Entrapment

Chapter 7-Money

Isabella

It has been a very long day.

I had called in days off from work because of one reason, Jack was sick and had a high temperature of one hundred and one degrees.

He had never had such a high temperature before which had me calling his pediatrician at two in the morning.

That morning, I had taken the bus to his doctor of which he explained that the flue has been going around lately.

Thank goodness it was just that. I don't think I would know what to do if it was something else.

After taking medicine from the doctor and picking up his medication his fever had slightly reduced.

And since I was out I thought I would do a little food shopping so taking the bus again with Jack we head to Walmart. All we need are some can foods. Jack doesn't eat that much and he likes simple things like sausages and eggs.

Strolling down the isle with Jack in the cart I filled up the cart with food that I could carry easily home in my back pack.

"Toy." Jack pointed to a set of toys with a happy smile. It has been a while since I had bought him a toy.

Heading towards the toy I watch him pick up a box that seemed way to over price if you ask me.

"Mummy." He held the toy out for me.

"Do you like it Jack?" Nodding his head he showed what little teeth he had.

Taking the toy from his hand my eyes widen as I read the price $22.99. Why do they make toys so expensive when they will only be used a few times before kids move on to the next.

"Oh I'm sorry honey but why don't we buy something cheaper." Though Jack didn't know what I meant by, he still looked at me and nodded with tears brimming in his eyes.

"Okay," I smiled before putting the toy into the cart. The one thing I always hated was his tears.

After grabbing some milk I head to the cashier register awaiting my turn.

Once I had put all my things on the conveyor belt I watch the cashier ring me up.

"That would be $46.28." Handing him my card I waited. $46.28, so expensive I thought.

"I'm sorry miss but your card has been declined." What!

"What?"

"Do you have any other card you could used?"

Another card, I repeated in my head. "No, that's the only card I have." Checking my wallet I was completely out of cash, all I had was two dollars. Good thing I have a bus pass otherwise I wouldn't have a way home.

The cashier looked at me sadly. Goose bumps start to prickle my skin as the people in line looked at me with pity.

Fucking s**t, how the hell was my card declined today.

With a heavy heart I had put my things back in the cart, "Um...silly me I must have forgotten to go to the bank and deposit my checks." I chuckled trying to save face. How embarrassing to have to put your things back just because you are low on funds.

"Toy." Jack smiled.

"Honey, wait for Christmas okay, mummy promises to buy you then." He pouted but he never complained which broke my heart. I wish I could give him all the things he wants.

Leaving the store trying to avoid the people because never in my life have I been so embarrassed.

Taking the bus I head to the bank. Thank goodness it was still open and there was no line.

"Hi, I have an account and would like to check the balance." I smiled while placing Jack on the counter.

"Yes may I have your account number." The teller asked me.

"Sure." After giving her my account number I waited patiently.

"You have $5.31 in your account." At her answer my jaw dropped, literally to the ground. I just got paid four days ago how the hell did my funds gotten so low.

"Thank you."

"Is there anything else I could do for you."

"No, that's all."

By the time I had arrived home I was not only hungry but angry too and it was almost dinner time.

"Are you hungry Jack." I patted his back while I carried him. I don't care what anyone else say, he is mine, my flesh and blood though he probably looks more like his dad I would assume with his curly hair and acute nose.

Mrs. Louis had missed Jack but since his fever he hadn't been going to her. I wanted to make sure he was okay. However I couldn't rely on Mrs. Louis to keep on watching him. . After the death of her husband she insists to watch him for me. But because she isn't getting any younger and once in a while I could see her fatigue facial expression I just couldn't let her take on such a big responsibility. So finding a babysitter has been hard to come by. Sure I had one of my college peers offer but he is my age and I am sure he would rather be out with his own friends then babysit. But then again he is such a sweet heart and Jack adores him.

Mrs. Louis had even offered for me to use her phone number and allowed me to give her number out just in case for emergencies only seeing last month I had to cancel my cell phone. I couldn't afford the bills which was highly ridiculous and all I do is used it for emergency.

Entering my tiny apartment, my body grew slack but once my eyes glanced around the entire room I grew more relentless then ever.

Granted this is not the best neighbor hood or the best apartment but it puts a roof over our heads so when coming home with beer bottles and empty food cartons scattered every where you just want to burn the place down.

And there on the couch snoring without a care in the world is sleeping. He must have slept himself drunk again.

Setting Jack down, "Go play with your toys honey, while mummy cleans and makes us dinner." He smiled and scurried off.

Having a long and tiring day, you would think you could relax in your own home but no, my work seemed endless.

Picking up a trash bag I quickly threw everything inside and sweep and mopped. All I had asked was for a little help.

I not only go to school and work, take care of Jack but I come home to this mess.

Looking at the man sleeping on my couch, how I wanted to kick him and pour hot liquid down his throat. He just irks me in all the wrong places.

Instead I pulled out a blanket and covered him with it.

Looking in the fridge it was hardly full hell it was practically empty. All we had was a few cans of span, eggs, and a few bottle of beers.

Starting dinner I made something simple, fried rice and egg omelet. I really need to get more eggs seeing I had used the last three eggs.

