Anthony's Angel

V. Endurance

Three Years Later

Angelic Chisai: Age 20

Clark, Bruce, Barry Timberland: Age 5

Lily Minnie: Age 21

Kevin Minnie: Age 8

***

Angelica's POV:

I release a short grunt when my lids ajar on its own. Trailing my eyes towards the alarm clock, 3:37 am. I laid there, gazing at the two red dots continuously blink.

I couldn’t hear anything except the large branch’s irritating sound outside tapping against the glass window.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

I should really call the landlord to cut that branch off.

Inhaling a fathomless breath, my legs made contact with the floor. Tiptoeing past Lily, I halted and watched her sleeping on the twin size bed across from mine. Mouth wide open, arms and legs twisted unnaturally like she is doing yoga in sleep.

Heading towards the kitchen, I listen to my soles slap against the cold tile floor. Digging through a purse, I grab a small key hidden in the tiny ripped hole. Bending down to the lowest cabinet, I unlock it. Pulling out the cabinet, I can hear the sound of footsteps behind me.

A warm hand pulled me up, and my eyes met a pair of green-brown eyes. “Don’t do it,” Lily whispered, closing the cabinet with her foot. Grabbing the key from my hand, she locked it. She placed the key back into the hole and wrapped her arms around me.

Four months, it’s been four months since I quit using sleeping pills. Three weeks after our parents passed, I couldn’t sleep at night due to stress and depression. Going to the doctor, they prescribe me sleeping pills. They warn me to use it wisely.

I didn’t.

I abuse the pills nearly every night. If I didn’t, I would sit in the bed’s corner and stare at absolutely nothing. As time passes, the number of pills I use increases.

One.

Became two.

Two turned into three.

And so on.

Because “A little bit of this and the pain will disappear.”

I would’ve overdosed if Lily didn’t catch me and forced me to throw it all up in the toilet.

I loathe myself because I almost lost my brothers because of my foolish actions.

Although Lily wasn’t any better, around the same time, I started using pills; she would go home drunk nearly every night after her job. At first, I would only whiff a little alcohol in her, but it got worse with time.

When she caught me overdosing on sleeping pills, she cracked and started breaking into tears. We sat on the cold bathroom floor for the rest of the night and cried our hearts out. Our brothers caught us; they didn’t utter a single word. They simply ran to us and embraced us. Our broken family fell asleep on the freezing tiles that night.

After that, Lily and I finally stopped turning a blind eye on the situation and agreed to keep each other in check.

Our parents’ death took a heavier toll on us than we would expect, we were on the verge of becoming an alcoholic and drug abuser.

“Let’s go to sleep,” Lily whispers and takes me back to bed.

I laid down. She tucked me in and kissed my forehead before she went back to her bed. After roughly 283 taps on the window, I can hear Lily light snores.

Finally, my lids granted me the luxury and temporarily blind me. Hearing the birds chirping, I release a yawn and open my eyes once more.

After several minutes, I decided to stand up - no - crawl towards Lily. Grabbing the blanket on the floor, I threw it back on her. Lily works night shifts, so she is out like a broken lightbulb until work again tonight.

Lily and I often have different shifts, so one of us can stay home with the boys. I don’t see her often anymore. She always looks so tired.

Ever since our parents passed, Lily and I gave up college. Lily gave up her dream of becoming a lawyer, and I gave up my dream of becoming a doctor to keep the family together. I started working as a waitress, and Lily worked as a maid at a hotel to take care of our younger brothers.

Many of our parent’s friends suggested that we put them into foster care, but we refused to do it. I wouldn’t blame them for saying that. It’s crazy for two girls who are barely grown up to take care of four boys.

Glancing at the clock, 6:00 am.

At least I had five more minutes of sleep compared to yesterday.

I released another yawn, stretching my body, and walked to the bathroom. Passing the boys’ room, a smile crossed my lips when I saw the four of them snoring inside their bunk beds.

Several months after our parent’s death, we had to sell both houses and move into an apartment complex. Our parents left us some money and insurance money, but feeding so many people is hard.

