Veil of Vengeance

“Hey Watch out young lady!”The bared man behind the wheel screamed in fright as I almost got hit from trying to cross the sub without watching properly. “f**k!”I exclaimed at my careless act that almost got me into a serious Accident. ”I apologized waving emphatically at the man whose face looked a complete mess of disdain and irritation. He hissed and ignited the car, zooming off and repeatedly waving his index finger at me in severe warning. I sighed while adjusting my bag strapped to my shoulder. With the way I woke up extremely late today for work, I know it wouldn't be a pleasant day. My phone beeped inside my bag, I jacked at the suddenness of the unexpected noise as I instantly surveyed my environment before making my way briskly towards my workplace. I just hope Mr. Grumpy takes it easy on me for running late yet again today. My phone beeped again and this time, I decided to answer it, hopefully wishing it wasn't from Alicia, because I knew what she had to say already, it was nothing more than being late for work. I dipped my hands into my purse and as I glanced at it, my heart jumped at the content of the message sent by Alicia. “Boss is here and he's f*****g Angry. I just hope you don't kiss KS Goodbye.” Another message pops up again from her. “Goodness! Where the f**k are you Isabella!!” I contemplated if I should reply or just take my steps hastily to work. Today is no good so I just put the phone back, I decided on the fact that I don't have the fantasy of replying to her message. Kitchen Soul has been my abode since I dropped out of school six months ago. Though I juggled the Work with a few other parties but the pay there kept me struck even though my boss is a money-minded boss who takes no s**t. Turning abruptly to the large restaurant owned by one of the renowned bachelors in Patones, Madrid, I gave a slight prayer before darting through the hallway leading to the changing room. I didn't have the time to register my attendance as Mr Grille would have me grilled if I didn't change my clothes to look formal like the rest. Knowing where they were, I quickly rushed into the conference room where the meeting was held. The moment I skeptically walked inside, all eyes abruptly landed on me. “And of course, the meeting is over.”Mr. Grumpy said amidst scrolls as he subconsciously eyed me in anger. “When can you ever be punctual huh..?”Alicia asked as I scrumptiously scrambled myself to her side. “I hope he doesn't chase you this time. Mr. Grumpy doesn't condone lateness and you know it.” “I'm sorry.”I breathed the words I have always said since I got here to her. She rolled her eyes at me, wondering why I would never give an excuse as to why I always run late. I have never opened up to anyone, not even to the boss about my predicament. None knew I was a dropout either. I just hated being pitiful. Alicia has been the only close friend I had since I started working at Kitchen Soul. Her playful wit caught my solen's attention and we became work buddies who constantly have each other's backs. “No reason again I see.”She turned her face away and we all focused on the boss as he dismissed us all. “Isabel wait behind.”The husky voice of my boss ordered. And again, I badly wish he overlooked this again like has been doing since I got here. Alicia gave me a real hopeful smile and I returned the smile with an “I hope so too ”smile. She then leaves the room with the rest of the staff. After making sure they were all gone, I braced up my mind to listen to his brawlings and angry ranting, but what he said shocked me to the marrow. “Seat,” he ordered gently, pointing at the chair beside the door, many meters away from where he sat at the other far end. I fidget a little but then, it was an order. Maybe he wanted to let me go on a calm note but I was wrong. “Why don't you tell me?” he asked seriously “If nothing at all, I did let you off the hook each time I shout at you for coming late.” I blink repeatedly, surveying the office to be sure I am the only one in the room and if he's referring to me. “Sir?”I asked cluelessly, taken aback by his sudden kindness. He got the name Mr. Grumpy because he was always harsh and he seldom smiled, however, with the way he was behaving, I couldn’t help but smile. “You don't expect me not to know about those working for me Isabel. Especially ones like you.”He continued, his eyes not leaving my face and for some reason, I felt I saw hints of empathy on his face. “You don't go home directly from here Bella. You work part-time late into 4 am. How long has this been going on and why?” My jaw dropped at the information coming out from my boss. I had been discreet not to convey any personal information about myself but then, somehow it's revealing itself. “I'm sorry sir,” I uttered, not ready to give any more information, especially that which would lead to my Father's illness. Scanning my face and seeing I was not ready to let out more than that, he sighed and raised his hands in a dismissal. I stand up, bow at his kindness, and make my way to the exit. “Isabel?”He called, making me turn back towards him. “Don't overwork yourself. You look sick and weak already. I feel like asking you to quit.” he sighs, standing up in the process. “But I see doing that won't stop you. So take a break and don't overdo it... Go.” I bow, barely stopping the tears blinding me from falling and giving him the clue I was helpless. I walked absentmindedly to my position behind the counter as a sales attendant. Trying hard to fight the urge to branch into the restroom and cry my pain out. Knowing how sensitive my eyes are, I know I might not survive drawing attention to myself. I breathe in a long air down my lungs to calm my nerves and emotions. Alicia is already at her space attending to Customers while I join her quickly, taking orders from a customer. “I thought you won't return here after your brief meeting with the Boss.”She whispered beside me, barely sparing me a glance. I smiled “I guess he just can't ask a hardworking girl like myself to leave.” She looked at me this time and smiled. “I don't know, but nobody lasts this long in KS after a week of repeatedly coming late.” I smiled again and she nodded, attending to a customer and engulfing ourselves in our duties. After almost an hour of work, my phone rang, and I absent-mindedly picked up without glancing at the caller's I.D. “Isabel..”The trembling voice of my Mum echoed across the phone, she had not finished speaking when I heard the speed of a car from the phone, my eyes popped out as I stared at my phone. “What the hell just happened?"