Chapter 3

After I finished narrating how my day went to him, I proceeded to work.

We had more customers today than usual. I had to work an hour extra. I had to take someone else's shift because her son fell ill and he had to be rushed to the hospital.

It's closing hour already and all staff have left except me and Nick. I made sure everything is clean and in order and made a move to meet Nick.

"You're closing the accounts?" I asked leaning over to his side.

"Yes, I am just checking things through. We made a whole lot of profits today."

I took a look at his face. He looked so happy.

"I know. With the number of customers that came trouping in and out, I knew we would gain so much today." I said throwing him a big smile and patting him on his shoulder. I rearranged everything as it ought to be and helped him close the account for the day.

I bided goodbye to Nick sending my regards to his family. I can't say that his family loves me the same way he does. I can only vouch for his wife and his kids, they so much have the same hatred as they have for their enemy. They accused me of stealing their father's love...like who the heck thinks that way. It is so absurd. And my next plan is to take over the diner since I stay in the business more than them. What shop am I taking over? I'm not getting a degree just to come and take over one shop, serve tables all my life if they don't know.

Well, it's not like it's my fault. They both decided not to show interest in the business. They claim to have better things than sitting in a diner, attending to customers and serving tables. The same diner that catered for their upbringing, their schooling and all. If I had this opportunity with my father's company, I am never going to let it go. I trust my father on this, he can't employ me for so many of his reasons. He calls me irresponsible most time. He doesn't even want me in his life not to talk of his business.

I inserted the key into the keyhole and opened the door slightly just to avoid the noise of the door disturbing others sleeping. I am feeling slightly hungry so I went straight to the kitchen to check for some leftovers. There is nothing here so I decided to cook some noodles, at least that will do so I won't have stomach pains throughout the night. As soon as I scooped the last fork of my noodles, Vivian worked in. I pretend not to see her as I stood up to wash my plates. She is making cereals as usual. She can't put something together for herself to cook. She can hardly boil an egg. Not that one is exaggerating or something, she doesn't know when it is ready not to think of cooking noodles.

I picked up my bag and left the kitchen immediately to avoid issues. As I got to the bottom of the stairs, I felt soft pads behind me. I shook my head and ran up the stairs. I got to the middle when I felt a hand on my arm.

Doesn't she give up??

"Where were you throughout the day?" She commanded

I scoffed "Where I was is none of your business! And how does it affect you? When did you start caring about me and my whereabouts?"

She doesn't seem moved by the sternness in my voice.

"I checked all the classes you were supposed to have today and didn't see you there. Don't be stubborn and be an obedient child. Tell me where you went to and I won't tell dad. You know what would happen if you go anywhere else than school and the slum where you call a workplace."

"Don't you dare insult where I work? If you think you can emotionally blackmail then you're wrong but I am not going to be moved by one inch. You keep on mentioning Dad Dad Dad!!!! Don't you have any sense at all? You use dad to help you get back at me. Just get the fuck off my back for once and look for something tangible to do with your life, rather than looking for ways to get back at me and hurt me for no reason. I don't know what good it does to you, to hurt other people. What joy does it give you to see tears on people's faces? I hope the tables turn around dear sister and you'll know how it feels like to be in my shoes. Get a life and grow up."

To say she was shocked is an understatement. She wasn't expecting me to flare up like that. Well, I wasn't expecting that too. I picked myself up and left for my room. I think I spat enough for tonight. Only God knows what she's going to do tomorrow. I'm not mentally prepared for her and her drama.

The next morning, I woke up a little early because I have to prepare for my last two tests. Final exams are starting next week so things will be tight for me.

Talk of the devil and she appears.

"Hey sis. What are you up to today?". Really. Vivian asked what I am up to today. I must be dreaming.

" Why do you want to know? You seem concerned for no reason . What do you have for me?". I couldn't help but ask.

"Calm down sis. It's nothing much. You don't need to get scared. It's just the usual. Covering up for me, that's all."

" Why would you need me to cover up for you?"

" Because it is your job. When did you start asking questions? Just do as you've been told."

I was left staring at her back. I picked up the apple that was left hanging on the table while she walked in, slung on my backpack and left for the library. The situation of things has me rushing out of the house before I have an encounter with mom or dad, and I want to stay clear of both of them.

Thanks for reading.