What I Will Do

Michelle

I finally arrived home, hoping that Brandy and Brian weren't there. I really didn't want to face them today. However, a brief conversation with Alpha Raymond gave me enough courage to return. When I got inside, the house was quiet; perhaps my mother had gone out. As for Brandy and Brian, I wasn't sure. I hurried to my room to gather the clothes I planned to wear for the day. I placed them on my bed and then took a quick shower. So far, I hadn't heard anyone else in the house. Maybe I can leave before they come back.

After completing my shower and brushing my teeth, I quickly dressed. I sincerely hope I will not be late for work once again. If I leave immediately, I will arrive on time. I collected my belongings, descended the stairs rapidly, and proceeded to the door. However, just as I was about to exit, my mother called out, "Where do you think you are going?" I turned to face her, surprised by her presence, as I had assumed she was not at home. I explained, "I am on my way to work, Mother." Subsequently, her voice heightened with concern as she inquired, "Where were you late at night, and where is my money?"

Although my mother was evidently worried, her concerns did not seem to be directed at me. "She was worried about the money; we have not yet received our wages, and she is already seeking assistance," echoed Nama's voice within my mind. "Mother, I have not yet received my wages," I clarified. Furthermore, she was not oblivious to the fact that I have an additional job. "I want the money from your second job as well," she stated. How did she learn about my other employment? The only individual aware of this was Brian. Did he inform my mother about my secondary job?

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"But mother, I need the money to buy myself some clothes and food," I explained, my voice tinged with urgency. Her eyes narrowed as she responded sharply, "Why do you need clothes? Are you trying to look pretty for someone? There's no need for you to buy clothes since Brian doesn't want you," Her voice began to rise, echoing with suspicion and impatience. "No, mother, I just need to buy more clothes because the ones I have are worn out," I clarified, trying to keep my tone steady.

She scoffed, dismissing my explanation. "You are just going to work and back home, and that's nowhere special. The money you make all belongs to me; you owe me that," she claimed, her tone authoritative. I paused, confused and a little hurt. "What is she talking about? What do I owe her?" I wondered silently. "What do I owe you for, mother?" I asked softly, hoping for some clarification. Her face instantly flushed a bright red. "How dare you ask me that question? You are an ungrateful and spoiled brat. You owe me what your father did to me," she snapped, her words sharp and unforgiving.

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"We can't keep living here," Nama declared. "Mother and sister are toxic; they'll only drag us down further." Despite Nama's truth, I felt trapped with nowhere else to turn. My mother’s voice, venomous and sharp, pierced the air: "Your father should have taken you with him. You're good for nothing, daughter. Now go to work before they fire you for being late again." I rushed out, desperate to escape before she could say more. Later, Nama whispered with resolve, "We can do better. Our lives aren't meaningless. They all need to answer for what they did to us."

It took me over 30 minutes of walking—even running—to reach the diner. Finally, I arrived with just two minutes to spare, feeling sweaty and sticky, which made me uncomfortable. "You're late again, Howard!" my boss, Mr. Stanley, snapped.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stanley. I promise it won't happen again," I replied. "You've said that before. Get out of my sight," he barked. Hurrying to prepare for my shift, I was almost ready to hit the floor when Mr. Stanley stopped me.

"Where do you think you're going, Howard?"

"I'm heading to clock in," I told him. "I told you to get out of my face. That means out of my diner," he yelled. This isn't good. My mom's going to be so furious about losing my job.

Before I could move, Jacqueline, my colleague, spoke up. "Mr. Stanley, Michelle isn't late. Your time is wrong." "You're lucky this time, Howard. Next time, you're out," he warned.

I was grateful for Jacqueline stepping in. "Thank you, Jacqueline," I said. "No problem, Michelle. Honestly, I don't understand why Mr. Stanley treats you so harshly. You're one of the sweetest, nicest people I know.

I immediately clocked in and returned to the floor, ready to serve at my designated tables. Time seemed to fly by quickly after Mr. Stanley left earlier. It was past 10 pm when I finally clocked out. I usually work double shifts because we're short-staffed, and today was no exception—I'm often the only one bending my schedule. After grabbing my belongings, I headed home. Outside, the darkness was almost complete; even the moon refused to cast its glow. I didn't like being out so late, but there was no way around it. The walk felt longer as fatigue weighed down my body, slowing my pace.

When I finally arrived home, I was startled to find the chain secured on the lock, blocking my entry. Through the living room window, my mother’s voice rang out, sharply scolding me for coming back so late. "I've told you many times to come home by a certain hour, or you'll have to sleep outside. The chain goes on the door at 11 pm, and if you're not here by then, you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay." She then shut the window abruptly and turned off the lights. The cold outside was almost unbearable, and I knew I couldn't stay out much longer.

"Mother is such a bitch," Nama said. Frustration boiling inside of me. I can't believe this is my life. "She wouldn't treat sister like this. Let's just go back to the pack house." Nama expressed. I looked up at the night sky and asked, not just Nama, but the Moon Goddess herself, "When will life start getting better for me?"

I wrapped my arms around myself to keep warm as I trudged toward the pack house. It had felt like I'd been walking forever, my legs weary from all day of standing and strolling. Once inside, I hesitated, uncertain of where I could sleep for the night. I can't risk going back to the kitchen after being caught there this morning. After a moment of thought, I decided the laundry room would be my best hiding spot—quiet, out of sight, and safe from discovery. I moved softly, careful to keep my footsteps silent in the hallway.

Before I could even reach the laundry, I heard a door open—it's Alpha Raymond's office. Since there was nowhere to hide in the hallway, I knew it was pointless to try. Alpha Raymond stepped out, his gaze locking onto me. I froze, unable to speak. "Michelle, what are you doing so late, sneaking around?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. "I wasn't really sneaking, Alpha. I was just looking for a place to sleep for the night," I admitted. "Come with me, Michelle," he said. I followed him up the stairs to a door, which he then opened for me. "Come in, Michelle. You can stay here for the night, but only if you tell me what's going on with you," I hesitated, panic rising. Could I really tell him what has been happening? "Tell Alpha how Mother has been treating us. Maybe this is our chance to make our lives better," Nama suggested.