OBSESSIONS

CHAPTER ONE Sienna's PoV "Three shots of tequila right for table four." I adjusted my glasses as I shouted to Bobby who was busy mixing the mojito pitcher recipe for table eight. I puked as I accidentally sniffed the smoke puffed out from one of the customers sitting on the swivel bar chair in blue. Averting my gaze to the table, I saw some chicken pepperoni on the plate. I salivated and gulped down. The sight alone made my stomach rumble. I haven't had anything apart from the boiled eggs I had in the morning. The music blasted through my ears for the umpteenth. The last thing on my mind right now was for Camille to tell I and Bobby to work overnight. There are too many customers. My feet hurt already. Pulling the strand of hair that got stuck in my glasses away, I sneezed. My eyes watered. I needed to rest but this wasn't the time right to rest. At all. "Right on it" Bobby shouted amidst the noise. I only nodded not knowing what else to say. Even if I talked, he wouldn't hear me. The noise was too much. The Female dancers swaying their hips back and forth, the men watching it, glasses clinking together. Some groups of people were in the VIP area celebrating their victory. Some are on the third floor watching the stripping show live. Of course, no man would like to miss the show. When it gets to stripping, young guys and older ones would find their way here to Club Felicidad one of the most popular clubs in the city. Not to mention the number of dollars they spend every day just to get wasted. I groaned as my stomach rumbled again. My feet might give out if I don't eat something. My boss, Camille had already told me to take a break so the other servers would handle it. I had refused and now I am regretting why I hadn't accepted earlier. I looked around and my eyes landed on Camille. She was talking to Agnes, one of her workers. Heading towards her direction, a drunk guy approached me. He smiled at me. "Hey, sexy" He licked his lips but I rolled my eyes. I hastened my footsteps when I got to where he was. He tried to lay a finger on me. "Get lost" I shoved him away and walked past him. Camille hadn't stopped talking to Agnes. I waited behind Agnes not wanting to interrupt their conversation. If there was something I learned from my Grandpa Vin, it was to interrupt two people when talking. He made it very clear that it was bad to interrupt especially the elders. Disrupting the flow of their conversation was the last thing on my mind. "Do you need anything Sienna?" That was from Camille. I raised my head and looked at her through my glasses. A smile plastered on her lips. I smiled back at her. I couldn't help but steal a glance at her beautiful dimples. "Hum...yes...I just want to ask if I could take a break now. I need to eat." I said softly hoping she won't get mad because she had already warned me before to eat and take a break. I gulped waiting for her answer but as usual, she smiled at me and she nodded positively. I thanked her and made my way to the changing room. "I have packed some food for you. Hurry, Havana is waiting for you." She said behind me. I only nodded again. I walked down the hallway with my two inches heels clicking hard against the floor. I stood in front of the door and twisted the knob but it was locked. Good thing I was given an extra key. I brought out the key and fit it into the hole. As I turned the key, the lock gave a click and the door opened. I entered and closed the door carefully. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw the packed food on the table.. Moving closer to the table, I pulled out a chair for myself and sat on it. I brought out my cell phone and set it down on the table beside me. I brought the plate out of the plastic cooler and opened it. The aroma of sauced spaghetti and chicken filled my nose. I salivated. I opened my eyes and tears welled up. If only I could eat something like this in my house if only I could afford this kind of meal three times a day. It would have been better but the situation right now was the opposite. I can't even afford to buy a portion of full breakfast food. Now I got to deal with this. On my own. I picked up the fork available and munched on the food as if my life depended on it. A message popped into my phone. Still chewing on the spaghetti, I took it and checked who it was. It was Harvana, my best friend. I opened the message. It was her asking where I was. I replied telling her I was in the dressing room. I knew she was coming. Harvana had been my best friend since when I was sixteen. She is Camille's niece which makes Camille her aunt. They are both living together. They both have had a huge impact on my life. Camille agreed to let me work with her when she knew my mom. When I got here first, she never allowed me to work for her. She insisted on me bringing my mom over for safety purposes. She told me that she doesn't want the cops coming for her the next day. I smiled at the thought of it. I brought my mom over and she agreed to let me work with her. It was