A ONE NIGHT STAND

Chapter 5- The mask slip. Emma

I hailed a taxi and got in, greeting the driver with a friendly hello. He responded with a nod, and we set off on our journey. Everything was going smoothly until we hit a traffic jam. The road was packed, and I groaned in frustration.

'Damn it, this is terrible,' I thought to myself. "Mr. Freddy is going to yell at me for sure."

I turned to the driver and asked, "Is there no other route you could take, like a shortcut?"

The driver replied, "There is a shorter route, but the road is rough and you might not want to take it."

I thought for a moment, my brows furrowed in frustration. I looked at the traffic again and realized I had no chance of making it to work on time.

Finally, I said, "Please, take the shortcut."

The driver nodded and turned the wheel, taking us off the congested road. As we took the shortcut, the driver expertly navigated the rough road, dodging potholes and bumps. I held on tight, my knuckles white with tension. Despite the rough ride, I was relieved to be moving again.

After a few minutes, the road smoothed out, and we picked up speed. I checked my watch and was surprised to see we might actually make it to work on time.

Finally, I arrived at the bar after a chaotic taxi ride, feeling relieved to have made it safely. I paid the driver and thanked him. As I walked towards the bar, I saw Mr. Freddy waiting outside, his expression stern and unfriendly.

"Ah, Emma, you're finally here," he said, his voice dripping with disapproval. "You're late, again. And what's with the dramatic entrance? You're walking like you're in a beauty pageant, not rushing to get to work on time."

I quickened my pace, feeling a bit defensive. "Sorry, Mr. Freddy. There was a terrible traffic jam. I couldn't help it."

As I approached him, I thought to myself, 'What now?! He's already in a bad mood, and I'm late... this is not going to be good.'

Mr. Freddy raised an eyebrow. "A traffic jam, you say? That's the third time this month you've been late due to 'traffic jams'. You need to find a new excuse, Emma. Or better yet, just get here on time for once."

I looked at him pitifully, trying to appeal to his softer side. "I know, Mr. Freddy. I'm really sorry. It won't happen again, I promise."

Mr. Freddy sighed, his expression softening slightly. "Alright, Emma. I'll let it slide this time. But you're my best worker, and I expect more from you. Get inside and make me some money. And no more excuses!"

I smiled, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. "Yes, Mr. Freddy! Thank you, Mr. Freddy!" I said, stomping my feet like a soldier to show my enthusiasm.

Mr. Freddy chuckled, a small smile playing on his lips. "Alright, alright. Get to work, Emma."

I quickly changed into my bar clothes and got to work, determined to make up for lost time and prove myself to Mr. Freddy once again.

Alexa, my partner, joined me at the counter, offering a shy smile. Her dark hair fell in soft waves around her heart-shaped face, framing her bright brown eyes that sparkled with a hint of warmth.

Her skin had a delicate complexion, and her lips curved into a gentle smile. She had a subtle sprinkle of freckles across her nose, adding to her endearing and approachable demeanor.

Her fitted black tank top and high-waisted jeans were a bit loose, giving her a slightly awkward but charming appearance. She exuded a quiet friendliness, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled, making her easy to talk to and be around. Despite her timid nature, her kindness and warmth shone through, making her a beloved presence behind the counter.

As we served our customers, our smiles making them happy and content, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhaustion wash over me.

"Today seems so busy, Emma," Alexa said, Her expression tired.

"I need a break," I replied, dropping the empty bottles and making my way to a seat. My feet ached, and my back was sore from standing for hours.

Just then, Mr. Freddy approached us, a smile on his face. "I'm glad today's going well. You both need a rest. Go have your lunch break, and tell Melissa and Terrasa they're up next." His voice was warm and encouraging, a contrast to the stern expression he had earlier.

Alexa's eyes widened in alarm, her voice trembling. "Oh no, Melissa and Terrasa," she whispered, her eyes darting towards me.

"You don't need to be scared," I replied, trying to reassure her. "We both know they're our seniors, and they like to think they're in charge."

