by Gema Ramirez
"Good, daddy, cause we're gonna start with the little mermaid." She giggled.
And that's what we did all day watch movies, dad cooked us lunch and dinner. After our movie marathon, Dad took Emma to her room, she was already sleeping.
"Donna is outside waiting for me. I might end up sleeping in Donna's house, is that okay?"
"Of course, go have fun." He said before giving me a kiss on my forehead. I waved him goodbye and left.
About thirty minutes later, we arrived at the club and it was packed. The music was pretty cool, I actually couldn't wait to dance. This is exactly what I needed. Although I'm not a party person, I needed this night, so much stress in the mansion of hell.
"Shots?"
"We're not legal to drink." I said.
"Chillax, my cousin got this cover. Well, just for tonight."
"Fine, I'll kill you tomorrow." I said as she chuckled.
"Shots for me and my girl,” she said and the bartender gave us the shots. We started to drink, not gonna lie I ended up spilling the first one. But after the third one it wasn't bad. Shot after shot I was feeling like I was walking on cloud.
"Now let's dance." She said while dragging me to the dance floor.
I let loose there. It felt so good to dance and just for one night feel free with no responsibilities. I saw Donna walking to say hi to some girls, I kept dancing, but I ended up bumping into someone. “Sorry, but you were in my way." I giggled. "Harmony?" He said.
"You're so hot. You remind me of this tool I work for." I chuckled while grabbing his cheeks. "How about we dance and we talk about this tool," he said while putting his hands on my waist. "Okay." I said as we started to dance.
"Did you know he has a bratty girlfriend and sister. They're so annoying I wish I could ship them off to Antarctica." I said and he just laughed. "He also lets his girlfriend boss him around. He would be better off without her. I have to deal with three spoiled kids."
"If it wasn't cause I need the money for an important surgery. I would've already quit."
"Surgery for who?" He said sounding confused. "For my little sister,” I replied. Those were the last words I said before I passed out. Nothing like passing out in the arms of a stranger.
Chapter 5
Talking Always Helps
The next day I woke up with a major headache. I turned around and saw a pill and a glass of water. I took them and laid back on the bed again.
"Morning drunkie,” he greeted me. I got up fast and saw him there drinking coffee.
"What are you doing here?" I said really confused. And why was I in his room? "I will get in trouble."
"You won't. My parents and Victoria are out of town, so you're safe." He smiled.
"What happened, one minute I'm drinking, the other one I'm dancing. And now I'm in your room." I said while rubbing my forehead. "You got drunk and I found you dancing alone. You bumped into me and we started to dance." He said while sitting on his bed next to me.
"Did I say anything?".
"Yeah, you said you wanted to ship my sister and Laura to Antarctica." He laughed after that. "and you also told me the reason why money is very important to you." He said with a serious look. "How old is your sister and what type of surgery does she need?"
"She's four, and she has a heart condition. We've been waiting for a while. I'm just so afraid that it will never show up. I can't lose my baby sis. I already lost my mother." I started to cry.
"I'm sure she will get her new heart, just have a little faith." He said while pulling me to him and hugged me. I cried in his arms.
“D-did I say something else?" I sobbed. "No, that was it,” he said while wiping my tears. Being in his arms felt nice. But reality hit, I can't feel like this. I pulled away and got up. "I need to take a shower then go back to my house, but thanks for keeping me safe while I was in a drunk state." I said before leaving.
It was two hours later.
"I'm home." I said while closing the door. "Sissy, sissy,” I heard Emma say as she started to run towards me and hugged me.
"How are you?"
"I'm doing better, daddy gave me my medicine." She smiled. "That's good news, munchkin,” I said while picking her up and took her to my room.
"I wish you would stay home like you used to." She pouted. “I do too, but I have responsibilities." I sighed. "Cheer up sissy, next year we're going to Disney. That's something to be happy about." She smiled. I promised her that on her fifth birthday I would take her and dad on a family vacation to Disney. It breaks my heart that I might not be able to keep that promise due to her heart condition. This year things got complicated with her heart.