then I met Harvana. That was two years ago. The door opened and I raised my head just to see Harvana. CHAPTER TWO The only difference between Harvana and I was the shape of our bodies and the way we dress. Sometimes we do think alike. Her short black hair cascaded down her shoulders. She usually dye it whenever she felt like it but if there was something I was sure of, it was that I would never dye my hair. No one could persuade me into doing it not even Havana. I prefer my natural blonde curls and my nerdy look. I love putting on baggy clothes because I feel comfortable in them instead of wiggling myself into tight clothes. Harvana could dress however she wants because Camille doesn't complain. But I am the opposite. I love covering up my body. Keeping my virginity was the best thing to do as I was not ready to nurture a child yet. My mom used to emphasize that. I watched Harvana coming closer in her crop top which left her stomach exposed and her ripped blue jeans with a pair of white sneakers. Makeup on her face. She was chewing gum. She smiled at me as she sat opposite me. I smiled back and put the last spoonful of spaghetti and chicken in my mouth. I chewed on and swallowed it. Bringing up the water to my lips, I opened it and gulped it down. I covered my mouth and turned my head to the other side as I belched. I don't have any intention of emitting the gas on her face. She would get mad at me or spank my butts. We never stayed mad at each other for long though because we would still find our way of apologizing to each other. I leaned my back on the chair and rubbed my stomach. I adjusted my glasses and looked at her. My eyes fell to the pamphlet she was holding in her left hand as she typed on her phone. She smiled and I knew she was chatting with her boyfriend. They have been dating each other for a year now even though they were still in high school. Another huge difference between us. She can date but I can't date. I don't want any commitments because the burden I have at home was enough for me. I have to work my ass off day and night to support my mom so she can pay our bills. I don't want any more trouble because I can't handle it. "Enough of the chatting, have it." Harvana's voice came at me. I raised my head to look at the pamphlet. She was stretching it towards me. I collected it from her. "What is it for?" I asked still not looking at the pamphlet. I wanted her to spill it before checking it. "C'mon, check it." She urged. I breathe heavily and lowered my head. My eyes scanned the content of the paper. I raised my head and dropped it on the table. "No, I can't." I immediately said looking at her. "please. This will benefit you." She said. I shook my head. Yes, it would only benefit me if my mom would allow me to go. She would just tell me to go to hell and that it would only happen in my dreams. Not now, not ever. Theresa Drew would never allow me to go to school. Even if she would allow me, not a school like Crescendos Royal High. The school for rich kids. "I don't want to," I answered. I wish to study too but we ran out of cash. This was the reason why I dropped out of my formal school. "You have to try this Sienna. I want you to graduate with me. It would be no fun if I graduate alone and my best friend is still stranded. What kind of friend would that make me?" She said. "My mom won't allow it. Even if she will, not a school like this. Even if I worked my butts off for a whole year it won't still be enough to buy the required textbooks and all that I need not mention the tuition." I explained to her. Crescendos Royal High school's tuition is enough to feed me, my mom, and Grandpa Vin for three years. If I have that amount of money, I would pay our bills and stock a lot of food at home. I will register at a public school and finish high school. I considered it a waste of cash. "But you should remember it's through scholarship right? You can do this. Talk to your mom about it." Harvana spoke as if she doesn't know the type of woman that raised me. Bringing up school alone would make her mad not to talk of the name of the school. Theresa won't hesitate to slap the upcoming surgeon out of me. It's no lie. I want to become a surgeon in the future but that would only happen if I study but she doesn't want to give me the chance. I shook my head. "No. You are saying this as if you don't know my mom. She would have my head." I told her. "Sienna," She called out and stood on her feet. She pulled a chair and sat close to me. She rested her hand on my shoulder. "Think about your dreams. You have always wanted to go to school to study hard to become a surgeon right? Think carefully about this. Inform her and let her know it's through scholarship. I know aunt Theresa would agree. Imagine yourself as a surgeon who will treat Grandpa Vin when next he has his Asthma attack." She said and tears rolled down my cheek. I removed my glasses and wiped them away. Maybe I could accept this offer for my grandpa. To save my grandpa. I can't afford to lose Grandpa