One Last Trial

Arielle

I kept replaying his words in my mind, his deal, his conditions, his threat.

My thoughts screamed no. Which I had told him.

People like him didn’t care about anyone’s well-being. They only cared about themselves. Just like my mother.

Miss Sylvia walked him out minutes after I escaped his presence. She kept staring at me from across the diner, the way she always did, sharp, judgmental, and mean. I ignored her. I tied my apron and forced my shaking hands to steady as I attended to customers.

Tessa leaned in behind me. “Looks like you’re in trouble.”

“I’ve always been in trouble,” I muttered and walked away before she asked questions I didn’t want to answer.

A new customer came in, so I plastered on the smile Miss Sylvia insisted we use. “Good day, sir. Welcome to Sunny’s Diner. What would you like to order?”

“Two mid-sized cheeseburgers for me and my girl. And two milkshakes with chicken nuggets.”

I didn’t recognize him at first under the face cap until he looked up. It was Blake Huston. Tiffany’s boyfriend. With a girl who definitely wasn’t Tiffany.

Blonde hair, red nails, and the bracelet Tiffany had given him just weeks ago.

He pretended like he didn’t know me.

My throat ran dry. The girl smiled at him. Like he belonged to her. “I’m sorry… what was your order again?” I asked him because I genuinely forgot what he said.

He frowned. “Didn’t you hear me the first time? Come on, babe, let’s go somewhere else.”

I turned slightly, only to see my boss still watching. I forced myself to apologize. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” I bowed.

“Babe, she apologized,” the girl said in a soft tone. “Let’s just order. I’m starving.” And then I heard them kiss.

I froze, and then I looked up. I wasn’t sure if I heard disgust or betrayal.

They returned to their seats. Miss Sylvia had finally looked away, so I tried again. “I apologize again for my bad manners. What would you like to order?”

“I’m not saying it again,” Blake snapped.

The girl rolled her eyes. “Two cheeseburgers, mid-sized. Two milkshakes. Chicken nuggets. Now hurry.”

I nodded, turned quickly, and walked to the kitchen before my anger exploded. “Tessa, two mid-sized cheeseburgers and nuggets. I’ll do the milkshakes,” I said.

She glanced at me. “Isn’t that Tiffany’s boyfriend?”

My chest tightened. “Where? How do you know him?”

“Oh, please. I’ve seen them together. Countless times. Tiffany and I are coursemates. That’s Blake.” She scoffed. “Poor Tiffany. I always knew he was a playboy.”

I forced a smile and pretended I didn’t know anything. “I’ll go handle the milkshakes.” I hurriedly left.

In the corner, I focused on the machine. Anything to stop my thoughts. I filled two cups, topped them with whipped cream and cherries, then took them to the table.

“Your cheeseburgers will be ready soon.” My voice barely came out.

When I returned to the kitchen, my phone rang. Mrs. Lilith. Grandma’s nanny. I rushed to the storage room to pick up the call. “Hello? Mrs. Lilith, is everything okay?” She hadn’t called in a while.

“Arielle, Grandma is sick. She almost fell last night. She’s been complaining of back and leg pain. But I have already taken her to a hospital.”

My heart constricted. “A—hospital?”

“The doctor says she also has abdominal pain.”

“Abdominal pain?” My hand flew to my chest. “Since when?”

“It’s been a while. She mentioned it once, but I thought it was because she hadn’t eaten. Don’t worry, I’ll stay with her. You focus on school and work. I’ll call if anything changes.” Mrs. Lilith said.

I swallowed hard. “O-Okay. Thank you… I’ll try to send some money soon.” I lied. I didn’t have money.

When the call ended, something inside me cracked. I walked back to the kitchen in silence, lost in thought. “Ari, here’s your order,” Tessa said softly.

I took the tray to Blake’s table. I dropped it and turned away immediately, but Blake grabbed my wrist.

My eyes shot up. “What the fuck are you doing?”

The girl wasn’t there anymore.

“You can’t tell Tiffany about this,” he said, low and threatening.

I leaned closer, letting him hear the calm in my anger. “And what if I do?”

“You wouldn’t.” He smirked. “My mom and Sylvia, who is your boss, are sisters.”

I froze. “So?” I asked with disgust.

“So… you might lose your job. But if you keep quiet, we won’t have a problem. Choose wisely.”

He tapped my shoulder. I jerked away immediately. “You’re such a dick,” I hissed and walked away.

Truthfully, a part of me believed him. His eyes weren’t joking.

Everyone needed to stop thinking that they could control me.

By 6 p.m., I signed out and went home. Tiffany wasn’t home yet, but her car was fixed and parked outside. I checked it.

I wanted to tell her about Blake, but she wasn't home. I didn’t care what Blake said. Tiffany helped me with everything, food, clothes and most of my school bills. She deserved the truth.

After a quick shower, I laid on my bed. But instead of resting, the day flooded my mind. Darius. Blake. Grandma.

It felt like the world was collapsing inward.

Whenever I got overwhelmed, I forced myself to sleep. It was the only escape I had. So I closed my eyes and prayed that the next morning wouldn’t hurt as much.

The next day came too fast. I got up at 7 a.m., shoved myself through class, then went straight to work.

At 6 p.m., I signed out. I stepped out of the kitchen after, holding my bag. And there he was again. Sitting like he owned the place. Tessa walked towards me. “He’s here for you. Isn’t he the man from yesterday?”

“Yes, that’s him. Why is he here?”

She shrugged. “You tell me.” She laughed and left me to drown alone.

I inhaled, gathered what little courage I had left, and approached him. My arms folded. My face stiff.

“Hey, Arielle. Have a seat,” he said casually.

“I’m busy, sir. I’m attending to customers.”I lied.

“I’m also a customer. Sit.”

“I can’t. I’m afraid I won’t be able to sit because of my boss—”

“Your boss?” He chuckled. “Is that a joke?”

I said nothing.

“So you’re not going to sit, huh? Fine.” He leaned back. “Let’s talk about what we discussed.”

“I’m not changing my mind,” I said, while looking down.

“That’s how you want it?” His voice flattened. “Then pay for what you did to my car. Or should I tell your boss?”

My breath caught. He hit the nerve he knew would hurt. “You’re trying to force me into something I don’t want,” I said quietly. “I won’t.”

He stared at me long enough to read every fear on my face. Then he laughed, folding his arms.

He pulled out a business card and placed it on the table. “Here’s my card. In case you change your mind, which you will.”

He stood and left without looking back. I stared at the card, my mind in knots.

Should I pick it up for the sake of my job? Or leave it for the sake of my dignity?

I didn’t know anymore.