Chapter 2: Desperate

Chapter 2: Desperate

Sofia’s POV

“What the fuck should I do now?” I asked myself problematically. I’m technically broke and homeless now. How is this possible? In just a single fucking day? How lucky I am, darn.

A few of my things were saved but mostly got burned. I only have three pairs of clothes, my phone and a little cash with me. I groan in annoyance. I have no better choice now, then?

I need to go back to my aunt’s house. I don’t even know if she’ll agree to let me in temporarily. Damn it. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.

I took my phone out of my bag and dialled my aunt’s number. My heart is pounding so hard; I’m nervous. After seven long years, this is the first time I will contact her again.

“Hello, who is this,” A high-pitched voice welcomed me. I quickly move away, the phone in my ear. Shit, what was that? After a few seconds of recovery, I recognised that voice. It’s Malia’s voice, Aunt Matilda’s daughter.

“Hey, this is me---”

“How the fuck do I know who the me you were talking about?!” I bit my bottom lip. She’s still the Malia’s, I know; what a bitch.

“Let me finish first, will you, Malia?” I said calmly. I’m doing everything to control my irritation. There’s a silence on the other line. It’s either she’s remembering my voice or shock as hell.

“How do you know me?” I rolled my eyes. I stood up from the bench I was sitting at and looked on my left side. I saw children playing freely and happily. I looked away again and sighed.

“Of course, I know you, Malia. You’re my cousin,” I replied.

“Cousin? What the hell? Is this kind of scam?” I shook my head even if I knew she couldn’t see me.

“Listen, Malia. This is Sofia. Can I talk to your mother?” she went silent again. My brow furrowed; don’t tell me she forgot about me.

“Sofia?”

“Yes---”

“I don’t know any Sofia---” I cut her off. “Come on, Malia. Don’t play games. I know you know me. This is urgent; I badly want to talk to your mother.”

“Hmm. I see. This is a scam---”

“Malia, who’s that?” I heard my aunt’s voice in the background.

“Some scammer,” I rolled my eyes. “Give me the phone,” I quickly smile. “But, Mom.”

“Just give me the phone.” I heard some noise, maybe she was giving the phone to her mother now.

“Whoever you are, leave us alone. We’re broke already; you can’t get anything from us,” I know that. Even before, they always relied on me.

I’m working while studying, providing money for myself and them. Every morning, I wake up early to prepare breakfast.

After all my sacrifices, they were still treating me badly, always yelling at me sometimes hurting me physically. My aunt is an alcoholic woman, while my cousin is a bitch. She despised me for some unknown reason.

“This is me, Sofia, Aunty.”

“Sofia? Oh, Sofia Sanders? My fool brother’s daughter?” how dare she insult my father? Calm down, Sofia. You need her help now; don’t make her mad.

“Yes, I am, aunt.”

“So, why did you call?” I took a deep breath. This is it, Sofia. It’s now or never. You need to swallow your pride this time.

“I need your help, aunt---” I can’t even finish my words because she talked. “Help? If it is about money, then I can’t help you.” I know she won’t spend a single penny for me.

“It’s not about money, aunt. I’m desperate now,” even if I can’t see her now, I know she’s raising her eyebrow now.

“You’ve already been desperate since before,” I make a face. Damn, she really loves to insult me, huh.

“All right, what do you want?”

“I need a place to stay. You’re the only one I know, Aunt. Please, can I stay in your house for two to three days only?”

“Oh, what happened to your apartment? Did your landlord kick you out?” I can hear mockery in her voice.

“No, my apartment was caught on fire---” I stop talking when I hear her laugh. Is there something funny about that?

“I see. If I let you stay here, what can I get from you?” I know she will ask that. “I’ll pay you, aunt, don’t worry. Just give me time,” I answered.

“All right. It’s settled, then. We’ll talk about the details when you’re here already.” Thank God. This is the first time she agreed with me. I couldn’t help but wonder; she’s too good to be true now.

Oh well, it’s been a long time since the last time I saw and talked to her. Maybe she changed? I highly doubt it.

“Thank you, aunt. I’ll be there in a few hours.”

“Okay. We will see you here,” she answered. She did not even give me a chance to respond because she ended the call. See, it's still the same Matilda I know.

After two and a half hours, I was standing outside my aunt’s house. I feel something strange like something isn’t right. I shook my head, “Get inside now, Sofia.”

I tap the house’s doorbell. After a moment, a maid opened the door. “May I know who you are, Miss?” She asked. I smile a little, “I’m Sofia Sanders, your ma’am Matilda’s niece.”

Her eyes slightly widened, “Miss Sofia. Madame is waiting for your arrival in the living room. Allow me to carry luggage.” This is really new; my aunt is waiting for my arrival, huh?

I shook my head, “Thank you, but I can manage.” She nodded as well. “What can I do for you then?”

“You can go. I’ll meet my aunt now,” I said as I got inside. “Okay, Miss.” She bowed and took her leave. I’m amazed; they still have maids, even if she said they’re broke. Maybe, not broke, as I thought.

Shaking my head, I made my way to the living room. There, I saw my aunt and Malia. They were looking at me intently. I couldn’t help but get suspicious. Why are they looking at me like that?

“Sofia! You’re finally here. Take a seat,” Aunt Matilda invited me with a big smile on her lips. I was confused, but I did what she said.

“How are you?” she asked me. “Not good, honestly,” I answered. “That’s very unfortunate. You’ll be okay soon.” How I wish.

“Anyway, aunt. Thank you for letting me stay. I’ll make it up to you soon,” she only nodded.

“I know. But we have some problem here,” she said. What problem? “I’m afraid you need to stay in your old room because there will be a visitor tomorrow.”

That’s completely fine with me. I’m used to staying in that tiny room anyway. I nodded, “No problem aunty.” The smile on her face widened.

“That’s great to hear. You can go now and have a rest. Get back down here at eight.” She’s too nice. What happened to her? Even if I was confused and wondering, I nodded and stood up.

“Okay, I’ll take my leave now then.” Before I left, I saw Malia smirking at me. What’s wrong with them? Weirdos.