Vincent. "Yes, think about what she had told you a while ago." Someone talked. I turned in the direction of the door. It was Camille. CHAPTER THREE I blinked my lashes as Camille walked in. I looked up at her and she smiled at me. She walked up to us and placed her hand on my shoulder. She took her hand away and she sat down beside me. She made me rest my head on her shoulder as she pat my shoulder. "Yes, she is right Sienna. You should think about it. Theresa would allow you and if she doesn't, you have to convince her. Make the reasons you want to study there known to her. Sweet talk to her even if you need to. You need to graduate. Think about your Grandpa and the better lives you would give him and your mother. You are lucky you are in your last year. This is your chance to graduate out of high school." She soothed and I swear the spirit of wanting to study hard surged through me. Maybe I could do this. I should think about the rich, comfortable life I could give them when I study hard, graduate, go to the university, and finally become a medical doctor. Not even an ordinary medical doctor, a surgeon to be precise. I breathe heavily and stared into space for a while. I gave myself some moments to register all that she had said. "You can do this Bestie. We would graduate together." Havana's voice came up. "Also think about the bright future ahead of you. You can do this." Camille said. Yes, I can do this. You can do this Sienna. Think about the bright future, Grandpa Vincent, my mom, and the beautiful mansion we are going to live in. I nodded and turned to Sienna. "Alright," I replied. "Yes?" Camille asked. "Yes," I answered politely. I would have to plan this accordingly. I don't want my mom to get mad at me because she will at the slightest mistake. I don't want her to end up calling me a mistake. Every time she had a chance to scold me or insult me, she would end up calling me a mistake. She had once told me that she wanted to abort me while I was still in her womb but she couldn't. It hurts me most of the time when she called me a bastard and that I don't have a father. That the day I was given birth to was the saddest day of her life. That she regretted having me as her daughter. That I bring nothing but bad luck and memories to her. That...oh my goodness. Tears spilled down my cheek again. I hurriedly wiped it before they could see it. Camille went back to work telling me to go home and start working on how I was going to tell her. I removed the uniform and hang it back to where it used to be. I brought out my baggy shirt and trouser. Putting it on, I wiped my glasses with the clean piece of cloth I had reserved for it. Without my glasses, I can't see a thing. I was used to wearing it. I packed my hair in a bun and held it with a band. I grabbed my bag and walked out of the dressing room. Not without hearing people moaning. I checked my phone for the time. It was eleven o'clock. I hastened my footsteps and walked out of the club after bidding Camille and Havana goodbye. I plugged in my earphone and listened to 'Under the influence' by Chris Brown. I walked down the silent street. It was not dark completely because of the streetlights available. My house was a forty-five minutes walk from the club. I walked as fast as I could to get home. I unplugged my earphone as I got to the doorstep. My heart raced in fear imagining what she would do to me. She wanted me back by 11:30 and this is 11:50 pm. I was used to this. I knew she would reprimand me when I get inside. What if she shouts at me? Shout at me? Oh, I was used to it. I was used to everything she does to me since when I was a kid. I brought my hand closer to twist the knob of the door but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I tried again and again but no, I was too scared to hear that word. 'Mistake' again. I turned and leaned on the wall in fright. I was so nervous that my stomach was churning. My feet wobbled as a result of my standing too much. I needed to rest. Maybe when I enter, I should ignore her and walk to my room. No. That would only bring more problems to the one on the ground. I slid my back down the wall and hugged my knees. My eyes began to hurt. . It was getting late. I checked my wristwatch. It was now twelve at the midnight. I had waited ten minutes at the doorstep. I can't believe this. I was even making matters worse by sitting here. I should go in and apologize for coming home late. I stood on my feet holding the metal beside me for support. I muttered some prayers silently as I prayed that sleep should take her but the door was opened. I knew immediately that my prayer wasn't answered. I looked up to see a tall, light-skinned woman wearing a black faded gown and a pair of worn-out slippers. Her short blonde hair and her hazel eyes with a blue hint. Her eyes showcased anger and fury. I moved back in fear. This was it. Her lips were curved in a strange smile. To say that I was scared of my mother was an understatement. How could someone be scared of the woman who