ASKING FOR GAMBLING MONEY

The next day, I dragged myself out of bed for school. I barely slept — again. The club closed around 1 a.m., and by the time I got home, showered, and tried to calm my racing heart, it was already close to 3 a.m. The constant late nights were wearing me down. 

I glanced at the mirror, and as expected, I saw the exhaustion in my eyes. My skin was pale and I looked like a ghost. I sighed and splashed cold water on my face, hoping it would wake me up. It didn’t help much.

School was a blur. I sat through class after class, barely listening. My mind kept wandering back to Fabian — to that night when he whispered in my ear. I still hadn’t seen him since then, but that didn’t make me feel safe. In fact, not seeing him scared me more. It made it feel like he was just waiting for the right moment. Watching. Waiting.

Every small sound made me flinch. A chair scraping the floor. A book falling off a desk. Someone slamming their locker shut. Even laughter felt too loud. I hated how paranoid I’d become. I hated how easily my old habits came back after my encounter with him.

When lunchtime came, I went to my usual corner and sat alone. I silently prayed that Damien wouldn’t show up. He hadn’t talked to me all morning, and I hoped he planned to keep it that way.

Of course I was unlucky, there was no way the universe would listen to me.

I saw him walking across the cafeteria like he owned the place — that usual cocky strut of his. 

His eyes were on me and that stupid smug look was glued to his face.

 I looked away immediately, pretending not to see him. Maybe if I ignored him, he’d pass.

That didn't happen. He came directly to my table and dropped his tray loudly, making me flinch habitually. He then sat across from me and leaned back like he belonged there.

Again, I could feel everyone's eyes on us. The whispers started and I wished I could just disappear.

  Damien didn't care. 

“I heard about your little situation,” he said casually, “You’re fired, huh?”

“Guess that leaves you with nothing,” he continued, a smirk creeping across his face. I wanted to slap that smirk out of his face “How are you going to take care of your hospital bills?”

   I didn't ask him about how he found out about me being fired from the restaurant.

I stiffened and waited for him to finish.

He leaned forward, lowering his voice. 

“You know, I’m still waiting for an answer. How about you tutor me? Pay off your hospital debt that way?”

I couldn’t stop myself from sighing. I didn't want to say yes, but I don't have any choice. I couldn’t pay off the bills working at the club, not with how little I was paid and my parents helping me to spend my money. 

     “Fine,” I muttered, barely meeting his head. “I'll tutor you” I didn't want to owe him anything.

His grin grew wider, like he’d just won a game. “Good. I’ll have a car pick you up tomorrow after school. Be ready.”

Later that evening, after school, I dragged myself home. I hadn't even changed out of my clothes when my phone rang, I ignored it. 

It rang again.

Fuck! I cursed.

I stared at the caller ID with the name mum for a few seconds before picking up the phone.

“Hello?” I said in a low voice, I didn't bother calling her mum, she had stopped me from calling her that years ago.

“I need money, “ her sharp voice cut through the speaker. There wasn't a hello or how are you. Just straight to the point. This was how our conversation has always been.

   I blinked “Money? For what? I sent you a huge amount last week”

   “I lost everything again. I was so close to winning it all back. You have a high paying job, it shouldn't be a problem. Besides, I'm your mother. It's your job to take care of me” 

I clenched my phone, willing the tears to stop.

I worked from money to night to make money, and the only thing she knew how to do was to waste it on gambling.

“I… I don’t have anything,” I replied quietly. “I’m barely surviving myself.”

She clicked her tongue loudly, like I was a disappointment. “Don’t give me that. You’re working in a plush restaurant, aren’t you? What else are you using the money for? Hiding it?”

“No! I’m not hiding anything, Mum. I—I’m trying to pay off a hospital bill. A million dollars.”

She laughed bitterly. “You? A million? What did you do, get into some fancy accident?”

Her voice stung more than I wanted to admit. I rubbed my forehead, feeling a headache building.

“I can’t help you right now,” I said, trying not to sound too weak. “I’m sorry.”

“Well, what good are you, then?” she snapped. “You’re always causing trouble. First, you embarrass the family, now you’re useless too? If you don't send the money, I'll come to your school”

    I sighed. Same old technique.

“I'll send it to you soon” I said to be on a safer side.

    “Good” she said and the line went dead.

I transferred an amount of money to her, hoping it would sustain her for a while.

  My phone buzzed, indicating I had a text. It was from Mia.

   MIA: Brother, fighting!!

I smiled, her texts always bring a smile to my face. It reminds me that I still have someone to call family.

I freshened up and left for the bar.

  It was still early and the bar wasn't open to customers yet.

  Leonard, the man who hired me smiled when he saw me “You're always here on time, we aren't even opened yet”

  I shrugged, I couldn't tell him that staying home alone makes me think harmful thoughts.

  “Boy, you look tired, try to take care of yourself. That way, when you entertain the guests next week, they won't be scared by you”

     “I haven't had the chance to ask you. What do you mean by entertaining the guests?”

  He didn't reply. He just gave me a knowing smile and left

.