Pinnacle Of Power

Chapter 8: At the shelter

Mona's POV

After returning from the prison, where I'd volunteered to share supplies with the inmates, I returned to the shelter.

My mind drifted to the man I'd talked to last. He felt familiar, but I knew we hadn't met before. I don't know what crime he committed to find himself there, but I hope he makes the best use of the time while there. After all, we all deserve second chances.

Brushing that aside, I focused on the corner where I cautiously brought out a small wooden box I had hidden inside a hole in the wall. I have been saving every penny I get to at least get a decent place to live. I placed the money given to me today by the boss into the box then discreetly slid it back in, and smoothed the wallpaper over it. It blended so well that nothing seemed to be amiss.

I had been saving up before but I got a bit careless and my cash was stolen. I learned the hard way. Now I know better than to leave my money lying around.

I looked into my backpack which was old, tattered, and faded, due to prolonged usage. Patched with so many stitches all over, it looked like it was begging me for retirement. I sighed and retrieved an apple from it-courtesy of the volunteer work. One of the reasons I liked volunteering was that we got to be given free edibles, saving me from spending what little money I had.

I lay on my blanket, nibbling on the apple, staring at the ceiling, looking at nothing in particular, when I suddenly felt something tugging at my legs. I raised my head and I saw her.

"Oh hey, Mia", I cooed, "how are you?"

"Meow", She responded.

A stray cat who had taken a liking to me when I came to the shelter and had followed me wherever I went. I named her Mia because she looked gentle and cute.

She jumped on me and started l*****g my face. I laughed while I raised my hands playfully to stop her.

I looked into my backpack again and fed her a snack. She ate it and I could tell she was very happy with the way she was wagging her tail.

"Don't worry Mia," I said while stroking her white soft fur, "If I am able to get spare change, I'll get you proper cat food".

She purred, seemingly satisfied with my touch and I smiled.

Just then, I saw my phone light up-an incoming call. I checked the screen and it was Madam Angela. Then, I saw at the top notification a series of missed calls.

Oh no! I'm dead meat!

I quickly picked up the call.

"Hello, good evening, Madam Angela".

"Where the hell have you been?", she yelled, "I've been calling you for the umpteenth time but no response!"

"Oh my God...I'm so sorry, I didn't hear it ring, I swear. You know I told you last time my phone is in really bad shape and-"

"Oh please", she snapped, cutting me off "get a new one to replace it. The next time I call you up and you don't pick up, consider yourself fired. I'm sick and tired of the same excuse", she roared.

"I'm sorry, Madam Angela", I said as I bit my lower lip, "it won't happen again".

"It better not", she said coldly. "Now get your a*s to Lakeville's essence, there's a package you need to drop off at Lancerston Crescent. The details are on the package. You've got 20minutes and you better not be a minute late".

"Yes, ma'am, I'm on my way-"

She just groaned over the phone irritably and hung up before I even finished speaking. So typical of her.

Madam Angela, my boss, is not the nicest of people to work under, but I didn't have any choice. If I am to leave this shelter before winter, then I have to endure her attitude and the job.

I looked down at my phone-it had cracks all over it and I even had to use a rubber band and tape to hold it together so it wouldn't fall apart. It also had issues with the speaker which is why I'm unable to hear when it rings.

I sighed in frustration. I still didn't have enough to get a new one-not while I was saving every penny and focusing on getting a place to stay.

Mia meowed again. Her eyes looked at me in pity as if she understood me. I stroked her head softly as she leaned in more towards my touch, closing her eyes instinctively.

"Don't worry, Mia we won't remain like this forever okay? Things will get better. I promise".

I put on my worn-out coat I had kept away in a carton and briskly started walking out of the shelter.

Mia trailed behind-wanting to come with me.

I turned around. "No Mia, you can't come with me ok? I'll be back before you know it. So wait here".

She was reluctant but she listened to me and turned back.

Good girl.

Now I have to catch up on time before Madam Angela will have my head on a platter.

I hurriedly moved through the busy streets of San Francisco. It was past 8pm so there was less rush. I quickly got on a bus and stopped at Lakeville's essence shop.

On a typical day, they won't even let me in, given how shabby I was dressed, a worn-out coat, and cheap faded sneakers. This place catered to only the wealthy, as every item in there cost a fortune.

There was one particular security guard who always gave me a hard time every time I came here. Even though he'd seen me on more than one occasion coming here to pick up packages to deliver to their customers, he still requested that I show my work ID. Every. Damn. Time.

I approached the grand entrance of Lakeville's essence. The building stood tall-as magnificent as ever. It held an intimidating aura, the kind that makes people like me...feel small.

I brushed that aside and walked quickly, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the security guard. A few feet away from getting inside I heard a voice behind me.

"Stop!"