Chapter 4
Narrator's Pov
"Mom, we need to find a way to get Dad to hate Fiona, I can't stand her anymore " Caroline said taking a bite of the pizza.
"But if she's gone who would do the chores? I can't stand being in the kitchen and same goes for you. We're keeping her" Valerie replied.
"Urgghh!! I hate being around her, why didn't she die when her mother died"! Caroline said with fury.
" Honey, we have to play along. We can't let him know our intentions"
Just then they heard a car horn.
" Isn't that dad"? Caroline said
"Quickly cover this up, take them to the kitchen" Valerie said and Caroline rushed up packing the ice cream and pizza while Valerie went to block Duncan at the door.
"Hey honey, forgot something "? Valerie asked faking a smile
"Actually, I forgot some paperwork" He replied and rushed to get it in his office. As he got there he saw Fiona's room key on it.
"Honey, Fiona isn't out yet"? He asked immediately he got downstairs.
"Um... Caroline couldn't find the keys and you had already left, but we were looking for it before you came" Valerie said quickly.
"My fault, I'd just let her out then" he said and headed for Fiona's room.
"What now"? Caroline asked staring at her mother.
"He'll leave once she's out and we can enjoy our meal". Valerie said with a smirk and went to sit.
Duncan quickly inserted the key and turned the knob
"Honey.....
He paused, where was she? Fear gripped him and he rushed and checked the wardrobe and her clothes were gone. He was speechless, just then his eyes diverted to the windows and that's when he realised....Fiona was gone!
He rushed downstairs quickly, "Honey, Where's Fiona"? He asked his breathing unsettling.
"What do you mean Where's Fiona"?
"Her bags are gone and her window is opened, She....she...she ran away" Duncan explained.
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Fiona's Pov
"Ivy, make yourself at home, in the meantime you can watch TV till I get back, Mason's lunch is in the fridge please let him know".
"I will" I replied with a smile.
"God bless you my child". She said and left shutting the door.
I looked around again and for once in my life, I felt more relaxed. I went to the bathroom to shower and put on a short and long sleeve top. I took the plate of food that was already on the dining table and sat down to eat, my mind racing with thoughts. I wonder if they've noticed I'm no longer at home, Dad would have gone to work without caring to check and Valerie as usual would go about her own routine without caring, well it's their problem. I needed to save up for college and start my life afresh and I'd have to look for somewhere to work and earn some good money for that to happen.
Well, I could stroll around the neighbourhood and see if I could find a vacancy.
I quickly went upstairs and changed into a short and a shirt and wore an hoodie to cover up my face. I closed the door and slowly walked down the not so busy street,
As I strolled down the street, I noticed a quaint little bookstore with a sign that read "Page & Co." Next door was a cozy coffee shop, Café Delight, with the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting out. Across the street, a small café had outdoor seating, filled with people chatting and laughing. I also spotted a convenience store, a clothing boutique, and a few other shops.
My eyes scanned the storefronts for "Help Wanted" signs or vacancy notices. I walked past a restaurant with a sign that read "Now Hiring Servers".
I walked into the restaurant, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked cookies filled my nostrils. I noticed a few servers bustling around, their eyes glancing up to meet mine with a mix of curiosity and weirdness. Some of them gave me a weird look, making me feel a bit nervous. I clenched my hands, wondering if I was really cut out for this.
One of the guys, tall with a friendly smile, approached me. "Hey, what can I get for you?" he asked, his tone polite but not overly friendly.
I inhaled sharply and explained, "I actually saw the sign outside about a server position being available. I'm interested in applying."
The guy's expression changed from friendly to a professional look in an instant. "Ah, you must be here about the job. I'm the manager, by the way. Follow me to the office, please."
As I followed him, I caught the eye of one of the female servers, who was staring at me with a mixture of curiosity and hostility. I felt a bit uneasy under her gaze, but the manager's friendly manner put me at ease. He led me to a small office in the back, and we sat down to discuss the job.
The manager smiled and said, "So, tell me a bit about yourself and why you're interested in working here." I'm Ivy," I said, trying to sound confident.
He nodded and continued, "Great, Ivy. Can you tell me a bit about yourself? Are you from around here?"
I didn't want to give away too much, so I lied, "Yeah, I'm from around here. I'm actually taking care of my sick grandma, and I'll be around for a while. I'm looking for a shift job that fits my schedule."
The manager nodded sympathetically. "It's good that you're taking care of your grandma and still planning on working. We can definitely work with your schedule. So, you're looking for something flexible?"
I nodded eagerly. "Yeah, that would be perfect. I need something that'll help me take care of my grandma and also pay the bills."
He smiled and said, "Alright, let's talk about the pay. It's $10 an hour, plus tips."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Per hour was exactly what I needed, a steady income to rely on. "That sounds great, thank you," I said, trying to sound really grateful.
The manager smiled and handed me a uniform. "Great, Ivy. You can start tomorrow. We'll get you trained up and running in no time." He said and went to a drawer bringing out some uniforms
"See if it's fits"
I took the uniform, feeling excited and nervous at once.
By the time I got home, Duncan was back already. It looked like he entered not too long though, the aroma of food was everywhere and the fridge was open.
"Hey"! I called and he was startled
"Jeeze!! You scared me"!!
"Sorry" I said immediately.
" Where the hell were you? Thought you decided to run away" He said.
"I went for a stroll " I replied walking away already.
"The door was opened"!! He yelled.
"I closed it" I replied turning back staring at him.
"It has a lock Ivy, next time please lock it"!!
"I'm sorry" I said and immediately went upstairs, I didn't wanna break down in front of nobody, not even Mason. I just hated it when I'm being yelled at, though I should have gotten used to it 'cause Valerie does it everytime but who gets used to being dragged in the mud?? I guess...no-one.