Chapter 4 – Work Day 2 and a secret revealed...

Bolin POV

I guess Anna didn't know that I could hear their discussion in the kitchen. I mean, I wasn't eavesdropping, but they were talking pretty loud. I didn't know Anna's past and what made her so shy, but I wanted a chance to find out. So I asked her out for a friendly lunch, but why was I so nervous when I looked at her? Maybe that's also why I did what I did, so I could find out the reason.

Anyway, when I came home that night I just ate whatever I brought, fed Pabu, and went straight to bed. For some reason, I woke up really early and I couldn't go back to sleep. I figured I had plenty of time before I went to work so I decided to practice my earthbending at the pro-bending arena. By the time I finished I was already 10 minutes late to work. I couldn't believe it! How could I lose track of time so easily?! At that moment I ran as fast as I could to the restaurant. When I arrived, there were people already inside. When I walked in Anna's uncle gave me glare for a few seconds and continued cooking. He probably didn't like me all that much at that moment.

Their orders were already taken so I felt kind of useless at that moment. I looked for Anna and discovered she was in the kitchen. I walked over there and asked if there was anything that needed help. Her uncle immediately snapped at me and said no while Anna just kept on cooking. She seemed so occupied in it that she didn't realize I was there. It wasn't until she finished that she noticed.

"Oh Bolin! You came! I was starting to get a little worried when you didn't show up, but I suppose I worried about nothing." She said as she smiled.

I found out her smiles were contagious as I couldn't help smiling with her. Before I could respond, her uncle interrupted me.

"I'm going to get to the point, why were you late today?"

"Uncle!" she said as she faced her uncle.

"No, you have every right to know. I was practicing my earthbending and I lost track of time. It won't happen again, I promise." I finished with an apologetic smile. I guess her uncle was not amused.

"You had better hope you won't or else you're going to have to work someplace else to pay back the damage." He said as he went back to cooking.

Anna took me out of the kitchen and out the back door.

"You'll have to excuse my uncle, he can be rude at times."

"It's no problem, besides I did deserve it."

"But he didn't have to be rude about it. By the way, I didn't know you were an earthbender?"

"Yeah I am. I'm part of the Fire Ferrets at the pro-bending arena."

"…you'll have to forgive me, I don't listen to pro-bending matches too often. It's mostly my sister that gets into them. I bet your team is really good though." She smiled as she tried to apologize.

"Don't worry about it. I–"

"Hey! Instead of talking the both of you have jobs to do, so I suggest you do them!" her uncle yelled at the both of us. I winced as I heard the door slam. It was quiet as we went inside since neither of us said a word. It was like that for the rest of the day until lunchtime, which I had to work through thanks to her uncle. I realize he was my boss, but missing lunch almost made me cry since I didn't even have breakfast. I guess I would have to wait till dinner. Anna told me that I would be the only waiter today since her aunt was sick. I didn't mind it much until the dinner rush came.

There was a whole crowd of people coming in all at one time. I wasn't sure if I could handle every single one of them, but I tried as best as I could. Unfortunately, it wasn't good enough. People were getting impatient and moody. Before they left though, I felt a tug on my shirt.

"Don't worry, they won't leave. I'll help you this one time, but I expect a good dinner afterwards." Emiko said.

"Thanks, where were you anyway?"

"Home. Who do you think was taking care of Aunt Gina?" She stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Well who's taking care of your aunt right now?"

"She's by herself, but she's better now. I told her I wouldn't be gone long and I'll be leaving after you make me dinner."

"Make you dinner?" I asked very confused.

"Yes, now quit talking and start working."

I decided to drop the subject and talk to her later about it.

Once we started working, business became easier to handle. I couldn't help but notice the customers' moods started getting better when they ate the food. Just the thought of eating food made my mouth water. They gave compliments to the cooks and went on their way. It wasn't quite closing time when all the customers were gone and I heard a loud voice.

"Great! Looking forward to dinner Bolin!" she said while skipping to a clean table.

"You know what I'm pretty hungry too, make it dinner for two Bolin. Anna, help him around the kitchen won't you?" her uncle said while sitting next to Emiko.

To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I knew how to cook but my food wasn't the greatest in the world. Now I found myself wondering if they would like it, almost like seeking approval. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"It's fine Bolin, I'll help you make dinner. What do you want to make?"

"Thanks and I don't really know…how about stew?"

"Stew's fine, let's get started."

Anna POV

I helped him get the ingredients and let him make the stew. I was on the other side of the kitchen making soup to take to my aunt. I only cook if my aunt or uncle needs help or if they're sick. I don't cook other than that for personal reasons. We finished around the same time, so while they were eating I was saying goodbye and taking the soup to my aunt. I was hungry of course, but I could wait until I got home. Aunt Gina was probably starving compared to my hunger. I just hoped that my uncle and sister didn't give Bolin a rough time.

Bolin POV

"You know, this isn't so bad." Emiko said.

"You're right, it seems I underestimated your cooking skills Bolin." Her uncle said.

I just scratched the back of my head to avoid embarrassment.

"Maybe I'll put you behind the stove sometime and teach you the recipes. I'm sorry I've been hard on you today. I get really strict when it comes to running a kitchen." He said looking thoughtful and apologetic.

"You don't have to worry about that sir, I understand."

He nodded his head and continued eating.

"Even though this is pretty good, it's nothing compared to Anna's food." Emiko said with a smile.

"I've never tasted her cooking before, but it must be good with what you're telling me."

"Good is an understatement, it's absolutely perfect! But she doesn't like to cook unless she has to…" She looked a little sad at that statement.

"What's past is past Emiko, there's no use dwelling on it." Her uncle said. I wanted to ask why, but it looked like a sensitive topic so I left it alone. I didn't expect her next words though.

"Hey! Maybe you should ask her to teach you! She'll probably listen to you instead of us since we tried lots of times."

"What makes you think she'll listen to me?"

"She doesn't like to cook because it reminds her of our mom. She shares the same talent as her in cooking and some other things, but ever since she died she doesn't like to cook for anyone. Not even us. So I'm thinking that maybe you have a chance."

"Wait, if she doesn't like to cook for you guys, then why did she do it today?"

"She doesn't cook unless she has to, meaning whenever Uncle Jirou or Aunt Gina can't make it."

"That makes sense, but you still haven't answered my question."

"I just have a good feeling about it, but promise me you're gonna ask." She said with a serious face.

"Okay, I promise."

"Good! Well I'm going home with uncle. See ya tomorrow!" She said skipping out the door. By then I washed all the dishes and was going outside. Her uncle locked up the place and went home. I was pretty tired by then so I headed home too. Tomorrow's a new day, with lunch to look forward to…

A/N Well this didn't take long to write. I hope all of you had joyous holiday celebrations and I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. I planned this to be a short story so there'll probably be a few more chapters of this and then it would be finished. Of course that is the original plan, who knows if I'll come up with something else haha. Anyway, let me know what you think.

Until next time!