Chapter 18 Cold
I escaped this morning before I had to deal with my aunt. She'd been ranting outside my door all yesterday... But I locked it. I know what would happen if I showed my face around her this morning. It wouldn't matter that I'm going into work, she'd make sure to make me feel her pain... At least that is what she calls it. I just think she's being dramatic.
All she ever does on Sundays is make unreasonable demands. If she wanted to have her house clean, she could either do it herself or hire someone. Neither of those options involve me. She'd still be using my money, or maybe she'd get Jay to clean... Someday they are going to know exactly what it is like to work with their own hands and stop living off my family's money.
Plus, I needed the day of rest to recover. My ribs are still sore and my body has a beautiful display of blacks and blues all over my torso. Luckily no one will be able to see it. I was finally able to wrap a bandage around my ribs and put a bra back on. Not that it hurts any less to breathe, but the support is nice.
Charlie came in to check on me. She's been worried. It's good to know at least one of my sisters cares about my well-being. She made up some dumb excuse saying Liv was busy with homework. I wanted to laugh because Liv never does homework! But I let it slide. I didn't want to pressure my sister. Olivia doesn't deserve the loyalty Charlotte gives her, or me for that matter. But she is our sister and we love her anyway.
Today I did remember to use the cover up, and it mostly worked... except for the bruise around my ear. The puffiness in the face has gone down a lot. At least I won't look like the walking dead when I show up to work today.
I grab my big baggy sweater and slide some jeans on, hoping they will keep me warmer than the leggings. There is a storm coming in, and I'd rather not get soaked in it, but this is really the best I've got.
I hobbled my way through the windy streets, trying to keep warm by movement alone. The sun is slowly crawling its way up the sky, but with the clouds it won't warm up too much.
Hailey greeted me with a warm hug and pulled back to inspect me. "You look better... even though I know you are hiding the bruises, I can see the swelling has mostly gone," she nods in satisfaction.
"I took the day off yesterday. I just slept and had Charlie bring me a couple ice packs," I smirk. "Beth was livid I locked my door. She had been planning on me polishing her hardwood floors that I bled on," I chuckle at the irony.
"Well, good for you! That woman needs to learn to work with her own two hands! And if there was blood on the floor, she should be the one to clean it up, since it's her fault the blood is there in the first place!" she huffs in indignation.
This is why I love Hailey. She's actually human. I'm pretty sure Beth is a hybrid witch/robot. She has no real human emotions, and what she does feel is twisted somehow. I swear her soul was replaced by demons.
I have no idea how Mom put up with her when they were little. But from what I remember, Aunt Beth had always been like this, and yet Mom loved her anyway... Sort of like me and Liv. But I refuse to let her turn out like my aunt!
"Alright Josie, we've got a big order to fill. Apparently there is a wedding this Friday and they expect miracles," she chuckles and she shows me the order form. She was right. It was a pretty big order, but nothing we couldn't handle. We've done it before and I'm sure this won't be our last crazy huge order.
"Well, it's not horrible. I think we can get it finished in time," I smile, wondering who the lucky couple is. I might have to stay late for a night or two this week, but I'd rather do that then go home anyway.
I pull out a crystal vase and get started on the first of many white lily arrangements. This was going to be a long day, but at least it will keep my busy and focused. Maybe I'd forget I have an Aunt that is bound and determined to kill me.