Heavenly Sin (EDITING)

Chapter 2- Nevaeh

~Mama likes it~
•Chapter 2•
(Edited)

I've had a string of unsuccessful relationships with three terrible boyfriends. I admit that I tend to get attached too easily, often giving love to people who don't reciprocate. It's a pattern that extends beyond romantic relationships, even affecting my relationship with my parents.

I've always shown my parents love, but they haven't made much effort to show it back. When I tried discussing this with my brother, he defended their behavior, claiming it's their way of expressing love. I call bullshit on that; it feels more like their way of conveying that they don't want me around. My dad, in particular, has a drinking problem that leads to some awkward situations. On one occasion, he messaged me, intending to reach my brother, and expressed how proud he was of his accomplishments. For a brief moment, I thought he was talking to me until he signed off with "love you son." The realization hit hard, but I brushed it off as a joke when I shared it with my now ex-best friend. Laughing it off and treating painful moments as jokes has become a coping mechanism for me. Does it truly work? Not really, but it's better than crying about it incessantly.

"The bell rang, Nevaeh," the new girl, Arabelle, reminded me, interrupting my thoughts.

"I've already told you to call me Eva," I replied, packing up my books before standing up. She rolled her eyes and grabbed my arm, dragging me towards our next class. It felt more like me dragging her in the opposite direction because she had no idea where to go. Belle and I had nearly identical schedules, except I had photography as my last class, while she had art.

•••

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of my day, I heaved a sigh of relief. I often wonder why schools claim to care about students' mental health when we're stuck in this system. I walked out of the photography classroom and headed towards my locker to retrieve my work bag. I had to be at my shift by 4:00, and it took approximately 30 minutes to walk to work. Time was of the essence if I wanted to arrive early enough to change.

"Hey, Eva! What are you up to?" Belle asked, heading in the same direction as me since her locker was nearby.

"I need to grab my work bag from my locker and head to my job. What about you?" I responded, reaching my locker and inputting the combination.

"I need to get my math textbook," she replied, unlocking the locker next to mine.

"Where do you work?" she inquired while closing her locker, now clutching the textbook.

"I work at DL bakery. It's owned by my aunt, and my parents only allow me to work there," I explained.

"I've been trying to find a job for a while, but I don't want to get hired just because of who my brother is. Can you ask your aunt if she's hiring?" Belle requested.

"Well, one of our cashiers quit two days ago, so we are looking for new employees. If you want, you can come with me to work, and I can introduce you to my aunt," I offered.

"Really?! That would be amazing!" she exclaimed.

"I usually walk since I don't have a car," I mentioned, leaning against my locker.

My parents had spare cars, but they gave them all to my brother. All three of them.

"I have a car; we can take mine!" she suggested, grabbing my wrist and dragging me towards the school's main entrance.

As we left the school premises, we made our way to the far end of the parking lot. In the realm of clichés, there existed a group of boys who could easily be bestowed with the title of "bad boys." Their mere presence had me fighting the urge to roll my eyes.

Belle and I strolled past the trio, feeling their gaze fixed upon us. Sensing my curiosity, Belle intervened, informing me, "Don't mind them; they're my brother's friends." I caught myself glancing back at the group and inquired, "Are they new too?" She nodded affirmatively in response.

Leading the way, she directed me towards her magnificent "Shelby Mustang GT500." What a truly breathtaking beauty it was. Observing my admiration, she remarked, "You're quite knowledgeable about cars, aren't you?"

I retorted with a grin, "Well, I wouldn't say that. I simply know what I like," pointing towards her car. "And Mama definitely approves."

A chuckle escaped her lips, likely in response to my expressive countenance. She unlocked the car, gracefully entered, and I followed suit, occupying the passenger seat.

Providing her with the bakery's address, I settled into my seat. As she revved up the engine, a wave of joy washed over me as the music blared from the speakers. I couldn't help but smile and laugh as she started singing, encouraging me to join in. And thus, with music as our companion, she steered us towards our destination, the bakery.

•••

Five minutes until my shift begins, I bide my time in the back staff room. My aunt and Belle have been in her office for quite a while now. Just as I'm about to stash my phone away, the staff room door swings open, and in walks Belle, adorned with an apron and an infectious smile.

"I got the job!" she exclaims, rushing towards me, enveloping me in a warm hug while expressing her gratitude.

"Stop thanking me. When is your first training shift?" I inquire.

"Right now! Your aunt told me to inform you that you'll be the one training me!" She claps her hands in childlike excitement.

"Alright then, let's get going," I respond, leading the way out of the staff room.

Four hours later...

I've familiarized Belle with the majority of the tasks required here. Granting her a break, I encourage her to take orders upon her return. As I tidy up the coffee station, the jingle of the front door announces the arrival of a customer.

The room, previously buzzing with conversations, falls into an eerie silence. Turning around to greet the individual, I meet a piercing, cold glare. Approaching the cash register to take his order, it dawns on me who he is.

Why on earth would the notorious bad boy find himself in my aunt's bakery?

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