Can't Change the Past

~12~

A few weeks later

Beyoncé POV

I stopped working at the diner and decided to get another job. I love Mama G, that's what she told me to call her, but I needed a little bit more money. She still watches them for me when I go to work, which is great so I won't have to worry about their safety. I work as a bartender at this night club. It's trash but it pays the rent and puts food in my kids' stomach. Now I live in an apartment not too far from where Mama G lives so I won't have to travel far after I get off.
"Giselle, here's your check." I grabbed it and looked at it confused.
"This is only for $150?"
"Yeah well we had a slow week last week."
"I still came to work everyday and put in overtime. This some bull shit."
"Watch it girl."
"Look, I've been working here for a while now. This is not adding up."
"The tips you were given should compensate for the amount missing."
I glanced at one of the other bartenders, "This won't cover my bills this month."
"Not my problem sweetheart."
I rolled my eyes and slipped the check in my back pocket as he walked away, "I hate him."
"Girl we all do."
"I can't do shit with this little ass check."
"You just have to make it stretch."
"Excuse me, can I order a drink?" I turned my head shocked.
"Ho- how did you find me?"
"It wasn't easy baby girl, trust me. Your little fine ass almost got away from me this time."
"Julius-"
He held his hand out, "Dance with me."
"I- I have to work."
"I insist." he raised his shirt up to show his gun for only me to see.
I slowly walked around the bar and he grabbed my arm pushing me towards the dance floor. He held me in his arms dancing to the music. I felt so uncomfortable being this close to him. A tear slipped down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away.
"Let's go out back and talk."
Once we were outside, he threw a bag at me. "What is this?"
"Clothes, now hurry up and change."
"Why?"
"I got a favor that only you can help me with."
I shook my head, "I told you I don't want to do that no more and you promised I wouldn't have to. Julius please."
"It's just this one last time. For me baby."
"No! The last time-"
"The last time, what? Huh?"
I sighed, "The last time, I woke up in a hospital bed Julius. I can't do that anymore."
"You don't have a choice now. My money is low this week and you're the only one who can change that."
"Your money is no longer my concern. Find somebody else to do it."
He slapped me in the face, "You must have forgotten who you're talking to! Put the shit on, now Giselle!"
I held my face but did as he said. I changed and put my work clothes in the bag. "Where to?"
"Rich white guy." he said grabbing the bag throwing it over his shoulder.
"What do I get out of this?"
"The chance to live another day."

After we left the guy's house Julius dropped me back in front of the club. "Thanks for the help."
"Can I have my clothes back?"
"Why? Oh you must want this check back?" he said holding it up. "Well this is a transportation fee."
"Julius give me my check."
"Bye Giselle." he said driving off.
I watched as he drove off, with the money I had to pay for Aubri's breathing treatments this month. Turns out she does have a little breathing problem. The treatments are helping her though. But I only have a little on my card and I know it's not going to to cover what the government won't. I decided to walk to the Walgreens that was on the corner, which should be open now.
"How much is this?"
"That'll be $34.50."
"I only have $15 with me. Can you just give it to me and I'll bring you the money back when I have it?"
"It doesn't work that way ma'am."
"Please sir, my children are sick and need this medicine to feel better."
"I'm sorry."
I sighed and walked away from the counter leaving the store. I went to a pay phone to dial her number.
"Did you get the medicine?"
"I couldn't. He didn't give me enough money this week."
"Well don't worry, I'll have my other check by the end of this week."
"But what are they supposed to do until then?"
"They won't die. I know you love them but-"
"No. Don't worry, I'll get it and bring it back to them."
"Promise me you won't do anything crazy."
"I love you and my kids. I'll always look out for you guys." I hung up the phone. She'll probably beat my ass but it'll be worth it.