictions doesn't go well at all.

The nausea ultimately overwhelms me, and I feel the urge to throw up, so I reach the toilette pouring out what was left of the last night's dinner.

As if it wasn't enough, I throw up a second time. My throat aches and I cough a few times as a consequence of the sourness of the liquid; my stomach is a total mess, and because of that I can't bring myself to get up from the cold bathroom floor.

I think Cloud noticed that something is off, and the noises coming from the bathroom must have woken him up, because I hear the sound of his steps and a gentle knock on the door.

"Tifa?!"

"Is everything okay?"

"C-come in…".

The door opens, and from his eyes, I can see that he is clearly confused and, at the same time, he is visibly concerned about me.

"I guess I don't feel well," I say, trying to put on a smile.

He grabs a towel, and crouching next to me, moves a few strands off of my face and proceeds to wipe some sweat from my forehead as well as some leftover flecks on the corner of my mouth.

"What happened?" I can sense that he is really worried about the situation.

"Nothing particular; when I got up, I didn't feel so good, I was dizzy, and nauseous… so eventually I felt a strong urge to throw up. I think I caught up some cold last night when we were waiting outside the bar".

"I see; your tendency to overwork combined with the cold really caught up with you. I think you should rest for today". His tone is always so calm, yet so worried and expressive, despite the (only apparent) flatness of it.

Normally I would have put an argument against getting a day off, but today I just don't have the strength to do so; my body is clearly sending me some messages, plus I think that Cloud is right, I shouldn't be straining myself so much… at least for today.

"Do you need a hand?" He simply asks, a faint smile on his face.

"Yeah, definitely". I chuckle a bit.

Then he grabs me by my hand, and when I'm finally on my feet, he just takes me to bed again.

The mattress never felt so comfortable; the nausea began to pass, but I'm still worn out.

I try so hard to relax, but I automatically start to make a mental list about things that I should do to kick-start the morning at Seventh Heaven.

"I should wash myself"

"Do the laundry"

"Turn on the coffee machine in order to prepare the coffees for the customers"

"Wake up the kids"

"Prepare their breakfast and their lunches"

"I should buy groceries"

"And I should eventually open Seventh Heav…"

"Tifa," I can hear Cloud's voice calling me, but my mind is still wandering on my "to do" list.

"Tifa?!" I eventually shrug myself off from my thoughts; my attention is on him.

"You should just rest for today," It's incredible how Cloud guessed my thoughts so quickly; but again he is probably right.

"I will make your home tasks," He sounds really concerned.

"And what about your deliveries?"

"No problems, I just need some time to get a shower, and I will be ready for it," his willpower it's truly amazing.

"Cloud…" I stumble upon my own words.

"Thank you…".

"It's the least I can do, after everything you did for me" he says shrugging.

"So… do you remember how to turn on the coffee machine?" I hesitated a bit before putting my thoughts into words.

"Yeah," he sounds secure.

"What about the kids Cloud? No problems about preparing their lunch?"

"Don't worry Tifa, it's fine; I will figure something out".

There were a few times in which I was sick, and Cloud offered to help me by preparing their lunch; as far as the kids told me, he did a good job, so I fully trust him.

"For now, just think about getting better, okay?" I can still sense a hint of concern in his voice.

"I will, thank you," I say, still smiling at him.

The following minutes after he takes his clothes and heads to the bathroom to have his usual shower.

I pull my blankets up to my neck; I'm really starting to get comfortable, my head feels so light; the dizziness as well as the nausea, by now, has finally passed.

As much as I try to stay awake, my thoughts are starting to get blurry again to the point that I can't help but fall asleep one more time; initially I fall into a light sleep, so light that I can actually still hear what's going on around me, but after not so long I just fall fast asleep.

When I wake up the house is bathed in silence; Cloud left for his deliveries and the kids went to school.

It's kind of strange, considering that every day I wake up earlier just to do all the house chores in order to get the day started; but what is stranger is not being able to prepare breakfast for Denzel and Marlene.

Being accustomed to this routine always gave me some kind of certainty and stableness, even during our darkest times.

Getting up from bed feels better for sure… definitely better than it was before.

I realize that is 8 o'clock, so I slept for two hours straight, and that's strange, but again, it was necessary, and I give credit to Cloud for that.

I head to the bathroom one more time; my clothes are still where I left them before, on the basket beside the sink.

After closing the door and undressing myself, I enter the shower; I always thought that having a hot shower is the best way ease the mind and to get ready for the day, and I think I'm still true to my words.

