Chapter 2: Struggle for Survival
Lolly stood before the mirror in the small convenience fixing herself. Her eyes were all red and puffy from so much crying earlier. She took one glance at her flushed face and grimaced. She looks like an angry tomato about to burst. Really? Lolly, is there even a thing like an angry tomato?
Mentally berating herself, she bent over the washbasin and splashed cold water on her heated face to cool it off a bit. She remembered the hopelessness that washed over her when her boss told her she was fired.
"Lolly, I hate to say this, but I can't deal with your issues anymore. You're fired!"
Horrified, Lolly had grabbed his fat hands without a thought as she pleaded with him to reconsider.
"Mr Jenkins, please forgive me this once. I promise you it won't happen again," she cried.
"You're right on that. It won't happen again. Now, get your things and get out! I've got a business to run."
He tried to pry Lolly's hands off him, but she clung on tightly refusing to let go. Fat tears rolled down her cheeks. Crying? She hated it so much because she'd always believe crying never solves anything. She hated begging even less. But she was helpless as it is. For Skylar, she would do anything. She would cry rivers and grovel all she could if it will put food on their table, keep Skylar in school, and a roof over their heads.
She knelt, clutching Mr Jenkins's knees. "Please, I beg you to reconsider. I've been all good at my job and hardly made mistakes sir. I know that lately I've come in later than expected but I give you my word. It won't happen again. Just don't fire me please."
Try all he could, Mr Jenkins couldn't seem to get away from Lolly's firm grip. For a slender 5ft 4" young girl with fragile looks, her grip seemed quite strong. Feeling frustrated, he glanced down at her and saw the desperation in her eyes. What has he gotten himself into? He runs a business and not a charity. But he was not all that heartless to not consider giving her a second chance. His daughter who is of Lolly's age does nothing much but eat and spend his hard-earned resources, whereas this young girl breaks her back fending for herself and her little brother with no support from anyone. The least he could do is give her a second chance. He sighed tiredly.
"Alright! Get up and get back to work. But - it will be just this once," he sternly added. "Any other slip-up from you and that's it!
Lolly was startled by his sudden change of heart. Huh, She didn't get that.
Did he say get back to work?
"Yes. That's what I said," Mr Jenkins chuckled. Lolly facepalmed, embarrassed she had spoken her thoughts aloud. Getting up, she hugged her boss with gratitude muttering thank you over and over.
"Alright, that's enough! Go get busy, young lady." Flustered, he pushed Lolly off him, "And you might wanna fix your face up before going out. You don't want the customers thinking the cook fried your face along with the prawns."
Lolly laughed through her tears, and thank him once again before shutting his office door quietly behind her. She was grateful to have this second chance, and she'd be really foolish to mess it up again. Although it's not really her fault nor was it Skylar's, but his Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome acted up more than usual lately. To be accurate, he's had two severe episodes in the last couple of weeks. And that's rare. In the past years, it only happens like four to five times a year. But having two bad episodes in just two weeks, making it the sixth time, when there are still five months to the end of the year is beginning to worry her. Between struggling to survive and paying rent for their little apartment, there's barely any money left to take Skylar to the hospital for his checkup. They can't afford the bills currently. Besides, it's so difficult getting good jobs these days without good educational qualifications or having strong recommendations and backing from someone. Lolly has none of that. She's a high school dropout, although she's currently trying to remedy that by getting a diploma in office administration technology through online study. Still, she has a good six months left to complete her courses and graduate.
"Well, well, well." Stella stepped into the convenience cutting off Lolly's thoughts. "Didn't know the trash is still at the dumpster. Thought the garbage truck would've gotten you by now"
Lolly ignored her and turned to the paper towel dispenser by the side. Grabbing some, she dabbed her face and dried her wet hands. Quickly throwing the used paper towel into the trash can by the side, she walked out of the convenience. Stella scoffed at her exit and walked into one of the stalls to do her business.
The hours went by quickly and before she knows it her shift was over. Lolly quickly changed out of her uniform and rushed over to pick up Skylar from his friend's place.
Mrs Martins, Jamie's mother answered their door. She is a nice unassuming lady who runs cleaning services for two of the most prestigious families in Dayton, Ohio – the Harris's and the Graham's. Her family and living condition was above average since her income was pretty good. Besides, her husband runs an auto shop that repairs as well as offer car wash services. Skylar was lucky to have Jamie as a friend since Mrs Martins often helps her out by allowing her babysitter watch over the two boys whilst she concentrate on her job. She has never told Mrs. Martins about their living condition or ask her for help in any way since her self value doesn't permit that, but she has a feeling the woman knows but choose to be silent about it. Maybe it was to give her face or not, but she has never made Lolly feel any less than people in their status.
"The boys are in Jamie's room," She said simply, shutting the door.
"Okay." Lolly acknowledged nervously. She has a feeling Mrs Martins has something more to say.
"Umm, I'll go fetch Skylar and we'll be on our way," She offered, still feeling nervous.
"Lolly," Mrs Martins put out a hand to stop her before she could walk off. "May I speak with you for a bit?" she requested.
Lolly's nervousness increased. Something is wrong, she could sense it. "O-okay. Is everything alright?" she asked, following the woman to the kitchen.
"Oh. Everything is good, dear. But I don't think Skylar is." Lolly's breath hitched. What does she mean by that? What happened to Skylar? Her fears must have shown on her face because the woman quickly added, "Breath Lolly. I don't mean it that way. What I mean to say is that Skylar doesn't look too good. Is he okay?"
Lolly pursed her lips, not sure how to respond.
"Please, you can tell me anything, Lolly. Don't treat me like a stranger. I care about Skylar too, and my son adores his friend."
"Is okay Mrs Martins. It's just that Skylar has had two episodes recently. But I've got it under control. I still got his medicine from his last checkup.
"Alright, Lolly. If you say so. But don't hold back if you need help. Self-pride doesn't save anyone in dire circumstances."
Lolly felt warmth in her heart. "I'll keep that in mind, Mrs Martins. Thank you for what you do for me and Skylar. I'll never forget."
"Mommy! Skylar!"
Lolly was interrupted by a scream by Jamie from upstairs. She ran after Mrs Martins and arrived at Jamie's room to see Skylar coiled up in fetal position, shivering and pale.
"Sky," she called gently, touching his skin. She gasped. It was burning hot. He whimpered, opening his eyes a little.
"Sis, I don't feel too good."
"It's okay buddy! You'll be fine. I've got you," she said, hugging him. Tears fill Lolly's eyes. What would she do now? It's obvious that Skylar needs to go to the hospital but how would she pay his bills? Seeing her reaction, Mrs Martins hunch down to touch the boy.
"God! He's running a fever. We need to get him to the hospital now! I'll get the car ready" Mrs Martins rushed from the room.
God, when will their struggle for survival end? She gently scooped Skylar up and walked out of the room with Jamie trailing behind her.
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