gave birth to her? Well, this was my case. "For how long have you been out here? Are you scared of coming into your own house?" She suddenly asked, smiling. CHAPTER FOUR Fear. My mother, Theresa Drew had done a good job in planting it in me. My chest was heaving. Rising and falling almost simultaneously. I gulped down in fear. I knew the next word she would say would have a great effect on me. I bit my lower lip and ducked my head. I scratched my neck hoping she won't descend on me like I had committed a great offence. I clenched my gown tightly not letting go. "Where are you coming from?" She asked and turned her back. She went in leaving the door open for me to enter. I did and closed the door behind me. I gripped my phone and dropped it in my pocket. What does she mean where was I coming from? I was coming from the club. Club Felicidad. "From...the...club..club Felicidad." I stuttered. "And what time is it?" She asked rolling her eyes at me. I checked my wristwatch, it was 12:07 pm. My lips trembled in fear as I shifted back. My feet wobbled again and again. She raised her head to look at me and my eyes met with hers. Her feet tapped the floor slowly as if waiting for the right moment to attack me. I shifted back slowly. I knew she noticed my mischievous, little action. "And where are you going? I just asked you what time it was. Tell me!" She raised her voice at me at the end. Her tone was laced with anger. Her lips curled into a weird smile. Oh, this is not good. Tension gripped me as I opened my mouth to talk but I couldn't. At this moment, I was lost for words even in front of my mother. "Mother," was all I could say. It only came out as a whisper. Suddenly, she began to move forward. My eyes widened in shock. Wait. She was coming in my direction. She walked slowly. I hadn't realized that I was moving backward too. As she took a step, I took two steps backward. This is not happening. She is not hitting me. I bit my lip again this time almost drawing out blood. "Where are you coming from Sienna? " She changed the question. "Club Felicidad." I was quick to answer. Then she stopped just three steps away from me. "Who else did you meet at the club apart from Camille, Harvana, Bobby, Agnes? Who else did you meet?" She asked. That is my mom. She knows every single person who works with Camille. Who told her I met with someone? "A boy probably." She added. "No mom. I didn't meet with anybody." I clarified. In a swift motion, anger washed over her. Her jaw clenched. She pointed at me. "You wretched, good for nothing girl." She seethed looking like she would pounce on me at any time. She walked closer to me and gripped a handful of my hair and used it to drag me to the center of the small living room. "Mom," I called out. It really hurts. "Mom, it hurts. Stop. You are hurting me. Mother." I screamed at top of my voice. She released my hair and pointed at me again. I rubbed my scalp. "So tell me who you did it with?" She asked looking so angry at me. "Tell me who it was you have s*x with. Tell me who took it away from you." She yelled at me. Tears poured down my eyes. I wiped it away as it dropped on my cheek. It dropped and I wiped it away again. So she still didn't trust me? She thought I would lose my virginity just like that. It hurts so much to see the person who gave birth to you can't trust you. "I swear no one did. Believe me, mom. I swear to you." I cried out. "You better be telling me the truth or else. And you better don't get pregnant. I will kick you out if that happens. Shut your legs in every way you can. Don't open them!" she warned, her tone sinister. She left without saying anything only to be back with a plate and a bottle of water. She placed it on the table and sat down on the chair. I wasn't moving yet. She looked up at me and a frown curled up on her face. She slammed her palm on the table with all of her strength, "I don't understand why you are still standing over there looking like a lost puppy. Go to your room and get changed. Come back here and eat." She said and brought out her purse. She emptied the content on the table. I wasn't able to check what it was because I headed toward my room. I don't want her to yell at me again. I can't stand her yelling again at me. I want her to be calm so I would be able to bring up the scholarship stuff. I needed her to give me her permission. To be honest, I still don't understand why she doesn't want me to go to school. The last time I asked her about this, she told me even if we have the money she would not allow me to go. I closed the door after entering my room. Just a reading chair and table, a bed, a mirror, a wardrobe and some other parts where I kept my shoes and bags. My room can just be defined as simple. I don't have any cash to decorate it like those rich kids but I am contented with this. I set my bag and cellphone down on the table and I hurriedly grabbed my towel. I entered the washroom to take a shower before my mom came yelling out at me. When I got to the bathroom, I stripped off