Chapter Two

Elaine.

How did things turn out like this? This question spun around my mind as my grip on my sister’s hand tightened. Audrey was a bright and free spirited girl who loved skateboarding. She’d always tell me how her days at school went and clung to me so much that I wondered if she had made any friends. My sister was my world. Everything I did, I always made sure that she’d benefit too.

Seeing her lay here with machines connected to her broke my heart. It’s been almost a month since she was admitted and because I struggled to complete the bills, she gradually got worse and things got more expensive. We didn’t have insurance and the flower shop was the only place I currently worked at.

I reached out and brushed some loose, brown strands off her face. The more I saw her like this, the more helpless I felt. Pathetic even. If I had just gone to university and focused on my studies, I might’ve had a better job and would have provided for her easily. Or maybe I should’ve been more creative than joining a crew of con artists.

“You’re thinking about unnecessary stuff again,” Audrey said as she flicked my forehead with her finger.

I flinched and rubbed the spot. “My thoughts are quite necessary, mind you.”

She sighed. “I’m okay. I’ve been feeling better lately and I know that you’re also working pretty hard.”

Despite Audrey’s positivity being sometimes naïve, it helped to keep me positive too. “I’m glad that you’re feeling better. The due date of your surgery is approaching and I-“

“It’s okay if you can’t afford it,” she said, cutting me off. “You’re already working so hard whilst paying the hospital bills and buying me presents. I’ve had a great life-“ her words were cut off by me flicking her forehead.

“Who’s having unnecessary thoughts again?” I asked with a chuckle. “You’re just nineteen, Audrey. You’ve got a long life ahead. Just focus on getting better and leave the finances to me.”

She smiled. “How’s the flower shop?”

 “It’s alright. I added a new collection of flowers yesterday and put up advertisements online.” I hesitated. “I’ve got a good job on Friday. A big company hired me to decorate the venue for their party and it’s going to pay a lot.”

“Really!?” she exclaimed with a bright smile. “That’s amazing but… You don’t seem that excited about it.”

I smiled. “I am. I just can’t believe that it’s real.”

“You should do your best, Elaine. Shock them with your skills.”

I laughed. “I sure will.”

She then began to tell me about the new doctor who was assigned to her and I tried to keep my mind from wandering off. I still felt a little guilty about what the “job” really was but just like last time, I reminded myself that it was for a good cause. One where my sister’s life was literally on the line.

~

Friday came and David picked me up with an old truck. We decided to start off early because it would take a thirty minutes drive to arrive at the venue. Putting the boxes of flowers in the trunk, I got into the passenger seat and looked at David, who was getting in too.

“Are we the only ones?”

“What? You’re nervous?” He asked as he started the car and began to drive off.

“No. I just expected you to come with other people.”

“It’s better if we’re less and I have some trust in you. You won’t mess up and I won’t too. Easy.”

The drive was quiet with only music from the radio filling the silence. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as awkward as I expected and we briefly went over the plan. When we arrived, David parked at the back and we got out of the truck. We each prepared our fake IDs, which he got from lord knows who, and each grabbed a box before making our way to the entrance.

The first thing I noticed about this place was how heavily it was guarded. A security guard stood at the door and had a look at our IDs before we could walk in. We were guided to the room where the party would be and began to decorate the place along with a few other people from other companies.

The building was huge with tall, light yellow walls. A beautiful chandelier hang from the ceiling and tables were neatly arranged in a U formation, leaving space at the center and front. I chose red roses and Easter lilies to contrast with the event’s golden theme yet blend well with it. As the sun began to set, it was time for the second stage of our plan.

Some guests began to show up when we were done with the arrangements and we went into the kitchen to meet two of David’s friends, who were supposed to be waiters. We swapped outfits and each got a tray of champagne before making our way into the crowd. As expected, there were some jewelry on display so the security was mainly focusing on that. David and I separated to gather as much valuables as we could and since we already got this far, I pushed my nerves away.

Since everyone was busy chatting, it was easy to snag a few items. Given my position, I innocently walked around and handed out drinks while trying to snatch wrist jewelry or small accessories on men’s jackets or women’s purses. I looked down at my left hand that had a silver bracelet I got from some lady and gave myself a pat on the back. Although I only managed to get a few things because I was being as careful as I could, I believed that they’d get me a good amount unless the jewels were fake.

“Are you enjoying the party?” Someone behind me asked and I almost jumped out of my skin.

I turned to face a tall, handsome man. He had short, black curls on his head, light blue eyes and a neatly trimmed beard. “Uh, y-yeah. I’m having a blast.”

“Can I have a talk with you? In private,” he said with a calm smile and I instantly had a bad feeling.

“Sorry, but I’m in the middle of work.” I turned so that I could walk away but he grabbed my arm.

“I insist,” he whispered after he pulled me close. I looked over my shoulder at him and what he said next made me freeze. “I’m sure that you have some items that don’t belong to you.”

Some people began to stare and I wasn't willing to cause a scene. I agreed and as we made our way upstairs, he beckoned two security guards to come along with him. My stomach twisted into knots but I tried to keep my cool. We entered a room that looked like one where business meetings were held and I was told to take a seat.

“You’re quite bold,” he said as he turned to look at me and I swallowed nervously.

“What do you mean?” I asked, feigning innocence.

His friendly persona dropped and the cold look in his eyes scared me a little. “Aren’t you too old to be stealing?”

I glared at him. “Did you just call me old? I’ll have you know that I’m under thirty.”

“That should be the least of your worries. Who are you and why are you here?”

“I’m here on work.”

“The flowers, the catering or the stealing?”

“Don’t falsely accuse others of such things. I’m catering and that’s it.”

“Is it really?” He walked closer to me. “We received complaints that people’s jewelry have gone missing. Also, a lady lost one of her bracelets after having a chat with you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I saw you steal her bracelet.” He sighed then motioned at one of the guards. “Search her.”

“Wait,” I began, but before I could protest, the guards walked towards me and made me stand up before they started searching. I wept internally at the loss as I watched all my plans crumble to pieces when they collected everything.

“That’s a lot of stuff,” he said as I sat down and the guards put the jewelry on the table. “I’m calling the cops.”

“Wait!” I exclaimed. “I can’t go to jail.”

He gave me an incredulous look. “And why shouldn’t you? You came here and, invitation or not, you stole from my guests.”

My eyes widened in shock. He was the host!? I looked down nervously. “I did it to help my sister. Money is tough to come by so, I need to pay for a few things-"

He laughed. “Do you expect me to believe that?”

“I’m telling you the truth! I’m everything my sister has and me going to jail will wreck her.”

“You should’ve thought about that before coming here.” I frowned as guilt washed over me. Hearing the words I avoided from his mouth hurt my pride and I had no response to that. Before I could think of something, the man’s phone began to ring and he stared at it after pulling it out of his pocket.

“Guards, watch over this lady. I’ll be back in a minute.” He looked at me. “I won’t pity you so, take responsibility for your actions.”