"It's an accident. No sign of anyone breaking in or arson. Just leaking gas pipe and a pot of potatoes on fire!".
That hit me harder than it should. It's like my whole life is on a ship wreak, sinking in bit by bit
Just potatoes on fire... really!
Mom wasn't careless, she had always warned me to never leave food unchecked. But what can be done? Absolutely nothing
It was nice of the police guy to hand me few cash. At least I can get something to eat but will that sustain me.....
I've felt being helpless once before and this is just more than I can handle.
Running away won't suffice...
Looking at the sign... I knew what to do. Those pipes stuck into dad looks expensive. The bills... might just kill me before I take a breather
"You look terrible! Where's your parents?"...the cashier comment was as loud as a rock and roll party. I did try my best not to cry...
People began to look and that wasn't nice but did I care of give a shit about their stares?
No!
"I just want a job. What's all the questions for?" Now I'm angry. Just because I looks like shit doesn't mean I should be treated as one
"Just give the girl the damn job. I'm sure she'll clean up nicely soon!"
Finally someone sensible around here. A old lady, probably the owner beckoned to me and I ran to her
I washed,cleaned and put on my apron
Now I didn't look like I lost my mother and I was about to lose my dad and go into a huge debt
"Work by seven in the morning and seven in the evening. Your pay is two thousand okay!"
"Yes Mama Grey!"...
Two thousand was fair enough. Not that bad for a growing restaurant.
She knows what happened cause I told her. The raise in salary is probably out of concern or pity.
Stepping out I got stares on me. Mama Grey made my hair into two braids and I look so clean.
It didn't take long I got the hang of things,there were lots of tips and Mama Grey said I could keep them
Closing time....
I feel fulfilled and lightened.
Few leftovers...she gave them all to me
I feel wealthy enough to hail a cab, but remembering the bills I took a long nice stroll
The hospital....
"Where did you run off to? I was worried!"
Gloria's hug was more than tight. I totally forgot she was here with me
"I went to work!"... I said plainly
She didn't expect it but from the packs in my hand she finally believed it
"My mom said she'll handle the burial stuff for you!" That was nice of Mrs Smith but I've got to do this
"Thank your mom for me! I still have to take care of dad. My tuition and stuff!"
Too many bills
"Vanessa darling!' Mrs Smith rushed to me,scoop me in her arms
"I'm so sorry for your loss dear. I'll make sure your dad is well okay. Don't worry!"... I wanted to believe her but my guts says no. I smiled, trying not to cry as we talked about my mom's funeral.
She got no friends. Says friends would ruin her marriage. She cut her dream to be with dad and she got nothing out of it.
Doctors soon begin to run to my dad's ICU ward
I feel it's going to be bad...
"He's going to fight!"... Gloria warmed up to me. But I can feel I'll definitely lose it all tonight. Mom wasn't going to let her husband stay would she?
Chasing after him whenever he cheats out there, probably she thinks he'll cheat again so she came for him
"I'm so sorry,we lost him!".....
I knew it
I didn't bother crying... I just munch the food from Mama Grey and I can say it's delicious
Mrs Smith did all her best tonight and I know it's far from over.
It's going to be a long dark hell of a night.