I remember when Child Protective Service was breathing down both of our necks - scratch that - they still are. They were going to take Bruce, Clark, David, and Kevin away if we didn’t find a job.

I tied my hair up and washed my face. Glancing at the mirror, I notice wrinkles were in specific places that aren’t meant to be there. Under my eyes, my bags had bags of its own. Biting my lower lip, I finish my duties in the bathroom and head towards the kitchen.

Grabbing the eggs, sausages, and bacon, I started cooking them. I started making some pancakes too.

“Boys! Breakfast!” I screamed.

Slowly one by one, they all walked out. My lips tilted upward when I saw them rubbing their eyes that were close shut along with drools on the side of their mouth. They revealed their healthy white teeth when they started sniffing the air. Grabbing the plates, I place it in front of them.

As we ate breakfast together, I pulled out my laptop and started working on the finances. Adults have way too many bills. It’s ridiculous.

Kevin tugged on my shirt, “Big Sister Ann?”

“Yes, Kevin?” I smiled at him and tucked his hair behind his ear. Looking around, I realize it’s time to cut their hair again. I don’t know how but these boys’ hair grows like there is no tomorrow.

Which reminds me, when was the last time I cut my hair?

Or, more importantly, wash it.

“It’s almost time for school,” he said. Looking at the clock, I realize he is right. I started rushing them all into their bedroom and helped them get ready.

"Umm, big sister Ann?” Clark whispers, playing with the sleeves of his shirt.

“Yes, Clark?”

“Thank you for new shoes,” he said softly as he looked down at his new light-up shoes.

I ruffled his hair and kissed his cheeks, “Only the best for my brothers.” One by one, they started thanking me for their new shoes and backpacks.

Lily and I had been picking up extra shifts so we can buy all the boys’ new stuff for school. Kevin is starting third grade while the triplets are beginning Kindergarten, which is a huge relief.

“Okay, boys, hold hands when you get to school,” I said, giving them each a kiss before they went on the bus. “Kevin, please don’t lose any of your brothers,” I begged.

“Don’t worry, big sister Ann.” He gave me a smile revealing his missing front tooth and hop on the bus.

I glanced at the bus driver, “Mr.Pena, please can you-”

“Ann, I will watch them. You have to stop worrying. You saw how they did this week. They are terrific kids.”

“Thank you, Mr.Pena.” I kissed him on the cheek before waving the boys off.

I watch the bus disappear around the corner. I went back inside and prepared for work. Glancing at my watch, 7:30 am. I started mentally planning out my day.

I work till 12:15 pm, and then I have to pick up the boys from pre-school. We can go to the park until Kevin gets out at 1:50 pm.

After that, I can help Kevin with his homework. When Kevin turned six, he was diagnosed with Dyslexia. They said it is common for kids to mix letters up at his age, but I would always see him struggle to catch up with the other kids. Lily and I can’t afford to hire a tutor for him, so we would teach him in our free time.

Taking a glance at the calendar, I realize that the triplets’ birthdays are coming up. I released a huff of air and ran to the car, knowing I’m late for work. Driving to the restaurant, I started thinking about the work schedule for today.

Lily started work at 8:00 pm, so I have to work again from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm while she watches the kids.

As I drove to work, my eyes caught on the three girls who looked my age, laughing while carrying shopping bags. I would be lying when I’m saying I’m not envious of them. Lily and I try our best to avoid locations that have many people our age because it ruthlessly reminds us of the youth we are missing.

After work, I picked up the triplets and took them to the park. While they played around the park, I sat down on the bench and released a deep breath.

Taking off my heels, I trace along with the deep scars and emerging red marks. I was lucky to get hired at a high-end restaurant that tip very well. Unfortunately, part of their dress code is wearing high heels.

Looking down at my watch, I noticed it was time to pick up Kevin. Picking up Kevin from his school, I receive the same looks from the parents like any other day, pity.

“Hello Angelica,” one of the parents said.