Alexa's voice was louder now, her fear giving way to frustration. "You forgot to add bullies," she said, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

I chuckled, remembering my own encounters with the two women. "Well, they do like to push people around. But I've learned to handle them." My voice was confident, but Alexa's expression remained skeptical.

"You've really suffered in their hands," she said, her voice filled with empathy.

"And I would suffer more," I replied, my tone matter-of-fact.

Alexa sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I wish I could be like you, Emma. Strong and enduring." Her eyes filled with admiration, and I felt a surge of pride.

I smiled, scrutinizing her face. "Be yourself, Alexa. That's the best way to be. And remember, life is full of challenges. But we can face them together." I added, trying to sound encouraging.

Alexa nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're right, Emma. Thanks for being my rock."

I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with my friend. "Anytime, Alexa. Now, let's go call those tyrants and watch the drama unfold." We both laughed, walking away together, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

We approached Melissa and Terrasa, who were laughing heartily, their eyes sparkling with amusement.

I interrupted their laughter, "Good morning." My voice was calm and polite, but Melissa's expression turned sour.

They turned their gaze to us, their eyes filled with irritation.

"What do you want, Emma?" Melissa sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "Your presence alone is suffocating. I was having a good day until you brought your low-class self into our presence." Her words were laced with venom, and Alexa's eyes widened in shock.

I replied calmly, "Sorry to disturb you, but we need to switch shifts. Alexa and I have to rest and take our lunch break." My tone was firm but respectful, but Melissa's expression only darkened.

Melissa and Terrasa burst out laughing, their voices mocking.

"Who told you you deserve a lunch break?" Terrasa said, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You're meant to work tirelessly until you break." Her words were cruel, and Alexa's face fell.

Alexa, fed up with the drama, spoke up, her voice firm but trembling. "You guys shouldn't be mean. It's simple. It's your shift, go for it." Her eyes flashed with defiance, but Melissa's expression only grew more menacing.

Melissa and Terrasa glared at Alexa, their eyes filled with contempt. Melissa stood up, her movements swift and menacing, and dragged Alexa by the arm.

"How dare you talk to us like that, you little brat?" she hissed, her voice low and deadly. "You're entirely insignificant." Her grip on Alexa's arm was tight, and Alexa's face contorted in pain.

Alexa winced, her eyes welling up with tears. "Let go of me, Melissa!" she pleaded, her voice shaking.

"Why should she?" Terrasa said, her voice cold and detached, her hand raised to slap Alexa. But I held her hand firmly, preventing her from striking Alexa.

Terrasa glared at me, her eyes flashing with anger, but I stood my ground, my expression cold.

"You wouldn't want to try that again," I warned, pushing her hand fiercely. She stumbled backward, almost falling, but managed to catch herself. She was about to lunge at me when Mr. Freddy intervened.

"What's going on here?" he asked, his voice stern. He walked towards us, his expression displeased. "Why are you holding Alexa's hand like that?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Melissa.

Melissa, caught off guard, stumbled over her words. "Oh, she fell and got a bruise, so I was just checking if she was okay," she lied, her voice shaking.

I sneered, calling out her deceit.

"The both of you, get to the counter now!!" Mr. Freddy scolded, his voice firm. "You're both so irresponsible and useless." He shook his head, watching as they quickly retreated, their tails between their legs.

Once they were gone, I turned to Alexa, concern etched on my face.

"Does it hurt?" I asked, gently taking her hand.

She smiled, reassuring me. "No, I'm fine. Thanks for helping me out." She smiled gratefully.

I smiled playfully, teasing her. "It's fine, aren't you famished?" I asked, my stomach growling in sync with hers.

Alexa laughed, nodding in agreement. "I am!"

We both chuckled, heading towards the cafeteria together, ready to satisfy our hunger and leave the drama behind.

We ordered our food, chatting and laughing away, enjoying each other's company until Alexa asked, "How's your mom? Is she still hospitalized?" Her voice was filled with concern, and her eyes sparkled with kindness.

My expression changed from playful to sad, and my heart ached as memories of my mom flooded my mind. I thought to myself, 'If only my dad was with us, I wouldn't have lost my mom. He would have taken care of her, and she would still be alive.'

