Whisper

Whisper: Chapter One

Song choice for Chapter: Satellite Heart by Anya Marina

The sound of my alarm clock filled my small bedroom. However, I was already awake. I had been for the past hour. Sleep was something I was getting very rarely these days. The stress of overdue rent was hanging over me like a dark cloud. I hate rent.

Turning my head to the left, I stared at my screaming alarm clock. Nine o'clock. I had to be at work for ten. I reached over and switched it off. I sighed in relief as quietness took over my room again. I didn't want to get out of bed. Even though I wasn't getting any sleep, I was still comfortable in my bed and I didn't want to move.

After a quick shower, I put my uniform on. A white shirt, black short skirt and black tights. I mean it when I say the skirt is short. Skirts shouldn't be allowed to be this short! I was so uncomfortable wearing it.

I worked as a waitress down in one of the diners. My wages weren't great and the majority of customers were perverts. That's the reason why I hate the uniform that they supply. It made me feel sick when they stared at me as I walked past. Some of them even smacked my ass. It was disgusting.

I brushed my brown hair and made sure I looked presentable before grabbing my bag and my keys and heading out the door for another exciting day at work.

                                                     ~*~

I placed the tray I was carrying onto the bar. I was two hours into my shift and already I was annoyed. One guy, who looked like he was in his fifties, asked me if I wanted a ride home once my shift was over. Creep.

"Can I get some extra fries please?" I called out into the kitchen.

I looked around the diner as I waited for the fries. It wasn't too busy tonight, just the usual customers. I ran a hand through my hair, feeling too hot. It was exhausting running around making sure everyone has what they want and clearing tables.

"Why do all the creeps decide to make this place their local diner?!" I heard Paige's annoyed voice say beside me.

I jumped in fright slightly when she slammed her tray down on the counter. She looked stressed. Her face was red and her blue eyes were filled with anger. I giggled slightly and put my arm around her shoulders.

"What happened?" I asked her.

"A guy over by the window kept touching me. I'm getting sick of this place," she sighed, laying her head on my shoulder.

"I know exactly how you feel," I replied.

Taking the extra fries off of the counter, I walked over to the customer who'd requested them. I put the fries on their table and smiled at them.

"Is there anything else I can get for you?" I asked, faking a sweet, innocent voice.

They shook there head and began digging into their fries. I screwed my face up in disgust. He was eating them as if he hadn't been fed in days. I turned to begin making my way back over to the bar when I felt his hand on my ass.

Stopping in my tracks, I bunched my hand into a fist as I heard him laugh. I relaxed my hand, took a deep breath and stood up straight. I wasn't going to let it get to me. It was part of my job I guess.

I walked into the ladies restroom and splashed some much needed cold water onto my face. Staring at myself in the mirror, I couldn't believe this was what I was doing.

How could you let your life get this miserable? I asked myself. Why have you never done anything to make it better?

I dried my face with a towel and took one last look in the mirror before heading back out.

                                                     ~*~

It was the end of my shift. I grabbed my jacket and bag from the cloakroom and hurried out of that place as quickly as I could.

I smiled as the cold night air blew against me. I was glad to be finished work. Pulling my jacket closer, I started walking down the street in the direction of my apartment.

It was almost eight o'clock and it was already starting to get dark. Thankfully, it was only a ten minute walk back home. The thought of walking in the streets at this time of the night in my almost reveilng uniform made me uneasy. I quickened my pace.

Shoving the key into the door, I unlocked it and stepped inside. I closed the door and locked it again behind me. I pulled off my coat and hung it up. My apartment wasn't great. Half the time the boiler didn't work so I wouldn't have hot water for a few hours. The windows let in the cold from outside and my heating system didn't work.

It was the best I could get. I had little money when I moved here and it was all I could afford. Now the price of rent has gone up and I'm struggling to pay it each month. I guess I just needed my own space after my mother passed away. The rest of my family worry about me but I told them I'd be okay. That was a big fat lie.

                                                  ~*~

After almost three hours of watching TV, I decided to go to bed. I knew I wasn't going to sleep but I was going to try. Turning off the TV, I stood up and stretched. My muscles ached from sitting on my couch that was falling to pieces.

I switched the living room light off and headed down to my bedroom. I pushed the door open and walked in. Walking over to my bedside table, I turned on my small lamp. I sat down on the edge of my bed and put my head in my hands.

This wasn't the life I wanted to live. My dream was to become a singer, to share my music with the world. In high school I loved music. I studied it constantly and I eventually leanred to play guitar. My music teacher told me I had a great singing voice and that I would go far if I put it to use. I didn't go down that path though. Not after the accident.

I reached into my top drawer and pulled out my silver necklace. I opened up the locket and stared at the picture inside. It was a picture of my mother and I. I was only a baby in the photograph. She was holding me in her arms, smiling. She looked so happy. On the side of the locket there was a message engraved into it.

My little star, you shine so bright. Always and forever.

She gave me this locket for my sixteenth birthday. I told her I'd treasure it forever and I would. She died just over a year ago. I still hadn't cried, I told myself that I wouldn't. My mother wouldn't like to see me upset .I placed it back into the drawer and turned off the light.

I lay there like I did every night, staring up at the ceiling. Letting my thoughts swirl around my mind, I pulled my bed covers closer. I moved my gaze over to the clock on my bedside table. It was almost midnight.

Hopefully tomorrow would be better. I doubt it.