chapter.nine

                                    

                                          
I yawn as I make some coffee. "Who drinks coffee still?" I jump into the counter, hitting my leg.
"Tommy, I'm tired. Don't scare me like that!" He shrugs as he sets a doll in a chair at the table. "What the flying squirrel hell is that monstrosity of this world?"
"Hey! This guy is my best friend and his name is Uncle Nasty."
"One: ouch. I'm offended that a doll is more important than me. Two: Go put him back in your room. I love dolls but he gives me the creeps."
"Yeah. If he kills you, not my fault!"
"What?!"
"I'm just warning you!" I glare and turn away from him. "Fine, I'll take the doll back to my room." I hear his footsteps walk away and come back, then he says something, but I refuse to listen. "Don't ignore me, Little V." Tommy wraps his arms around me and I feel his chest pressed against my back and his chin on my head. I do my best to ignore him as he continues to hold me like this. "I love you, Valerie. Don't ignore me, please. Uncle Nasty is put away."
I turn and look up at him, "You love me?"
"Well, yeah. Don't friends usually love each other on some level?" I feel my heart shatter slightly and nod.
I push Tommy's chest slightly, breaking his hold around me, "I... have to get ready for work." Tommy notices my attitude change and a worried look replaces the joyous look he had a few moments ago. I shrug it off completely and get ready for my new job, avoiding any thoughts of him to avoid tears that would follow. 'Of course I'm stupid enough to fall for him.'
After changing, I walk out and see Uncle Nasty sitting on the couch, positioned towards the TV. "You fucking British Man! Get the doll back in your room, please!"
Tommy mumbles something that goes along the lines of "your not my mum." I roll my eyes as Tommy brings the doll back and comes back out with a bright smile.
After a few moments of not asking why he's smiling, he gives up waiting. "Valerie~" He sings out with delight. "Guess what~"
"What?" I growl a little too harshly.
"You can go to America with me now!"
"Uhm..." He gives some sort of begging look, like a puppy almost. "Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"That look."
"What look?"
"The one that's like a cute puppy begging for a treat. Don't do it. It's not going to work on me."
"If its not going to work, then why stop?"
After a few moments, I give in. "Fine, Tommy! Just- let me go to work and I'll go with you and your fucking friends to America." Despite me rolling my eyes and having an expression of annoyance, I am quite happy and excited to go back to America.
"Yes! Woman agrees to go!" I smile slightly and with that, I head off to the café.
~◇~
Today at work goes by quickly and good, until one person I never want to see again walks in. Mr. Gruene. I try to get someone else to help him, but my two co-workers are lazy bums who don't want to do anything when given the chance.
I suck it up and give as friendly of an expression and tone that I can muster. "Hello, sir. What can I get you today?" A few of my words let the hatred seep through the fake tone, but it's the best I can give the devil.
He says his order with a sly smile, like he's planning something. It scares me, but I hold my head up high, ignoring him. "So, Valerie. I see you've managed to find somewhere new to work. You like it here?"
I glare, losing all of my fake attitude. A chuckle escapes the devil boss's lips and I feel a deep hatred burn brighter for this man. "Fuck off."
"Aw, love. Don't be like that. You know you miss me and your old office."
My glare hardens, if even possible. I clench my fist and chew the inside of my cheek. 'Keep your cool, Valerie. Keep your cool, Valerie. Keep your co-'
"My offer still stands for you, despite it being a month since I fired you, little whore." I feel my co-workers behind me giggle slightly. I hand him his coffee forcefully, spilling a little of the hot drink on my hand. He takes the cup quickly and I pull my hand away from the burning feeling. "So, will you take it?"
'Ignore it, Valerie. Ignore it, Valerie. Ignore it, Valerie. Don't lose it on an imbecile that's worth nothing of your time.'
I take a deep breath and reply with a calm "no."
"You? Saying no still? You truly are an idiot," He scoffs. I dig my nails into my skins, focusing on the pain in my palm rather than the guy in front of me. "What are you trying to prove, Valerie? That you don't sleep around to get what you want? Well, news flash: Once a slut, always a slut."
I break and tears fill my eyes as I yell, "I'M NOT A SLUT!" I blink away the tears, realizing what I did.
Mr. Gruene smirks, "We'll see about that, Valerie. You have a good day. You probably won't have many of those left."
The devil walks out of the café and I stare in disbelief. I manage to fight the tears back, but that means nothing compared to the fear I feel.
"You're a whore?! You're barely pretty enough to be a influencer," One of my co-workers laughs. I didn't care enough to learn their names, since I could tell they were rude. Doesn't mean the words don't hurt, though.
"Aww, is Little V gonna cr-"
My eyes widen at the name and I feel immediate anger wash over me. "Don't you fucking call me Little V." Tommy is the only one allowed to call me that, with a few exceptions for his friends occasionally. I don't need this bitch calling me that.
"Wait until our boss hears about this!"
The other girl puts on a little act, making her voice sound like she's all small and kind, "Mrs. Ulrich? Valerie blew up at us for no reason! We just wanted to be friends and she yelled at us!"
I stay silent, looking away. I have no words and no way to win. It's two against one.
I'm fucked.
Like always.
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