Chapter 2

-DL-

I was sixteen when I started taking care of my family single handedly. I made sure to work extra hard so I was able to graduate early, because going to school and running the small boutique my mom couldn't handle anymore, wasn't enough to pay my bills, considering I had to pay for mom's medications, and train both my younger siblings in school.

I had taken up a part time job when I was 18 so that my mom and my siblings could at least eat a three square meal per day.

"I'm done for the night ". I said as i hung my apron on the hanger. I couldn't go out in my waitress outfit because It was far too small and the skirt kept riding up and i would constantly have to pull it down.

I remember complaining about it too Louis, my boss about it and he told me my a*s was too big and I should try loosing a few pounds, as if I wasn't already skinny enough.

And besides, it was already after 12am and I didn't want to get into unnecessary trouble with the perverts that we're always hanging around, looking for their next prey, not like I didn't have Andrei to protect me, I just wasn't in the mood for a situation were he would first beat up the son of a b*tch and then make them disappear from the surface.

Just then my phone rang and I instantly picked it up.

"Hey Vika, you done with work??". Speaking of the devil.

"Yes 'Dad' I'm done, I'm already heading home" I said as with a light chuckle. "Is there anything you want me to drop pick up for you this time??" I asked knowing fully well that for him to call me by this either meant he was worried or he had an urgent package for me to deliver to him. And in this case it was the latter.

"Yeah... I'm sorry for bothering you Vika, but I really need this favor". I said almost pleadingly

"Okay fine....what is it ??". I asked as I knew I couldn't turn him down even if I tried.

"Could you help stop by at Alfredo's to receive a package for me, it's due already".

"Alright see you soon". I breathed out

"Thanks Vika you're a life saver" he muttered before hanging up.

I sighed softly as I turned around and started for Alfredo's house.

Alfredo was an infamous gangster who lived in our neighborhood. He was an a arms and drugs dealer. In the eyes of the law he was a notorious criminal but in the eyes of our neighborhood he was a Godsent. The people loved him for his generosity and that was all that mattered.

I know at this point you're already getting confused, I mean, how can an average girl like me be involved with drugs and arm dealings, well!!, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do to survive.

Not to mention, I wasn't even neck deep into it. I just ran a few errands here and there and made a couple of bucks in the process, it's not like any harm was being done.

I took a right turn and Alfredo's house came to view, I walked up to the gate of the house and pressed the bell. Seconds later a thick Romania voice was heard from the speaker.

"Who is it ??". The voice blared through the speaker.

"Hey there Gunther, It's Davika, uuhmm, I'm here to see Alfredo, Andrei asked me to pick up a package for him". I said

Immediately the gate yawned open slightly and I walked through it. I turned my head to the side to see, Gunther, Alfredo's bodyguard, sitting on a chair close to the gate. Gunther had the body of a pure Romanian man that suited his thick voice which gave an intimidating aura. But it didn't scare me because I've known him for a while now and he had a soft spot for me, infact they all do, especially Alfredo.

"Hey Vika, Alfredo is just right inside." he said with a huge smile on his face as he stared at me.

"Okay, thanks" I replied with the same smile on my face as I walk up the stairs that led to the main mansion.

I stood in front of the large door before knocking on it twice.

I wasn't long until the door creaked open revealing Alfredo's face. He stood there with the upper half of his body completely bare exposing the multiple tattoos scattered around his chest. He was the Exact definition of a Gangster!!.

"What are you doing standing there baby girl, come on in".He said with a warm smile on his face.

I did as I was told and stepped in.

"Hi Alfredo" I greeted

"Let me guess, Andrei sent you to get the package instead of coming to get it himself." He chuckled while leading me to the living room. something about the interior of the house made me comfortable everytime I came over.

"Yeah, he sounded really busy when he called". I said plopping myself onto his couch

"It's pretty late you know, he shouldn't send you on errands by this time of the day, it's dangerous" He retorted crossing his arm over his broad chest.

"Aarrgghh, Fred!! stop bothering about me, I'm not a kid anymore, and besides you know I can take care of myself". I countered pursing my lips.

"That's still not gonna stop me from beating the shit out of him when I see him. You may be good at combat but who knows what dangers lurk in the dark" He said sounding worried

"Okay fine, I'll be more careful from now on, now would you give me the package so I can head home"

"Yeah, give me a second," He said as he sauntered into a door that was right below the stairs.

He came back out with a brown paper bag and handed it to me.

"Here !!". He said and I took it without questioning.

Before I could get up he handed me something else that was wrapped in brown paper.

"For your troubles". He winked

"You don't really have to" I told him staring at the bundle of cash in my palm

"I insist". he said with a tone of finality and I knew he was serious.

"Thank you" I breathed out with a side smile playing in my lips

"You deserve it" He told me, before leading me towards the door.

I stepped out of the house after we both said our goodbyes.

"Bye Vika" Gunther said as I walked out the gate.

"See ya."

I walked down the dark alleyways and it we're times like these I missed my car, which I had to sell due to obvious reasons. I was thankful I didn't need to beat anybody up as I walked towards my house.

It was dead silent when I walked in, which meant that my mom and Ash has already gone to bed. I sauntered to the kitchen, I opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. Setting down the package, I rummaged through my purse to find my phone. And two unread messages popped up on the screen.

One was from kassie, the nurse I hired to take care of mom and Ash when I wasn't home. She worked as a babysitter and a care taker and I was really grateful for the fact that she never complains. she texted me not to long ago to inform me that she was leaving for home and couldn't wait for me anymore. I replied a quick 'okay' and thanked her for her service before going to the next message which was from my younger sister Larisa.

Larisa was currently in the university which was a six our drive away from here. She texted me saying she needed money ASAP and I got a little worried because she has been asking me for money for the past two weeks now but nevertheless I still sent it to her because I wanted her to be happy and satisfied.

Just then I heard the door bell ring, I walked out of the kitchen grabbing the package Alfredo gave to me, knowing fully well who it was. I opened the front door and Andrei's large body came to view,his motorbike parked just outside the house.

"Hey Andrei" I said handing him the package

He took it from me before taking a peek into it which made me roll my eyes.

"Good night Vika" he said flashing a smile at me. He walked up to his bike and hopped on it revving the engine before speeding away into the night.

I shut the door and locked it with the key before getting my bag out of the kitchen and making my way upstairs. I tiptoed towards my mom's room to find her fast asleep with Ash's hand clutched around her waist.

Ash was seven years old now and he was growing up really fast. I leaned on the doorframe as I watched them both sleep peacefully. It warmed my heart.

Word had it that my father, after fleeing six years ago, became a drug addict and a gambling freak. I tried my hardest to keep that piece of information away from my mother, because who knew what would happen to her if she finds out that the man she used to love has become a completely different person. Her weak heart couldn't bare that.

He could do what he likes for all I care as long as it doesn't affect either me or my siblings.

I quietly walked out of the room and shut the door behind me.

I had a boutique to run in the morning and I needed all the rest I could get.

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