Streetlife

50 - Work Harder

CALLIE POV

I groan as I take my heels off, having just turned in my money to Lena for what felt like the absolute longest work shift of my life. I knew that I deserved this punishment for having missed work yesterday, but I can't help but feel upset at the same time with Lena as she had all but taken the money from Stef, and I know that it was more than enough to cover what I had missed. I wonder if she is teaching me some kind of lesson for hanging out with Stef.

But, I still am not sure what to feel in regards to Stef "paying for me," but if I look at it optimistically, she was just keeping her word and fixing this giant mess-up. But I don't know I still wanted to give her the money back for I didn't blame her for me missing work. I had my own mind.

As I reach my apartment, I slide the key in the door and tip-toe into the kitchen as I untie the tie on my shirt and open the fridge to see that most of the food I had with my name on it is gone. I sigh, for I know that I had offered it to Stef no matter what, but it only meant that I would need to go grocery shopping again soon. I don't have much time for that considering I need to sleep and go back to work early tonight.

Pulling out the carton of orange juice, I pour myself a glass and head to shower, but I realize that the bathroom door is closed as I hear the water running. Of course, it's probably Julius showering after his long ass shift, and I head to my bedroom and see that my little night light is on. This isn't unusual as Tess sometimes read until she fell asleep, but I notice her bed is empty and nearly fall backwards as I hear Stef's voice.

"You look exhausted! Shit Cals!" I look over to see her smoking on my bed, a book in her lap, and as usual, half dressed, her hair pulled back and a pair of glasses on her face. She has the fan blowing on her as well and the curtains drawn to block the morning sun that would shine through soon.

"Oh, I forgot you might stay the night. Why are you up so early?" I laugh as I blush and toss my shoes in the corner before quickly undressing and sliding on a giant Madonna t-shirt.

"Couldn't sleep for shit. Plus your friend Tess was up all night barfing and I have a lot on my mind and couldn't find your weed stash," she shrugs as she closes the book and looks at me. "You look like you need it though. Long shift love?"

"Yes. The longest ever. Lena said I have to make up what I lost in sales or Warbucks will have my head," I yawn as I sit on the opposite side of the bed and she stares at me hard.

"Are you fucking ass serious?"

I nod as she removes her glasses and puts out her smoke. "Yep. I thought she'd at least go easy on me and stuff. I guess it's my fault and all, and..."

"That's fuckin bullshit! I gave her the fucking money to cover your ass this morning!" I can see that Stef is getting upset and I quickly try to calm her for she was actually a really protective person and I had come to my defense a few times. Maybe that's why I did with her too?

"No, I know. I don't know how to feel, but imagine trying to run things for Warbucks while he's so worried about your brother and stuff. It's gotta be hard so....

"Mmm, I don't give two shits about that, Cal. What I do care about is that she thinks her shit doesn't stink, and she's making me out to be someone who doesn't keep their fucking word. Looks like I'll have to talk to your Daddy Warbucks after all and handle this shit myself," She slides off the bed as my stomach twists, and I feel conflicted because Lena had warned me not to trust her as she could spill secrets and stuff. But she just didn't seem like that kind of person for I had already told her so much about myself and I knew for a fact she wouldn't tell anyone. I really don't know what the hell to do about it as I see Stef walking towards the door to my bedroom.

"Oh, it's okay," I try to play it off. "I'm a big girl and can handle things. I messed up and I should be the one to pay Stefanie."

"But you're gonna let that cunt take advantage of you? Sweetheart, you're not going to get anywhere letting people walk all over your ass, love," Stef steps towards the bed as I play with my fingers as she takes a seat on the bed with me. "And if MISS BITCH can't run this operation then maybe someone else fucking should." I sigh as I grab her hand.

"Stef, it's ok. Don't be mad."

"Look sweets I know you are happy go lucky, and optimistic and playful. I mean when I first met you I thought you were kinda stupid and annoying and werid. BUT, you're not stupid and you're not annoying."

"Just weird?" I laugh as she grabs my hand and kisses it.

"Fuck yes. But I like your green tea babe." She smiles at me. "Look some people think you got your fucking head in the clouds. Maybe sometimes you do and that's ok. You're in reality enough but, I know you don't like confrontation. I get it, but Lena is cunt. Always will be and treats you like a fucking child. So, move in with me."

"What?" I ask looking confused.

"Move in with me."

"Where, in Franks place?"

"Noooo dumbo! I have another apartment. This way miss stuck up ass isn't up your ass and you can do whatever the fuck you want. PLUS we can fuck anywhere without Julio reprimanding us!" She laughs as I grow worried. "Or not?"

"Oh nooo... it's not that I don't wanna Stef...I um...how are you getting a place?" I ask confused as she stares right into my eyes.

"You don't gotta worry about that. You can live there free. Look, it's just an invitation love. You don't gotta. Ok? But hey, you do what is best for you. If you don't want people up your ass in your shit come live with me. If you wanna stay because stay, but don't feel fucking ass guilty. You do you love."

I nod my head as I'm beginning to feel as if everything is closing in on me, and maybe I should do some yoga before I shower and go to sleep. I need to clear my mind, cleanse my auraI get up and reach under my bed for my yoga mat and quickly pull out my incense.

"What the fuck are you doing now?" I turn to see Stef squinting her eyes as I light my incense and line up my rock crystals.

"I'm just trying to align my chakra and bring some peace into my life before I sleep. I've allowed everything that's going on to block my throat chakra and even my head chakra, and if I don't do something about it, I'll start having panic attacks again," I explain as I take a deep breath and lift my arms and fingers towards the sky, taking my gaze between them and lifting my chin.

"Good God, you are weird, Callie. I'm going to get some water. And I'll make you something to eat babe and head to the store in a bit to get you some more food." Stef laughs as she leaves the room and I move to downward facing dog as I feel the muscles in my body relaxing for I wasn't sure what to do right now but I needed to clear my mind.

"Oh and don't have fucking panic attacks! I'm here for ya!" Stef yells from the hall as I smile and breath in.