"You're right." I hugged her, "Will you sleep with me today?" I said to her. "Of course silly, I know you're afraid of the dark." She giggled. I love this little person so much.
The next morning, dad took Emma to kindergarten, they changed her to a new one and told them about her heart condition. I took the bus and went to the mansion. I was a little late, I honestly didn't care, they weren't gonna pay me for six months, what else can happen?
"Tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday, I have guests that will be staying here, one of them is Laura. And the other three are my minions. So I expect the guest rooms ready." Victoria said before leaving.
You would think because of their huge house they would have more people working here. But no, it was just me. They didn't trust strangers working in their house. They only trusted me. But when it came to parties they did hire more people.
After cleaning the house I took a shower, grabbed food then went outside and sat by the Apple tree. I closed my eyes and so many things came to mind. I opened them while letting out a loud sigh.
"Hey."
"I'm sorry." I said to him.
"Why are you saying sorry?"
"Because I called you a spoiled person and I also said that your girlfriend bosses you around." I said sheepishly. "I remembered everything." I covered my face while blushing. He just chuckled.
"You also called me hot." He said with a smirk. "I did, didn't I." I buried my face again in my hands. He just laughed.
"I'll compliment you to be even. I think you have the most beautiful green emerald eyes." He smiled.
"Thank you." I smiled back.
"Well, I have to go to bed, got an important test tomorrow, bye Harmony." He said before leaving.
“Bye," I said while looking at him. Never thought we would be talking, it's a little weird considering everyone in this family isn't nice. But I guess I was wrong about Shawn. I went to my room and called home. I miss my house, I hate being here. One day I will be free and Emma will have her new heart and living a healthy life. We just need to have a little faith, like Shawn said to me.
Chapter 6
Party At The Kings
Today was the day of Victoria’s birthday, who the hell has a party on Tuesday? I honestly didn't feel like being in a party filled with snobby people, especially her friends. They were so annoying.
"Harmy, I'm hungry." One of her minions said.
"Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes." I said before leaving.
I went to the kitchen and started to cook. I swear her minions drive me crazy, always calling me Harmy. "Good morning, Harmony,” I heard someone greet me. I turned to see, Shawn.
"Good morning,” I said before going back to the stove. "Thought you had an early exam?"
"I did. It was at seven, and now it's nine am. I'm free the whole day." He said while grabbing a cup of coffee.
"True." I said while grabbing the plates.
"You know, you were pretty funny and loose at the club. We should go dance sometime." He said before drinking his coffee.
"Are you saying I'm not fun if I'm not drunk?"
"No, I meant you looked relaxed dancing on your own with no care in the world. It was refreshing." He smiled.
"I needed that night. Just one night about me,” I sighed.
"Well, how about we go out to dance next week?" He said
taking me by surprise. "You have a girlfriend that will kill me. And I don't think your parents will approve of you hanging out with me."
"Don't worry about that. What do you say?"
"If I get in trouble, I'll kick your ass." I said and he just laughed. "deal." He replied before leaving. I have a feeling I'll get in trouble, oh well.
Night came and the place was packed, someone save me from this hell. I was in the kitchen getting the drinks ready to take out, then someone grabbed me clawing they're nails on my arm.
"Listen, bitch. Shawn is mine and only mine, don't lay your eyes on him. He will never see you as anything more than a maid. So don't get your hopes up." Laura said before slapping me across the face. With that done she left.
I'm so tired of this, I'm this close to punch her again. Ugh, I was done with this night. I went to my room and locked the door. I called home, dad told me Emma was a little pale and getting more tired than usual. I told him that I would be home tomorrow. Don't care if they fire me. My baby sister comes first.