"Jack, honey dinner is ready." Jack came running with his little feet. He may be one but for someone so young he is very bright. I am sure all mother's think like that for their kids.

Just on cue the man sat up yawning, "Dinner."

"Yes dad, come join us." Standing up, he was in the same shirt three days ago and his beard had crumbs in them. "Make sure you wash up and put on a fresh clothes before you come join us."

"Why, they're just going to get dirty again." He looked at me like I am the stupid one.

"Then no dinner for you. And when was the last time you bathe?"

With a last humph I watch himself dragging his feet into the bathroom.

Four years, it has been four years since she left us and my dad still wallowing in self pity.

My dad, he was a doctor, at one point, he had worked all the time.

I guess my mother couldn't handle his work hours that she had left her family with another man.

My father didn't do so well after the divorce. He not only lost his license but now he has been drinking none stop and with her being gone from our lives it just made things more complicated.

Turning my attention to Jack, he reminds me of her. From his smile to his eyes.

Watching my dad join us at the table, "So dear, how was your day?"

"No work today again, just took Jack to the doctor." I said.

"Jack, why, is he sick?" I rolled my eyes to know that he hasn't been paying any attention as of late not like he ever paid any attention to us. Dad Just looked at me like he had something else to say.

I could only shake my head, "Are you not going to eat dear." I continue to feed Jack while he helped himself to second servings.

"I actually ate before I came home." I lied, we had barely food besides I think it is about time that I go on a diet right.

"Dad," I stared at home, "I went to Walmart today."

I watch him gulp in his seat, he looked frightened for what I was about to ask, "Did you know my card was declined today and the bank said all I had was a few bucks in my account do you know anything about that?"

"Well, uh...you know dear last night I had a little drink and well you know..."

"A little." I pushed my chair back rising from my seat, "Dad I gave you that card not to used it on drinks. You know how embarrassed I was to put my things back and Jack wanted a simple toy that I couldn't even afford." I knew he had went to the bar last night but to actually spend it all on drinks is unbelievable.

"I'm sorry..."

"No. We have no food what the hell are we suppose to do now." Tears started to burn my eyes. This isn't the life I wanted for Jack.

When my father had asked me if he could have a bit of cash I had given my card but only for emergency and the fact that he used it all I was just now tired to deal with him, to deal with this. "Dad!" I yelled. "That card is for emergencies."

He only looked at me with guilt in his eyes.

The money that is suppose to pay for our expenses, food, the rent, and other things is all gone. I trusted him.

Maybe if I quit school and grovel at Mr. Saunders feet he could hire me. After all my boss Percy had said that my pay would triple. No f**k, I can't. I always wanted to finish school and get that degree. I was taking up business for my classes and hoped one day I could opened up my own small family restaurant. I always had admire those cooking shows I used to watch unfortunately you need a lot of money. Thankfully I am able to get a scholarship and financial aid for school otherwise I wouldn't be able to even go to college.

"Mummy." I turned my head to see Jack. And Jack, how the hell am I suppose to support and take care of Jack.

"I need more money?" My father quietly asked. More money, more money he says, what the hell am I trying to do. I do not bust my ass so he could drink himself to death.

"Why don't you stop drinking and get a job." I deadpan.

"But dear you know my..."

"Oh for pete's sake, that was four years ago. Mom left us four years ago. Get over it, if you don't we will all be out on the street and what about Jack."

"What about her?" He teared.

"Her? For all we know she is dead." I argued not liking this conversation. "Dad, I can't do everything on my own."

He glance at Jack and smiled, "You're absolute right."

"What? I am? Of course I am."

Standing up, he finished the last of his meal before taking his keys, "And where do you think you are going?"

"To get a job."

"Dad its ten in the evening."

"Oh you are right, I'll start tomorrow." Walking back to his couch he plop himself down before falling asleep.

Unbelievable. We weren't always living like this. We did have a nice home once but it was repossessed by the bank and he squandered his money on useless investments only to be scammed so in the end we ended up here.

"Up, Up." Jack in his tiny voice spoke.

"Oh honey, you are such a messy eater." I cooed lifting him up from his chair and washed him up.

After cleaning up the mess and giving Jack his medicines, I let him play with his toys in front of me while I pop open a book. It was almost one in the morning and I had to do some home work.

My eyes were getting droopy unfortunately, I had no time for sleep. I had a five hundred word essay due tomorrow so sleep will have to come later.

Making myself some coffee I began that long and tiring night writing a paper. I would hear the clock tick by as Jack has fallen asleep in the middle of the floor.

Though my days are hard and tiring, sometimes I just want to cry scream, shout and just give up. My heart had felt heavy and these migraines seems to only escalate.

Even if I shout or pull out my hair, no one would listen. I am just tired. Every night when no one is looking though I would cry until my tears start to burn.

But when I think about Jack, he is the source of my strength, he is what keeps me going. If it weren't for him I probably be selling my body out there by now.

Money! That is what I need, and lots of it. Opening up the classified that was now in my hand I began to scour through the wanted classified ads, I needed another job.