Chapter 9

"Hello dear, how may I help you?" She asked with a polite smile. "Hi, I'm Kayla Green and I was wondering if I could get a job here?" I asked. The older lady gave me a sorry smile. "I'm sorry dear, but I have enough people here. I don't need anymore help." She replied apologetically. "Are you sure? I've been everywhere already and I really need a job." I said, desperately trying my luck for the last time. She looked at me for a long time before she smiled and said. "I'll tell you what. How about you come here on Saturdays? It's always busy on Saturdays and I could use the help. If I need any help in the week, I will call and let you know." "Really? Thank you so much..." I paused looking at her. "Oh, I'm so sorry dear. My name is Miranda Jones, but please call me Miranda." She indicated to the girl that I talked to when I just entered the store. "She over there is Samantha, she's my niece and the two girls here are Riley and Kerry." She indicated each person as she called their name. "This is all so great! Thank you so much! So, when do I start?" I asked eagerly. "How about you come in for a test run next week. I will tell you what you need to know and officially introduce you to the others that you will be working with, okay?" Miranda said. "That is okay with me. Thank you so much." I said again. Miranda smile at me. "You are much welcome, dear." "Okay bye, see you next week." I waved at her and left the small shop, happier than I entered. ****** I was awakened in the middle of the night by the shrill sound of my cell phone. Too tired to look at the caller ID, I snatched up the phone and answered it. "Hello." I answered tiredly. There was rustling on the other end of the line, but I didn't hear any response. "Hello." I repeated more loudly, becoming fully awake. I still didn't hear an answer, so I removed the phone from my ear and looked at the screen. I saw that it was Allan, so I sat up straighter and became alert. Why was he calling me? I put the phone back to my ear and listened. It was obvious that he was not at home, because there were noises in the background and loud music. He must still be at the club or bar or wherever he goes on a Saturday night. I looked at the time and saw that it was two in the morning. I didn't have time to waste with him not saying anything, so I got ready to hang up the phone. As I was about to hang up, I heard him start mumbling some incoherent words. I tried to listen to what he was saying, but I couldn't hear. It was obvious that he was drunk. "Bitch...just wait until I get my hands on you," I heard him say. He continue to say some other things which I did not catch. "You are nothing but a slut...worthless piece of shit..." He laughed with himself. Okay, this man was crazy. I really didn't want to hear anymore of what he had to say. "You are a sick man. Get off my phone!" I shouted, then hang up the phone and turned it off. What got into him that he decided to call and insult me? I guess he really had a lot to drink. I didn't want to think about Allan's phone call anymore, so I put my phone on my bedside table and went back to sleep. ****** Monday morning came and I was in my room getting ready for school. I put on my clothes and sat on my bed for a minute. I didn't hear any noise coming from downstairs, so I took up my bag and left my room. I tip toed down the stairs and walked quietly to the front door. "Kayla, may I have a word with you?" I heard a voice behind me. I halted in my tracks and spun around. Allan stood at the entryway to the kitchen. "Yes." I said slowly, confused as to why he was using that quiet tone of voice. "I need to speak to you in the kitchen. Come." He said the words firmly, leaving no room for argument. I sighed quietly under my breath and followed him to the kitchen. He went and sat on a stool at the kitchen's island. I stand in front of him at a far distance. I looked around the kitchen and saw that he had the kettle on the stove. "Come on, come closer. What's the matter? You don't have to be afraid of me." He said, beckoning me closer. I stood where I was. I don't have to be afraid of him? What was he talking about? He must be crazy. I have every reason to be afraid of him. He must think I'm stupid. "How is school?" He asked in that same tone of voice. To be honest, his soft tone was creeping me out. It was very unsettling. I rather hear him shout at me. "School is alright." I said. The kettle began to whistle and he got up from the stool. I backed up a little, fidgeting with my hands. "I need to get going now." I added, taking another step backward. "I'm still talking to you!" He said, his voice rising a little. He took up the kettle off the stove and advance towards me. His movements told me he was up to something bad, so I shrank back. "What are you doing?" I asked, my voice filling with fear as I eyed the kettle in his hands. He didn't answer me. He kept coming at me and I took two more steps back. I knew what he was about to do, so I resort to pleading. "Please, Allan. Please, don't do this. Please." I felt tears began to stream down my face as I knew he would not be sympathetic with me. He was a cold, heartless monster.