A LOVE PAID IN LIES

Falena The rain poured heavily as I could hear footsteps moving about the room. I opened my eyes slightly. I saw Hailey preparing for class as she applied her mascara on her lashes. She is 5 '10, slim, with straight brown hair cut into a bob. We attend the same university the same year but in different majors. She is studying art history while I am studying culinary arts. “Take care Lena.” she hugged me. " See you later,”she says as she leaves for class, which only meant I had to start my day and head to work. I stared at myself in the mirror. My red hair was like a bird's nest, my face was swollen, my n*****s pierced through my see-through top. I looked at my small frame, unlike Hailey. I was 5,2 but with curves, which means wider hips and a slim waistline, I look like my mother, who passed away 2 years ago. I miss her every day. “ Krrrrrringggg.” That was my alarm, and it meant I was getting up late for work as I dashed into the bathroom to start the day. Between going to college, borrowing student loans and working so we could have a roof above our heads was what my life was about. My mom passed away two years ago, and I never knew my dad. Since then, it’s been just me. I used the money my mom left for me to get into college in hopes of becoming a chef. Hailey recently lost her job. We already owe three months' rent. I promised our landlord I would get him the money this week. I got out of the shower and left for work. The rain started to pour. “You are ten minutes late Lena”. Mr Henry called out as I stepped into the kitchen. “So sorry Henry, the rain delayed me a bit,” I said as he gave me a curt smile, nodding his head. I work at Mr Henry’s restaurant as a junior chef. I love cooking and have been working here for eight months now. The pay is not a lot, but it pays little bills. I am a junior chef here, and I work when I am not on campus. As I started to peel some potatoes, Mr Henry came to announce that we had a gig this weekend in which he selected six chefs who would be cooking. I really wished I was going because it attracts huge tips, but junior chefs don’t go for private gigs. The day went by quickly. It was already 9pm, which is when I got off work. There is really nothing much about my life, just school and work. Although work is tiring, it pays bills and I enjoy what I do. I got home to an empty house, dropped my keys on the counter and went to take a shower. Hailey texted that she would be staying over at her boyfriend’s house and with that I crashed straight to bed. It’s been a long day in the life of a 22-year-old.