Friend and Enemy

Friend and Enemy

Arabella

MARIA GOT A hold of me to go shopping again today. She has to get a few things for her daughter and asked if I wanted to go with her because she hates shopping alone. There's times Kash goes with her because he's very involved in his niece's life. However, he's busy today with training and other things. I wasn't really expecting her call and to ask me to go with her. I'm glad she did though. It's kind of nice to be able to talk to someone outside of the university considering I only talk to Brock when I'm there. He's my best friend and I won't make him feel as if he's not an important person in my life. However, it's time for me to start adding new friends to my circle and if Maria wants to be part of my life, then I'm happy to have her there. It's just going to be a matter of getting out of my comfort zone and letting her into my life. I just don't know if that's something I can do because I've spent so long keeping everything to myself and not letting anyone in. Even Mrs. Andrews doesn't know that much about my life and she's the closest person to me.

After getting Vinnie ready to go, I remember one important thing. I don't have a car seat to put him in. I'm not even sure what type of seat to get him. Maybe Maria knows what to get him. Sending her a message, I tell her my dilemma and hope she can help me out. She lets me know Kash already bought a car seat for Vinnie and had it installed in her car because she asked him if she should ask me to go with her today. I'm honestly stunned speechless because I didn't think Kash would do something like that. I'll have to thank him and make sure he knows I'll give him the money back for the car seat. Hopefully he doesn't make a big deal about this and will accept the money back. I don't want to owe anyone a damn thing because that's something people can hold over your head. I'm sure Kash has more than enough to hold over me and I don't want to add anything to it.

Double checking that I have the diaper bag stocked with everything he'll need for the small amount of time I'll be gone before work, I make my way through the house. My mother didn't even realize we were here before she left to go in search of her next man. I don't think we'll be staying here again after today. So, I also grab my bookbag and anything else I think we'll need. The last thing I check for is my bank card and the starter checks I got when I opened my account. I keep them together at all times so I don't forget one and leave it behind at the house. If my mother were to find anything like that, she'd forge my name and get as much money as she could to spend on drugs and everything else she wanted. It's the one thing I can count on when it comes to her.

So far, I've been able to keep the large sum of money I've gotten from my grandparents. I'm honestly surprised because she's like a fucking dog when it comes to sniffing shit like that out. Maybe it's because she has no clue that I have a bank account to begin with. I'm not sure how she thinks I pay the bills and shit, but for now, it's working to my advantage and that's all I care about.

Walking down the street with Vinnie in my arms, I keep an eye out for my mother. She's more than likely on the opposite side of the poor section of High Point because that's where all the drugs and men are. She keeps going there for days on end because that's where she can get what she wants while forgetting about Vinnie and me. It's not until she happens to show back up to the house that she remembers she has kids and then it's only enough to make sure I've cleaned the house, paid the bills, and stay out of the way so she can get high, drink, and fuck her man of the second.

When I make it to the corner, I see Maria sitting in her car with the windows down. Music is playing as she looks in the backseat. We agreed to bring the kids with us today so they could hang out with one another. This is the first time I've taken Vinnie out with me and it's kind of nerve wracking because he's not my child and the more people that see me with him mean the more ammunition Karmen and the other girls have to use against me. They've already put up a picture of him and told everyone at school that he's my son. Again, I'm not ashamed for anyone to believe Vinnie's my son. It's the fact that Karmen and her little clit gang believes it's okay for them to use him against me. That makes them the fucking lowest of the low in my book. Fuck them and the world they live in!

"Arabella, it's so good to see you!" Maria greets me, her voice full of happiness as I open the back passenger side door and get Vinnie into the car seat.

"You too. Thank you again for calling me to invite me to go shopping with you. I can't get a lot for reasons, but there's things Vinnie needs that I'll be able to get for him today. Hopefully I can hide them," I say, adding a little tidbit in there about my mother not knowing about the money that I hope Maria picks up on.

The longer I keep all the secrets building up inside me, the worse I feel. For the first time in my life, I want to lay this burden at someone else's feet. To not feel horrible on a daily basis and not let anyone know what's going on in my life. For some reason I feel as if Maria is someone better to talk to about than Brock. Brock has an anger issue sometimes and he isn't ready to hear what my life is truly like. I have a feeling he'd take out everyone who hurt me or even remotely tried to hurt me in any way. Including the guys because they've hurt me more than a few times over the years since they just completely disappeared from my life without a word and let everyone bully me because they couldn't be bothered to step up for someone they used to consider a friend.

As soon as I have Vinnie buckled in his new car seat, I get in the passenger side and buckle my seatbelt so we can head to the store of Maria's choosing. I'm not sure where we're going, but it's good to get out of the house and not be at work or school. Yes, I'll be at work later on. For now, it's one of the few times I've left the house simply because I wanted to and it wasn't for a specific reason. I mean, shopping is a reason, but there's nothing to say I'm going to buy specific things because I won't know what I want to buy besides diapers and wipes until I'm at the store and have things in front of me. I want my baby brother to have some cute clothes he wouldn't have any other way. So, I let the peace and freedom wash over me as Maria makes her way to the middle class section of town. There's an outlet mall of sorts and I smile when she pulls in there. I've never been here as it's only a few years old. She parks in the middle of the storefronts and we get out of the car to gather the kids and anything else we need to shop here today.

