loveless

Job

 “Aren’t you the student council president?” Erika heard a familiar voice from behind of her. She dumped the two plastic garbage bags which were in her grasp in the bin. She looked around and stood appalled as soon as she got the sight of him and heard his voice which pierced through her ears; staring at him in apprehension, as her face was much dumbfounded he asked surprised. What is Takumi doing here?

She was wearing a pair of dark trousers beneath a pale shirt and a white apron. Her brown hair was in a high bun underneath her light cap.

She started sweating cold drops as she looked as pale as a ghost. She stood still as a wood, tensed and said, “Wh-what are you doing here!”

Takumi was looking as deadpan as ever but his eyes were displaying great surprise as the moon’s light brightened them up.

“I was simply walking back home and accidently noticed a flamboyant looking restaurant, so I figured I’d check it out. What about you?” he exclaimed putting his hands back in his pockets.

She was looking flushed as she stepped backwards. “Th-this is none of your bu-business! Go away,” she commanded agitated.

He looked hindered as he sighed very tensely. “You are right. It is none of my business for sure, but I never thought that you could work as a friendly waitress. I guess I was just curious,” he said, turning around and started to walk.

She looked furious when she rushed to stop him from leaving, grabbing his shoulder roughly. “Fine! Fine! I’ll tell you, just don’t jump unnecessary conclusions,” she shouted very aggressively.

“I am not forcing you to tell me,” he said, turning back facing her.

“Telling you is better than getting misjudged. Don’t get any wrong ideas, I just need to maintain my image and character as the president.” She sighed.

Erica took a deep breath. She tightened her fist and swallowed in her lips.

“It’s because, my mom is sick and can’t overwork herself and my little sister takes care of all the housework after school, while my so-called father ran away. I need to support my mom and little sister by doing so.”

“There are many other different jobs which suit your character much better. Why this?”

“Are you a detective,” she shouted. “First of all the salary is pretty high compared to other jobs. Second is because my mom and the manager are good friends, so the manager allows me to only work at night and giving me mostly the hard labor work instead of having to deal with costumers all day.”

“Oh, so that’s the case.”

“Are you done with your questions now? If so, leave! And don’t you dare ever show your face here again,” she shouted enraged.

“Are you finished working for the day,” he questioned ignoring her warning.

“I have one more hour,” she blurted as she suddenly stood quietly opening her eyes widely and standing in a daze.

 “Hey! Shut up with the questioning already! And how dare you ignore my warning!” she glared at him, carrying a flustered look.

A deep smile painted Takumi’s face before he decided to cover it with his veiny hand, allowing his elongated thumb and index fingers to reach the ends of his cheek bones. A faint sound of chuckle was perceptible. Erika’s bright eyes were wider, projecting abundant rays ‘of fair browns. Her lips were parted as her cheeks turned rosy.

 “Hey! Why are you laughing? Did I say something that funny to you? You are making fun of me, aren’t you? If you are a man, step forward and let me teach you how to take my words seriously!” she shouted, holding her fist up in front of her stomach. He was still chuckling, as his ears started to slightly colour, before he budged his cast to the adverse area.

 “Are you underestimating me?” she said.

“No, not at all. I am positive of your strength, but I wouldn’t mind trying an interesting person such as yourself out.”

“Ah! The heck is wrong with your brain! You are wasting my time,” she blurted running back inside, completely flushed. Ah, what’s his deal! He is so annoying. Why did he start laughing there was nothing funny in what I said? I guess a guy is a guy.”

“Erika, did anything happen? You took a long time,” a middle-aged woman asked gently walking towards her. She had a very long, thick black hair and pitch lined black eyes with vibrant shimmers.

“I am very sorry, manager for slacking off.” she bowed.

“Dear, you don’t need to apologise like that. It’s totally fine. You always do your best. I will forget about what happened today so it’s fine!” She walked back to the kitchen, talking with the other employees.

***

Erika walked back home extremely tired, opening the door to a very small and crumbled, battered house.

“This day can’t get any worst can it, I can’t believe I had to explain myself to a ‘guy’! Disgusting!” she mumbled faintly, while taking off her dark sneakers in front of the door-way. “I am back,” she exclaimed crumbly, before walking inside.

“Hey sis,” Asuna called, while lying on the decayed couch and holding a colourful magazine between her pale hands. Her lips were lit from the red lipstick. Her hair was cut long and cleanly as it was also curled very smoothly. She was wearing a new dress. again. Erika was wearing a faded navy t-shirt which was triple her size, along with dark, used-up trousers.

 “Asuna! Did you waste money again,” she asked as her dried lips were bent downwards and her dark messy eyebrows were curved.

“But I need these things as a teenager,” she cried desperately.

“Do you have any idea, how hard it is to get a bit of money for the rent and the food?” she shouted.

“I know that, but it is your responsibility as my big sis. You should understand that I need these things, in fact, you should see the girls at my school; branded makeup, shoes, clothes and even tons of accessories! Why do we have to suffer like this? Why does Mom have to get sick? Why do we have to live in a stupid house like this? I am sick and tired of living a life of poverty!” she put down her magazine and sat up straight. She looked sorrowful as her rounded eyes seemed wet and her lips were shacking, before she broke down in tears.

Erika looked down at the floor with hollow, slit eyes. She sighed sickly as she sat next to Asuna and pulled her to her chest. She wrapped her big, warm arms around her tightly.

“I am sorry! I promise that I would work harder. Summer break starts tomorrow, so I’ll use that chance.” I should get stronger! I need to support them any way possible!

“I am sorry that I am speaking that way, I know that you are already trying your best,” she explained toneless.

“No! I can do better! Don’t worry and buy whatever you want,” said Erika, glaring at the empty, corrupted wall.

“Thank you!” she laughed, as she hugged Erika tighter.

“Hehe! Do you want to go buy some flowers tomorrow after school and go visit mom at the hospital; to congratulate her for her discharge?” she forced a smile on her face before looking at Asuna’s front.

“Yay! I’m looking forward to it!”