THE DEADLY SEVEN

What I have to do

Luc;

I stormed out of the diner, how dare that oaf try to steal my Lucy! Yea, this is going to be a f*****g conversation tonight!

I raged the whole way home. I was hoping no one would be there. Claudia, the witch would get in the way for sure. I was in two minds as to how I was going to do this. Do I go in, guns blazing or sweet and comforting, trying to woo her?

Ugh, I don't know. I paced anxiously, I didn't want to lose her yet, it wasn't time. Time to throw my all at it. My heart jumped into my throat as I heard the creak of the front door. I sulked around the corner, expecting to find my Lucy there, " I am so.... Claudia?"

She jumped, with a yelp.

" Oh my, Luc, you scared me." Her hand slapping to her mouth. Her eyebrows furrowed together" What are you doing sulking around from behind corners in the dark!" She scolded me. I felt like a naughty child.

" Lucy and I had a minor disagreement today, I was hoping to talk to her an apologise."

" Well can you do it without almost killing me?" Her tone was less severe, annoyance still laced her voice.

" What are you doing tonight anyway." I questioned, relaxing back into the couch.

" Benifit night at the church, I organised it." She boasted, a smile plastered on her face.

I liked that, she was already brimming with pride, Lucy had rubbed off on her. My prideful, greedy landlady.

" Ah, how much do they pay you for your time? You sure do a lot for that church." I pried.

" Uhh, they don't, it is a volunteer position." Her eyes squinted.

" Oh, it's just you do so much, I thought for sure you would have a paid position."

I watched the cogs ticking over. Her intense gaze met mine. " It is none of your business what I do Luc, but while we are on the subject. You need to pay more. So starting.... Now, thanks." Her face was smug. Stupid cow of a woman. Opening my wallet I flicked a $50 towards her. Turning on my heel, leaving the apartment. I would meet Lucy outside.

I threw the front door closed, stupid cow of a woman, so argumentative.

Lucy apeard, walking slowly, gazing into space. I walked towards her, grabbing her waist and spinning her around. I bought my hungry lips to meets hers. Her hands slipped behind my neck, pulling me harder into the kiss.

Claudia;

I brushed my long hair and tied it back, applying a tiny bit of make up. I was still fuming over my encounter with that imbecile. How dare he question my status within the church. He didn't even attend! Smacking my lips together, the finishing touch. I looked classy. Just the look I needed. Luc, has been putting things in my head lately, as much as I did not want to admit it, he was right. I wanted more. It wasn't enough, Josh was taking to long to finish Uni, I wasn't getting paid from the church and I spent the lodging money before it hit the account. I had to look good if I was going to be a doctors wife. I needed to be viewed as important now. I didn't have time to wait.

I walked up the steps of the churches hall my heels clacking against the cold concrete.

"Claudia, you made it!" a tall slender woman exclaimed. I was trying to make a name for myself and it was working. The older ladies adored me the ones my age wanted to be me. I played off this as much as possible.

" Good evening, ladies, how can I help?" I offered myself. It wouldn't be long until I was running this, for now I had to follow along with their ways.

" On the door young lady, we can't have someone who is dressed as beautifully as you getting dirty. Come, I will get you the cash box."

My heart skipped a beat, this would be perfect! I could show them I was trust worthy before asking for a paid position.

" Thank you Mrs. Jones." I cooed at the wrinkly old woman.

The endless stream of young people flooded the function hall, all of them paying their entry fee. I carefully placed the money into the small black box. These events were always so popular, people from other congregations attended, hoping to find their special someone.

I stared greedily at the wads of money, struggling to stay contained in the black box. The steam of people had slowed, I opened my purse and tucked a few notes inside. My heart races at the thrill of it, my palms were clammy, my breathing was uneasy. I scanned the hall, hoping no one noticed.

The coast appeared clear. I had done it, I had made them pay me for my hard work.

Josh;

I stood at the entrance of the hall, looking st my beautiful wife, she smiled and took people's payments. Charismatic, always. suddenly her demeanour changed, she shifted in her seat, opening her purse and putting money in it. My heart dropped to thr pit of my stomach! Did I not provide for her?

I worked hard for extra income, I agreed to her charging her friends rent. She had more than enough, why was she taking more!?

I internally debated with myself. Do I confront her now, do I wait, should I try harder for her?

I turned deflated, this surprise left me reeling.

I thought hard on my walk back to the clinic, I would have to work harder to keep Claudia, happy. There was no question.

" Hey Josh" Dr. Ford greeted cheerfully, " I thought you were finished for the night." He questioned with a raised eyebrow.

" Ah, yes I was, but I wanted to ask, can I also pick up the late shift?"

He sat up surprises at my question, rubbing his fingers through his beard.

" Son, won't you wear yourself out?" His eyebrow knotted together in concern.

" I have thought this through, It's not much longer and I will be finished school. I just need to make ends meet until then." I replied, feeling dejected. I would have no time now, If I were to provide the life Claudia wanted. My entire being would consist of work, school, study. I was up to the challenge, if it meant making Claudia happy, then I would do it!