The Summer of Emilia

Chapter 1

Amias's POV:

"He turned around that corner!" I heard as I hid in a dumpster in an alleyway. My heart was beating a million miles per minute. The stench was absolutely horrible. I waited a couple more minutes before taking a peak out of the dumpster. The cops have, thankfully, been misled, and I took it as a sign to rush back home to my siblings. 

I looked in all directions before opening the door to my house to make sure no one was following me. "Hey Ami! You've been gone for so long; we've missed you!" My baby sister, May, ran up and hugged me, followed by my other siblings, Troy, Alison, and Ryan. It was hard having to take care of all four of my siblings, but the love I have for them outweighs my selfish need for my own happiness. 

I'm all they have, and they are all I have. I would have no purpose if I left them. I refuse to be like my parents—a deadbeat and a cokehead. I'm not proud of the way I take care of my family, but I take care of them nonetheless. That is better than whatever my parents tried to do for us.

"What did you get us?" May squealed as she tugged on my shirt. I had stolen house necessities and some food that could last us at least a week before I had to go on another run. "I thought I'd splurge a little, so May, I got you this Barbie that you've been asking for for two months now." The excitement on May's face is all I need to make me feel happy. I placed the takeout, the only thing I actually bought and didn't steal, on the table, and we started eating our dinner. 

"What did you do at work today, Troy?" Troy looked around before answering my question. Only Troy and I work to provide for the family. May and Allison wanted to work, but I refused to let my sisters work. May is only 6, and Allison just turned 13. I had already told them the two oldest brothers will be providing for this family, which is me and Troy. Ryan is only 15, and I do not want him to work unless it's something that he is passionate about and wants as a career; the same goes for May and Allison only when they grow up. 

They are young; they shouldn't be worried about whether they're going to be able to afford food tomorrow or not. That is for me to worry about since I am the oldest. Troy is closer in age to me, and that is why I let him help up at times when I have an extra shift at work.

"Troy? Did you get fired or something?" Troy couldn't even look at me. He stared at the floor in disappointment, confirming my suspicion. "Troy, it's fine. Two jobs is a lot for a 17-year-old anyway. I never wanted you to work in the first place; I just wanted you to help out at times when I couldn't. You're smart; you'll find another job if you want." I comforted my brother as he smiled and thanked me. 

May thanked me for a delicious meal and the rest nodded their head in agreement. I may struggle to give my siblings a normal life, but it's all worth it seeing them happy. I gave up on college long ago when my parents decided to give up on us, but I can't do that. I can't give up on my siblings. 

We had finished eating, and Troy stayed behind to help me clean up. "Can we help?" May and Allison asked with a smile. I agreed and lifted May onto the counter to give the clean dishes to Allison for her to place in the dishwasher.

I lifted May off the counter and placed her gently on the floor as we finished the dishes. "Make sure you brush your teeth before going to bed. And make sure you sleep early; you have school tomorrow!" I yelled before May and Allison ran, giggling, to their room. Troy could I see the worried look on my face because he asked me if I'm alright. 

"I'm short a couple bucks on the electric bill." Troy looked at me and sighed. "How much?" I shrugged my shoulders before giving a number smaller than the amount I'm actually missing. I didn't want Troy to worry about money, yet my work wouldn't give me an advance on my salary, and I tried everything I could to cough up some money. 

"50 bucks isn't that bad; I could probably get that to you tomorrow," Troy said before giving me a pat on the back. "You shouldn't stress yourself out this much over money. Let us help you every once in a while." I nodded before signaling Troy to go to bed, as it was getting late. We both had work in the morning, and I had to buy some school supplies for May, Allison, and Ryan.