***

"Can I ask you a question?" Maria asks when we're in the third store of the day.

"Yeah. I might answer. It's just hard because I've never had anyone to let in my life before," I tell her honestly as we make our way through the store and look at the baby clothes pulling out things to inspect them better.

"Is everything okay at home? I mean, you don't want your family to know about your money, you always seem to have your brother, and I've seen how you hold your body. I'm worried about you, Arabella," Maria asks, giving me just a few examples of what she's seen in the short time I've known her.

"Can I answer you without fearing that you're gonna take my brother from me?" I question her as I turn to really look at her.

Words are empty and meaningless at the end of the day. The look on someone's face and in their eyes is where the truth lies. Maria looks at me straight on when she answers so I can see the truth of her words.

"I won't use anything you tell me against you, Arabella. If I feel it's a situation I can help you out with, then we'll sit down and talk about it. I won't go behind your back and ambush you for any reason. I'm not on the clock right this second when it comes to you," she informs me even though I know it's her job to report abuse and shit to the proper authorities no matter what's going on and who she's trying to help. "I'm a mandatory reporter, but I'm not gonna make you lose your brother when I can clearly see how well he's taken care of. He's fed, clothed, and there's no signs of abuse. I can't say the same for you, Arabella. You're over the age of eighteen though so I can't do much to help you at all. If you had come to me when you were a minor, I would've fought for you until I had nothing left to give. Including making sure your brother stayed with you no matter where you were put."

I release the breath I didn't know I was holding at her answer. With a nod of my head, I decide to unleash some of my burdens on Maria.

"I don't want my mom to know about the money because she'll take it all from me. She's an addict and alcoholic. There's been a rotation of men through our house for as long as I can remember. For the most part, they leave me alone. However, some of them have hurt me. There's been no sexual assault from them against me or Vinnie. I do what I can to ensure Vinnie is always taken care of. Since the last incident with my mother and one of her men, I've been staying with my neighbor. We went back to the house one night and I woke up to my mother being gone which means she's out looking for a new man.

"Last night, I'm not gonna lie. She was blitzed when I walked in the door. I just feel horrible that we've been staying with the neighbor lady so much. It's been a long time since I've had anyone to talk to. The guys were my friends until I turned ten. Since then, I've only been bullied and beaten on daily. They've done nothing to stop it even if they haven't been active participants. Everything I do is for Vinnie. Now that I have money, I've got some decisions to make. One of those is whether I truly follow through with the wedding to him. Especially after Marianna beat the hell out of me about a month ago. I no sooner heal from one incident and another one takes place," I tell Maria as we continue making our way through the store and add things to the cart she's pushing while I carry Vinnie on my hip.

"Arabella, I'm so sorry. It seems as if you know what you're doing and you're taking the steps to ensure your brother is safe. As I said, he's safe, clean, fed, and there are no signs of abuse. You're doing the best you can do, Arabella. I don't know anyone else who would have taken on the role you have without any hesitation. As long as you keep doing what you're doing, I'll make sure you get custody of Vinnie when the time is right. Steps have to be taken and I'll let you know when it's time for you to take that step. I've got your back, Arabella.

"Now, as for Kash, I want to beat his fucking ass for what he did to you with those stupid fucks he calls friends. I'm pissed at all of them. The situation isn't one I know anything about. Kash is open with me, but there are still things he holds close and doesn't talk about. Have you talked to him about expectations and all of that? I know he's busy as fuck preparing everything for the wedding. If that's not what you want to happen, then you need to make sure he knows that now. Don't let them take the choice away from you, Arabella. Though, I will say Kash is the best of the group and you don't know what he's willing to do for you," Maria says, her voice just above a whisper as we continue through the store and picking things up to add to what we're buying.

Maria is definitely buying more than I am for Harlow. Her daughter is gorgeous and I have a feeling she looks a lot like Kash's brother. There are hints of Kash and Maria mixed among her features. However, the hints of Kash are a lot stronger than those of Maria. So, I'm guessing she takes mainly after her dad who's not around to see her grow and become the beautiful, sweet angel she is currently.

After getting everything we need, Maria and I go through a fast food place to grab some food and a bottle of water so I can make Vinnie a bottle. I've got baby food in the diaper bag already. Instead of heading home, we make our way to one of the parks in this part of town. Maria and I set up a picnic and feed the kids before we eat our food. When we're done, we spend time playing with them in the park and make memories with Vinnie and Harlow. It's one of the best days I've had in a very long time. We only leave when it's time for me to drop Vinnie off with Mrs. Andrews so I can get to work. Maria's going to give me a ride there so I've been able to stay out with them longer than I thought I would.