The Next morning
I did my routine, got a lecture from hell cause I left the party and didn't serve. I told them that I would pay for the rug with what I had saved. But I told them I was tired and that I quit. With that said I left the mansion of hell. I walked to the bus stop. Minutes went by and nothing. “This was just my luck, fanfuckingtastic." I sighed while sitting on the bench that was in the bus stop.
I wanted to get home as soon as possible. Donna was busy and couldn't pick me. Dad was with Emma. This led me to make an extreme decision. "I need your help." I waited for a few minutes and then a car stopped in front of me. "Your Uber is here." He said causing me to laugh. I got inside his car and he drove me home.
"Thank you, Shawn." I smiled.
"You're welcome and will you tell me already who left that mark on your arm?"
"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me anyway." I said and he looked at me in the eyes. "I know you don't lie, please tell me."
"It was Laura. She told me to stay away from you, then she claw her nails and slapped me." I said while fidgeting in my spot.
"I'll deal with that later. But if it's not too much to ask, I would love to meet your sister, do you allow it?".
"Of course, follow me." I said before we both got out of his car then we walked to my house. "Welcome to my house. It's not big or fancy, but-" I was cut by him. "it's perfect, it has that home vibe, something that my house is missing." He said, that made me smile.
We walked to the living room and Emma was watching a Disney movie. “Munchkin," I said and her face lit up.
"Sissy, you came." She smiled. I went to hug her. "Emma, I would like you to meet, Shawn." I said and she extended her little arm. Shawn shook her hand.
"Nice to finally meet you Emma. You're an adorable princess." He smiled causing Emma to smile.
"Is he your boyfriend? Cause I think he's cool and nice for you." She giggled. She's too much.
"We're just friends. He already has a girlfriend." I said before going to he kitchen.
"So, how come that kid is in our house?" Dad said before drinking his glass of water. "He was my ride home. And he wanted to meet Emma."
"I also quit my job. I was tired and exhausted, I'm sorry dad." I said as tears started to fall. He hugged me. “It's okay, princess. I'm glad you're free from that place. Together we will figure something out." He said as I just sobbed. Things didn't go well like last year.
After crying my heart out to dad, I calmed down. I washed my face and joined Emma, who took a liking to Shawn. She was telling him about the movie, he listened to her. I smiled. Hours pass by and one movie became four. Dad asked Shawn if he wanted to stay for dinner, he said yes. I don't think Shawn wanted to leave. After dinner we went to the porch to talk.
"You're lucky." He said. I looked through the window to see Emma laughing while dad hugged her. "I really am. Although mom is missing in the picture, I was blessed with an amazing dad and baby sis." I smiled.
"There's so much peace here. I enjoy being here."
"Thank you. You're always welcome if you feel like escaping your crazy world." I said and he just chuckled. We talked about everything and nothing. Talking to him was nice, I really enjoyed it.
Chapter 7
New Job
It was getting pretty late. But before he left he said something that took me by surprise.
"I'll be depositing the money you lost cause of Laura in your bank account."
"You don't have to, it's not your fault-" I said but he cut me again. "Please, don't be stubborn and just tell me." I just sighed in defeat and replied, "Fine." I gave him my account number. I did needed the money.
"I'll miss our Late night talks by the Apple tree." He said, I just smiled and said, "you're welcome to come here and talk, I'll even have coffee"
"I'm in. Expect me tomorrow." He grinned. I chuckled. "I will."
"It's pretty late, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Harmony,” he said before leaving. “Bye," I waved.
"You like him, don't you?" Dad said. "He's a nice guy. I enjoy talking to him." I replied.
"Just be careful, okay?" He said before going inside. I know he has a girlfriend and will never see me as anything else. I was fine with us being friends. Besides who says I like him in that way. I went to my room and change to pj's. As soon as my head touched the pillow I was out. Tomorrow is a new day, and after school I need to search for a new job.
It was the next morning.
I was in a beautiful sleep when a little person started to shake me. "wake up sissy."
