Chapter 1 - Kicked out
"Did they really do this to you?" Carlota exclaimed.
He's been a friend of mine since high school, and he's gay. Thanks to him, I was able to sleep in a comfort bed for the day, and he informed me that I may stay longer at his condo, which is quite comfortable. Despite being mistreated by Mama and my sister, I am grateful to have a friend who treats me like a sister.
"It was Mischa's fault; she set me up last night and left me at a party, and when I returned home early, Mama began to point everything at me."
"You foolish freak, you should have known from the start that Mischa will never do you any good."
I told her everything that had happened, except that I had slept with a stranger. I know he won't pass judgment on me, but I'm still hesitant to bring it up. I'll just open it up to him if he stumbles into it or when I'm ready to tell him what happened. But for the time being, I'm just telling him what Mischa did.
"I know, she's just too relentless, and it was difficult to say no. She'll always find a way to make me appear terrible in our mother's eyes," I said hopelessly. Carlota hugged me and tapped my back when he realized I was already sobbing. I didn't even notice.
He keeps tapping my back. "Don't worry, you're always welcome here; Mama loves you, and she'll be delighted she found out you're living with me," he added as he puked. "On the other hand, it was such a nasty thing to say," we laughed at his antics.
We live different lives, yet we are both adopted children. Carlota was fortunate to be adopted by loving parents who reared him as their own and lavished him with all he wanted. I don't want to be envious of someone else's life, yet I can't help myself. It was so unfair that I let myself live with the good side in order to be accepted by Mama, yet I still ended up being disowned for mistakes I never made.
I'm already on the bed; he let me stay in the room next to his. Carlota stated that it was evident that I needed a break from what had occurred since I was exhausted. I appreciate his concern, but if he finds out what just happened, he would undoubtedly rage at me all day and demand complete information of my folly.
My thoughts immediately returned to that sultry night. His beautiful body lingers in my imagination, and his chiseled jaw makes me want to lic—no! I'm acting like a maniac. But, in all honesty, he is attractive. He has no flaws in his physical look. It was simply unfortunate that I met him in such a short period and in such an odd circumstance. It's not going to help me, Hayst. I need to move on and get a better job; from now on, I will literally be able to accommodate all of my needs. I'm very confident I'll never see him again. I just know his face. I don't even know what his nickname is.
"How about your studies, Chriz?" Carlota woke me up for dinner; I told him I wasn't hungry, but my stomach crumpled. So I admit that I'm becoming shy about the treatment he's giving me.
I swallowed the food in my mouth before replying to him. "I'm going to look for a part-time job since I can't quit what I've achieved simply because I'm not with them." They'll ridicule me if I don't accomplish anything.
"Speaking of jobs, I know someone who works in a bakery stor. She can help you, and then after college, we can look for a better position." He is right; three years is far too short. I'll also make sure I complete my program with flying colors. Not to brag, but I am presently ranked first in our department. This comprises students in their first through fourth years of college.
"That's too much, but thank you for your help. I owe you these." He merely rolled his eyes at me, making us giggle.
Even though our class is still at 11:00 a.m., I awoke early to go to a bakery that Carlota recommended. I'd want to ask them directly if they're searching for another worker. I didn't let Carlota talk with his friend simply so I could work there.
"Good day, Miss. May I ask if you have any open slots here for work?" I smiled politely, but all I got was a smug glare from this lady in an apron.
"If you just ask and have no intention of pursuing that work, you are free to depart." What the hell? She's rude.
"I'm asking nicely. You can respond to me in the same way I treated you." Her cheeks flushed, as if she was ashamed of what she had done, and she should be.
"Sorry, it was so hard to entertain people, and after you explain every detail, they'll tell you that they'll get back on me, which didn't happen. I just thought you'd end up that way, and that's tiring." I understand her feelings, but we also have the right to inquire about the work we're about to begin.
"I understand, but you don't have to act like that."
Later on, she continued to entertain me, and we reconciled. Marissa, the previous girl, is quite bubbly, and she welcomed me quickly when I told her how much I needed the job. I just discovered that it is their company, and they have lost two employees due to personal issues. I just asked her what I should do, and she explained everything clearly; the income is a little modest because this is just a standard business, but I can budget for it with my other expenditures. For the time being, while I still have an unstable income, I shall take advantage of the option that Carlota is still offering me to reside in his condo unit. But it doesn't mean I won't contribute to the costs of food and bills.
I left right after we finished since I still had class. Carlota and I are both business accounting students, and we have no idea why we chose this program. We merely noticed a small queue during enrollment and chose to enroll there, which was a bad decision, but I'm still delighted with this program.
I was back in reality when my phone rang. As I looked at the caller, I noticed her registration name was Carlota. "What the hell? Don't we go to school together?" he exclaims.
"No, I'm already on my way to school. I only need to borrow a book from the librarian."
While conversing with Carlota, I'm looking for my wallet in my purse. And I didn't realize that there was another person crossing the street at the same time, so we bumped. My phone was knocked over and is now damaged, and the items in my bag were also knocked over.
"Can't you just look on your way?" I shout at the person who hit me, as if it was partly my fault. But—whatever. I didn't get an answer, so I looked back and saw that the person had just passed by me. He didn't even bother to apologize.
"Hey! You moron!" I shout again, but he doesn't return his gaze.
What an asshole.
I began scooping up my belongings when I realized the physique of the person from earlier was familiar. I turn around again, but he isn't there. Okay, never mind.