Streetlife

34 - The Truth

LENA POV

As I lay in my bed at Julius' apartment, I'm wide awake as every emotion I can think of floods my body. I haven't even begun to process how I feel in regards to my Aunt Reba calling me out. How did she know? I know Rae hasn't said a single word as I paid her, for what else could I do? I didn't want to break my auntie's heart like my mom had done time and time again, yet here I am. Of course Rae happily took the money thinking it was all I had, but of course I had much more stashed away in a savings mostly for Aunt Reba.

I still wanted to somehow take care of her, and pay her bills but I knew if I sent money she'd send it back or wash it down the drain since she told me my money was dirty. Yes, it was dirty, I knew that it was but my intentions were only the best for her and always had been. But now who would take care of her? I have no idea, and that thought alone hurts.

My heart is also broken at what Mike did to Frank, and even though I knew how he could be, it still didn't matter. I guess at times it still rather shocked me since I didn't see it often and he treated me so differently than my friends. It almost made me ignorant in some sense and that was VERY foolish on my part to get caught up in what he did for me and my family, how he made me feel when he fucked me and treated me like a queen. But, how had I let him smack Tess around and continue to beat down on her all this time and most recently Callie? How was I able to live with myself knowing how he treated Frank as well?

I knew Mike was abusive, both physically and verbally, yet I stood by and let it happen all around me like a blind fool. Sure, Frank shouldn't have confronted him at all because that was just something you didn't do, but was Stef right? Should we have tried to get him help for his drug problem? Was I to blame for all of this with Frank? Could I have done something sooner?

Stef. God, I'm more annoyed than anything with her big ass rude mouth and I feel like ever since she stepped foot into our lives she's been one big tornado. I have enough on my plate right now than to have to deal with her immature nonsense, not to mention her extremely questionable and rude behavior. The way she speaks to me is how Rae speaks to me, and it nearly sends shivers up my spine and I've had it.

I've had it with low-life scum talking to me like the world revolves around them, for what did this little girl really know about life but the fantasies she spun in her head? Who was she to think she could come into our lives and my friends lives and wreck it? Callie was sweet and she didn't deserve this and Frank deserved a better sister. OR was I more annoyed that Warbucks fucked Stef? Whatever.

I groan as I toss and turn and finally look at the clock on my nightstand to see it's only a little passed midnight, and I know I'm not going to be getting any rest whatsoever. Getting up, I quickly get dressed and throw my hair up as I grab my keys and purse and head down the steps and out into the busy city street.

I had to talk to Mike tonight. He might already know I'm back, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has had Bruce follow me since I left so he could be angry right now. Very. However, my emotions are all over the place, and I feel so out of control, something I could not afford to let happen in front of Warbucks whatsoever. Nor can I confront him about Frank, for as far as I'm concerned, it's none of my business and if I did mention it, he'd let me know who was boss.

Walking the block to the Palace, I take a deep breath as I ride up the elevator and head to his room on the 4th floor. I knew it was risky showing up like this and he could very well be fucking another women in there right now. That too wasn't my business as I hear laughing on the other side of the door and gently knock. Hearing the door unlock, it opens as I see Bruce on the other end.

"Miss Lena. How are you?"

"I'm ok. I um, just wanted to talk to Warbucks if it's ok?" I say politely as he lets me inside and I see a poker table set up with stacks of money and poker chips as well as tumblers of bourbon, ash trays and smoldering cigars.