Alexa noticed my expression and apologized, "I'm sorry for asking. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories."

I replied, "It's fine, she's dead anyway." My voice was flat, trying to hide the pain.

Alexa's eyes widened in shock, and she gasped, "What?! When?" Her voice was filled with sympathy, and her eyes sparkled with tears.

"A few weeks back," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the pain still fresh in my heart. I didn't want to burden Alexa with my sorrow, but her kind gesture touched my heart, and I smiled faintly.

Alexa's face filled with compassion, and she reached out, putting her hand on mine.

"I'm so sorry, Emma. How are you coping? You can come stay with me, there's room for two." Her offer was genuine, and her eyes sparkled with kindness.

I smiled, feeling grateful for her friendship. "Don't worry about me, I always find a way out," I said, trying to reassure her. I didn't want her to worry about me, but her concern warmed my heart.

Alexa nodded, and we continued eating, but the atmosphere had changed. The laughter and chatter were gone, replaced by a somber silence. Time passed, and everyone was busy in the bar, with Alexa and I avoiding Melissa and Terrasa until dawn, when our shift finally ended.

As we were about to leave, Melissa and Terrasa appeared, looking like they were trying too hard to impress with their fake designer clothes and accessories. They glared at us sternly, their eyes filled with malice.

"Losers like you two will never amount to anything," Terrasa sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "And Emma, I won't forget what you did to me today. You'll pay for what you did, I swear."

I smiled, unfazed by her threats. "I'm waiting," I replied, my voice calm and confident.

Terrasa snarled, her face twisted in anger. "Watch out, you might get in trouble very soon." She hissed, her eyes flashing with malice.

I took in her words, knowing that they would eventually plot something sinister against me. But I was fully prepared to face whatever came my way.

Melissa and Terrasa stormed off, leaving Alexa and me watching them exit the bar. I sighed and smiled, turning to Alexa. "Time to go home, Alexa."

Alexa nodded, her face still looking suspicious. "Did you get the hint, Emma?" she asked, her voice low and concerned.

"I did, and don't worry, I'm fully ready to embrace it," I replied, my voice filled with determination.

Alexa shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Oh Emma, you take the challenges of life so neutrally. I want you to take care of yourself."

"I will, don't worry," I replied, reassuring her.

Alexa hailed a taxi and left, waving at me before she got in. I waved back, watching as the taxi drove away.

My mind contemplated whether to call my dad or not, the phone shaking in my hand as I thought. Then, suddenly, it rang, making me jerk back out of my thoughts. Speak of the devil, and he appears.

I picked up the call and said, "Hello."

"You didn't want to call, right? It's fine. I'll come pick you up," my dad said, his voice calm and gentle.

I made a hum sound and told him the location I was. He responded with an okay and ended the call.

I sat on a bench, thinking about so much and how I was alone in this awful world. I appeared to be strong, but deep down, I was seriously in pain. I allowed the tears consume me, not even realizing my father had arrived and was sitting beside me until he touched me and embraced me in a hug.

I looked up and saw him, and I instantly wiped away my tears. I didn't want anyone to see me vulnerable.

He sighed, "Emma..."

I cut him off, sniffing. "Don't say anything, pretend you didn't see anything, and I seriously don't need your pity."

I stood up and walked towards the car, waiting for him. He looked at me, his expression pained.

We entered the car together, and I spoke out, "I don't want to go shopping anymore, I'm exhausted and drained. I just want to rest."

I rested my head on the seat, my dad turned to me, "I would do whatever you say, Emma. If you don't want to go shopping with me, that's okay. I'll send designs for you, different clothes and shoes. All your body wears."

I didn't respond. He called out calmly, "Emma... Emma," but I had already drifted off to sleep.

He noticed and gently pegged my forehead, a drop of tears falling from his face, which he quickly wiped away, focusing on the road. The journey was quiet, the only sound being the hum of the engine and my occasional sniffle. My dad sighed heavily, knowing he had to make up for the lost times.