06 - Fearless

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Valeria

Mrs. Gonzalez postponed the gathering that was supposed to be at her house. She told me to go home and think her offer through, and come back tomorrow to tell her about my decision, which according to her, is going to be positive just like she wants.

I don't mind living at their house, anyone would want that, but could I leave my father alone with my mother? But again, it's not like I am home 24/7 to take care of him. I could visit on the weekends, but the problem is, what am I going to tell my mother? And I am sure she will tell me to ask for a raise or something.

I step out of my bed, unwrapping the comfy white comforter from my body. But nothing would beat the quilt I used to sleep with when I would stay at the mansion.

I brush my teeth and take a quick bath. I need to stop washing my hair every day or else, it will keep on falling.

I wear black denim shorts and black tank top. I step into my black converse and head downstairs for breakfast. My parents are sitting in the living room when they see me, and my mother calls me.

"Yes?"

"Prepare breakfast. I will be leaving for thirty minutes and expecting it to be ready by then," she says, standing up and leaving.

I take this opportunity to speak with my father.

"Hey, dad."

"Hi, honey. How are you today?"

"I am good, and you?"

"Living."

I sigh as I sit beside him. I look around the small living room and feel something tug on my heart, imagining myself not living here anymore. Every house has a certain smell and I can't believe that I am saying this, but I will be missing this one.

"Dad, Mrs. Gonzalez offered me to go and live in their house."

"Oh, what did you tell her?" he asked with a frown.

"I told her I'd think."

"Do you want to live there?"

"Honestly? Yes. It's more convenient, dad."

"What are you going to tell your mother?"

There it is. The fear of my mother and not being able to stand up to her. He never stood up to her, not even when she would sometimes hit me. He has always been a coward and I can't say that I am not the same, but at least, I tried to stand up to her despite the fear I have for her. She is someone who is not compassionate like Valentina.

My mother doesn't have a heart.

"I'll tell her exactly what I told you. I don't care what she says, but are you going to be all right here?"

"Yes, of course. You do you, honey."

"Thanks, dad," I reply, hugging him.

"I promise you I save up money and [ay for your hand surgery."

He tears up and says, "I am sorry you had to stop your dreams for me, so please, think about yourself and your future."

"I have time to think of my future, dad. You are what's important."

He cries. I didn't mean to make him cry, but I knew he is someone who is emotional, one of the things I like about him.

"Go prepare breakfast before your mother comes."

I nod and walk to the kitchen.

After 25 minutes, I was done. I cooked scrambled eggs, vegetables, and squeezed orange juice.

After five minutes, my mother opens the door and walks in. She looks over the dining table and a look of satisfaction washes over her face as she sees everything is prepared.

We sit around the table and start eating. I debate on how to tell her about moving away because I know too well what her answer is going to be.

"Mother," I start.

"What?" she harshly replies.

I clear my throat and blurt it out. "I am moving today to my workplace."

"What?! What do you mean you're moving?!"

I gulp before saying, "Mrs. Gonzalez told me to move in with them and I said yes."

"Without asking me?!" She yells, standing up.

"Yes! Without asking you!" I yell for the first time, mirroring her actions and standing up.

"How dare you speak to me like that?!"

Before I get the chance to reply, my face turns to the other side. It was only a few seconds later that it registered to me that she slapped me.

I have had enough.

"I am not a kid anymore! You can't do that."

She looks at me with wide eyes as if not believing I am talking back, even though I have stood up to her before but I never lasted.

"So what does that mean? You're not going to send the money here?"

"No, I am not sending anything!" A sudden wave of confidence pierced through me.

She glares at me and is about to slap me again, but to my surprise, my father holds her arm and stops her.

For the first time in my life, my father stands up for me.

She looks at him in confusion and irritation. She pushes him back and he submits immediately as if he regrets stopping her the first time.

"Leave! I don't care! But don't ever come back here," she yells, pointing her index finger at me.

I run to my bedroom and slam the door shut.

Am I free?

Is this going to be my year?

But guilt washes over me as I think of my father, who has to endure everything she does. The only way I could help him now is to save money for his surgery.

I nod in determination and get up to pack my stuff. I text Mrs. Gonzalez and tell her that I accept her offer and I will be coming tonight.

I take my suitcase out and start packing the important stuff. When I finish, I take a nap, one that was supposed to be ten minutes, but stretched to six hours, don't ask.

It was in the evening, 7 PM. I walk to my bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. I look like a mess. A huge one.

I do my business and go back to my bedroom. I glance at my suitcase and smile.

I am finally getting out of here. I don't know what is waiting for me there, but I hope it's good, despite what happened that day with those robbers.

Suddenly, my phone vibrates indicating that someone's calling me, cutting my thoughts off. I pick it up and look at the caller ID, only to see it is Sophia.

Why is she calling me?

I press the answer option and hold it against my ear.

"Sophia?

"Valeeeriaaaa!" Sophia slurs.

"Sophia? Are you all right?" I ask with concern.

"Yes!" She giggles. "I am very good. I am here, come!"

"Where are you?"

"At a club called Ocean something," she replies and then laughs.

"Is someone with you?"

"I don't know." She giggles again.

Oh god.

"I am coming, don't go anywhere, especially not with anyone!" I say as I stand up and grab my bag.

"Okay, Val Val! I am waiting."

I hang up and quickly leave the house. I just hope the club is not far away from my house because I'd hate for something to happen to her.

Besides, isn't it too early for a club and drinking?

I wonder what's going on with her.

I thankfully find a taxi quickly. I told him where to go and he told that it is fifteen minutes away, which isn't bad at all.

We pass by the diner I used to work at before working for the Gonzalez's and sadness flooded my insides as I remember the good times working there. It's not that I am not happy working at the mansion, it's just I miss the place.

"We're here, miss." The driver pulls me out of my daydream. I take out my wallet and give him money.

"Thanks!"

I stroll inside the club, but not before showing my ID because according to the bouncer, I look fifteen.

The smell of alcohol immediately hit my nose and bodies clash with mine. I look over the bar and find Sophia drinking with an unfamiliar guy.

Not like I know any of her friends.

I walk towards her and when her eyes land on me, she grins and puts her drink down. "Valeria! You came."

"Sophia, are you okay?" I ask, holding her shoulders with both of my hands.

She suddenly starts crying.

"What happened? Did this man do something to you?" I whisper in her ear.

She shakes her head as a no and pulls me for a hug. "Can you take me home?"

God, I wish I brought my suitcase.

"Yes, come with me," I say, grabbing her hand and walking to the door.

We push through the sweaty bodies until we reach the club's door. But before we step out, a very familiar face walks in, wearing a beautiful smile, but it soon turns into a scowl when his eyes landed on Sophia and me.

"What the fuck are you two doing here?" 


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