Chapter 4 GOING TO FLORIDA.

Monti, would you love to come over for this weekend?

'For what, Mom!.'

'Don't be so cruel; I need you, please!" Sharon pleaded.

"Mom, I need to know what you need me for!"

"Okay, I want to look for a job to support your payments and bills. So, I applied as a waiter at your aunt's restaurant. She opened it last month; remember?"

"Yes, Mom. But are you sure you want to do this work? I am not comfortable with your decision to work with Aunt Kylie."

"How will you get your needs met when you aren't working at the coffee shop again? The school has retained you at their hostel; they must think I am bad because of what I do. Whatever, your father might not assist you with all your college bills."

"At least he pays child support," Monti said.

"And you spend most of it," Sharon declared.

"Yes, Mom, it is for me. My school fees and exam fees. It wasn't enough for me; that's why I had to get a job then. Now it seems too hard; I can't even buy expensive things knowing I don't work anymore."

"Then why don't you work at the coffee shop instead? They have a nice pay, Mom. The idea of working under your friend who has once worked for your family is idle."

"Actually, she has been a friend to Lumos and me since we started our relationship. My mom also approved of her while she used to bring gifts for her when she was alive. And she worked for your father, not me."

"She is just a friend then. Why do you even call her Aunty?' She asked.

"You have asked that many times before. I wouldn't want you to ask me again, Monti."

"Is she the only person who has a restaurant in the whole of Florida ? Mom, look for another restaurant."

"I know it is because you don't like her. She would pay me well, Monti."

"Aside from paying you well, you are too dependent on Aunt Kylie. She is your mate's mom, and you respect her too much," she sighed. "If anything happens, it's all on you, Mom.

"Don't worry, dear. Nothing will happen. You should be happy your mom is finally getting a job at a restaurant. It's a good start."

"Yeah, but not with Aunt Kylie. She will definitely take you for granted."

"You are too stubborn, Monti, just like your father."

"Don't bring your man into this!"

"Your father is the one you called my man, Monti! Have a little respect."

"Whatever."

"Bye, darling. See you during the weekend. Make sure you come and check up on me before I travel. Your aunt is in Florida, remember!"

"Dad's former city before he relocated here!"

"Yeah."

"Don't you think he came for us? Let me say he came for you."

"I don't think so. Your father has a mid-twenties beautiful lady he is dating."

"How did you know that?"

"Never mind, I did my research, though."

"Then why did he slap you over something he should be less concerned about?'

'It's a long story, Monti.'

"I am definitely interested in the long story. When I come, we need to discuss it.

Mom, I might get caught; the call is getting too long," Monti said."

"Sneaky peaky. Next time, don't sneak your phone into the school," she laughed.

"How will you call me then?"

"Of course, through the school phone!."

"Bye, Mom."

"Bye, my daughter."

Monti ran quickly to her class. She might have missed some explanations from the math teacher but still hoped someone would teach her later.

"Where did you go?" Lucy asked in a whisper.

"I went to pick up a call."

"Why did you bring your phone to class, and how did you know your phone was ringing?"

"It was buzzing, Lucy; I had to step out before it implicated me."

"Was it your mom?"

"Yes, it was. We will talk later."Monti snapped.

It was recess time; the girls had to reach the hostel for their lunch while the boys went to the public school restaurant.

Lucy sat down opposite her friend, noticing how unhappy she was.

'What did your Mom say?' Lucy asked.

'She said she wants to work with Aunt Kylie.'

'Is that her friend?' 'Yes.'

'Why are you sad about it?' Lucy asked.

'I was surprised that Mom couldn't apply for a job anywhere else; I don't like the woman. I am sure she would mistreat my mom.'

'You are not so sure. Feelings can be wrong sometimes. Let her work; it will ease your burden since you have stopped working at the coffee shop.'

'Are you planning on leaving the hostel anytime soon?' Lucy asked.

Monti was shocked. 'Why did you ask?.'

'I noticed you were packing your shoes in a bag, so I thought maybe you were planning on leaving the hostel.

'How many days do you have left here?'

'Lucy, I don't like that question. I am staying here until we finish this exam.'

'Till you finish the exam or till prom?Are you sure school is going to permit you to wait till prom?'

' I pray so.' Monti replied .

'I am taking permission for the weekend to check up on Mom. She needs my help,'She added .

''Again! I really think your mom isn't a baby anymore. Must she need you almost every weekend? I wonder why the school allows you to leave." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Lucy, why are you talking like this?Have I offended you? What is the problem? Huh. Oh! I get it.

You are tired of our friendship, right? Since Cathy has been following you around, you don't want to be my friend anymore."

Monti said with rage within her .

"See, someone who is jealous! I have no choice since there is a new friend who has been following you around like a chick seeking its mother's attention." Lucy replied .

"You know I have no friends in this school. Everyone sees me as a bully; it isn't my fault. I have to fight back whenever I am bullied."

"Save that story for your new boyfriend, Eli." She replied .

"Is all this because of Eli? It took me so long to discover. Do you like him that much?" Monti asked .

"Don't ask me. You know he liked me first, not until you took him away from me."

"I didn't even take him; I don't get what you are saying!"

"Since I have finished my food, I think I will be going back to class.

Lucy stood up as she shifted her chair; Cathy saw her from afar and called her name. Lucy ran towards her.

Monti felt so sad. She didn't want her friend to leave her for the sake of a guy who is a junior to them. She walked out alone, feeling depressed. She noticed Eli outside the girls' veranda.

He seemed to have been waiting for someone.

'Hello!' he waved at Monti.

'Are you waiting for someone?'

'Of course you,' Eli replied.

'Oh! She seemed surprised.'

'Wait, do you like me?' she asked.

'Why do you ask? That's so quick,' he replied shockingly.

'I just wanted to know. Can you make out with my friend?' Monti asked

Eli looked with disappointment.

'Why your friend? Are you trying to push your friend to me?' He asked .

'It isn't that bad.'

'Wow, that means I might have been wasting my time trying to get in touch with you.'

'Not that Eli.'

'Wow, I am surprised. And no, I cannot make out with your friend; I was trying to make out with you, but it seems...' he sighed. 'Never mind, have a nice day.

Eli ran off from her presence.

She felt annoyed with herself. Two people are gone .