Maid for the Mafia Boss

Clutching on my bag, I walk quietly down the empty streets. For two years I have grown to be immuned to this sort of lifestyle. Ain’t carrying any designer accessory but a cheap, old bag from vintage stores that’s full of cheap clothes as well.

I still get to eat my meals, anyway. I’d be lucky enough if someone lets me work for them for a time being just so I could earn something to keep myself alive.

No matter how risky it seems, I always made sure to avoid sidelines that’ll expose me to large crowds, fearing that someone might recognize me. Considering my situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

I sighed while looking for a decent place to stay for the night. How ironic for a beggar to find a ‘decent’ place where in fact we’re used to sleeping on cardboards. It’s almost getting dark, I must hurry.

Walking past the large buildings, I decided to take a rest by the wall of a nearby home. I placed my bag on the ground and leaned on the wall, squatting. A nomad would describe my situation perfectly; I don’t stay in one place but just follow wherever my feet takes me. Being weak is the last thing at the moment because I badly needed to earn.

And if I already earn enough, I’ll buy my own place and live outside, away from the smoking atmosphere of the city.

Alone.

“Papa?” A child’s voice muttered. I turned my head around to see where the voice might come from.

Looking around, I found the child on a four-step staircase, sitting on a cloth beneath him. He’s gazing upon a tall man that approached him before I did.

“I’m not your papa, but let me change your diaper for you.” Wait, what did he say? I’m getting confused.

The child looked bewildered as I was at first but he laughed when the man took his diapers off as if he was tickling him. What the heck, really? Here in the streets?

“Wait a second, how to do this? Josie should be the one doing this, geez.” Confusion was written on the man’s face as he obviously looked like he didn’t sign up for that job to change a baby’s diaper.

“Aihihihihi” the child laughed, without knowing he’s in the middle of the streets. I carefully walk towards their way.

“Uhmmm” they both looked at me as they felt me coming near them. Suddenly I was out of words. The man noticed my quietness.

“You know how to do this?” I nodded in response which made him smile.

He moved from the child to give me way towards him. The child just smiled at me.

“Why is he here in the middle of the streets? It’s almost getting dark, you know.” I asked the man. He just shrugged in response.

“We don’t know. We just saw him sitting there at the exact same spot where you found him. All of the neighbors around here are helping to take care of this child. A lot of them are willing to adopt him but every time they try, the child wouldn’t flee.” I furrowed my brows and observed the child’s face.

“Do you know his name?” I asked, gazing upon the man.

“We think it’s Brylle. That’s what is written on the cloth he always sits on.” I nodded in understatement and finished up Brylle with his diapers.

“Mama!” The child enthusiastically says. I smiled at him as I ran my fingers to his hair playfully.

“Is Brylle your name?” He turned his head sideways in wonder but nodded in the end. I blinked twice, looks like this kid is intelligent.

“How old are you?” I didn’t expect any response since he seems to be too young to understand. But I was surprised as he raised his hand and lifted up two fingers.

2 years old?! Leaving him alone?!

“Lady,” I returned my gaze back to the man. I forgot his presence is still here.

“I have to get going, I still have a lot of things to do. Here, it’s his favourite food.” As he extended his hand, I accepted the chocolate? I watched the man walk away, leaving Brylle with me.

“Mama? Papa?” His words made me stunned.

“I’m not your real mama, Brylle.” His face became blue as he leaned his head on my chest.

“Ma” He muttered before drifting off to sleep. I made sure he is still breathing and didn’t pass out due to hardship of life.

I returned to my place by the wall while hugging the child.

“Looks like it’s just you and me.” I smiled as I watched Brylle’s innocent sleeping face.

Looking up to the sky, I asked for guidance from the Highest and from my family.