The hot water helps me to relax, and at the same time I wander through my own thoughts, thinking about what happened hours ago.

I definitely feel better now, but the whole situation is strange; I don't feel feverish at all, and that's even stranger.

After getting out of the shower and drying myself, I make my way downstairs, quickly checking if everything is in its right places.

The washing machine is on and it's full of clothes; the coffee machine is on, and the kids aren't home; I have to absolutely thank Cloud one more time.

Before opening the bar I consider making breakfast for myself.

Even though I feel particularly fine, I can't help but also feel a bit exhausted, as well as hungry… and that's normal, considering the fact that I poured last night's dinner into the toilet a couple of hours ago.

I decide to drink milk coffee and eat some biscuits, which is kind of my typical breakfast.

After that I opt to open the bar, a bit later than usual; I know I should be probably taking some rest, but I can't help but notice that I feel pretty fine, despite being slightly worn out, so I decide that I will open Seventh Heaven.

The only compromise I'm on is to work at a slower and more laid back rate; I know I feel fine, but I shouldn't be straining or pushing myself too hard.

Flipping the open/close sign to open I mentally prepare myself to a steady, yet hopefully looser day at work.

After all this morning went pretty quiet, and I'm glad for that, especially because I'm starting to feel slowly exhausted.

Most of the customers went here to have some coffee or have breakfast. Starting from our typical regulars, up until office workers who had a brief stop here before heading straight to their offices.

During the afternoon the kids come back from school; their looks are filled with joy, but I can sense a hint of curiosity mixed with concern in their looks.

"Good afternoon Tifa!" Marlene begins, heading towards me, followed by Denzel.

"How are you?" they both ask in succession.

I am particularly surprised by their attention; I try my best to reassure them, while also putting on a sincere smile.

"Hi kids, welcome back; Don't worry, I'm fine".

"This morning I wasn't feeling well at all, but now I'm definitely better".

Even though they are smiling, their looks are quite thoughtful.

"Are you sure Tifa?" Denzel decides to inquire a bit more.

"If you need some help, we are here for you" Marlene adds.

"Thank you guys, I truly appreciate your concern, but for the moment I'm fine; if I need anything, I will let you know, okay?" I say, still trying to sound reassuring.

Denzel still looks pensive, but he eventually nods with a tiny smile; Marlene looks pretty uplifted by my words.

After our brief conversation, they head to their room upstairs.

I can fully understand Denzel's pensiveness, especially after he went through; he looked pretty cautious… and he was probably really worried about my condition.

During the evening, the bar gets pretty crowded; the situation isn't particularly demanding, considering it's a weekday, but people come and go regularly.

My attention gets caught by a certain figure who enters into the bar.

It's Cloud, and he is home earlier than usual.

His figure has attracted the attention of some customer, who probably aren't regulars; they scrutinize him in a curious way, especially after he approached me.

Cloud's expression is particularly frowned.

"Hey Cloud, welcome back".

"Hi Tifa, I'm home," He looks puzzled.

His hand instinctively seeks mine, and when it does, I place my free hand upon his, squeezing it.

"You came home earlier today" I try to introduce the topic.

"Yeah; I had some deliveries in the Midgar area, so it took me less than usual". He looks really calm, although he is trying to hide his concern.

"Tifa… how are you feeling?" At first seems hesitant, but after taking some courage he manages to ask me about my health.

"I'm fine Cloud, I know I didn't feel well at all this morning, but now I'm doing fine… even though I'm starting to feel pretty worn out by now". After saying this, I can't help but sigh.

"I can imagine it; you should have taken some rest… at least for today," He sounds a bit more uplifted.

"Let me give you a hand" He says, smiling fainltly, in his typical caring way.

"Thank you Cloud, for everything you did for me today".

He just nods, still giving me his gentle smile.

Cloud then, proceeds to give me hand with various tasks around the bar.

He starts from taking the customers' orders, to serving them, and he even provides me some help with dish washing; I know he isn't that much of a talker with the customers, but he does his best to help me, and I really appreciate his efforts.

You know, somehow I still feel guilty about this; I fear that I might be pushing him too much, but at the same time I am also really glad.

I'm really glad about having him here with me.

Glad about having someone on which to rely on to, during the best and on even during the worst moments; a significant other who, during all this time, helped us by keeping this family together.

Someone with whom it is possible to understand each other, even without words.

Someone that I love, and which I deeply trust.