“Hello,” I responded with a fake smile plastered onto my face.

“I want to say what you and your sister are doing is very strong. Two young girls, sacrificing their youth for their brothers.” She dabbed the sides of her eyes with a piece of cloth and took a sniff.

“I don’t know if I could do what you two are doing. Here, I made some cookies. Please accept it.” She shoves it in front of me and heads towards the other moms.

The other moms gave me a sympathetic smile and started talking. Giving them another forced smile like I do seven times a week for the past year, I turned my heels and head - attempting not to limp - towards the car. I don’t have to stay and listen to know what they are talking about.

Kevin frowned, “I don’t like them.”

I petted his head and continued walking. One thing I don’t do with the kids is to lecture them when they are honest. Plus, I don’t like her either.

When we got home, I helped Kevin with his homework and got ready for work when Lily woke up.

“How are you?” I asked, handing her the plate of cookies.

“I’m sorry I slept basically the whole day,” Lily said with a yawn while leaning on my shoulder. She grabbed a plate of cookies and took a bite.

“You made it?” She asked, munching on the cookies.

“No, it’s one of those moms,” I said, grabbing a cookie and bit it.

She rolled her eyes, “Oh, those bitches who think they are better than us.”

I nodded and took the keys to go back to work. Lily isn’t wrong. We caught those moms sitting around a cafe talking s**t about us before. They act like saints in front of everyone, but when everyone back is turned, they start gossiping. They would start rumors about how the kids aren’t our brothers, but our children from an inappropriate one nightstand.

After work, I went back home to see Lily preparing for work. She kissed me on the cheek and headed out. I was about to cook dinner until a knocking sound appeared.

I smile, “Hi, Mrs.Joseph.”

“Hi Ann, I was wondering if the boys wanted to sleepover with Johnny?” Mrs.Joseph is one of the few parents who doesn’t believe in the rumors. She helped Lily and me when we first moved to the apartment complex.

I glanced at John and smiled at him, “How are you, Johnny?” I asked, squatting down.

“Good, Ann!” He screamed and gave me one of the brightest smiles I had ever seen.

“Boys! Do you want to have a sleepover?” I asked them, and they all nod. They rushed into their room to pack up their stuff.

“Would you like me-”

“Ann rest, you need this,” Mrs. Joseph said with a small smile.

I nodded and kissed the boys’ cheeks before they headed out. “Rememb-”

“Behave,” they all said simultaneously before heading out.

I release a deep breath and flop on the couch, grateful for a day off.

The phone rang.

Just kidding.

I stare at the phone, biting my upper lips, “Hello?”

“Ann, thank goodness, I need your help. Two of the waitresses just called out sick. Please tell me you’re available.” I can hear the desperate pleas in his voice.

Blowing air on the pieces of hair covering my face, I ran my hand through my oily black hair. “Mr.Rayland I-”

“I’ll pay you double for the night,” he quickly said, cutting me off.

“I’ll be there in half an hour,” I instantly replied, and he said thank you before hanging up. I know I should rest, but I need the extra cash since the triplets’ birthdays are coming up.

Getting ready, I recall that Lily took the car to work. Standing in the chilly dark street, my left leg started shaking, and I remember there is a bus running - I memorize the bus schedule -

When I got off the bus, I ran towards the restaurant, which is a street away. My eyes fixated on the destination, not paying attention to my surroundings. Getting closer, I hit a rigid wall. My bottom made contact with the freezing cement.

“I am so sorry!” I shouted in a rushy tone as I gathered up all my stuff.

“Are you okay?” A deep alluring voice asked me.

“Yes, again, I’m sorry,” I responded, not once looking at him.

In the corner of my eyes, I can see him kneeling, assisting me. Grabbing the stuff from his warm palm, I felt a slight tingling sensation rushing through my fingertips. Ignoring the tingly sensation, I continue picking up my stuff.

Finally, picking up all my things, I blew my hair from my face and looked up. At that moment, time seems to have frozen as my eyes linked with a pair of gorgeous electric blues.