The Meaning of Us

Untitled Part 1

Chapter one

Dear mom,

Things are pretty good here in New York. Although its noisier and more crowded than Texas, it's still okay. Sheila is reacting to the change of environment, she sick but it's nothing serious. My apartment here is pretty small, but the price is okay. I'm working as a waitress in a bar for now. It's crazy but it's worth it. Better to have a job than stay jobless. I miss you and wish you were here with me.

Love,

Scarlette

Scarlette folds the paper and put it in the envelope, then she put it in the box with the others. she heard Sheila's silent snoring and went to put her on her bed that is next to hers. She checks the time; her aunt was supposed to be back from the store by now. she only had an hour until her shift at the bar. Just as she started getting dressed, she heard the door open.

"Aunt Riley?" she called from the room, already picking her pocket knife

"It's just me darling. You should learn to lock the door. This place isn't really safe" she said

she walked to the sitting room just as Riley, her aunt was dropping the groceries, she bought on the kitchen counter

"I thought I locked it" Scarlette said and began helping her keep bring out the groceries

"Where is she?" Riley asked and Scarlette jerked her head towards her room. Sheila and her shared the same room while her aunt had her own room.

"Don't you think it's time you take her to the hospital?"

Scarlette shook her head

"How about a pharmacist?...

"You know they'll need prescription from a doctor"

"You can just go to those ones who wouldn't need it"

"I thought you were all about doing the right thing"

"I am, but the girl is getting sicker everyday" Riley said and she sighed

"My shift ends late. How about you take her tomorrow after you pick her up from school" Scarlette said and she nodded

"Thank you, for everything" Scarlette said

"Hey, it's okay. You forget that she is also my niece" she said and Scarlette smiled. If there was anyone she could trust with her child, it was Aunt Riley.

she walked back to her room to get ready for work. By the time she was out, Riley was already watching her favorite TV show

"When do you close?" Riley asked

"Ten" she said and grabbed her bag

"Be safe. You know how that bar gets crowdy at night"

"Actually, this is my first time working there at night...

"More reasons to be careful darling"

"I know and I will. Bye" she said and left

The distance from her house to the bar was twenty minutes If she walked. By the time she arrived at the bar, it was already crowded and hot. She walked over to her colleague, Britney who gave her the death glare

"You're late" she said

"Yes, I know and I'm sorry. I had to take care of something" Scarlette said and picked up her pen and notepad. Britney and her never get along. She sees Scarlette as one of those girls who were irresponsible and thus 'responsible' girls like her had to stay away from girls like Scarlette.