Her Hard Works
I woke up and sat down on the bed, feeling dizzy. Every night, I get the same nightmare over and over again. The darkness seemed to engulf me in my dream. I wiped away the sweat that was running down my forehead. I seemed to have run into a long field. I feel exhausted yet I wasn’t even standing up.
I got out of bed and went to the kitchen to drink some water. I looked at the wall clock and I was right. It’s already four o’clock in the morning, I need to go to work. I’m a service crew at a fast-food restaurant. Part-time job for my expenses. The government gives me an allowance, regularly, but I just don’t want to depend on people. I need to work for myself.
I went to my bathroom and I started taking a bath. I also finished immediately so I put on my uniform. My apartment is spacious enough for me since I’ve been living alone here since eighth grade. There’s a single bed, a small kitchen, and a dining room, a bathroom, but I don’t have a living room. I don’t need one as I choose to stay in bed every time, I’m home.
I’m still thankful that I’m already a legal age and I can work while studying. I wore our uniform and black shoes. I covered the top of my head using a cap.
I left the apartment and walked down the dark street. I don’t pay my rent. The government does and my grades are my way to pay them back. I was taken to the orphanage before. A lot of foster parents tried to adopt me, but they did not last long. Well, I couldn’t blame them. “Start working, Althea,” said our manager when I got to work. The restaurant will be open an hour from now, so I had to move fast.
I picked up the mop and started mopping the floor. The manager said I’m not allowed on the counter and to be a waiter due to my physical appearance. I guess they’re afraid that our customers would run away once they see me. I don’t even want to remove my bangs that are covering my eyes, I don’t want anyone to see it and I might hurt someone again.
I was only fourteen years old back then when Father Kynlee, the priest in the orphanage adopted me. He took care of me and he helped me study in a good school. But one day, he asked me to take off the hair on my face. But I immediately shook my head. For reasons I do not know, I feel like I cannot remove it no matter what.
But he insisted. I parted my bangs and I looked at him, a strong wind came just like what happened to Mary, Father Kynlee was suddenly swayed by the wind. But I was just there, standing, and did not know what to do. Tears were dripping from my eyes. The house where we lived at the back of the church was destroyed. I’ve realized it happens every time someone tries to look me in the eye. That day, I ran. I ran out of fear and never showed up again in the orphanage.
I focused on working so hard today. I don’t want to lose my work. This is the only thing I can do for myself. I mopped the stains left on the floor from the first floor to the second. I sighed and wiped away my sweat after I finished my job.
“Great job, Althea. You are one of the best crew I have,” our manager said. I smiled and thanked him. Then, I fixed my things. I have to go to school now, I don’t want to be late. I have grades to maintain even though going to school means going to hell.
I walked down the street again. The school is just a walking distance from where I work so I don’t have much difficulty. I prefer walking to commuting since I need to save money. Morning streets are quite good scenery after all. Fewer people are walking along the sidewalks.
“Hi, Althea!” I looked around to see who called me, and it was Mary. She still has bruises and wounds on her body, but it looks like she intends to tease me again.
What does she want this time? Isn’t what I did yesterday enough for her to stop bothering me?
“Bitch,” I murmured, but I knew she heard me. Her expression changed and her face grew serious. She glared at me and obviously, she was furious about what I said.
“What did you say?” she asked while crossing her arms around her chest. I stared at her. What does she want to happen? Does she want to die this time? A few people were murmuring as they passed through us, some of them noticed that we were fighting.
I stood straight. “Get out of my way,” I just said and passed through her, but she suddenly yanked my arm which made me face her.
“I know you did that to me yesterday. You, mysterious crap! Once I found out that you are a demon, I will kill you myself!” she yelled, calling other people’s attention.
I pulled my hand away, but she forcefully pulled me to her and slapped me hard. “How dare you,” I whispered, trying to maintain my composure. I grabbed my cheek; I feel like it was already red.
“I fucking hate you–” I cut her off.
“Stop fucking off my life just because you can’t be on top of the class when I’m around. You can’t even surpass my grades, so you ended up hating me. You can’t always be on top, Mary.” Her eyes widen in disbelief as if what I had said made her angrier. She raised her hand and was about to slap me, but I grabbed her arm before she could hurt me again.
“Get off of me!” she shouted but I couldn’t seem to control myself again. My hand was producing heat that caused Mary’s arm to burn.
“No, please!” Mary got on her knees as her skin was burning. “You’re a demon!” she shouted that made me step back and let her arm go.
I looked at my hand. I am a demon. Suddenly, what happened then and what I did to Mary today, flashed through my memories. I was so angry with myself that I ran away while crying, incessantly. I ran as fast as I could. At the same time, tears streamed down my face.
Curse. I’m cursed just like they say. Why me? Why can’t I just be normal like everybody else?! I no longer knew where I was going. But I just kept running. I just want to stay away from people. What is happening to me?
Why do I have this kind of power every time I get angry? Who are my real parents, and did I get this from them? Those were the questions in my mind that up until now, I still can’t find an answer to. I need to know who I am. Who I truly am?
Alexandria Academy