Chapter four

CHAPTER FOUR

THE THREAT

After finishing our meal, Sarah generously took care of the bill, and we decided to walk home together. It was a pleasant surprise to find that her house was only a few blocks away from mine.

As we strolled side by side, I couldn't shake off the feeling of how much I enjoyed our time together. "I can't believe we weren't friends in high school," I said, smiling at her.

"You're so funny and charismatic. We would have had an amazing time!"

Sarah laughed, playfully punching my arm. Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I know, right? I'm glad we've connected now, though. You’re not so bad yourself!" We continued walking, chatting, and joking, the easy camaraderie making me feel lighthearted.

Then, without warning, an awkward silence fell between us, as if someone had flipped a switch. The infectious energy that had filled our conversation moments before faded, replaced by an uneasy stillness.

"Diana, there's something important I need to tell you," Sarah said, her voice suddenly serious. She grasped my hand, firmly yet gently, stopping me in my tracks.

"This is where we have to part ways," she stated solemnly, pointing to the other end of the street. Confusion washed over me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, keeping my tone casual despite the unease building in my chest. "You don’t live on this block anymore?"

"No, I do," she clarified, her gaze steady. "But I have to go to my other job. And I wanted to tell you about it, especially after you mentioned needing money." Her voice took on a slightly mysterious tone that made me apprehensive.

I swallowed hard, trying to appear unbothered as I asked, "What’s your other job, Sarah?"

With a deep breath, she revealed, "I'm a stripper, Diana. I can make what the diner pays me in a week in just one night, sometimes even more if I'm lucky."

Her words hit me like a cold wave, and my mind raced to process the shock. I felt a strange mix of shock, curiosity, and trepidation.

Working as a stripper was something I had never considered, primarily due to my upbringing—my mother had always instilled in me a sense of dignity and self-worth.

While I couldn't deny how much money she could make, the reality that this was Sarah's world left me unsettled.

Seeing the hint of shame flicker across her face made me reconsider. I didn’t want to be judgmental. After a heavy silence, I finally responded, "Look, Sarah, I’m not in a position to judge anyone. But I won’t be able to do that job; it’s a matter of principle for me."

She nodded, clearly understanding my stance. "That’s fine," she said quickly. "Just pretend I never mentioned it." Her face revealed a mixture of relief and disappointment.

"I have to go now, bye," she said, waving as she hurried off down the busy street, leaving me in a whirlwind of thoughts.

When I finally arrived home, I found Mum and David fast asleep in the dining chairs, likely waiting up for me. The sound of me microwaving leftover food from the diner stirred Mum from her slumber.

"Diana, you’re back! How was your day? And how did you manage to bring home so much food?" Her surprise was evident as she took in the spread of leftovers.

"They’re from the diner where I work. Sarah from school hooked me up," I explained. Mum's face lit up with warmth at the mention of Sarah. "That’s wonderful, dear," she said, her tone shifting to concern.

"Is the pay good?"

I hesitated, knowing that the truth would only worry her. The pay barely scraped by, and I was urgently seeking another job.

"Yeah, the pay’s alright," I replied, trying to sound casual. I didn’t want to raise any suspicions.

"David, David..." I gently stirred him awake, setting a plate of food in front of him. His groggy eyes fluttered open. "Hey, Diana... you’re back," he mumbled sleepily. "How was the job hunt?"

I forced a smile, "I found a wonderful job," I said, trying to project cheerfulness despite the tumultuous emotions still swirling around in my mind. "Here’s your dinner, dig in."

As I took my seat, I caught Mum’s gaze, her face glowing with pride. She looked at me with those loving eyes, mouthing, "I’m proud of you." The warmth in that moment made the day’s stresses fade away; all my efforts felt worthwhile.

I reminded myself that I had to find a way to secure a better future for my family—perseverance was my only choice.

After dinner, we decided to call it a night. David had taken to sleeping in Mum’s room for easier access in case he needed anything, leaving me with the rare luxury of sleeping alone in my room.

I drifted off almost immediately, the exhaustion of the day settling over me like a blanket.

The next morning, I took my time waking up, knowing I didn’t need to be at the diner until the afternoon. I spent the morning tidying up and cleaning the house, pondering the need for a morning job.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a terrified scream from outside.

Mum!

My heart raced as I rushed outside, finding David propelling his wheelchair as quickly as he could toward the growing commotion.

When we reached the front of the house, the sight before us was horrifying: at least five SUVs were parked outside, and a group of men in suits had surrounded my Mum, who was on the ground, struggling to get up.

Panic gripped me.

"Kids, get inside!" she yelled, her voice filled with desperation as she desperately tried to stand. Confusion and fear coursed through me. I wanted to help her, but her frantic tone urged me to flee.

Then, the middle SUV swung open, and four more men stepped out, moving with an unsettling confidence that made my skin crawl.

The leader, a man whose presence exuded menace, approached my Mum with a chilling smile. "Mrs. Peterson, long time no see," he taunted, a glint of malice in his eyes.

"Mum, what’s going on?" I whispered urgently, but she remained silent, frozen in fear.

The man leaned closer, his voice dripping with contempt. "Well, the boss sent us to you, and you know what he wants, right?"

My mother knelt on the ground, trembling. "Please, I need more time," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

At that moment, something shattered within me. The woman I had always viewed as a pillar of strength was now bowed, begging for mercy.

I was horrified to learn that we were in deeper trouble than I had ever imagined. Were these people the reason for our debt?

The man’s gaze shifted to David and me, eyes glinting like a predator's. "Are these your kids?" he asked, his voice tainted with cruelty.

"Please, leave my babies out of this!” my mother pleaded, her voice breaking. “I’ll get you your money as soon as I can."

Panic rose in me, and I knelt beside her, tears streaming down my face as I begged, "Please don’t hurt my mum! We’ll get you the money. I’ll find a way!"

"Shut up!" Mum hissed, but I couldn’t stop.

The man raised a gun, its scary metallic glint causing my heart to plummet. As he pressed it to my mother’s forehead, I thought of all the terrible things that could happen.

"Two weeks, I’ll be back for my boss’s money, or else I’ll kill your mum," he said coldly, lowering the weapon.

With a hand signal, his men fell back to their vehicles, one by one driving away, leaving me feeling hollow and terrified as the gravity of that moment engulfed me.