Chapter 2
1290 Words
LORETTA
FIVE HOURS EARLIER
Moving to New Jersey was the most difficult decision I had to make.
I left my sick mother and three siblings in a shelter when the letter finally came in.
A letter that could change my life.
The scholarship I’d been waiting for finally arrived, and I knew I had to start building my future.
But I wasn’t too worried. I knew my mum was in safe hands, and I wasn’t going to New Jersey alone.
My ride or die. My die-hard fan. My support system. My cheerleader.
In general—my world.
My best friend, Max.
We grew up together in a shelter back in California and did everything together. But fortunately for Max, things got better for the family, and they moved out. They couldn’t accommodate us, so they had to leave without us.
So imagine my joy when Max also got a scholarship to study at the same high school.
I had just completed my junior year in a government school, and getting this opportunity to study in a private school would definitely open up new possibilities.
Max and I love journalism, so we hope to become successful—and maybe even popular—journalists in the near future.
We applied six times.
But we never got the type of scholarship we wanted.
It didn’t come with accommodation.
I had to beg my aunt to let me stay with her.
Ever since my dad died, she completely abandoned us. She wanted nothing to do with us and warned us to stay away.
She only agreed to let me stay under one condition—I do whatever she says.
I couldn’t stay with Max. Their small house wouldn’t accommodate me, and they had already reached the limit of occupants.
They lived in a cramped house with other tenants sharing the same space, and I didn’t want to be a burden.
Dropping my bags on the floor, I looked around the small room.
Well… this is better than California.
There was a small bed—so small I might fall off at night.
A single light source.
And a tiny wardrobe for my things.
My phone buzzed impatiently.
“Yo, what’s up?” Max asked.
“Fine, I guess,” I replied lazily, throwing myself onto the bed.
Big mistake.
The bed creaked.
Fuck. I almost forgot—I’m plus-size.
Well… not exactly.
I just have big thighs and huge breasts, with chubby cheeks that make me look fat. But I’m not. I promise.
Still, I’ve gotten used to people calling me fat, so it stuck.
“Don’t tell me she threw you in the basement,” Max said suddenly.
“Oh no. She put me in the attic,” I laughed.
“Oh, that b***h!” Max cursed.
“Language, Max.”
“Oh, f**k it!”
“So, how’s your new house?” I asked.
“Cramped. I told my mum to let me stay alone in New Jersey, but she won’t let me be! She’s forgetting I’m an adult!”
“No, you’re not.”
“Steven’s out looking for a job. I’m taking a soul-relaxing stroll around this annoying neighborhood. Do you know how stupid my so-called neighbors are? They even brought cookies! Can you imagine that!?”
Max is stubborn, straightforward, unapologetic, and probably the most realistic person I’ve ever met.
I wouldn’t say Max is talkative—but Max always has something to say.
And that always keeps me entertained, considering the fact that I’m quiet.
“A meet-up day? Who does that? Why would I want to meet anyone? They said it’s to get to know each other. Who the f**k told them I want to know anyone!?” Max continued.
Did I mention Max doesn’t like people?
“This will be a good experience for you, Max. I think Aunt Lucy made the right decision,” I said.
“You are supposed to be on my side! What kind of friend are you? Oh s**t—I have to go. Mum’s calling. I guess it’s time to put on my nice face and pretend to like everyone.”
“Okay, I’ll call you later,” I chuckled.
“To the world!” Max hung up.
I live forty-five minutes away from Max—and about an hour from school.
And I have to walk or use public transportation.
My life couldn’t get any worse.
I’m seventeen years old. A redhead, with freckles and hazelnut eyes.
Hi, I’m Loretta.
This is my world…
“LORETTA!!!”
My aunt’s voice cut through the house.
Running downstairs, I silently hoped nothing bad had happened.
“Yes, Aunt Rubi?”
But she was calmly applying red lipstick in the kitchen.
“I’m going out. Wash the dishes, clean the whole house, and cook something delicious,” she instructed.
Wash the dishes?
“Dishes?” I repeated.
“No, the ocean! Wipe that look off your face and get to work,” she snapped.
We didn’t even eat—what dishes am I supposed to be washing?
“Listen carefully, because I won’t say this twice.” She placed a small package on the counter. “This contains two different ointments. Here’s an address.” She scribbled it on a piece of paper. “I’m very busy, so I won’t be able to deliver it. Since you’re here, I don’t need to waste money anymore. Five o’clock sharp.”
“But I don’t know anywhere around here,” I said, confused.
I just got here!
“I guess you’re going to learn then!” She dropped a single bill on the table. “That’s all I have. Use public transport if you have to—but don’t be late. They’re my best clients, and if I lose them because of you, I’ll sell you off.”
She walked to the door.
“Don’t leave my door open either.”
And just like that, she was gone.
That didn’t sound like a threat at all.
I sighed and pulled out my phone.
1:03 PM
“I guess I better start scrubbing.”
I put on my headphones and hit play.
Sunflower by Miley Cyrus blasted into my ears.
That’s the only way I can work faster.
It took me two hours to clean the entire house and arrange my room.
I don’t know if my aunt had visitors before I arrived, but the sink was full of dirty dishes—which took me an extra thirty minutes to wash.
“🎶 I don’t wanna know… if you’re playing me, keep it on the low… 🎶”
I sang happily until a call interrupted my performance.
“Heyyyy, Max,” I said, catching my breath as I answered.
“What put you in a good mood?” Max asked sleepily.
“Music! Guess what? I’m cooking,” I said excitedly.
“Really!? Can I have some!?” Max perked up.
“I know you can’t live without me,” I laughed.
“Wait… why are you cooking?” Max asked suspiciously.
“My aunt left me with a couple of instructions. You know I have to do it.”
“A couple? Like turning you into a full-time maid? I will handle that witch someday,” Max snapped. “She’s taking advantage of the fact that you can cook and clean.”
“I really don’t care. I love cooking. So, what are you up to?” I quickly changed the subject.
“Sleeping. Did you get your kit?”
“Nope. Maybe tomorrow. Listen, I have to go. How about we meet up later? I’ll bring some food too.”
“Now that’s perfect. See you soon.”
“To the world!”
- Writer