***

Work is unusually busy. It must be because the football team has a home game today. It seems as if everyone has left the game and is now making their way here for something to eat. The other waitress isn't running off her feet as much as I am and it"s showing by the amount of her tables that I've taken over. No one wants her to wait on them as they watch her slowly meander from one group to the next. She's spending most of her time flirting and gossiping rather than doing any actual work.

Now, I've got a table full of cheerleaders. Including Karmen. The second they walked in the door, I knew they were gonna cause trouble tonight. Karmen's eyes narrowed on me and she made sure to head for a table in my section instead of the other waitress. Marianna isn't with her tonight, but Collette is. So, I've spent the least amount of time at their table and only show up to take their order and deliver their drinks. Now I have to go back to deliver the food they've ordered. Sal keeps his eye on me when I head for them because they've been loud and talking shit about me since they walked in the door. Yes, I've heard every single word they've had come out of their mouths.

I set down all the plates in front of each girl around the table. When I turn to leave, Karmen calls out, making me stop in my tracks.

"Bitch, I don't know where the fuck you think you're going!" Karmen's voice is loud as fuck and I know she's got the attention of everyone in here.

"Is there something wrong with your order?" I question her, watching as Sal comes out from the back to listen in on what's being said.

"Yeah. Sal, can you come over here please?" Karmen asks, making her tone seem innocent while being offended at the same time. "Sal, this waitress has been rude to us from the second we sat down at that table. She's barely taken our order, has mumbled under her breath about us, and now, there's hair in my food. I want her fired right this second!"

"That's not gonna fuckin' happen, Karmen. You don't dictate what goes on in my pizzeria. Arabella is the best waitress I have and if anyone's being rude in this situation, it's you and the rest of the girls here with you. You've done nothin' but talked about her, laughed, and tried to get her to mess up your orders by makin' them as complicated as you can. Still, Arabella has held her head high, written down your demands, and made sure you got what you wanted to eat and drink. She's taken over tables that aren't hers so I don't expect her to bend over and kiss your asses because it's what you're used to. There's no hair in your food. If there is, it's from one of these girls or yourself. I checked the plate and watched Arabella make her way over to you. Quit being a petty bitch and get the fuck outta my business. After payin' your bill and makin' sure you leave a good tip for Arabella because she's been puttin' up with your bullshit the entire time you've been sittin' here," Sal says, defending me as he stands in front of the table full of girls and raises an eyebrow in her direction.

"We're not paying for food that we can't eat because she's tainted it in some way. We have been innocently sitting here, talking amongst ourselves the entire time. You have no proof we've done anything wrong and I demand you make us new food and bring it out yourself so this piece of shit hasn't been anywhere near it," Karmen demands, her voice raising several octaves so all attention is on her and only her as she continues to make an ass of herself.

"You are not only goin' to pay for the food that's been made for you, but you will leave a tip as I just said. You are no longer welcome in my establishment for any reason. I don't cater to spoiled princesses and entitled bitches. I have the right to refuse service to anyone I choose and all of you are now on the permanently banned list. You've ruined it for your friends. All of my staff will know what the hell has happened and that none of you are welcome. And, yes, I do have proof because there are cameras all over the place and they include audio," Sal states, his voice rising even more because I know he's making a statement about this situation because he will always defend his employees when they're in the right and he feels I am in this situation. "If you don't leave now and pay, I'll be callin' the cops. I'm sure the last thing your parents want is for you to be brought up on charges from me. It's bad enough that you've been banned. That also includes them because none of you are good enough to be in the presence of Arabella. You can be the one to deliver that news."

Karmen remains in her seat for a minute while the rest of the girls pile out after all tossing in some money to the center of the table. As Karmen goes to get out of her seat, Sal stops her. He doesn't move until she stomps her foot and pulls some money out of her pocket before tossing it on the floor at her feet. A sneer covers her face when she looks at me. I know this is going to make everything with her so much worse. Especially when I look to the side to see Collette no longer pretending to be completely innocent. She's glaring at me as if I'm the one who made the decision to ban her from Slice of Heaven. This is all on her and Karmen. She can hate me all she wants because that's never going to change. We might be blood relatives, but she can go to hell if she believes I'm ever going to make her feel welcome after all the bullshit she's done to me and said to others while trying to make herself feel better than she does.

When they finally all leave, everyone in the front claps and thanks Sal for kicking them the hell out. I can't help but laugh because it's not the reaction I expected from anyone. Sal checks on me before returning to the back and making the food everyone has ordered. I continue on with my tables and taking care of them after cleaning up the mess the girls made at their table. The rest of my shift goes by almost in a haze as I try to think of how the girls will attack me when I see them again. It won't be long before Marianna finds out what happened and I don't want that girl anywhere near me because she's worse than Collette and Karmen put together. But, I can't change anything about what happened now and I'll survive any attack they launch against me because I have no choice in the matter.