Chapter 1 The poor lifestyle

CHAPTER ONE

Mummy, I'm back. Can I get something to eat please? Charlotte said as she sat tiredly on the couch in the living room looking like someone who just ended a fight.

Oh my darling, you're back. How was work today?

I hope you didn't have any dispute with any of your customers today. Grace her mother said as she was cleaning her hand with a towel after washing dishes in the kitchen

I'm so tired mum,I need something to munch so bad, Charlotte said as she demonstrated with her hand like she was eating

Charlotte, I'm so sorry there's nothing available in the house right now,your father just called and promised to come back with something we would use to eat tonight, Grace said as she patted Charlotte with a sad expression on her face.

What do you mean mummy? I've been out there the whole day working tirelessly so I could bring something home at the end of the month. You told me I would eat when I was leaving in the morning but now...she couldn't finish her statement as she started crying.

With pity,her mother hugged and kept her head on her shoulder whispering in her ear,"I'm sorry my dear, it's not our fault,destiny chose this for us. Your sister has been out there with your father since without eating too and I'm very sure they'll bring something home for us. She couldn't help but also cry.

With sadness in her heart, Charlotte walked slowly to her room with multiple thoughts running through her mind.

Should I just run away from this house? Should I engage myself in dirty jobs so I can survive?

These thoughts were going through her mind when she suddenly heard a knock on her door.

Who is there? Charlotte said.

It's me, Charlotte. We are back. Amelia replied with fatigue visibly written in her voice tone.

You can go Amelia. I'll be there in a moment. Charlotte replied slowly

Welcome Dad.Charlotte said to her dad as she bowed her head.

Thank you Charlotte. What's wrong with you? Your countenance is down. Did you fight at work? Alfred,her father asked curiously.

No Dad, I'm fine. Charlotte bluffed

"Ahem", Grace cleared her throat as she interrupted. Can we eat now? She said

Oh yes,we can. Alfred said.

Alfred Smith works in a blacksmith forge in St Albans where he finds little to feed his family but they still struggle to survive as they depend also on the salary Charlotte gets at her workplace.

Dad, I'm tired of this lifestyle. Charlotte said, holding a cutlery in her hand. We can't continue to live like this dad, we'll die one day. Can't we just...

Just what? Alfred interrupted. What else do you want us to do? You want us to steal? Huh?

What do you want us to do?

Humm she's right dad. Amelia supportively said

We are tired of this wretchedness, we've turned into a laughing stock on the street,I can't take this anymore dad.

Listen you little rats,I can't because of money go and dig hell. If you're not fine with this lifestyle,get the fuck out of my house and find somewhere else to live. I'm trying after all. Alfred aggressively replied and left to sleep.

Mum,are we wrong? Charlotte said with a shaky voice.

No,my darlings. Your dad is only acting on emotions. I'll speak to him,just go to your bed and sleep. Grace said as she washed her hand in the sink.

Goodnight mum. Charlotte and Amelia echoed

Have a nice dream,my angels. Grace said as she blew kisses at them.

Alfred,you shouldn't have taken it personally with your daughters,you gave them the life they are living. They can't be wrong for asking for their rights. Grace said as she spreads her bedsheet

"Psst!,will you get on the bed and sleep?" Alfred hissed.

No, hubby listen to me,we have to think about what to do. We need to give these children the life they deserve. Grace insisted.

Okay,what do you want me to do? Alfred said as he sat upright on the bed.

Grace raised her head up looking at the ceiling as if someone was speaking to her from there.

Why don't you speak with your friend and see how he can help us? She said as she raised her eyebrows.

Who? Oliver? Alfred inquired

Oliver Astor is the richest man in the City of St Albans and a good friend of Alfred Smith,he owns many companies in the city inclusive of the one Charlotte works for but unknown to her.

Yes, Oliver. I believe as a good man he is,he should be able to do something to help us. Grace added.

Hmmm!Are you sure? Alfred sighed

Yes, hubby. I'm sure he'll do something to help us.She persuaded him.

Okay, thank you for always being there. Goodnight. Alfred said as he turned to sleep.

I love you hubby. Have a nice dream. Grace happily said as she also turned to sleep.