"Thanks so much for today Annie." Turning my body tiredly I rose slightly to meet the warm eyes of my boss, Hal Owens. She was an older heavy set lady with sparkling blue eyes and almost pure white hair. Even at the age of fifty this woman still powered on and never lost the innocent spark that reflected in her eyes.
A warm smile spread across my slightly tinted cheeks. I probably looked like a hot mess; I was going to have to fix it before I went to my next job. "I'm always here if you need me. You take such good care of Evan every weekend."
Today I had covered for a girl who had come down with the flu. I was glad to help Hal and also for the extra cash.
Hal owned a small but very profitable day care centre not very far from my apartment. She was actually and thankfully my next-door neighbour. I had only known her for a short time; two weeks actually, but I knew I could trust her. Carson wasn't a bad town, I had only been here two weeks and I had been able to acquire three jobs which was pretty decent. It was hard work but totally worth it, it was worth it for Evan.
"Don't you mention it Annabelle. I already think of you as my daughter and Evan as my grandson. Family help out family." She rests a comforting hand on my shoulder.
My eyes glance towards the colourful clock on the day care's wall. It was ten past six already? I only had a few minutes to change. "Hal I need to use the bathroom for a few minutes. Do you mind waking Evan for me?"
Hal arched a brow. "Clark not in today?"
"I got a text from Ally earlier today. Apparently, there is a town meeting."
Hal's eyes grew wide. "When did she hear this?"
Furrowing my brows, I re-read over the text she sent. "She said it was announced earlier today and that only 'Elders' are attending. What are 'Elders'?"
I saw a panicked twitch in her expression but only slightly. "Just some older folk of the town. Myself included. You go and get all prettied up and I'll grab your little boy"
She hustled me towards the bathroom. Her behaviour was very odd I had never seen her even slightly worried or frazzled. I shook it off, she was probably off put that she hadn't been informed.
Being that today was a Thursday all I had to worry about was Clark's Café; thankfully the bar wasn't open. From Monday to Thursday I had the day-care from six till three and then the café from four till ten; from Friday to Sunday I had day-care six till twelve (only on Friday), the café from one till seven and then the bar from nine till three. I got sleep rarely and only limited time with Evan but I wanted to provide for him. We had been on our own for a while.
Smoothing out my misogynistic and sexualized maid's uniform relieving as many wrinkles as I could out of the crinkled blue fabric. Looking at my reflection it looked as if I had a rough tumble in some hay, and not the PG-13 type. Undoing my fiery red locks, I braided it into a long and simple plait, making sure that no stray hairs were visible. Grabbing my make-up bag, I tidied up my tired looking face. This was the most presentable I could look in ten minutes.
Exiting the small bathroom I walked towards the napping area. I was surprised to see a curled up Evan still snoozing peacefully. I swore Hal said she would wake him up. Next to his still body were his belongings all neatly packed and a neatly written note.
Annie,
Sorry that I didn't wake him or let you know I was leaving but I got an urgent call. You have a set of keys to close up an I left some groceries on my kitchen table I was meant to give you today, let yourself in and get them. I won't be home until late. Work hard today!
