Torn Between Three

Liam's POV

         I dragged my tired body to the nearest table to clear it. My limbs ached, my head pounded from exhaustion and my stomach growled from hunger. The only thought that kept me going was the fact that my shift was almost over.

      “Table six is asking for their bill," my manager snapped at me. I swallowed back my sigh. Didn't he see I was clearing the table? Couldn't he have sent someone else? I smiled and nodded at him. I couldn't afford to lose this job. I balanced the tray in one hand and went to table six.

    By the time I stepped out of the restaurant, I was too exhausted to walk back home, yet too broke to call a cab. I laughed at how pitiful my life was.

    A message lit up my cracked screen. It was a text from my younger sister.

[Mia]: Don't forget to eat, okay? Love you big bro.

    A smile tugged at my lips. My little sister, Mia, was the only reason I kept going, I would do anything to make her happy.

I texted back.

[Me]: already did. I should be telling you that.

 I smiled and pocketed my phone before walking home. The street leading to my house was quiet but I still had to keep an eye on my surroundings. Old habits die hard when you've spent years looking over your shoulder.

     By the time I reached my tiny apartment, I was already deadbeat, but no matter how exhausted I was I would always lock my door as soon as I entered. I knew Fabian was still in prison for the next two years, that I was safe for the time being, yet I couldn't stop myself from being paranoid. I couldn't help looking over my shoulders whenever I walked or locking the door with the multiple locks I had installed, afraid that he would pop out and grab me when I wasn't watching.

     I tossed my bag onto the couch and went straight to the fridge, there was leftover rice from two days ago and water. Good enough. I heated the rice and ate it hot as it was, as soon as I finished. I slapped myself to keep awake, there were assignments to be done and sleeping now would do me no good.

    I got to work, once I was done with the literature essay, I stared at the other assignment on the desk. It wasn't mine, it was the assignment of my worst nemesis in school.

    Damien Carter.

I wasn't always his errand boy at first . I was practically invisible in school but that was until I bumped into him, he had called me a fairy mockingly. I knew I wasn't like other boys who had manly body structure, I was always lean at the start, but I  hated it when people used it against me and Damien just had to provoke me. Baring my fangs at him wasn't the right thing to do though, especially when he was a spoiled rich brat who was practically untouchable in school.

     I had no friends to tell me about him, so now I'm being targeted by him and avoided by all.

   On the bright side, no one was allowed to bully me except him, he doesn't want anyone destroying his errand boy.

   I sighed again at my pathetic life.

By the time I was done with his assignment, I could barely keep my eyes open. I dozed off on the floor cause I was too exhausted to climb the bed.

  Morning came as quickly as it always does. I went through my morning routine.

  I don't eat breakfast, there's nothing to eat anyway.

I grabbed my bag and walked to school.

I hadn't even sat down when Damien walked in with his friends.

   Goddammit!

I cursed, if I didn't know Damien hated me I would think he was a stalker who can't stay away from me. He always knew my whereabouts in school, when I step foot in school and most importantly, no matter where I decide to stay in this huge school, he would always find me.

  Stalker.

I muttered under my breath. It's not like I was running away.

    I reached into my bag and gave him his completed assignment.

 He smirked and flipped through it. It's not like he's going to read it.

   He ruffled my hair. “Good Job pet” his friends laughed, though I don't know what was funny about that.

 I nodded.

Classes dragged on as they always do. Ironically, no matter how tired I was the night before, I wouldn't feel it during classes. I love to learn. Somehow, listening and jotting down during classes makes me forget about what was waiting for me after school.

   When the final bell rang. I didn't waste time. I gathered my books and left school not bothering to linger about and chit chat. I had work to do.

   I bought a sandwich and drink on the way home. I needed to eat something before working. I didn't want to risk pissing off high profile customers with my growling stomach while working.

La Vienne was a classy high-end restaurant known for serving only elites in the country. I got the job by luck. When I saw they were hiring, I applied for the job, with no experience or connection, just desperation. I was lucky to meet the previous manager, a sharp eyed, kind lady in her early thirties. Maybe she sensed my desperation or saw something in me, I don't know, but I got the job after being put on trial.

    After eating, I headed to La Vienne. The restaurant had a locker room for staff members. I located my locker and changed into the uniform that hung neatly inside. It was a white shirt dress, black slacks and a vest that had the restaurant's logo.

  My phone buzzed. It was a message from my dad.

   Send money now, or I'll come to that fancy restaurant of yours and create a scene.

    I sighed. Of course. What was I expecting.?

Working in a top tier restaurant means the pay was good. One might think my life would be easy now that I was making good money.

It wasn't. Not when I had parents like this.

My father is a gambler and my mum, an alcoholic, the moment I started making money, they saw me as a walking wallet, not as their son.

    I ruffled my hair and sent an amount to him. I knew I would soon receive a text from my mum asking for her own share. With parents like mine, the pay was never enough. I had to take care of their never ending demands, and still care for my sister who stays with them, because if I don't, they won't, I had to take care of her feeding, her school fees and my house rent.

    I'm not complaining about taking care of Mia, but I didn't like taking care of grown ass adults who had nothing to do than to waste money. Especially when they kicked me out of the house because I decided to confide in them that I was gay. That was a wrong move from my side.

   When they chased me out, I thought they would change their minds and call me back.

They never did, whenever I saw their texts or calls, I would hope that they wanted me to come back home, but that wasn't what the calls were for. Soon, I lost hope. They call only when they need something.

    As much as I hate them, Mia is still in that house and she's the only family I have left.

   So, no matter what, I have to give in to their every demand.