I was scared!

Author's note: Thanks for reading. Thanks for the reviews. :)

Azula was so excited today. She didn't tell me but I could tell. It was written all over her face. She really wanted me to see her house. Wow. So much excitement, I was scared.

"Nice to see so much enthusiasm for work today," said Rita, the manager.

I giggled with Azula as we prepared for hours of folding and packing. I groaned as I saw the pile of clothes. Azula looked at me and smiled. It was the of-course-I-would-help-you smile. I beamed back at her.

"What restaurant did you go yesterday?" she asked.

I mumbled the restaurant's name. She nodded knowingly. "It was alright." I shrugged but I knew she didn't believe me when I told her that it was alright. Damn, it was the best day of my life! But I can't tell her that. She actually might know Zuko. If she can keep secrets then so can I!

"Must be a bit more than that," muttered Azula quietly.

"What did you say?" I quizzed. I swear I did hear something.

"Oh nothing," said Azula.

I nodded and began folding the bright pink kimono. The folds had to be exact and neat. If it wasn't then Rita would give us the 'Do-it-again-this-time-neatly' look. It was quite repetitive. However, every now and again a kimono or exotic dress that I really want would appear. I just have to tear my eyes away from it, swallow and fold it away. They all were so beautiful. I wish I could keep some of them.

As I was eating my cheese sandwich for lunch, I thought about how Ma used to ran after us; chasing us with food. I remembered how she would sit me on her lap and tell me how I wouldn't be strong if I didn't eat. I intently looked at the sandwich. I followed the holes in the brown bread to distract myself, to think of something else.

"Hey," said Azula.

"Hello," I replied.

She had in her hand a pack of salt and vinegar crisps. She sat next to me.

"So do you have a boyfriend?" she questioned.

I could feel my face flush crimson. I swear my face probably looked like a tomato. "I... No... never... no way"

Azula started giggling.

"Why are you laughing? It's not funny!" I said as I crossed my arms.

She wouldn't stop laughing. Then finally when she stopped, she said, "But come on. It is funny. You should date my brother."

"I don't even know your brother's name!"

"Yeah yeah."

Rita came to tell us that lunch break was over. We were going back to the stock but Nita ushered us towards the cashier.

"One of you helps customers, other will be on the cashier," she ordered.

"Yes ma'am," Azula and I said in unison.

I was in charge of helping the customers while Azula declared that she takes charge of the cashier. Customers were flooding in. I smiled sweetly and greeted them. There were groups of ladies dressed in red. They looked as if they belonged to some sort of religious group or cult. They twisted their face as I smiled at them. I bit my lip. This was going to be hard!

After a few minutes of them exploring the boutique, I asked whether they needed help.

"What did she say?" one of the said.

"I said 'Do you want some help'," I repeated as I struggled to keep my tone polite.

"You're Katara, aren't you?" said the lady with bright yellow bangles.

"Um, yes, I am Katara," I said nervously.

Their eyes were fixated on me. I practiced my breathing. They gave me dirty looks. I was scared. I thought they were going to take out bats from their humongous bags and beat me up.

"She was the one!"

"Kya's wretched daughter!"

"The one who lost -"

"Excuse me, what is going on here?" Rita said in her loud voice.

"This girl is pathetic, lousy, and worthless!" said one of the ladies.

"I don't want to hear a word about my staff member. Katara is here because she is reliable and hardworking. I don't need you to tell me how she is. She was just trying to help you all. Please leave my boutique," shouted Rita.

There was a moment of silence.

"I will not tolerate my staff members being disrespected. Leave now!" said Rita.

The ladies began shuffling out. Soon the boutique was empty except for Rita, Azula and I.

"Thank you," I said as I wiped the tears that ran loose.

Rita gave me a nod and said, "I think it's safe to say we can close early today."

I looked at Azula, who was more than pleased about leaving early. We took our jackets then Azula led me on a walk to her home. Great. I wonder if Zuko would be there. Oh, Zuko! I can still feel his lips. I licked my lips.

"What, you're hungry?" said Azula.

I blushed pink. "No, my lips are dry."

Author's note: I may not be able to update until mid August. Sorry to keep you waiting. I'll try to update asap. :)

-Aisha