I'm Grateful

Michelle

I was genuinely pleased when Alpha Raymond kindly offered to drive me to work that morning. It was a thoughtful gesture that helped me save both time and energy before I started my busy day. The workday itself proceeded without any issues, especially since the owner wasn't present today, which made the atmosphere more relaxed.

When Mr. Stanley isn't around, time seems to pass more rapidly, and the day feels more enjoyable. Soon enough, it was time for me to clock out, and I was relieved that I could leave on schedule and arrive home promptly. As I watched the diner closing for the evening, I stepped outside and was about to start my walk home when I noticed Alpha Raymond leaning against his car, just standing there. Confused, I wondered—what is he doing here so late?

I approached him, and he responded by meeting me halfway. I looked at him with curiosity and asked, "Why are you here, Alpha Raymond? Is there something you need from me?" I could sense a hint of concern in my voice. "I was feeling uneasy about you walking home alone this late at night," he explained.

"The walks you take to and from work can be quite dangerous," he added with a gentle tone. "Hop in, and I will personally take you home to ensure your safety," Alpha Raymond kindly offered. I felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over me, realizing that Alpha Raymond had gone out of his way just to ensure I was safe, which made me appreciate his concern. On another note, Nama couldn't hold back her disdain. She muttered loudly, "Alpha is very kind compared to that deceitful snake, Brian. I absolutely hate him and my sister," she stated with bitterness.

Once I was seated in the car, Alpha Raymond buckled my seatbelt for me. After he got in the car to start it up, I broke the silence."Thank you, Alpha Raymond, for taking the time to give me a ride," I said. "Don't mention it. I'm happy to assist you in any way I can. Also, please stop calling me Alpha Raymond. You can call me Raymond from now on. "Ok, Raymond," I replied. It made my mouth feel weird just calling him Raymond.

"I wanted to know why you are working full-time instead of going to college? I recall you being at the top of your class. I saw a lot of potential in you for it to go to waste at that diner. "Alpha has been watching me. I wonder why he cares. "Well, the short version is my mother said she couldn't afford to send both my sister and me to college. As for the job, I give my mother everything I earn," I confessed.

Talking with Raymond feels easy and comfortable. Raymond was silent for a minute, then he voiced his concerns. "Everything you have told me about your mother thus far, I don't like it. I want to help you, Michelle. Quit your job at the diner and work for me as my assistant, and I will promise to help you pay for college, that's if you choose to do so. My heart was beating fast. Alpha will do this all for me, but why?" Raymond, why do you want to help me? I asked.

With a boldness in his voice and a smile on his face, he looked deep into my eyes, and he pulled the car over. "I have a soft spot for you, Michelle. It's your kindness despite how others will treat you. It's your soft aura that draws me in and makes any room you step into glow with your bright smile," he expressed. I didn't know what to say or how to respond to his comment. "Say yes to Alpha. This is what we need to change our life around and get back at Brian and his sister," Nama said. "Ok, Alpha, I mean Raymond. I will work for you.

Raymond continued to drive, and we finally reached my house at a good time. I wasn't ready to get out of the car. I dislike being at home because of how I'm treated. "Thank you, Raymond, for the ride home," I said. "You're welcome, Michelle. Tomorrow I would like for you to go back to the diner and quit, then report to me," he stated. I agreed, then we said goodnight to one another.

When I walked into the house, my mother immediately approached me, asking where her money was. "Mother, I didn't get paid yet," I said. "Make sure you give me my money on payday, or you can find yourself another place to stay permanently," she yelled.

I went upstairs to my room and I heard a horrible noise. I could hear Brandy screaming out Brian's name. My heart hurt from hearing their obvious lovemaking. "We need to do something about them. They hurt us, so they should pay," Nama stated. "How would we go about doing that. I'm not the type of person who would harm others," I said. "This is why people run over us because you are too nice," Nama replied.

I blocked Nama off because she was trying to pressure me into doing something I wasn't comfortable with, which made me feel uneasy. Afterwards, I decided to take a shower and attempt to get some sleep despite the loud noise around me. I have an important day ahead tomorrow and want to be fully rested to perform well. The next morning, I woke up early feeling somewhat tired, partly due to the noisy environment caused by Brandy and Brian, who kept making a lot of noise throughout the night. I really hope I don't mess up the job with Raymond because of all this.

I made my bed, brushed my teeth, and got dressed for the day. Normally, I would eat my meals at the diner since my mother doesn't provide food for me. However, since I will quit my job at the diner today, how will I get my meals? I stepped outside my room, hoping I could get something to eat from the kitchen.

Before I could make it down the stairs, I was pushed up against the wall. "You should have taken better care of your man properly, or else he wouldn't have turned to me for his needs," Brandy stated. I didn't have any time to react as Nama to control. "I guess only sluts would know how to take care of someone else, man needs," Nama's voice rang out. "You bitch," Brandy yelled. All of a sudden, Nama punched Brandy in the face hard enough for Brandy to hit the floor hard. I fought back to gain control, then I ran straight out of the house before my mother and Brandy could retaliate.

I arrived at the diner during a quiet, peaceful hour, just before any customers had started to gather. The place was still relatively empty, and a calmness filled the air. As I sat there, I couldn't help but wonder how Mr. Stanley would react when I told him I was planning to quit. My mind was racing with thoughts and possible scenarios. Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I gathered my courage and prepared myself for the difficult conversation ahead, knowing that it was inevitable. I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts, and then finally pushed open the door to step inside, ready to face whatever came next.

My coworkers greeted me with a cheerful 'Good morning' as I opened the door, their voices warm and friendly. I quickly responded with a heartfelt 'Good morning" to everyone, trying to match their enthusiasm, just as Mr. Stanley entered his office, his usual stoic expression in place. Turning toward him, I hesitated briefly before carefully asking, "Mr. Stanley, may I speak with you?" He looked at me with a hint of annoyance in his eyes, and replied in a clipped tone, "What do you want, Howard?" Without removing his gaze from me, he turned back into his office, leaving me standing there, quietly following behind him, unsure of what was to come next.

Once I arrived at his office, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and then gathered my courage before finally blurted out, "Mr. Stanley, I quit." My voice was surprisingly steady despite the pounding of my heart in my chest. He looked up from his cluttered desk, surprise flickering across his face as if he hadn't expected me to be so bold. "So, you think you're better than everyone here?" he snapped sharply, his tone tinged with annoyance. "Here is your final paycheck, Howard. Never return," he barked, his voice cold and final. I reached out, grabbed the check, and felt a whirlwind of emotions—relief, nervousness, and a hint of excitement for what lay ahead—as I turned to leave. My former coworkers, who had gathered anxiously and with a mix of pity and encouragement, watched me go with supportive looks, wishing me luck. Stepping outside into the crisp, invigorating air, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of lightness and anticipation swell within me as I embraced the promise of a new beginning.

I retraced my steps back through the familiar paths to the pack until I finally arrived at the pack house. My stomach was beginning to grumble from hunger, a loud reminder that I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast yet. Despite the discomfort and the growing urgency in my belly, I pushed forward and made my way to Raymond's office.

Gently, I knocked once on the door, unsure of what to expect. I was greeted by Raymond's warm, welcoming voice inviting me inside, saying, 'Come in.' As I stepped through the threshold and into his office, I immediately noticed his broad smile spreading across his face, a sign of his friendliness and openness. I greeted him softly, saying, "Good morning, Raymond." He responded with a cheerful, "Good morning, Michelle. Welcome to your first day working with me,' his tone was warm and encouraging, making me feel somewhat more at ease.