Valerie stared at the long list that was handed to her with her jaw dropped. “Is this really for that little girl? These are the lists of things she does in a week?”
“You must be careful with her. She's allergic to seafood” Old Lady Vero snapped me out of my thoughts with her words.
“She's allergic to seafood? I'm allergic to that too, so we won't be having any issues” She gulped. Why does she feel attached to the little girl? They even had the same allergy, and the same favorite food.
“Good. You're expected to be here tomorrow, and don't be late” The old lady handed some documents to her.
“Thank you” Valerie mumbled as she grabbed her bag, and hurried out of the mansion. Just the little time she spent at the mansion, she felt rather fresh.
A cab dropped her in front of the apartment she shared with her friends, and she walked into the house.
“Hey! You're back” Susan raised her eyes from the cellphone she was operating. Probably, she could dictate whether Valerie got the job or not by looking at her facial expression.
Valerie sat heavily on the couch, taking off her shoes and earrings. “So, it looks like someone got a job, huh?” Susan winked at her, and Valerie smiled dryly.
“Well, I got the job… yeah! But I'm on a month probation period, so I don't know whether I should say I got the job or not” Valerie grabbed the shoes, heading to the room.
“But goodness me, Val. What's with the attire? I didn't get to see it properly when you left in the morning since you were rushing. Isn't it too old-fashioned?” Susan shrugged, and Valerie turned swiftly to her with her eyes narrowed.
“I've heard that already, Susan. The little girl who I'm going to take care of told me that already” Valerie snorted, and Susan burst into laughter.
“Gosh! I wonder the kind of friend you are, Susan. You're just making matters worst. Where's Andy?” Valerie shouted from the room, but Susan continued laughing without responding.
“That dickhead!” Valerie cursed under her breath. A few minutes later, she got out of the room with her dress already changed into a casual one.
“I'm so hungry. Is there any food prepared?” She asked, yawning hungrily.
“Nope. Andy called to say that he'd be treating us to dinner. Actually, he got a promotion at work today. Additionally, you also got a job, so it's celebration all the way” Susan giggled excitedly.
The door was flung open, and Andy walked in singing loud in excitement. “Congratulations, Andy” I chuckled, and hugged him tightly.
“I heard you got a job at the Davison's empire today. We have double good news” He snapped, and I nodded my head in agreement.
“Let's grab a few bottles of drinks and food. My treat, guys” He screamed, and we shrieked in excitement.
“You know what, guys? I've decided that once I get my first salary, I'd divide it into two, and give it to you both” Valerie bowed her head, and her friends turned to her with arched eyebrows.
“What for?” They chorused.
“Come on, guys, you both deserve more than that. For the past six years, you both have been more than family to me. You have me shelter, fed me, and even treat me to dinners. I don't know how to repay all the kindness, you guys have shown me” Valerie pouted her mouth, and they burst into laughter as they exchanged glances.
“What's funny? You both are just so annoying” Valerie cried out.
“It's funny because you sound silly. What the hell are you talking about? We are friends, and we should always look out for each other” Susan held Valerie's hands.
“We only did what we should do, as your friends. Will you stop being a crybaby, Val? Get ready, we're eating out” Andrew hurried into his room to change over into something simple.
They headed out of their apartment, and stormed into a bar. They already settled in a table when suddenly Valerie heard a familiar voice.
Turning swiftly, her eyes met with someone's. Valerie blinked her eyes rapidly to make sure she wasn't seeing things. It was really her, Patricia.
“Hey, sister” Patricia cat walked to her with a sarcastic smile. Valerie forced a smile at her.
“Patricia!” She called out, swallowing hard. She never expected to run into her. Patricia had told her that she was going to the university with Justin. What was she doing there?
“Oh! I thought I mistook you for someone, but I was wrong. Here you are, sister. You look so shabby, life must have been so tough on you. You've lost a lot of weight too” Patricia feigned concern. Of course, she was only mocking Valerie, and Valerie knew she was.
“Is… is that so? Susan and Andy, let's get the hell out of here” Valerie got up from the couch, and her friends followed suit. They could tell she wasn't comfortable anymore.
“You're leaving so soon? You know Mom, Dad, and I missed you so much” Patricia laughed mockingly. Valerie knew that was a big lie because her family never bothered to check on her. They must have wished her dead. Patricia, on the other hand, was so happy to see that Valerie didn't look so well. “Life must have been so tough for her?”.
“I'm doing well, Patricia. You can tell your parents that” Valerie turned to leave, but she heard another voice. This time the voice called her name tenderly. “Valerie!”
She halted, and slowly turned around. In front of her stood the man she loved so much, and could do anything for. It was Justin… she even noticed a love bite on his lip.
“Justin?” She raised her brows, as her stepsister rushed to Justin, and kissed his neck. “Baby, have you ordered?”
Tears circulated in Valerie's eyes, but she blinked it right in. “I can't shed a damn tear for him or Patricia”.
“Let's go, guys” She hurried out of the bar.