Chapter Three
1457 Words
Winter was in its last phases, the dawn of a new beginning almost here, and it was all over the air.
If Alyssa was being totally honest, she would admit she had never stopped thinking about… him. The stranger she met a few days ago who was so nice to her.
He was extremely tall, taller than any man she’d ever seen. She raised her hands, trying to reach for his height because somehow, she could still see him, staring deeply into her eyes and flushed. She had forgotten to ask his name and he didn't know hers either because he never asked. She barely knew anything about him but she was consumed by the thoughts of him.
Shaking her head, Alyssa looked away, placing her thumb in-between her teeth, biting away at her fingertips. Would she really see him again? Could she? Well she’d have to go to New York for a chance for that to happen, but what were the odds that they would meet?
Also… could life ever be welcome to her there?
“Are you alright?” She turned to look beside her, where Maya, her mother, stood, watching her.
She gave a small smile, “I think so.”
“What did they say? The coffee shop?”
Her smile withered, ever since she had lost her job. She had found it difficult to get a new one. “The same thing,” she muttered. “They keep turning me down.”
“How could he… do something like that? You would never steal…” Maya stuttered.
She flinched, “It doesn’t matter. It’s already been done. He won.”
“But how is that even possible? You put everything in China Meal, how could they just…”
“Doesn’t matter, at least not anymore.”
Sometimes he wished she’d fought more, just a little bit more, perhaps the shame she’d gotten wouldn’t affect her so much. If she’d just… done more. She sighed, “If nothing improves then I’d just have to…” She trailed off, unable to utter it.
“To what?” Maya asked.
“Leave.”
She watched her mother freeze, her eyes widening, “Alyssa,” She spoke, “What are you talking about?”
Shutting her eyes, she looked away, “If this continues then I can’t stay here, mom.”
“Where would you go? You’ve been here all your life.”
“New York,” she muttered.
“What?” Maya’s voice heightened, “Absolutely not!”
Alyssa froze. This was the first time her mother had yelled at her. She watched guilt immediately shadow her mother’s eyes, breaking eye contact.
“You don’t belong in New York.”
Her hands tightened into fists, “How do you know that?”
“Do you really see yourself living in such a big city?” Maya scoffed.
“I…”
“You’ll never be able to make it there.”
Alyssa tried to hide it, but Maya's words were hurting her. Did she find her incapable? “Do you think I am a failure?”
“Why would you…? That’s not what I meant…”
“Then why would you say such hurtful things to me, Mother?”
Her face contorted into a painful expression, “I just… don’t think it’s meant for you,” She gulped, “Do you really see yourself ever becoming something in that city?”
At that moment, Alyssa had never felt more defeated. A sharp pain tugged violently against her chest. She turned, wanting to leave.
“Alyssa… I-I just want the best for you.”
“This town has betrayed me even though I once loved it.”
“Alyssa…”
“Now, all I see is a dark cloud. I feel it eating inside of me. These days, anytime I walk these streets and I am bathed with rejection, all I feel for this town is hatred.”
Maya walked toward her and held her hands. “You can't leave me here, remember the promise we made to each other. We promised to stay with each other.”
“We will leave together, mother,” Alyssa muttered. “I just want to be away from here, don't you get it?”
“I don't want to go to New York,” Maya retorted, half yelling.
“Then, I'll leave,” Alyssa said. “I’ll leave alone, mother.”
Maya sat on the bed, tears filled her eyes. She bent over and began to sob.
“Why are you crying, mother?” Alyssa asked.
It broke her heart to see her only parent crying. Ever since her father passed when she was two, her mother had shown her nothing but love and kindness.
“I don't want to be alone, Alyssa. Please, don't leave. You'll get a job here.”
Alyssa walked toward her mother and hugged her. Her tears fell across her arms while she fought her own tears. They had lived a hard life. It had always been them against the cold wicked world.
“Okay mother, I won't leave. I promise,” she muttered but she felt her heart shatter within her.
She would be trapped here forever.
~
Today was a big day for everyone, it was New Year's Eve and the whole town would be out to see a new movie. The cinema would be understaffed and would need to hire her. This was the only chance at getting a job. And she was right.
Immediately she walked in, the manager gave her a red T-shirt and a red hat. Instantly, she was put in charge of selling tickets. The clock struck four and the doors opened, the people swarmed in. Seeing them, her feet froze. Placing her fears aside she put out a fence of courage. Within minutes, the line had gotten insanely long and with the increase the more impatient they became. She could feel a heavy cloud forming over her head but fought to keep a brave face.
“Hello, Alyssa.” Immediately, she froze.
She stared blankly at the figure in front of her who grinned menacingly at her, “What are you doing there?”
”I should be asking you that, shouldn’t I?”
Her breath hitched. No. “Brawn.”
He folded his arms, “It was Mr. Brawn a few weeks ago.”
She had to get rid of him, “You’re here to buy a ticket?”
“Yes, but I’m not so sure I want to anymore,”
“Brawn, no…”
“After all, why would I want to give my money to a known thief!”
At that moment, it seemed like the entire world had gone completely silent. All color had been drained from her face and she had frozen. Eyes had fallen on them and at hers with distrust.
How could he?
“How could you do this, Brawn?” The rage she’d hidden surfaced as she spoke.
”What now? Will you cry and scream that you’re innocent for everyone to believe you?”
“What is he talking about?” She froze. Her manager came and her heart nearly stopped beating. When she looked into his eyes, she could see the damage had already been done.
“Who are you?” He asked Brawn.
“Brawn Shredder, manager of China Meal”
“Okay. Why were you talking about theft?”
He cleared his throat, “Yes, sadly, your employee was once my employee a few weeks ago until I fired her for theft.”
His eyes widened, “What?”
“I didn’t do it!” Alyssa knew there was no point, “I am not a thief!”
She watched as Brawn’s face contorted into an ugly expression, “You lowlife, who do you think you are, huh? When will you finally accept that people like you do not belong here?”
“Alright then, I’ll leave!” Something wild burned across her veins, something uncontrollable. “I’ll leave this cursed town and disappear, but you know what? You’ll never be free of me like you’ve been desperately clamoring for and you’ll be reminded of me all your damned life. You’ll wish to forget my tears but won't because I’ll always be your biggest regret and a reminder of your own inadequacy.”
Brawn remained quiet, nose flaring and a burn in his chest. “No matter where you run, you’ll always be a failure, Alyssa Williams.”
She pulled him by the collar, a defying glare in her eyes and a smirk on her lips, “Let’s see who wins this game, Brawn Shredder. You, or me; the lowlife who dares to dream.”
- Writer