"No, I want to sleep more. I'm very tired." I said while hugging her. She just giggled. I honestly didn't feel like going to school today. I just wanted to rest and look for a job later. I woke up two hours later, I did my daily routine then went to the kitchen to make something. Emma isn't attending kindergarten anymore since she got weaker. Dad leaves her with aunt Cheryl, his sister.
After breakfast I made my way out and started to look for a job but so far no luck. I went for a walk on the park to clear my mind. I needed coffee, I went to this amazing bakery to get it and get something sweet since I needed my daily sugar. Minutes later the waitress came with my order. After I was done with everything I decided to ask if they were hiring.
"You're in luck, our previous waiter quit, so the position is yours. You can start next week from two pm till seven pm." She said and I nodded. I went to pick up Emma from Aunt Cheryl's house. We took the bus and went straight home. I called dad to let him know I had a job.
"How are you feeling, munchkin?"
"A little tired, but I'll be okay." She gave me a faint smile. "You will be, baby sis." I hugged her.
A week went by and today was my first day at my new job, and that also included a surprise. I went over to a table and there she was, I wanted to hit her with a frypan.
"Can we get two cup of coffees and a chocolate cake?” She asked politely. Okay that was very weird. As I went to get their order I was stopped.
"Dare I ask why you're being polite?" I said.
"She's a friend and she-" I cut her by saying, "She doesn't know that she's actually dating a spoiled brat who treats people bad cause they're from different social status?"
“How?” She started to say but I cut her off again. "It's not hard to tell, but I suggest to not keep her a secret, nobody likes to be a secret. You might lose her." I said before leaving. Once I had their orders ready, I took it to their table. As I was going to another table, I bumped into someone. "sorry." I said.
"That's all right, I see you found a job, good for you, Harmony." Shawn said before going to the table I was heading to. "Cutie pie, you came." She said excited. "Of course I did." He smiled. I guess Laura was old news. I took their orders and went to get it. A few minutes later I returned with them. I couldn't wait for this day to be over. Minutes later Laura walked in the bakery, just great. I went to take her order and she had this evil grin plastered on her face. I returned with her order and
she made everything crash on the floor. Everyone's eyes were on us.
"I need a manager!" She yelled. He came out and Laura started to tell him that I made everything crash and that I slapped her.
“That isn’t true,” I spoke defensively.
"Well, looks like it is true, so you're fired." He said.
"You can't-" I said but he cut me by grabbing my arm really hard. That was all it took and a few seconds he was on the floor. I turned to see Shawn there looking not too happy.
"What's going on here?" The owner said. I told her what really happened. She even checked the security tapes, she ended up firing the manager.
"The next time you lay your hands on her I'll be sending you to the hospital." Shawn said angry. The manager left.
"And you're banned from this place." The owner said to Laura. She stormed out. At least I didn't lose my job. My shift was over and I went straight home. All day I've had a bad feeling. I thought it was just cause of the drama at work, but no, that wasn't why.
Chapter 8
Losing Hope
As soon as I got home I saw dad crying. Emma was on the couch sleeping.
"Dad?"
"If she doesn't get a new heart in forty-eight hours, we lose her." He said and tears started to fall. "She can't leave us, I promised her we would go to Disney." I cried with my dad.
The doctor called dad and told him that it was best to take Emma to the hospital to give her proper attention. And that's what we did. We took a bag with clothes. There was no way we were gonna leave her alone.
"Where are I?" Emma said while rubbing her eyes. “You’re in the hospital, little princess." Dad said while grabbing her little hand. "You're getting a proper attention here." I grabbed her other hand as tears started to fall again.
"Don't cry, sissy. It's okay if I don't get a heart. I'll go to heaven and be with mommy. I'll tell her that while I was here I had a great life." She smiled.
"Please don't talk that way, you will get your heart. And you will stay with us and next year we're gonna celebrate your fifth birthday at Disney." I wasn't ready to let go of her. She was very young to leave this world. She had so much to live. We just needed a miracle.
