Her Death, My Revenge

Chapter 5: Don't Be Late

Lily's POV

Two weeks ago…

“Must you go? It's your birthday too." Noah whined behind me as I picked up my jacket from the couch.

"I have to Noah, the pay is ten times over what I usually get paid at Starbucks.” I coerced as I turned to face him. “I really don't want to pass up on such a good offer."

“Really?”

“Really”

“But you promised we would celebrate your birthday together." Noah pouted as he crossed his arms, standing still at the door. He wasn't letting it slide this time it seems.

“Of course we will, have I ever broken a promise to you?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. Noah shook his head as he let out a quiet “no… But…”

I didn't let him finish. “You know what, when I get back it's gonna be a fun outing tomorrow. Just you and I okay?" I said to him in an excited tone with hopes of lifting his spirits up.

Noah furrowed his brows as he looked up at me. "But it's always just the two of us.” He asked, looking a little confused.

I smiled. Trying to hide the sudden sadness I felt. “Not always sweety, but this time we're going to a park, then an arcade. You'll get to play those games you wanted to, anything you want.” His eyes brightened. “A zoo or an aquarium which would you prefer?” I put a finger to my chin, tapping it as I asked him.

Noah grinned for all but two seconds before realizing it then he squeezed his face once more. “But I wanted to celebrate with you this time on your birthday, not a tomorrow date. Last year you went out working and returned late too.” He pouted as he shifted his gaze to the floor.

My heart twisted at that. Since I turned sixteen after my parents' death. I've been taking any work I could find. Any work I was allowed to do at that age, I jumped at the offer without a second thought. They had died in a car accident while coming back from a dinner date.

The news of their death had left me numb for days. Luckily I still had Noah. He was just a baby no more than a month old when I found him wrapped in a blanket and abandoned at a park. What was supposed to be a fun family outing for my parents and I, turned into a rescue mission.

I was just eight years old back then. After a series of multiple check ups, baby formula and vitamins, Noah pulled through. The doctor said he was a fighter. That not many babies would have survived the condition we found him in.

I had begged for my parents to adopt him instead, but due to some reasons best known to them. He had to be sent to an orphanage instead. Same orphanage I ended up in when they died. Life could be funny like that sometimes.

I had taken it as a favor from God during that time. Not that I didn't have any other relatives to live with but…

“An extra mouth to feed." Was what I heard my uncle say one time. Child services had tried their best but none wanted to take me in, so the only option I had was being sent to an orphanage. The best option if you asked me.

And Noah? He didn't let me stay sad, not even for a second. As little as he was, he seemed to really understand my grief and tried his best to make me happy no matter what. Luckily I was allowed to work so I could earn a living for myself as I was almost of age. Seeing as not even a penny was given to me after my parents death. Even their car was taken away by my uncle.

"For safe keeping until she turns eighteen,” was what he had told them. I watched with red rimmed eyes as my whole life was taken away from me within the snap of a finger.

Eighteen… I couldn't wait to be an adult, I thought to myself. Now that I'm of age, the first thing on my list would be to confront my uncle and get the car back. It would at least ease up on what I usually spent taking a cab.

"Lily…” Noah tugged on my jacket as he called my name, pulling me out of a trance I had unknowingly fallen into while thinking about the past.

I blinked twice, then crouched down, bringing myself to face level with him. " I'm here Noah.” I whispered softly while smoothing his hair back.

He stared at me for a minute, then nodded his head once, like he had just come to terms with a decision in his head. “Okay." He mumbled.

“What?" I asked with a smile on my lips.

“Okay, I allow you to go" Noah said then moved away from the door. I chuckled, the way he said it you would think he was an older brother giving his little sister permission to go on a date.

“Thank you sir.” I ruffled his hair back with a grin. Noah just grumbled, swatting my hand away then fixing his hair back.

“Come, I'll drop you off since I'll be coming back home really late today.” I told him as I went to fetch my house keys.

"Can't I just wait at home for you?” His eyes followed my movements.

"I know you're a big strong man capable of taking care of yourself, but I'll be more at peace knowing there's an adult watching you. Now, hurry up and get dressed I'm already late for work."

Noah sighed in defeat as he put on his shoes. I was able to rent a small room, just a few streets away from the orphanage. With permission of course. I told them I wanted to learn how to fend for myself after a year at the orphanage. So I could be able to take care of Noah when I'm allowed to adopt him myself. Luckily, he was allowed to visit and sometimes spend the weekend with me.

“Make sure not to skip any meals, okay, and play with the children when you're bored. Don't just isolate yourself in a dark corner, you're not Batman,” Noah remained silent as he walked towards the matron at the gate, refusing to even say goodbye to me. “I'll get you the Batman figure if you behave,” I yelled at his back. Noah paused for a second then continued walking.

I just chuckled. “Bye ma'am, I'll be back for him tomorrow.” I said to the matron.

"Alright dear.”

My phone beeped, indicating I had received a message.

“7pm, Hidden Crest villa. Don't be late!”