5
1415 Words
FOUR YEARS LATER
Waking up early in the mornings has become a regular routine for me ever since I had my daughter. Prepping her for school and being there for her brings me immense joy and happiness. I leaned in to place a gentle kiss on my daughter Krystal's forehead, then ran my fingers through her hair.
"Be a good girl, okay," I told her, and watched her nod in response, a bright smile curling over her lips.
I was grateful to have her in my life. She was my source of strength, the reason why I wanted to wake up every day and work hard to make ends meet. She was the motivation behind my returning home every night.
Home was wherever she was.
"Go now," I said softly, even though it was more of an order, and gestured for her to proceed towards her school.
We stood in front of her school, and she raised her right hand to wave at me.
"Bye Mommy," she said sweetly, her voice tiny and cute. I nodded, holding back tears of joy and pride.
I watched her walk away until she was out of sight before turning around to rush towards the road. It was already minutes after eight, and I was running late for work.
Waving down a cab, I hurriedly got in, and soon we arrived at our destination. I paid the driver and quickly got off.
Entering the workplace, Isla, my best and only friend, greeted me with a sigh, "You're late again."
"Morning Isla," I greeted her back, waving her words aside and offering her a smile before rushing over to pick up my apron.
Isla was dressed in a blue jeans and a white cropped top, wearing an apron around her neck and holding a tray with drinks. Her black hair was pulled up in a ponytail, revealing her strikingly beautiful facial features.
"Morning. You should attend to table 15. They haven't placed their orders yet," she informed me, and I nodded in acknowledgement, watching as she walked away.
Isla has been my guardian angel since I first arrived here. She was the one who volunteered to help, introduced me to job opportunities, and even let me stay with her until I was ready to get my own place.
Heading towards table 15, I noticed a couple sitting there, seemingly happy, but I knew it was just a facade. I had learned not to trust men easily. Only the Goddess knew what he did behind her back.
Left to me, I would never want to serve a man. I despised their kind.
Taking the order, I promptly headed back to the counter to get it attended to, and then delivered it to the customers. I repeated this routine several times throughout my shift.
After attending to most of the orders, I returned to the kitchen to restock and catch a brief break.
"I see you don't have an issue serving a male," Isla joked as she walked over to me.
I simply shrugged my shoulders in response.
My main priority was making ends meet for the sake of my daughter. She was the only one who truly mattered to me, and I wasn't going to let anyone or anything hinder my job.
"You don't look too well," Isla said, getting closer to me.
Massaging the back of my neck with my right palm, I admitted truthfully, "I'm just a bit tired from work. Last night was hectic. That's all."
Every part of my body ached, but I couldn't afford to stop working.
"You should take a break," Isla said with genuine concern.
I looked at her closely before responding, "And risk losing my job? No way." I quickly forced a smile. "I will be fine," I added.
"You work too much, Almond. You shouldn't stress yourself that much," she remarked, showing her love and care for me.
I knew she cared for my well-being, but I had to keep working. I couldn't afford to be vulnerable again. I refused to put myself in a position where I would need someone's help.
Krystal, my daughter, deserved the best life, and I was determined to make that happen.
"I will be fine, Isla. I promise," I assured her, gently squeezing her left shoulder.
She nodded, accepting my words.
"So are you coming to the club tonight?" I asked, wanting to change the subject.
Working at the club was another side business of ours.
Isla sighed, "I might show up a bit late. Last night's work was hectic."
I understood. Last night had been overwhelming for both of us.
"My body still aches from attending to all the customers. I'm starting to wonder why so many people frequent clubs like that," Isla added with a hint of exhaustion.
I chuckled in response, and she joined in with a soft laugh, rolling her eyes playfully.
"More people, more money, Isla," I teased, and her laughter echoed in response.
"Guess you're right," she said, finally giving in to the logic.
I nodded, my eyes landing on the customers who were starting to come in.
"We should get back to work," I said cheerfully.
********************
The whole place was buzzing with activity. The music blared loudly from the speakers, and people chatted and drank to their hearts' content. Some even danced.
I continued to take orders and deliver them smoothly.
The next table to attend to had three men sitting around it. They already had some drinks but probably wanted more.
It was a common sight to see some of them drink to excess.
Placing the bottles down, I proceeded to leave.
"Hmm. You look good," one of them said, and I raised my head to see a brown-haired guy talking. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties.
I ignored his compliment and turned away, but suddenly, I felt some fingers wrap around my left wrist.
I looked from my hand to his face, feeling anger burning inside me.
"Let go of my hand!" I ordered, my voice firm.
"Wooh! A tough one. I like her already," another guy said, but I didn't bother to look his way.
The guy who held my wrist smirked. He obviously felt proud of himself.
"You should give me your number. You never know when you might need my help," he said, causing me to scoff.
"In your dreams," I replied, snatching my hand away with all my strength.
The audacity he had to talk to me like that!
I felt a strong urge to put him in his place, but I inhaled deeply to control my anger.
Before I could comprehend everything, his palm landed on my butt. Annoyed as hell, my hand flew to his face, giving him a resounding slap.
His hand went to his cheek in pain.
"How dare you hit me?" he roared, stretching his hand as if he were going to hit me back.
I held his hand midway and twisted it sideways. I couldn't just overlook what he did.
No way was I going to let a man make me feel the way Logan made me feel like I was nothing, like I was of no importance.
Gone were the days when I would let anyone walk all over me. The old Almond would have let him get away with it, but not anymore.
I am different now. Stronger. Wiser. And definitely braver.
He screamed in pain as I twisted his hand further, threatening to break it. His friends were shocked, and they made no attempt to do anything—probably because they knew they would meet the same fate.
"Let... go... of... me," he screamed, while trying to peel my fingers off him.
It was in vain. My grip was harder than he expected.
"The next time you try to touch me, you won't go back with your body intact. I will make sure I break every single bone in your body," I threatened.
I was serious. I sounded serious.
"Don't you..." he was about to say something else, and I ended his words by pulling his hand further.
His screams attracted the attention of bouncers, who promptly kicked him out of the club after learning what he had done.
I sent him a last angry glance, and I could swear I saw fear in his eyes. He shivered.
Just what I wanted.
I smiled to myself, dusted off imaginary specks from my gown, picked up my fallen tray, and walked away.
- Writer
