GEORGIANA
Last night,what’s there to say? That it was some grand night, and the apology I had rehearsed over and over in my head to Silas was accepted. Yeah, right. Maybe on another planet but not the one I’m currently residing on. That’s why as soon as the morning sun hit my bedroom window, it was time for me to leave. I heard Silas get up after I shut my door, locking myself inside. Not that I was worried he would do anything. I’ve always done that, especially when I lived at my foster home. One time was all it took for one of the kids to walk in without knocking while I was changing. The leering that ensued made me re-evaluate life at a much too early age. I really try to be the glass half-full type of girl, no matter the situation. A foster kid at the age of thirteen, no big deal, keep your head down, grades up, and focus on the future. I assure you those weren’t always my thoughts; I also wasn’t always the best teenager attempting to find my way when life hands you lemons either. My parents were loving, so loving they went and did everything together—grocery shopping, working together, making dinner together. I mean every little thing, it was the two of them, so in love with each other that I had the absolute best couple to look up to later in life. That all ended one day when I was at school and a police officer met me at the door when I was called to the principal’s office. It seemed a home invasion had gone wrong. The one day my parents had off, and someone callously took their lives. That’s also when I had to tell the officer I had no other living relatives, and within a matter of days, I said goodbye to my parents, my home, and my school. Thankfully, I was old enough to ask a few questions. Money went into a trust, not a whole lot because we lived within our means, and when I turn twenty-one, I’ll be receiving that. Not that it will bring them back. The other things I was able to keep with me and out of prying eyes and dirty paws was an album that entailed our whole life up until that point, and my mother’s jewelry box that held their wedding bands, a few necklaces, and earrings Dad bought Mom for her birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas.
“I’m out of here for the day, Mindy, unless you need me to stay the night?” I’m secretly crossing my fingers that she needs me. Depending on what my trust fund has accrued, it could be enough for my first place, or maybe just to purchase a newer vehicle than the one I scrimped and saved for. It’s not pretty, but it gets me from point A to point B.
“Gigi, if you work here any more than you already do, I may as well put a cot in the back room for you and have you change the address on your driver’s license to the clinic.” Mindy is my boss. She’s also a really good friend to have in your corner.
“You act like I’d be opposed to that idea.” The fact of the matter is that it’d be a dream come true. One day in the future, I’d love nothing more than to open a shelter, take in abandoned dogs, foster them out, or help them find their forever home.
“I know you wouldn’t. Go home tonight. I have you on-call for this weekend. You’ll get all the snuggles in the world then.
“Alright, see you tomorrow, Mindy.” My keys are in my hand, purse on my shoulder as I make my way towards the employee exit, heading towards the parking lot.
“Later, sweetie,” she replies. My stomach sinks when I think that I’m heading back home to another night of awkwardness, already knowing food will be the last thing on my mind, and if Silas makes things anything like last night, well, I’ll be sleeping in old Betsy. There are no automatic locks, headlights, or windows. When I say she’s old, the black sun-faded Nissan Versa is every bit of twenty-five years old. The best part about her is that she costs me exactly zero dollars a month in the form of a car note, the insurance is cheap, and the cost to fill the tank up with gas is even cheaper.
I unlock the driver’s side door, opening it to let the stagnant hot Texas air out of it before turning it on, knowing it’ll take the air conditioning most of the trip home to cool it off. My purse goes into the passenger seat with a flick of my wrist, then I sit in my seat, crank the window down with the handle, slam the door shut—otherwise, it takes five times before it latches—and start the car.
That’s when I know my day has gone from good to bad. It attempts to crank and then peters out. It’s not the battery because that was replaced two months ago. I try to get it to catch one more time, stomping on the break as if it’s a magical button and will turn the engine over.
“No, no, no.” This time, it doesn’t even turn over, instead leaving me with a clicking noise. It looks like my cheap car is about to cost me a hefty tow bill to the club’s garage. I pull my phone out, go to the app that has my insurance stuff saved, look for the part that asks for a tow truck, and do what needs to be done before backing out of the app. Next, it’s time to find a ride home. I know Sedona is working at the hospital, so she’s out. Collins has class tonight, so that leaves Shila. Fuck, I hate being such a nuisance.
“Hey, Gigi, you okay?” Shila answers the phone on the first ring.
“Hi, well, kind of. Is there any way you, or anyone really, can pick me up at the clinic? My car won’t start. I’ve already called a tow truck. I just would really appreciate not riding with the driver.” I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons, and one of those is staying vigilant.
“No problem. Shadow and Silas are driving that way. I’ll have them swing by and grab you.” That’s not what I really wanted, but beggars can’t be choosers.
“Thanks. I’m going to go back inside until they get here,” I reply.
“Never a problem. See you soon.” She hangs up the phone. It takes me a few minutes to roll the window up, grab my purse, and head back inside, where I’m sure Mindy is going to be like ‘What the hell?’ Believe me, that feeling will be entirely mutual.