YOU STINK
Mia woke up feeling so heavy due to the drink she had the previous night. Just like a lost child with faded memories, she sat at the edge of her bed, struggling with the brightest of the day. Her eyes were hardly opened as she rubbed them for some seconds before trying to open again.
“What the hell happened?” She looked to see all her things scattered. Even the bottles and cans of beer she had were still on the room mat.
She closed her eyes and all the memories started to flood in. She remembered everything that happened. And remembered how their father wanted to take Matthew away.
Ever since their mother's death, Jack has been trying to get them. He even called people around, but none provided him the information he needed.
Yet, he was able to track their whereabouts.
“Here isn't safe anymore. I have to get them out of here. He will be back, and I wonder what he's planning this time.”
Something else crossed her mind and she was in a panic.
“No. This can't be!” She hurried to the door but, it was locked, “No wonder Nancy hasn't come in yet.” She wondered as she unlocked the door and rushed out. Head out to the living room, but he wasn't there.
“Matthew! Matthew!!” She screamed. Only if she had checked the time, she would have known that Matthew already left for school.
Jenny, hearing the way she was ranting and yelling, rushed out to see Mia roaming around the house calling out to her little brother.
“Mia, what's the problem?” She asked.
“Where is Matthew? I can't seem to find him anywhere. He's nowhere to be found. He slept here, right? Did my father come back for him?” Mia had a frightening stare.
“Calm down. He's off to school… Didn't you check the time? It's over two hours since he left for school. I dressed him up and then, he followed the neighbor's children. Mrs. Lola didn't mind when I asked her for help. After all, they attend the same school.” And hearing that, Mia hugged Jen so tight.
“Thanks.” She said.
What would she have done if not for Jenny? She was glad to have a friend like her.
“You're welcome.”
“Shit!” Mia yelled as she fully regained conscious of herself.
“Are you okay? Why not try to have a cup of water first?” Jenny suggested, but Lola didn't have that time. Her job!
She ran to the room, picked up her phone, and her face turned white. She even felt a shiver down her spine, and it gave her bumps.
“I'm doomed!” And staring at her phone, she saw over 50 missed calls from her colleagues at work.
She gently went through her contact list and it was a disaster. It showed Beauty and Nick. They have been calling her.
Her boss too called her three times.
She checked for the time and her lower jaw dropped. And just then, Jenny came in from behind.
“You really had a good sleep.” Jenny said after having a proper look around the room. It was her room, she let Mia stay in it since she needed privacy after her cruel father's visitation.
Lola felt like a child who's caught in a bad act. She didn't mean to make sure a mess. Even her head was still aching.
“I'm sorry! I didn't mean to. Don't worry, I will have you clean up.” She apologized.
“Here, have this first!” Jenny handed a glass of water to Mia.
She took the glass and sat on the bed with a sad facial expression. After drinking water and the Panadol, she didn't know what next to do. Her heart was beating fast. How was she going to face everyone? She drank the remaining water and sighed.
Jenny didn't mind arranging the littered room. She knew Mia too well, so, it was all cool to her.
“Are you not late for work? Don't worry. I will do the cleaning. Go and bath.” Jenny encouraged with an assuring smile.
She felt sorry for her friend. Mia has her brother to care for, and life isn't being nice in any way. No home and her job was too stressful. A dishwasher in a restaurant. Even her father is a monster in human flesh.
Mia's phone started to ring. It was Beauty calling.
“Hey Mia. I have been calling you in like forever. What happened? Where are you?” Beauty burst out as soon as the call was picked.
With the way Beauty responded, Mia knew at that very moment, something wasn't okay. There was trouble. A big one at that. She could feel it in her. And while being asked, she couldn't say a word. What was she going to say? How could she be so stupid to get drunk during weekdays?
Not hearing Mia say anything, Beauty continued, “Mia, where are you right now? I have been calling you since 6am in the morning I got to the restaurant. The manager has been ranting about your absence. He also mentioned calling you as well. I tried to make him comfortable while waiting for you at the restaurant. What the hell happened, girl? You got another job without letting me know?”
Mia finally had something to say. She has to say something, “Do I still have a chance with him? Something came up, and my phone was on silent… I didn't know!”
Beauty sighed before responding, “I really don't know what to tell you right now… I… I honestly don't think it's possible with the manager. You know how strict he is. You need to have seen the drama. The food is being served late because of the dishes. I managed to calm the customers down and some angrily let the restaurant..... You are still not responding to my question, Mia. What really happened? This is not like you..” Beauty commented curiously. Mia started chewing her nails as frustration was gently crawling in.
“I will come in soon. Then, I promise to explain it to you.” Mia answered, trying to control all she was feeling inside her.
Beauty took in a deep breath, “Okay. I will be waiting. I have to go now. With the rage, the manager might break my cell if I'm caught.” She said before hanging up, and it made Mia more afraid. The headache was getting even worst.
“Today should be marked as one of the worst days in my life.” She mumbled to herself.
Jenny has already packed most of the things out.
“How do you feel now?” Jenny asked as she saw Mia wasn't on call anymore.
“I'm not okay, Jen. I have to leave now.” And with that, she hurried to the bathroom.
“At least, take your bath. You stink.” Jenny said as she shook her head slightly.