my clothes and discarded them in the laundry. I grabbed a bowl and a bucket and filled it with water and I did my business. CHAPTER FIVE I exited the bathroom after wrapping a towel around my body with it dripping wet. I closed the door and walked to where I dropped my pajama on the bed. After making the towel useful on my body, I put on my pajamas and put on my glasses. But something seems off. I walked closer to the mirror and lowered my eyes a little bit. My n*****s were poking out of the cloth. Even if I don't want to wear a bra for a day, it would be impossible for me to do so because people could notice. I have always had problems with it and this was one of the reasons why I hated tight clothes which would show my entire body but wearing baggy clothes makes me comfortable. Harvana loves tight clothes on me and she would always tease me with it telling me to get a boyfriend who could handle me in bed. Ugh...that girl. I hit my palm on my forehead slightly. No matter what, She is still my best friend. Enough of Harvana and me. I need to get downstairs before my food gets cold. I lowered my head again to check. It had turned normal. My mom might get the wrong idea maybe I kept a guy in my room who was groping my boobs. I smiled halfheartedly. I proceeded downstairs just to see my mom calculating something. She was engrossed that she didn't even notice that I was standing at the last step of the stairs. Just then I remembered something, the pamphlet. I needed to get it. I rushed back upstairs and rummaged through my bag. There it was. I picked it up and left. I found myself standing in front of my mom. She perched her eyeglasses down at the edge of her nose and stared intently at me. Without her speaking a word, I already knew what she meant. 'Sit and eat before it gets gold.' That was in her voice. My mom might reprimand or scold me but one thing she despised was for me to reject her food. The last time I gave it a try, she made me face hell. She starved me for three nights telling me I brought it upon myself. She told me the fourth night that she doesn't want me to get sick and that I won't be able to bring home money. We needed money to run our pathetic lives. I pulled out a chair for myself and carried the food closer. I opened it just to find a chive-Lime lobster roll. I found myself getting hungry and stuffing it in my mouth and eating it. I got scared when I looked up and saw my mom staring at me. When it got to one point, I choked on my food. I coughed and my mom frowned at me. She stood up on my feet and she left. Some seconds, she came back with a cup. She poured water into the cup and gave it to me. "Why are you rushing it? No one is chasing you." She grimaced. as I gulped down the water. I waited some seconds before resuming the food. As I was about to take another spoon, she slapped my hand away that it hurts. She yanked the food away from me. I looked up at her. She knew I wasn't done eating. "You can finish the rest tomorrow," She said and took the food away. I only nodded. I don't want to refuse as it would lead to another bickering. I breathe heavily as I touched my pocket. I needed to tell her now. Looks like she was calm. I watched her as she sat on the only couch reserved for Grandpa Vin. I knew grandpa was asleep. I stood on my feet and took my steps slowly till I got to her. "Mother," I called out. She looked at me. "What do you need? You need to go to bed." I breathe heavily. She might get mad but I just needed to tell her. I needed to get this over with. "Not yet mother," I went to her. Not knowing the force that was attached to my leg, I embraced her. For a while, she didn't push me away or hug me back. Her body stiffened. For a second, I felt the warmth that radiated from her body. I wish it would be just like this every single day when she won't yell or shout at me. The comfort of a mother, her sweet scent. I rested my head on her chest. . She didn't touch me. I just wanted her to hug me back but she never did that. She kept her hands on both sides. At a moment, I thought she was sniffing my hair. Because she usually tells me how bad I stink which wasn't true. She used to say that to annoy me to see if I would talk back at her. I could hear her heartbeat hammering in her chest. I knew she was affected by this action but she won't just admit it. "Cut to the chase. Sienna. What exactly do you need?" Her voice came up and I knew this was the right time for me to pull away from her which I did. She might get mad and push me away. I don't want her to do that. That was the last thing I wanted to happen. It would never happen as long as I knew my limits. I searched my pocket and stood up. . My heart hammered like I was running a race. I brought out the pamphlet and gave it to her. She collected the pamphlet and I shifted back. Now was the time. She ran her eyes through the content and she stopped at a particular part on the paper. My heartbeat stopped for a while. I wasn't sure it did. "You want to go to school?" She asked with a smile.