Streetlife

25 - Home For A Week

LENA POV

As Bruce dropped me off back home to my aunt's apartment in Queens, I wasn't really sure what I was going to do here all week, for I had not had this much time off in quite some time. It was unheard of, and I was still in shock that Warbucks had given it to me, let alone the other girls starting with Tess next week.

It's not that I didn't want to be with my aunt because I did for sure and wanted to make sure she was okay. But I couldn't help but wonder why Warbucks wanted me gone for so long. But deep down, I really did know why, and it ticked me off to no end and I hated that I cared he already had his eyes on a new girl, and I also hated the fact that Tess and I had a spat before I left.

It wasn't that I was angry at her, I guess it was more that I knew she was damn right, and I did NOT want to feel this way. I didn't even want to acknowledge my feelings for Warbucks, but they were there and I knew it. I did. There was no denying it whatsoever even if Tess could see right through me.

"Well, well looks who is here." I hear Rae say as I walk into the apartment as she stands there with her arms folded across her chest and I see Aunt Reba from the kitchen doorway with a deep frown on her face. "Bring your boss again?"

"Leave her be. Don't start your nonsense, Rae." Aunt Reba snaps as Rae rolls her eyes and heads into her bedroom as I put my bags down and my aunt continues to stare at me. "What's with all them fancy ass bags?"

"Well, I have a week off, Auntie, and I wanted to spend it with you." I smile at her as I walk over to her and she frowns at me as I give her a warm hug, but she does not return it. My heart drops, for we had not left each other on the greatest of terms the last time I was here, and I wanted more than anything to gain her approval again. I loved her with all of my heart, and I hate it when she's this way...stubborn.

"A week? That fancy criminal gave you a week off? What are you doing for him, girl? I hope you ain't selling that body of yours!" She places her hands on her hips as I keep my composure.

"Auntie. Nothing. And he is not a criminal. I work a good job at the restaurants he owns. We told you this. Did you forget?" I casually say now as I grab a brownie from the plate on the counter and take a bite.

"Mm, try again, little girl. No one carries that kind of cash around unless they are doing something WRONG. I taught you better, young lady." She scolds as I shake my head and look into her warm eyes smiling.

"You have, and that is why I am not doing anything wrong. Now, what can I do? What would you like to do all week?" I ask looking around and seeing the place is a mess. "Auntie, did the housekeeper not come? She's supposed to show up and help you out around here a couple of times a week!"

"I wasn't letting that Spanish lady in here, Lena Elizabeth! No way. Stealing my things. Plus, she smells like tacos and beans!" She says rather angrily as I turn to look at her again and shake my head, for even if I knew how she was, it still shocked me the things that flew out of her mouth.

"Let me go unpack a bit, and I'll come back down and make you lunch okay?"

"I can make my own sandwich." She snaps as she turns to go back to her favorite recliner as I let out a sigh and head to my room as I quickly hide the 10k Warbucks had given me as spending money in a place Rae would never find, for she was a massive snooper which we had had several fights about in the past. Of course when I'd go out, I'd take it with me, but I knew she would be looking around my room, hell even if I was home she would.

"Making them big bucks, huh!" I look up to as I see Rae in the doorway, thankful I had already hidden the money as she licks her sucker, and I roll my eyes.