Streetlife

27 - Distress

CALLIE POV

As I run a comb through my long hair, I was exhausted, for last night had to be the hottest yet in the city. I thought this way every single summer, but working this job seems to make it even worse, if that was possible as I head out into the kitchen to eat some toast before I decide to retire for the day.

Of course, it was my fault and why I had to work last night even though Warbucks have all of us off on Sundays. He told me I needed to make up the money I had lost singing like a fool, and even though it didn't make sense to me as I sang in my spare time, I knew better than to question him. It was only for a few more weeks anyway as I was bringing in more than he asked.

Opening the fridge to look for my orange juice, I jump as I hear Frank's voice, for I thought he was still at the party Warbucks threw last night.

"Why are you still awake? It's ten in the morning?"

Looking over the fridge door, I see the skinny man, his eyes beat red as he is puffing away at his cigarette and bouncing his leg up and down. "When's the last time you slept, Franks?" I say softly as I pull out the oj and pull down two glasses, handing him one as I sit across from him.

"Ehhh, I'll sleep soon," He looks awful right now, and I could feel his anxious aura big time which was strong and reeked of torment and distress.

"Do you want some toast? I bought some rye bread," I smile as he takes the juice and sips it.

"Sure."

Nodding, I grab my loaf and put some bread in before grabbing some butter and strawberry jam. "So what's on your mind, sweets?" I look over at him to see he's guzzled the juice and I set the container down in front of him. "Have some more."

"You ever had a really bad feeling? Like really bad in your gut where you felt so sick, and you just know something bad happened. Like really, really bad. And it's just something that won't go away? I mean it won't leave your mind, and you feel like...POOF! Be gone! But it's soooo bad!" He rambles, and I hand him a plate of toast as I sit across from him once more.

"Kind of. I always play some music or something, but what's got you feeling this way? How can I help you, Franks?" I soothe as I bite into my own toast and he sighs loudly, biting his lower lip.

"It's Warbucks, Cals. He's awful," he whispers as I lean forward.

"You don't have to whisper. I don't think he hears you, sweets," I laugh softly and he nods as he devours his first piece of toast.

"He's the WORST! Stef is with him. I swear to god, Cals. I swear to him. He better not make her into a hooker. I'll fucking kill him. Swear it!" He shouts now as he pounds his fist on the table and I quickly grab his hand rubbing it.

"Maybe she's not there now I just came from there and it was just him. Plus she seems to have a good head on her shoulders."

"She doesn't Cal. She's wild, didn't you see that? She's all into him and showed her her modeling photos, I, I think! I tried to get her out of there last night but, he....he took her in the bedroom and I never saw her again. I couldn't even get into because, well..he came out to tell me she was staying the night and that he would take care of her and I could go home! And I DID CALLIE! I mean I tried, I tried to ...." He shakes his head and starts beating himself in the head as I grab his arms trying ot get him to stop.

"Frank! Frank stop! It's ok! STOP." He continues to pound himself in the head as he begins to cry even more hysterically as I grab him and hold him close to my chest.

"Cals...her life is ruined and it's all my fault. IT is and...and I just wanna die."

"No, you don't want to die Frank. She won't be a hooker. She doesn't need to be. Don't worry ok? Please Frankie try not to worry. I'm here for you. I'm always here for you no matter what." I soothe once more as he cries even harder grabbing onto me as I hold him closer. I did feel for Frank, big time because even if I was super positive I knew his sister was kinda wild. We all did but maybe she would hate Warbucks. Just like most of us did.