Chapter 10: The Founder Shows Up

I got home angry because of the scene Marcus had showcased. Papa was sleeping on the couch, he looked so peaceful when he wasn't complaining about something. I walked to my room, also tired and wanting to sleep. A notification popped up on my screen, it was from Damien, for some reason I was excited to check it out.

“No reply?” I read it out in a low voice.

That was all. Did he think he owned me, no sweet words just this. But at the same time why would I even want sweet words from him, it didn’t matter. I left the message without replying, I'm sure he would know I am not interested and find someone else from the app to sleep with. I tossed the phone to the side, freshened up and slept off, freeing my mind of Damien.

My alarm woke me up by 6am, I turned it off with sleepy eyes. I stayed still for five minutes, trying to fully be awake. I freshened up, did the normal chores and prepared food for myself and Papa. After I ate mine, I picked up my bag wanting to leave for school. 

“You're always going somewhere, but come back with the same scrap,” Papa complained, walking towards me.

“Thanks for the compliment,” I said in a low voice, trying to not show how his words hurt.

“I made food for you, I'm going to school now,” I pointed at the direction of the food.

“Why is it always the same food, aren't you tired?” He questioned. 

“Maybe you could be more appreciative for someone who doesn't help out,” I gave a small smile, shutting the door behind me.

Outside I breathed out, not aware I was holding my breath. Escaping Papa’s complaint every single morning was not easy, it was starting to break me but I won't let it show. 

When I got to school, I attended my first lecture peacefully without Chloe’s trouble. I thought she had learnt to mind her business but I was wrong. Just as I was reading through the speech for the school event she came to the front of the class.

“Why does Elena have to be the one to represent our class every event, she doesn't even fit in. She's poor and classless,” she disgraced me in front of the class. I could hear some side talks, while some were laughing. 

“Okay, you can lead the event,” I agreed, giving her the paper that contained the speech. She smiled widely like she had won the lottery. I went to the toilet, not being able to control the tears anymore, I let them out.

After my crying session, my eyes were swollen and cheeks red. I rinsed my face to reduce the redness as I walked back into the class. She was already practicing the speech in front of the whole class, feeling happy as she read through the paper, only if she knew she wasn't allowed to use it during the event. She would learn about it later, I couldn't care less what happens anymore. I went to the diner after school, I didn't bother going home to change my clothes, and wouldn't want to risk Papa spoiling my mood even more.

“You're here early,” Sofia pointed out.

“Yeah, didn't want to deal with Papa's behaviour today,” I said truthfully. 

She came to hug me, dragging my cheek playfully. I smiled, knowing that at least one person still wanted to cheer me up.

We worked quietly, no side talks, or mischievous behaviour until I remembered the text.

“He texted again,” I said nonchalantly cleaning the table.

Sofia froze trying to understand what I said. 

“Oh fuck,” she exclaimed when it finally clicked. 

“Tell me you replied,” she said excitedly. 

“No I didn't,” I frowned at her.

“Why are you doing this,” she whined like a little baby.

I rolled my eyes, laughing at her behaviour. 

“What's funny?” She folded her arms, arching her brow.

“It was a business, there is no need to reply to him,” I shrugged.

“We would see how that goes,” she smirked. I shook my head at her, wondering why she wanted to link us together so bad.

After my shift, I went home to rest, because of the school event, although I wasn't presenting anymore but I would still love to go early, to see what Chloe presents.

“You just come back late then go straight to bed without doing anything,” Papa shouted at me. Today he wasn't drunk but was still aggressive.

“Can't you go a day without yelling at me?” I asked on the verge of crying.

“Oh please, Don't shed those crocodile tears, it won't work,” he said nonchalantly. 

“I don't even know if you're my biological father,” I said in a low whisper, leaving my room before my tears dropped. I sat on my bed crying, all the tears I held back came flooding. 

‘Crying won't solve anything, Elena’ I whispered to myself. 

I wiped my cheeks, freshened up and went to sleep. 

My alarm woke me up the next morning. 

“Argh,” I slapped the alarm off. After a few stretches, I freshened up, got dressed for school.

“Your food is in the usual place,” I said, walking out and shutting the door on my way out, not wanting to hear any response from Papa.

When I got to school, Chloe was practicing for the speech with the same paper, I guess no one had still told her she wouldn't use it. I shrugged, not wanting to interfere in any drama.

The event was going to start soon and this would be interesting to watch. 

A few hours later the event began, it was going well, Chloe’s name was called for the speech. She proudly came up to the podium with the paper.

As she started with the speech, the teacher rushed up to her whispering something in her ears and I could see the pure shock expression on her face. That alone made my day, this was going to be fun.

“I would like to call up Elena Voss,” the teacher said pointing at me. I smirked walking up the stage. Chloe really thought she could give a speech.

When I was done with the speech, I was smiling from ear to ear, until the teacher announced the special guest.

“For the first time in a long while, our founder and owner, Damien Blackwood is in our midst,” he cheered.

My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. “That can't be true.”