Russell

Toxicity

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Samantha

What exactly was Uncle Fred talking about back there? Did my ears deceive me? Did I miss-hear him, perhaps?

I felt awkward back in his room when I called him baby. I know that between us, it's nothing but a sexual thing. He doesn't see me as anything else. At least, I don't think so. So why did my heart palpitate so out of control when he said those words?

God, if I only knew how Russell felt about me. I'm falling for him, real hard. But I'm sure he and I will be more than we are now.

We arrived at a nice diner. It had the warmest home feel. The staff is so friendly, and the food... My God! Uncle Fred was not lying. It was so good.

Russell's uncle was so funny; he made us laugh so hard my stomach was hurting. When we were done eating, he ordered hot cocoa and a nice slice of sweet potato pie. It was the best sweet potato pie I have ever tasted.

"Audrey, dear, would you be so kind as to bring us the check, please?" he asks the young waitress as she's passing by. "Of course, Fred. How was your meal? Everything alright?" she says, smiling as she holds a hot pot of coffee in her hand.

"It was the best. As always, honey. How is your school going?" he asks her, but her face changes, making us feel bad.

"Well, as you know, my mom passed away a few months ago, so I'm afraid I'm taking some time off from school right now to help dad out with payments." I felt so bad for her. I slumped my shoulders at her words.

I mean, I don't have the best relationship with my mom. But I would hate to lose her. I love my mom, and I don't know what I'd do without her.

"Oh, honey. Everything will be alright. You know we're here if you need us. If your pops need anything, please, let me know, ok honey?" her eyes teared up. By the sound of her voice, the wound was still pretty fresh in her heart. I felt so bad. I knew I had to do something about it.

Uncle Fred paid and left a twenty-dollar tip for her. Then Russell got up, leaving a fifty-dollar tip for her as well. I touched Russell's arm, grabbing his attention, "Hey, I'm going to the lady's room real quick. I'll meet you guys outside. Is that ok?"

He kissed the top of my head and smiled, "Of course, we'll wait outside for you." he said as I made my way towards the restroom. But honestly, I waited until they were out of the diner. I looked out until they were out the door, then I looked for the young waitress.

"Excuse me. Audrey, right?" I said, making her turn. She served coffee and plated a few slices of pie and a few muffins for other customers. "Yes, ma'am. It's me. How can I help you?" I smiled as I saw the sparkle in her eyes.

I got my dad's card out and handed it to her. "I know this may seem like nothing. But, my dad is always looking to give grants to young achievers. I know it's hard for you now, but don't give up on your school. Gove him a call; he'll be happy to help you return to school." she looks at the card and then smiles, fighting back a few tears.

"Thank you. You have no idea how much this means." I nod, hugging her.

"Believe me; it's nothing. And I am so sorry about your loss. If I may, I hope you don't think I am too forward, but I heard what you told uncle Fred." I said, grabbing my wallet out. Dad always made me carry cash in an emergency, but I also had my card with me, so I knew I would probably not need much money.

I took a few hundred dollars bills out and handed them to her. "Please take it. It's not much, but maybe it can help your dad out a little." Her eyes widened in shock, and she nodded, refusing to tale the money. "No, thank you, but I can't."

"Yes, you can. Please, take it. I would gate to leave here knowing you're struggling and your family is in need. Please, I am not doing it to offend you; I'm doing it because, like you, I'm sure our dad's taught us always to have a willing heart." her eyes watered, making me want to cry as well.

Before I knew it, she hugged me tightly, making me take a step back. "Thank you. I don't know who you are or what uncle Fred is to you, but you are like a guardian angel to me right now," she says as I smile, parting from our hug.

"My name is Samantha Adams. I'm in the same university as Russell, uncle Fred's nephew. Look, my name is on the back of the card; if you ever need anyone to talk to, please, don't hesitate to call. Ok?" I said, smiling.

She looked melancholic but smiled through it. "Thank you, Samantha. I will. And thank you for your help. You're a special girl; you know that? I can tell Russell likes you, and I can see why. You have such a loving heart." she says, making me smile.

"Anyway, I should get out of here. And... Don't forget, call me if you need a friend." I say as I turn on my heel and leave.

Russell and his uncle were outside, talking. I couldn't help but stop to admire the view. Russell looked so charming standing there, sporting his signature smile. God... I think I'm falling in love with him.

"Well...well. If it isn't the new whore!" I hear an annoying voice say, making me close my eyes as I slowly turn to my side. That voice stayed in my mind from the moment I met her. She was annoying; she triggered anger in me, and I didn't think I had.

"Roxanne. How are you? Still as evil as always, I see?" I said, turning around. My eyes went wide as I saw a beautiful little girl in a stroller. She had sparkling blue eyes and tiny strands of blonde hair from the sides of her beanie. She knows I noticed her daughter, and she smiles wickedly, kneeling and fixing the little girl's coat.

"She looks just like him, doesn't she? Her eyes are just as blue and full of life as Russell's. Her hair is more like mine, not as dirty blonde as his, more my natural blonde than his, but still. She's just like him, isn't she? And here I am, taking care of her alone while he strolls around with his new whore. And to make matters worse, he has the nerve to bring you out here to parade you in front of me. How pathetic. Do you have no shame for yourself?"

I was afraid to admit it, but she was planting a seed of doubt in my head. She looks an awful lot like him. What if he is the dad, and he's too afraid to tell me?

"Do yourself a favor. Go back to California. No one wants you here." she says, making my eyes water. I looked at her, and then towards Russell. I looked back at her daughter, and to be honest, the similarities made it possible in my head that he could be the dad. And what if he was? I would totally be ok with it; she's so cute, after all. But I doubt Roxanne would want me in the picture or around her daughter.

Suddenly, I felt belittle. Maybe... This is the reason why he hasn't taken things further between us. He's too invested in a relationship already, and he's afraid of what I will say; making things official between us would only worsen the load on his back.

"Do yourself a favor. Leave... No one wants you here." her words stung, but she was right. I don't belong here.

But she has another thing coming. They may have a daughter together, but I'm willing to take my chances with him. If he's afraid to tell me the truth, I will have to let him know that I am ok with him being this little girl's dad.

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