BOUND WITH LIES AND LOVE

FAMILY FAULT

CHAPTER 1

ELENA’S POV

“Fuck.” I exasperated under my breath as I spanked the soft mattress I was laid on. It's 9:45 a.m. already.

“I'm sorry, your application wasn't approved. Do well to apply again for the next job offer.” The fourth email rejection from a job I kept applying for, and bills kept piling up.

My chest is tightened and my face filled with disappointment.

I'm already so frustrated, swallowing back the rising urge that I could throw my laptop.

I exhaled the thick air in the room and could perceive the smell of the thick blue cardigan I'm wearing, it freaky smells stales and I hadn't even realized how hunger had gnawed at my stomach—it's been roaring so much that I couldn't notice it—but the awaiting feedback from my email from the company kept holding my feet to the bed.

I sucked my teeth in frustration, too tired as I lazily dragged myself out of bed, my legs heavy and sluggish that I had to tug my weary feet into the slippers already set on the floor.

I was about to trudge to the kitchen when a plate of potato salad and a mug of coffee presented itself at my front door.

“Celina, is your sister awake?!” My mum's voice cut through the silence and echoed sharply from downstairs.

A waned smile stretched across my face as I made my way downstairs to meet my mum, carrying a plate of fried potatoes and coffee.

“Morning, Mum.” I pecked her, already chewing a mouthful of potato and smiled back. I then settled myself on the couch next to her.

“Where is Celina?” I asked, with the cold coffee held close to my lips, scanning my eyes around the living room.

“She is getting prepared for school.”

“Oh, I see.” I stood up and went to the kitchen to wash off the remaining scraps from the plate, forcing the heaviness out of my chest.

I tried as much as possible to flush the dark sadness from my face. Act strong like nothing else is wrong.

“So, Mum, how is Dad?” I asked, now back in the same spot.

She averted her eyes from the television to me.

“Well,” she shrugged, “he is just there as usual, struggling.”

I sighed deeply, my face becoming expressionless as my head tilted to the ground. Gosh, I hate the position I've found myself in.

“Mum.” I finally mustered a smile—a faint smile—on my face, gently pulling her hands to mine.

“We will pull through.” I continued, still holding on with my steady, stiff smile, trying to hide the sadness and tears that had clogged my throat.

“Bills are piling up, Elena. I'm getting old and weak by the day. We might someday find ourselves in the street.” She replied slowly, barely above a whisper.

I slumped my shoulders with a heavy sigh, reminded again of our predicament and it is already suffocating me. Silence settled in the air.

“We need money, Elena, and it is so frustrating that we can't afford the basic amenities, even for your own sister.” Her tone rose in a frustrated pitch.

“Mum?” I could barely hear my own voice as it faltered.

She stood up and was about to leave the living room, probably to cry it out again behind closed doors, just as she did the two nights when the doctor spoke about how my father's ailments were getting worse.

“I have to be the strong one here for the sake of my mother. But for how long?”

“Look, Elena.” She turned back, her hair in a ponytail already showing the white strands sprawling on her forehead.

“You have to do something before it gets worse, Elena. And let me not forget, your father has a lot of debt, so the debtor might come anytime soon to mortgage any of his property here. And what about the caretaker of this house?” She let out a tired scoff.

“He will come and ask for his rent, and all this requires time and real work.”

I stood up from the couch and positioned myself by her side.

“Mum, I'm trying, but these days, the job board is highly competitive. Each time I submit my CV, either I am not qualified for the requirements or, most times, I don't even get a response. It has been so frustrating for me.” I explained, my voice trailing off with a croak.

“Then explore other options, Elena. There are other strategies you can employ, and you would get a job in no time.” She replied, her eyes fixed on mine.

“What other option are you talking about?” My brows knitted with curiosity, and the smile on my face faded.

“There are many minimal job vacancies you can apply for, and in just a short time, you will get a job.” She snapped her fingers in the air.

“Ugh.” My face fell dark like a deadpan.

“Mum, are you being serious right now?” I asked.

“Yes, I am very serious, Elena. We have no choice.”

I moved out of her sight, pacing in the center of the living room.

“Mum, I came out as the best student in my department, and now I should stoop so low to work as someone who didn't even go to school.” I gruffed under my breath, my voice trembling with pain.

“What has that result given you?” Her pitch rose higher and more serious. She is dead serious about her stance.

Silence and wide-eyed stares were all I could respond with.

“And for your information, if it gets tougher, I will have no choice but to send Celina back where she belongs.”

“What?!” My voice raspy in shock, and with no word she ascended the staircase. I studied her slow steps, as a sad and defeated expression appeared on her face.

“Elena, I'm done getting dressed.” Celina broke the silence, and tears threatened to flicker in my eyes. I swallowed hard. She spoke tenderly to me.

“You look pretty, sweetie.” I forced a smile so it would convey in my voice and leveled down.

Staring at her, I remembered the moment I brought her home and the light that shone forth in my house.

It was a good fate to bring her here, even though the circumstances surrounding it weren't great. She was just a little innocent girl who didn't deserve what life had thrown at her.

“C'mon, let's go to school.” She pulled my hand.

“I will have no choice but to send Celina back where she belongs.” The thought of those words my mum said made me panic.

“Celina.” I pulled her tiny hand to mine.

“Hmm?”

She turned her gaze from the window as the cab driver stopped at the tall school, and her eyes peered into mine.

“Keep your shoulders and heads up, okay? Just know that I love you and I will always be there for you.” I smiled tightly, and she smiled back before throwing her arms around my neck for a hug.

“I will come pick you up, okay?” She nodded and gave me a celebratory high-five.

“Okay.” She stepped down from the car energetically and waved through the window—I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, and I sniffed them back.

“I really need fresh air to clear my head.”

“I will go from here,” I told the cab driver, paid him, and got out at Celina's drop-off point.

I began to walk through the pathway, drowning in deep thought as I remembered her words again. I paused, shut my eyes, and felt the thick air coming from my smelly cardigan.

“I need to get the f**k out of here.”

I sped up my movements, trying to shove out my troubles. I couldn't stomach the thought of losing my gold.

“I can't stand to lose Celina; she is my life. Having her was never a mistake, and therefore I won't think of losing her.” I muttered in affirmation.

Maybe Mum is right; I have to bend low to care for Celina and keep her safe.