The Mafia Entanglement

I run from my problems. I've always done that. I was feeling light on my feet. I felt my chest burn as I picked up the speed. Eyes on the jogging trail. My legs and arms swing in rhythm as I run harder.

My baby sister Celia was a druggy, Papa didn't know about this. It would break his heart if he found out. He had never been the same after Mama passed away, giving birth to Celia.

I was on the verge of losing my job. I couldn't lose my job, I've put too much time into the company. Since it's been downsizing, I haven't got the time to look for other jobs. I've been so swamped with work. Ironic. I know.

My legs were straining, I was getting tired but I kept on running.

Derick the fucker, told me yesterday that I should date him. It was his subtle way of saying that I should fuck him if I want to keep my job.

Moving back home to Papa was not an option. I love him dearly. But I need to prove to him that I could do this, that I could make it in the big bad world.

Fuck! Deep breath. Deep breath. I need to slow down. I was panting, I was out of breath. I pushed myself too hard.

Damn it.

I was running back to my apartment. Jogging along, eventually slowing down my pace. I must remind myself that I was not a health freak. I don't exercise, never went to the gym and I don't eat like a health freak. I just ran. And sometimes I forgot and pushed myself too hard.

I slumped behind my apartment door, seconds after locking it after me. Celia was sleeping on the couch. She just got hours ago and was still in her clubbing attire when I shook her awake.

"Celia, honey, you need to get to your room and go get change. You reek of alcohol. Do you have class today? Come on, I'll make you a cup of coffee."

Celia was groaning, slowly getting up from the sofa. "Jeez sis, I just got back. So leave me alone, will you? No class. No coffee. I'm going to sleep. See you later." She walked away from me and went straight to her room.

I sighed and turned on the coffee maker, then went to my room to take a shower and get ready for work.

Ah...work, so fucking great...

I must get this contract, Derick said so. He had been dangling this date issue forever. Not that he was bad-looking. He was handsome, tall, tanned, and blonde, but he lacked a certain kind of oomph for my taste. Maybe the fact that he was a momma's boy.

And I certainly didn't have the time to date. Between my job and looking out for my little sister, I got my hands wrapped. I was still hoping, that her recreational drug use thing was just a phase.

The day I found out that she was using, I was hella pissed at her. Celia said the drugs help her with her study. She said she needed the extra boost to help her concentrate. But when she started failing a couple of her classes, she made me worry.

Sometimes I felt that she was carrying the burden of our mom's death for giving birth to her. We talked and cried about this. I thought it was done and over with. Maybe I should have another chat with her. She used to be my sweet little baby sister. I love her to bits, I would do anything for her.

*****

Finally!

I was at the house, I was balancing my folders. Heavy folders. God! Maybe I should start going to the gym. My arms were like boiled spaghetti. What was taking this guy so long to open the door?

Though I was definitely not ready when he did open the door. He was like Ken, smoking hot Ken in scrubs.