Miracle

(4) Everything Under Control

Like I said, work was horrid.

I dropped pretty much everything I picked up. My weak arms made it extremely hard to carry a tray.

My legs were practically scolding me from riding my bike the whole way here. Also on the way here, I learned that the damn bike doesn't have any brakes. Making it extremely hard to stop.

I collected my tips from the jar and looked down at them, I'm so thankful for working at this place. Only nice people come here. They all must have realized I was struggling extra hard tonight because I made around twenty-five dollars in tips.

I put my jar back in its spot and turned around only to jump back. There stood a familiar face, called my boss.

"Uh.. hey boss" I struggled to say.

She shook her head at me, putting her hand on my shoulder. "When are you gonna get help?"

I squinted my eyes at her, "are you kidding me? I don't need any help! I'm perfectly fine"

She continued to shake her head, "Honey, it's okay to need help"

"Stop saying that. I don't need help. I have everything under control"

I put my tips in my pocket and shoved my way past my boss.

Needing to get home as fast as I possibly could, I completely agreed with myself to forget that this bike even had any type of brakes.

*  *  *  *  *  *

Once home I gathered the kids and we all walked to the store. I bought a few veggies and fruits. I only had 25 dollars so that was all I could buy for now.

Patiently waiting for my paycheck.

"Sissy?" One of the twins asked.

"Yes?" I turned to look at him. He has the same blue colored eyes as me. He reminded me much of myself. He's quiet but also has a lot to say.

He pulled on my hand, "Can we not go home"

Being 14 like him and not wanting to go home hurt my feelings.

"We have to. I have everything under control. At least I will try to have everything under control"

I couldn't lie to any of these kids. It was impossible to lie. Even if it was better for them not to know, I can't lie.

Letting out a defeating sigh, "Okay"

I turned around and looked at all of the kids. I did a head count before we continued to walk home.

*  *  *  *  *  *

The night went pretty well. The kids enjoyed the fruits and vegetables that I managed to buy.

I had everyone tucked in bed, ready for sleep to take over. The devil still hasn't shown up. In a way, it made me happy.

I got a shower and ate some strawberries that were left. Everything else was gone. And when I say gone. I mean it was gone.

No sugar coating it.

I decided while the devil herself was out. I would clean up the house a little bit. It's impossible to clean it all because the kids break things and the devil throws stuff everywhere. I picked up half her needles from the kitchen window and gladly tossed them in the trash.

I wiped down the counter where there once was a needle. I continued to clean until around 5 in the morning. Realizing I would need to be up in an hour, I was thinking about going to sleep.

Right as I was about to walk up the stairs the devil walked through the door with two other people.

I shook my head and laughed, "Nice try. Get them the hell out now."

Her blue eyes that matched mine looked at me, "No. This is my house. Who pays for it? Not you."

I stepped down off the step I was on, "excuse me? I pay for the house. Just like I pay for everything else. Get them out of this house now." I spoke through my teeth.

Both of the ladies behind her looked at one another, "Come on Rye. Let's get out of here"

I cringed at her name, I try not to even claim that name. Meaning, that is also my middle name.

The devil turned to look at the women behind her, "don't be intimidated by her. She's just a kid."

"Yeah, a kid who could beat your ass up if you don't get them out of my house. Now!"

I took another step down off the stairs. All three of them backed away for a quick second.

"Let's just go" Mom sneered.

As she and her friends walked out the door I shut and locked the door. Making sure to bolt it so nobody could get back in.

Her mistake, not mine.

*  *  *  *  *  * 

The next morning went into a routine, just like any other day. Getting the kids up and ready.

But this day was different. I felt like something good was going to happen.

After scurrying the kids onto the bus I began my walk to school. It only takes an hour, so I would maybe be 5 minutes late.

Walking past my car, I hear something familiar. I turned around and sure enough, here he comes.

Mr. Aaron

He slowed down beside me and rolled the window down, "School?"

I looked at him and smirked nodding my head, "school"

"Get in"

I opened the door and jumped in. He looked at me and smiled, there was nothing to be smiling about me. Maybe how funny looking I am.

My light brown hair is in a really extremely messy bun, seeing as one of the kids broke our hair brush. And my eyes were baggier than ever since I literally got maybe half and hour of sleep last night.

He continued to look from me to the road, "why do you keep looking at me?" I giggled.

"You're killing me. Why the hell do you walk to school?" He asked.

I rolled my eyes at his question, "You seen my car"

He nodded his head in agreement, "what about your parent's cars? Why not use them?"

I stiffened at his question. It was a good thing we were already at the school because I jumped out saying, "I have to go"

Not answering his question I walked into the school greeting a bunch of eyes again.