When I was younger, so much younger than today I never needed anybody's help

 So much to think about. Jade drew a frown. Why was she so worried about Dale and Tristan?

It was probably much about nothing. She went on with the pan of bacon frying nicely. She'd promised Ari some bacon and eggs. Sometimes, he was just a child. He hated cooking breakfast and so did she.

She put the lid on it since she put a trickle of water on the bare bacon. It had not browned yet. There were the eggs to worry about. Seriously, she knew it all troubled her more than it should, but damn if Ari couldn't make some excuse that it was never as good as his sister's food.

She sighed. When would he stop doing that? Oh, he thought he was the chef and she never complained about the meals. Although, she liked her's a bit more spicy with cayenne and curry. But she let it go. When she ate food like that, it made her think of her parents. And she didn't have the time to be sad right now.

Just as the bacon reached its sizzling point her cell rang. She thought not to answer it, but it was work. 

"I have some bad news," Frankie started.

Jade couldn't imagine what it might be. Of course, the bacon stuck to the bottom of the skillet and all Jade could do was to turn it off and slide it on the cold back burner, being careful not to burn herself. She sighed.

"What happened?" Her forehead crinkled as she leaned against the kitchen counter.

"Dale quit."

"What?" She was the knowledge of the yoga and dance studio. She knew everything about the gym equipment too. She knew all the places to call if there was a problem.

"She got on at the news station."

"News station?"

"Yeah," Frankie hesitated. "You see, the thing is..." Jade was certain the phone went dead.

"What is it?"  She was a little frantic.

"Well, we were gonna have to let one of you go, anyway."

His words made her plop down at the kitchen table. Breakfast could wait. Her face tightened with emotion and a small frown persisted. 

"Jade? Are you listening?" Frankie said as if there was no room for her on the lifeboat, either.

"Yes." She found herself saying as she rigidly sat there in disbelief.

"WE only have you."

Her heart tugged as she might have a heart failure. She nodded.

"What's  up?" There was Ari in his robe and his fancy dragon boxers. Of course, he hadn't checked on the very dark brown bacon. Jade looked up at him as he lifted the pan. "Crispy." He smiled.

"Dale quit." She finally managed. Jade was now the nervous system of where she worked. The thought of it was exhausting.