CHAPTER 3

"Marlene, get the door!" Tifa called from the kitchen. Cloud must've forgotten his keys again. "Coming!" Marlene's small voice replied as she ran to get the door. She unlocked the door, "How many times must you forget to bring your keys? Next time I don't wanna open the door for you."

Cloud smiled at her behaviour. "Since when have you turned into an old lady?" Cloud teased Marlene and Marlene made an annoyed face. Ever since Barret left Marlene with Tifa here, there hasn't been a day of peace. There would always be her questions and complaint about Cloud.

"I'm home," Cloud said as she brushed Marlene's hair. "Welcome back. Tifa's just finished preparing dinner," Marlene hold Cloud's hand and lead him into the house. Cloud could smell the smell of Tifa's cooking and it made his stomach growled hungrily.

"I can hear your tummy," Marlene giggled as she pointed at Cloud's stomach. "Tifa better be fast. The monster in my tummy wants to eat you if there's no food," Cloud said in a serious manner. Marlene's face turned white, she didn't realize he was joking.

She quickly ran to the kitchen, surprising Tifa who was preparing the table for their dinner. "Tifa, quick! I don't wanna be eaten," Marlene took the plates and started serving the food as fast as she could. Tifa was confused by her words but she got the hint that it got something to do with Cloud.

Then, the hero decided to show his 'innocent' face and Marlene gasped. Tifa placed her hands on her hips and questioned Cloud, "What did you say to her?"

"I've made her help you right?" Cloud replied and Tifa just smiled in return. Everyday just felt so normal, it felt as if they were a whole family. "Yeah sure, let's eat."

Cloud sat on a chair around the round table next to Marlene. "It sure smells good," Cloud said as Tifa adjusted Marlene to sit properly. "Ready?" Cloud turned to Marlene who just nodded. "Let's eat," the three of them said in unison and they began eating.

XXX

"How'd the recording go?" Tifa asked Cloud once they had finished dinner. Marlene was clearing the table while Cloud helped her carried the dishes to the sink. "Quite well, it's not hard once you get the feeling," Cloud said as he placed the dirty plates into the sink and on the tap.

Tifa just nodded, it was good that Cloud now had a steady life. On the contrary, she just depended on him. Now that Marlene is under her care, he would have to support the two of them.

"Are you okay like this?" She questioned slowly just loud enough for him to hear without Marlene noticing. Cloud turned his head slightly in confusion. Only when he saw Tifa's face, he realized what she meant.

"It really depends on you," Cloud's answer made Tifa wondered. "I got someone to cook for me and look after my home when I'm gone. And some entertainment after a tiring day at work. I wonder what else I can ask for." Cloud looked at Marlene who was wiping the table as clean as she could.

Tifa thought to herself while her hands were washing the dishes. Cloud just glanced at her before nearing to Marlene. "Right Marlene?" Cloud asked the little girl. Marlene just looked perplexed but she nodded, "Right!"

"What are you gonna do after this?" Cloud asked Marlene while hauling her up. He decided to change the subject. He didn't like the fact that Tifa felt that way. She felt as if she was a burden to him. He was only helping her.

"Tonight there's a scary movie. I wanna watch it," Marlene replied as she hoped Cloud volunteered to watch it with her. "Scary movie? You sure you won't be afraid to sleep alone after watching it?" Cloud looked at the girl.

"You can watch it with me right Cloud?" She asked so innocently. Then, she turned to Tifa to ask for support but she didn't see her. "Let's see. I'm a little tired," Cloud pretended to sound sleepy.

"Please, I'll do anything!" Marlene was closed to begging. "Tifa, please help me," Marlene leaned over to catch Tifa's attention. Tifa who had just finished washing the dishes turned.

Tifa noticed that Cloud was joking with her. Poor Marlene. "I dunno. You're gonna be afraid for days," Tifa decided to join Cloud. "Look, your Mum doesn't let you watch it. You should get ready for bed," Cloud announced.

"No, I don't want to. Please DAD" Marlene was almost pouting at the blonde man. Cloud couldn't stand her looking like that chose to cut his torture short. "Alright, I'll make an excuse just for you, little princess," he said as he walked into the living room.

Tifa just smiled at their actions. If anyone just watched them, they would seem like a young father and his daughter. This is a family. This is her family and she wanted to protect it no matter what.

After a while, she heard Cloud calling, "What are still doing in there, the movie is about to start. Be quick Mom."

Tifa realized she liked the new name she got. Maybe, she could get used to it. "Coming," she answered and turned off the kitchen's lights.

XXX

Tifa went out the next day after Barret came to take Marlene out for the day. Tifa wanted to find a job so that she won't be a free-loader. She saw the advertisements that were pasted on the walls. Most of them were requiring an experienced worker and she apparently were not.

She moved to the next part of the wall, and started looking for any job that suited her. She scanned each advertisement carefully so that she won't miss anything. "This is for office... and this one for another experienced worker," she read to herself.

Then, she saw a piece of paper that seemed to suit her. "A waitress," she smiled to herself and took off the paper from the walls and a few others that she thought she might have the chance of getting the job.

"Now, to find the place," she said to herself and starting walking towards a direction that leads to the subway. Inside, she knew it was going to be a long day.

XXX

Tifa went home that day feeling very disappointed. Out of 3 job interview that she went, none of them accepted her. Simply because she didn't have any qualification and experience in the work field. She went home to find that Marlene hadn't return and the house was empty as she left it. It was expected.

She blew out her breath and decided to take a long bath to relax herself. She looked at the clock and saw that she had a few hours to herself before Cloud came home. She opened the tap and waited for the water to fill the tub. After undressing herself, she lied in the tub and thought deeply.

'How long must I depend on him? He said he didn't mind but I mind. I can't be a freeloader forever.' Tifa played with the water and let the dripped from her slender fingers.

"Just as I thought, I'm only good at bartending!" she said out loud and splashed the water feeling a little upset. Then, she took a deep breath and lowered her head under the water.

Water made everyone relaxed right?