The Oak Tree And The Shotgun.

Chapter 16

Jackie's POV

"Moma. I want to start working." I played with my scarf while leaning on the shopping cart.

"Oh really? Why? You don't need to work." She packed in sausages.

"I just... It'll help the house. I could buy Izzy ballet shoes." I pushed the cart while walking beside my mother.

Izzy jumped on the front of it.

"Well, if you really want to you're old enough. What are you thinking of?" She stopped at the bakery.

"I was thinking to work at our neighbors house. It's only over the road plus they give more than enough money. They seem like civilized people." I felt the breads while Izzy ran off to go get something off a rack.

"What? You want to be a maid? A babysitter? A servant?" She asked in a mocking tone.

"Mom, it's not bad at all. It's better than doing nothing." I showed her a loaf and she put it in the cart.

"Yes, it is, but are you willing to be shunned appon by the rest of the world? Are you willing to be seen from a low class? Are you willing to give up your reputation and your self worth?" She bluntly asked.

I was thinking. It's not like my place in society will have shifted. Or like the rest of the world will see me. I don't even have a good reputation other than my high scores. And as for my self worth... Well, firstly, what self worth?

It took a couple of minutes for me to answer. When we got to the line I opened my mouth.

"Yes. Yes I am. I'll do it. I am guaranteed a job by tomorrow." I watched her.

She held up a chocolate bar as a offer but I turned it down so she put it back.

"So you've already gone. Then what's the use of my permission?" She watched me as guilt stung my throat.

"You're old enough to make your own decisions. As long as you stay away when things go south and as long as you come home before 10." She sighed heavily.

"10:30!" Izzy exclaimed.

"I'm going to tutor someone there too. We might play a bit." She smiled cutely as i internally face palmed.

"Are you now?" She raised a brow at me in question and Izzy nodded.

"Ok then. Your sister has to watch you. No later than 10:30." She winked and thew chocolate bars in the cart for us anyway.

Aaron's POV

"Dad please." I begged.

He wasn't even taking note of what I was asking. He ran his hand through his dark hair.

"If you can give me a reason I'll grant your wish." He typed.

"She hardly does work. If anything, she plays video games more than i do." I lied.

"That's not good enough." He pressed a button on his phone and lifted it to his ear holding his finger over his lips to shut me up.

Rage enveloped me and my heart pounded angrily against it's cage like a monster was trying to escape a beast was taking over me at the same time. A waver of red flashed through my vision and before I knew it I was up and trudging toward him.

I caught the slightest glimpse of fear in his eyes before I grabbed his phone and threw it across the room. I moved my face closer to his.

"I will find a new maid and you will accept it! You do absolutely nothing but text and write up documents and take calls. What is Zach's favourite colour?" I watched him as he took his time to think of something.

"You don't know because you work even when you're home." I closed the laptop in front of him and dusted off his shoulder with my hand before forcing a smile.

"Enjoy the rest of your day." I just watched him and walked away.