Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Marguerite

I slowly rode into the little parking lot in front of the apartment I shared with my mother, my mind filled with what happened at the academy today. The insufferable sonofabitch. My stomach rumbled at that moment, cutting my thoughts halfway. I cursed beneath my breath and took off my helmet as I approached the door. A sudden crash from within the house made me dash in.

“Mum! Are you okay?” I asked, my eyes roaming around the little living room in search of anything that might have caused the noise. My eyes widened further when I saw the packing boxes and almost empty space. Behind the boxes on the floor was my mother, her gaze fiery. The source of the noise was the small vase I'd gotten for her as a present on her birthday. My mother was an item collector, and loved keeping items ranging from portraits down to a little wooden spoon. Now, the pieces of the vase littered the floor, so dangerously close to her bare legs.

“What’s going on, Mum?” I asked in a small voice, finally closing the door behind me and walking fully into what used to be a fully decorated living room.

She met my gaze, her eyes holding nothing but hatred.

“We are getting kicked out. That's what's happening.” She informed me. I staggered a little at the news, not making any sense of her words.

“What do you mean? We still have some months left, at least. I gave you the money, didn't I?” Based on my calculations, our rent wasn't due until four months.

She avoided my gaze, and went back to arranging some items into a moving box.

“Mum,” my voice cracked. “I gave you the money, didn't I?” I asked.

She actively ignored me, her actions picking up pace. Faster and faster.

“Mum! Look at me.” I requested.

“Fine. You gave me the money. So what? It wasn't enough.” She snapped.

“What…wasn't enough, Mum?” I asked in disbelief.

“The money. I told you to add some more.” She scoffed.

“I had no money. Where was I supposed to get it from?” I wailed.

“You are a pretty girl, Magg. Surely, one of your numerous boyfriends would have given you some if you asked. You could've gone into the crack business earlier when I suggested it. But you never listen to me, do you? Now, this is the result of your actions. We're being kicked out like dogs.” She snapped out in one breath.

I was dazed for a moment. “So, you want your daughter to become a whore, and to sell drugs for your sake?” I asked, my voice breaking. The back of my eyes stung, and my heart felt heavy.

“Is it too great a sacrifice to make for your mother's sake? Is it?! I suffered to get you away from your father. Surely, you can repay me anyway you can.” She whined.

I swallowed. “What did you do with part of the rent money I gave to you, Mum?” I pulled myself together and asked.

“I bought a couple of drinks, Magg. It wasn't enough, I had to manage.” She shook her head, and went back to arranging our stuff into the boxes once more.

“A couple of drinks with thirty thousand euros?” I asked, a bitter taste creeping up behind my throat.

“Yes, Magg. You should make more money if you don't want me to spend our rent money. I've seen the way our landlord keeps looking at you. He always stares at you when you come back from your morning jogs. He's widowed, you know.” She added.

I wondered how she noticed that through the fogginess of her drunk mornings.

“Mum. Our landlord is old enough to be my father. He's a creep. You surely-”

“Shut up for once and listen to me, Marguerite Kasper!” My mother yelled, cutting my words short. She went on. “You have the body, the face, and even the sultry voice men like. I have a friend who owns a stripper club. He's seeking out strippers, and even visited last week. We can go over to his place right now, and tell him you're interested.” Her eyes lit up as she spoke.

As I stared at the woman who birthed me, who bore many facial and physical resemblance to me, I questioned once more if she was really my mother.

“Stop. Just stop it.” I rasped, placing my hands against my ears. “Stop it. I'll meet the landlord and beg him for time until I can raise some money.” I said with a sigh.

“No, you won't.” My mother countered.

I frowned. “And why not?”

“We’ll head over to my friend's place this instant, and you'll become a stripper. Do you know how much money we'll earn?” She gave me a convincing smile.

I took a step back. “No, I don't. And I don't want to know. How can you advise your daughter to do such a-”

“You have no choice, Magg. You'll do it. I order you as your mother.” She said with a firm voice.

“I won't do it.” I retorted.

She remained silent for a moment. “Then consider yourself a stranger to me from now henceforth.” Her voice and words were emotionless.

“What? You're disowning me?” I was in sheer disbelief.

“You should be glad. You don't want anything to do with me anyway. You're just a hopeless whore who hides behind the facade of being a good kid.” Her words stabbed directly into my heart, and the force finally pulled down the tears I'd been struggling to hide.

“I considered you, and even collected payment from Louis assuring him that you'll come over soon-” She caught herself midway as if suddenly realizing that she'd given away too much.

I narrowed my eyes. “What payment, Mum?” I asked with a calmness that surprised even me.

“It’s none of your business.”

“Mum-” I began, my voice barely qualifying as a whisper.

“Mum? I'm not your mother, and I'll never be. Now, get out. And don't bother taking anything with you.” She warned me.

My breath came out in little shallow pants, and my head turned blank. I took a last glance at her; in her complete nude short gown and vain makeup, and exhaled.

“You’re pathetic.” And with that, I walked out through the door without taking another glance behind me. I hopped on my Ninja with only one direction in mind.

The Academy.

Although it was a little bright outside, the sun was already setting. I revved my bike up and sped away, my tears trickling down. My mind replayed our conversation over and over again, and I had the urge to scream out my lungs. I rode through the academy gates, and straight towards the racing lane. I ignored the curious stares from the students who were gathering to have a race. On second thought, I decided to head to my favorite spot. I turned around before the thought completely formed.

The Coast looked nothing like its name. A cluster of trees which opened up to a large expanse of space, and well arranged chairs for students. Although it was made for us -the students- students rarely frequented here. It was my favorite spot because after having a jolly good race, I could go there and get some beautiful fresh air while having a cone of ice cream. But today, I was there for something different. Just like I expected, there was no one on any of the seats. I leaned my Ninja against a tree, and slowly walked over to sit down.

I placed my helmet close to me, then finally bent my head to let the tears out.

I didn't know why I was so heartbroken. I should've seen it coming. My mother was as vain as the word could go. And when she finally took to drinking and became a full-time drunkard, it worsened. She quit her job as a receptionist at a company, and made drinking her job. She stopped caring about me, and never truly bothered if I was with her or not.

My tears flowed faster, my body shaking.

“Marguerite?” The last person I was expecting to see, called out. It was in an uncertain tone, and I could hear the footsteps getting closer. I regretted coming to the academy when I should've gone somewhere else. Now, Anders L’Dore was about to see me fully teary, red eyed and all.

“Go away, please.” I begged.

“Marguerite, look at me. What happened?” The voice was now close. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me in. His touch was cold. Wrapped in his embrace, I finally cracked, and all my tears let loose. He didn't say a word, instead patting me gently on the back between, “It’s alright, I'm here,” which he kept saying.

“She disowned me,” I sobbed. “She called me a whore, when all I ever did was try to make her happy.”

“You know what? Fuck it. Kiss me, Anders. And after you're done, take me back to your place.” I sobbed.

“As you wish, Angel.”