THE MAFIA’S CAPTIVE ANGEL

It has been a month since Steph and I went to the club and I was finally done with the semester’s exams. I still have one more week due to my assigned project and I’m done with school. I can finally graduate and then start my internship as a doctor.

We were already at the beginning of summer, making the weather so hot and working as a per-time worker as a waitress in one of the most popular restaurants, V°I°P, didn’t make it easy at all. I could feel the sweat gathering under my white shirt; my forehead needed constant wiping; and I was pretty sure my makeup was a mess at this point.

” Normani, table six and nine please”

” Coming right up, Mrs. Smith,” I said as I smiled at her, which she gracefully returned. She is the manager and a very good and kind one, which makes both the workers and the customers love her.

I walked into the kitchen to meet her as she gestured to four plates that were lined up on a stainless steel surface. I managed to balance all four plates on my hands, and I walked over to the kitchen doors and walked backward.

I set the plates down on the second table and wiped my clumsy palms on the front of my apron. I turned to see Selena, the restaurant receptionist, welcoming and directing a couple in. I smiled when I saw they were regulars. They were given a seat. I grabbed my notepad from my apron pocket and walked up to them with a smile on my face. I flipped the notepad to get their orders.

” Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Welcome to VIP. What can I get you today?” I asked, still with a smile on my face.

” Hi Mani, you look good today,” Mrs. Williams said, smiling back at me.

” I doubt that, but you, on the other hand, look breath-taking. Any special occasion?” I asked

. “It’s our twentieth wedding anniversary,” Mr. Williams answered, taking his wife’s hand in his and placing a soft kiss on the back of her hands as they both smiled at each other lovingly.

” That’s wonderful. Congratulations,” I said, admiring their love and wishing for a love like theirs.

” Thank you, I will like the steak and chips with your best red wine,” Mr. Williams ordered.

I jotted it down and turned to look at Mrs. Williams for her own order.

” I will have the same as John,” she said.

” Okay, coming right up.” I went back to the kitchen to place their orders and took a little bit of a break before sending one of the male waiters to deliver their wine.

As exhausting as the job might be, I loved working here. I have been working here for four years and it has helped me through my tuition and feeding.

” Done.”… Ashley, one of the kitchen staff, says.

I placed the plates on my hands and carefully walked out.

” Here you go,” I say, as I lay the plates down on both sides of the table.

” Thank you,” the couple replied simultaneously.

” Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. Have a wonderful night.”

I left the couple to their dinner and walked to the empty table with plates on it as I tidied it up. I usually tidy up the tables before I go home.

While doing my chores, I looked around the people in the restaurant. Some of them were couples, businessmen, and families. A family consisting of a father, mother, and daughter appeared in my sight at the far end of the restaurant, close to the windows. They were laughing happily, ignoring the hotness of the weather.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

It was a happy moment, but at the same time, painful for me. My mind drifted back to my family.

I miss them so much.

After I finished with my chores, I went to the locker room to get my things and change out of my uniform into my own comfortable clothes, which consist of a sweatshirt and jeans. I know it’s hot, but I feel more comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans. I took out my phone to check if there were any messages or missed calls and saw five missed calls and one message all from Steph. I unlocked my phone and checked the message. Due to the exams, we haven’t hung out properly.

Besties: Heyy Mani, I’m, planning on going to Club Violenta with a couple of friends. Are you interested.

Me: Not really. I’m tired and would like to get some sleep. Maybe next time

Besties: Okay, I will probably be gone before you get back.

Me: Okay, have fun, but not too much fun.

Besties: can’t make any promise?.

I locked my phone before placing it in my bag, not wanting to forget it.

I said goodbye to my co-workers and Mrs. Smith before walking out of the restaurant.

It was not unusual for me to go home at this hour and I wasn’t scared. I didn’t bring my car because it wasn’t far from my apartment and I liked the night walk. It was not that dark as I walked towards the direction of my apartment, praying not to encounter any perverts.

I was almost close to my apartment when I felt these feelings again. It felt like someone was watching me and it had been going on for a month. I told myself that I was just being paranoid but I just couldn’t help it. I looked behind me, but there was no one there. Someone was following me, but I just couldn’t see the person. He didn’t hurt me, he just watched without doing anything. But still, I always make sure to quicken my steps .

Safety first, right? Just because he isn’t doing anything doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous.

I continued walking again, faster than before, and still couldn’t shake out the feeling. I sighed when I saw my apartment across the street.

Before I could cross over, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around and found myself crashing into a brick.

No… no. Not a brick, but a man.

” Hello Bella, I think I have waited long enough,” he says, looking down on me. I don’t get a chance to reply before I feel the prick of a needle against my skin and just like that, I was out like a light.

His eyes were the last thing I saw.