DISTRESS

CHAPTER 2

"Puppy!!!" Nina and Mina yelled squeezing me in a tight hug.

I don't think they'll ever stop calling me that. I'm not sure why but it was the first thing they called me when I applied here for a job and that nickname never left their mouth whenever I come to work, up until now.

Nina and Mina Harrison are twins and the manager's nieces. They both have black shoulder length hair, fair complexion and playful green eyes that matches their bubbly personality. They almost looked identical except Mina has bangs and is a bit taller while Nina doesn't have any bangs and she's the same height as me. Also they are older than me, I think they're 22 years old though they can be pretty childish for their age.

I wince and immediately pulled away when their hands accidentally squeezed my stomach. Worry flashed in their eyes which quickly turned to anger. "Did he hurt you again?" Nina demanded, not even hiding her disgust towards my father who she never even met.

"I'm fine. It's just a small bruise," I lied which didn't convince the two even one bit.

They already know my situation eventhough I never intended to tell them in the first place. I had no choice. In order for me to be able to work here I had to tell them my situation. It's the condition that the manager gave me. During that time I was in desperate need for a job that I agreed. It was my last resort since all that I applied to rejected me because I was a minor.

Manager Canna is the only one who gave me a chance despite the consequences she might suffer for taking me in. I was grateful for them who accepted me with open arms but after everything I've been through, I still have a hard time trusting them.

Eventhough I'm indifferent towards them, they never questioned me and just simply lend me a helping hand. I know they are kind people....I mean they wouldn't go to such lengths just to help me if they aren't that kind enough.

"Don't lie. We know it's not just a simple bruise," Mina insisted.

I know I'm lying but what good will it bring if ever I admit the truth. It's not like they can do anything about it. Especially not when I'm still under my father's custody. There's only little they can do so why would they trouble themselves with someone like me? I'm not even asking for assistance.

"What's happening here?" Assistant manager Cielle appeared along with manager Canna who looked curiously at the three of us.

"It was nothing," I looked at assistant manager Cielle who looked back at me with those intense gray eyes of hers. She always has that cold and strict look which is sometimes unsettling. Not to mention her dirty blonde hair which she usually tie in a neat bun that only made her look even more intimidating. She almost resembles a terror teacher in highschool.

"Could all of you calm down for a sec? There's too much pressure here," manager Canna interrupted jokingly, wrapping her arm around assistant manager Cielle who glared at her in return.

Manager Canna Harrison, like the twins have a playful personality which doesn't exactly match her looks. Especially not with that black pixie hair she has with red highlights and striking green eyes. She even has two ear piercing in her left ear.  She can easily pass for a gangster with her 5'8 height. She's already 26 years old while assistant manager Cielle Sander is 24 though both of them looked younger compared to their real age. I wonder how the two of them became friends. They're such a weird combination.

"But aunt Canna, Puppy is hurt again and she won't admit it that she's hurt," Nina whined.

I don't know if I should be grateful or annoyed by this situation. This is what happens whenever they find out that I'm hurt. They tend to overreact which usually results to their overprotectiveness and overwhelming concern towards me.