Gangster

Chapter 4

"Ali! Ali, wake up!"
I opened my eyes wearily and blinked. Ava was sitting up next to me, looking annoyed and rubbing her eyes. "Your phone won't stop ringing," she complained.
I sat up and switched the stupid alarm off. It was way too early to wake up.
But I had plenty of work to do.
I got out of bed and went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and took a quick shower.
When I came out, Ava was asleep again and I gently shook her.
"Baby, wake up, you have school today."
Ava groaned and buried her face in her pillow. "But I don't want to go to school," she whined. "My teacher is keeping a test today!"
I rolled my eyes. What was so difficult in studies when you were seven?
"I'm pretty sure you'll ace it, okay? Now get up and I'll make pancakes."
Ava immediately sat up and smiled really widely. "Really?" she asked and I nodded.
"But only if you take a shower in 10 minutes."
"Okay!" Ava immediately jumped off the bed and ran to the bathroom.
I smiled as she did that. My younger sister was my life. I couldn't imagine what I'd do without her. I still remembered the day I was waiting at the hospital at fourteen, waiting nervously for the baby's cry. When the nurse came out of the room and told us that it was a girl, I had run into the room immediately, bursting with happiness to see my baby sister.
It was love at first sight.
My mother had let me take care of Ava from day one. I used to comb her hair, have tea parties with her, played with her almost all the time. We were just one small happy family.
I feel a small pang in my chest as I thought of those blissful days. That was before all the problems began.
But it wasn't a time to dwell on the past. I had to make pancakes for two very hungry people.
I went into the kitchen and saw Tori sitting atop the bar stool.
"Good morning," she greeted. "Did you sleep well?"'
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I just thought it was because of...." Tori broke off and there was an awkward silence.
I decided not to tell Tori of the text messages that Harry had sent me. That would make her all the more furious and call the cops.
"I thought we agreed to forget it," I said, beginning to make the pancake batter.
"I know," said Tori quietly. There was another awkward silence, which was broken by the pattering of Ava's feet into the kitchen.
"Look!" she exclaimed proudly. "I took a shower and got dressed for school in 10 minutes!"
"Is that why your skirt is the other way round?" asked Tori with a grin. "Come here, I'll set it straight."
I loved the fact that Tori treated Ava like she was her little sister too. Seeing them all giggly and joking together was one of the best things in my dull life.
I couldn't live without these two girls.
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I worked as a nurse in a small but nice clinic called Medicentre. I had always wanted to be in the medical profession one day, but as a doctor in a big hospital.
But this was nice for now. It gave me a decent salary which helped me pay for Ava's education and the rent for our apartment.
The doctors here were skilled and patient and I was proud of them. I was proud of my job.
"Hey, you!" My friend, Jenny, who also worked as a nurse came over to me as I went into the treatment room. She was two years older than me and was really stunning. She always tried to set me up with different guys, which was really annoying but I loved her to bits.
"Hey," I smiled at her. "How's it going?"
"I was watching a movie yesterday," began Jenny seriously.
"Is it another porno?" I asked teasingly. Jenny had a big collection of R-rated movies.
"No! Well, yeah, but this one's kind of creepy as well."
"Shoot."
"Well, it's about a nurse who's actually a stripper and then she gives fellatio to this really sick but attractive patient while he's on anesthesia," said Jenny with a shudder.
I shook my head in disgust. I was never a fan of movies, let alone pornos.
"I'm thinking of trying that next time," said Jenny.
"WHAT?!" I whisper-shouted in alarm. "Oh my God Jen, that's so revolting!"
"I'm kidding, chill!" Jenny burst out laughing and I joined her.
A knock on the door broke the laughter. A woman was standing with her small child, who had a look of pure horror on his face. She handed me a piece of paper which had her name and the doctor's signature on it. Another woman went over to Jenny and she ushered her into one of the cubicles.
"He needs a tetanus," she said, gesturing to her son.
"Right," I nodded and pointed to a seat. "Just wait a minute."
The small kid looked terrified. "I-I don't wa-want an inj-injection!" he cried while holding onto his mother's arm.
"Come on, Billy, it will be quick and painless!" the mother tried to coax her son.
I filled the syringe, chose the needle and went over to Billy. "Look, I'll give you a candy if you take your injection properly, okay?" Jenny had decided to keep a box full of candy for reluctant little kids. It always worked.
The small boy's eyes lit up and he nodded. I quickly inserted the needle in his arm and watched him cover his mouth with his hand.
"Mummy, I didn't cry!" he said proudly once I pulled the needle out. I threw the needle away and gave him a candy. The smile on his face as he thanked me warmed my heart.
Little kids were so adorable.
"His arm would hurt for a day or so," I informed his mother.
"I know, I hope he doesn't complain too much about that. Thank you very much."
"Take care."
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After a couple of patients, I collapsed in a chair and Jenny came out of a cubicle, shaking her head.
"Not a single cute guy came here today!" she complained, washing her hands.
I shook my head and chuckled. At that moment, the door opened and the receptionist, Edith, looked in.
"I say, Alison, a friend of yours is here to see you."
I was a little confused. Tori never really visited this place.
"So shall I say yes?" asked Edith.
"Yeah, sure." Jenny said quickly. I turned to her immediately.
"Jen, I don't even-,"
"It might be a cute guy who's been stalking you for some time, Ali!" said Jenny with a wink.
Oh yeah. That was so reasonable.
Edith looked behind her and beckoned to the 'friend'. I wondered who it was.
My question was answered when the too familiar tall, dark and handsome guy walked in. I stood up in surprise. My heart started beating wildly and my hands became clammy.
No. No. This couldn't be happening. He told me he would leave me alone.
Then what on earth was he doing here?
I just stood there in shock, while he strode towards me. His height towered over me. I looked up nervously to meet his sparkling green eyes and his full lips pulled up into an irresistible smirk.
"Hello, Angel."

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