CHAPTER 3
CAROL'S POV
I just wanted to go home quickly so I could rest my head for a little while and think critically about my next steps and draft out a plan.
But what I met at home clearly wasn't what I wanted and expected.
I spotted Azalea from the gate and my instincts made me wait there and watch for what would unfold when I saw her with a man.
I knew she was up to no good, but I wanted to know what she was doing.
Damn my curiosity!
The man was in a slightly worn-out suit. And he also seemed really tired. They were talking and she was collecting a parcel from him.
A brown paper parcel and she opened it and brought out wads of cash.
I heard something he said that totally disorganized me.
"This is your foster daughter's feeding for the month. Do well to take care of her. The government asked me to give you extra since she's growing up now. Her needs will surely increase"
I was shocked upon hearing the news. So my Foster Mom actually took money from the government every month to cater for me??
Like she was literally paid every month for my feeding and clothing, even down to personal items and toiletries?
But she was using the money for herself, wasn't she?
And she was trying to make me pay and even threatening me if I don't pay up.
I got really upset so I entered and walked up to them when I could no longer hold it.
I saw the guilty but nonchalant look on Azalea's face but she didn't seem to know that I heard everything just yet.
"Really?? So this is what you've been doing to me!"
"And what exactly are you doing here by this time, you're supposed to be at work!"
"Don't you dare shout at me, you old wrench! After everything you've done you still feel no remorse!"
The man seemed really confused, with no idea whatsoever on what was going on.
"What's happening here, I'm quite confused"
Azalea wanted to speak but I chipped in at that moment.
"Well.."
"What's happening here is that this woman right here, never fed me for free. I had to work my ass out just to pay her for ever..yth…ing..
My voice was shaky. I began to cry. I felt really emotional, and hurt.
He looked really dumbfounded,he was surprised. He couldn't believe Azalea was that heartless and mean.
Azalea just stood at a corner, the least moved by the scenario.
"So, now what?"
She said.
Well, we're surely going to have to do something about this. Remember you signed a contract to always protect and love these kids we put in your care. Now you've breached the contract and who knows how long?"
He said disappointedly and left right after.
I looked at Azalea with so much hate and contempt. She's really the wicked witch of our generation.
She just went into the house and was trying to make her way into her room when I confronted her.
"Old hag! Stop right there"
"You silly girl! You're in no position to call me that!"
I was surprised she was still talking back, no remorse whatsoever.
"I can call you whatever I want! I don't owe you anything! How could you do that to me!!! I hate you so much and I'll make you pay. Even the little things you did to me. Now tell me how a reasonable human would pour water on another to wake them up. Yes! I never got over that! My bed is all wet now with no place to rest my head for a while. You'll pay!! You'll pay for everything!
She finally got into her room and slammed her door at my face.
I noticed a smirk too.
She didn't care, obviously she has no heart.
I was relieved a little, at least I didn't have to pay anyone anymore. I had my freedom.
The vibes from the house was nothing but torture. I couldn't even sleep since my bed was soaked really badly. The couch was okay but I didn't want to risk getting killed by Azalea, who knew what she was capable of.
So the home I saw comfort in a while ago became a dungeon for me.
I left the house and walked down the streets and started making inquiries from people on where I could get an apartment. Of course I did save some money for myself after making sure I paid Azalea thirty percent of my earnings every month since I started working.
I wish I never did that. Silly me!
And there's no way to get it back from her. Oh well I'll just let it slide.
I was on the street, looking at a house and how pretty it was when someone hugged me from behind and closed my eyes. The hands felt warm. I knew who it was when the person let out a laugh.
She finally released me and I turned to look at her.
"Jean!"
It was jean. My very good friend. We met two years ago at a get-together and we've been good friends since then. She's very chill and cool to be around with. I was so glad I saw her there, she lifted up my mood and I smiled again after a while. She embraced me right after. She had a very nice scent, like raspberries.
"How are you, girlfriend?
She said and smiled.
"What are you doing here? I saw you from across the street and decided to check up on you"
"That's very thoughtful Jean, I've missed you a lot. I guess I'm okay I suppose"
She noticed that my face was pale and proceeded to ask me what's wrong.
" Baby girl you don't look so good"
"It's my foster Mom"
"What's wrong?"
"She's making me go through so much pain. I'm currently looking for a house. I'm going to have to move out any moment now. She has done the worst"
"I'm sorry Carol, I promise you'll be fine. Come on, let me take you somewhere for lunch. So you'll feel a little better. You know I care about you"
I smiled at her and we walked a little more before we got to an Italian restaurant.
I definitely wasn't expecting what I met.