Alex's POV
Last nights fight really got me beat up.When I had woken up this morning I had multiple bruises.

"It's a good thing it's Saturday.."I whispered while touching my blackish eye.
"Alex!" My mom yelled."Come make me food now!"

I sighed before walking to the kitchen.
"What do you want?" I asked her as I put my hair up.
"Anything, I don't care just hurry up." She said annoyed and walked over to the couch.

My eyes moved as I watched the woman before me.The lady who was once bright and full of joy is now gone.Her hair was a beautiful brown but now looks muddy.Her blue eyes that were once full of life are now dull and broken.

I sighed and grabbed a pan.Grabbing two eggs,I cracked them on the pan and moved them around.
"Make sure you don't burn my food!I don't pay you to serve me crap." She said taking a drink from the bottle in her hand.

You don't pay me at all..

I honestly don't know what happened to her.When my parents started fighting,that's when she changed too.Over time at work soon turned into late night drinking.Or hanging out with friends meant clubbing.Theres so many times I'd wake up at night due to my mom coming home drunk.

And now looking at the state she's in,it just makes me wonder where my real mom went.The old her would always pick me up from school.Theres times she even left work to come see me at my school plays.Everyday I came home from school she'll always ask me "How was school?", or "Did you have a fun time?".

I miss how I could always be so open with her.My dad and I were really close too,so when he ended up leaving,it broke my heart.It hurts even more to see he doesn't even check up on me.The same thing for my own brother.I always confined in him but,once he left,all I got were stupid letters that I never bother opening.After the first one he sent,I stopped caring.He left me,for two years.Two years I had to deal with my mom on my own.Sure she never hit me but she'd always brought me down with words.Theres always times that I wonder,what would it be like to have my family while again.

"Are you almost done!?" She yelled irritated.
"Yes." I simply replied.

I placed the eggs on a plate and put some leftover bacon I had from the day before.I placed the plate on the table before she walked up to me and sat down.

She picked her fork up and moved the fork around."This won't kill me will it?"
"No I promise."I resisted rolling my eyes.

She picked up some of the food and too a bite.Her eyes scrunched up before she swallowed it."You work at a diner and serve me this crap?"
"I'm sorry."
"Whatever I'm going out." She got up and grabbed her bag."I'm bringing Derek home so have the house cleaned by the time I get home or you won't be eating dinner to night,do I make myself clear?" She narrowed her eyes at me.
"Crystal."
Not another word spoke before she left.

I shook my head before finishing the food that she ate.
Can't let good food go to waste.

~•~

"Do you know how long I've been calling you?" Jason said as he walked into my room.

"Huh." I said not taking my eyes off the screen.
"Are you seriously watching that dumb show again."

"Huh?"
"Are you listening to me?" He said getting annoyed.
"Yeah."I was fully engrossed by what I was watching.
"Really?"
"Mmhm"
"I'm taking your phone."
"Huh?"
"I broke your laptop."
"That's nice."  
"Jesus.."
"Yeah."
"I'll smash your desk."
"Cool."
"I destroyed your bookshelf ."
"Ye-Say What now?!" I yelled looking at him.

"Oh,so now you look at me." He rolled his eyes sitting on the floor in front of me.
"Sorry." I paused the tv."They were just about to show who Elena ends up with." I said.
" I swear,your love for that show is problematic."I smacked his head."And you have a hitting problem." He rubbed his head.

I sat on the edge of the bed as Jason moved around till his back was leaning agains me.
"Are you working tonight?" He said leaning his head on my lap.
"Yeah.Lupita texted me when I got up.She wants me to help her sisters restaurant for tonight,she said that her staff will be busy so she asked me to help and I said yes.Apparently Maria's  restaurant is really nice so I'm excited."I explained while I messed with his hair.

"Damn so what am I supposed to do all night?"he questioned.
"I don't know?Go watch paint dry on a wall."
"Very funny."

I kept messing around with Jason's hair.At one point he ended up falling asleep in that same position.

Ding!

My phone went off.I looked at where my phone was and looked at Jason.

Hmm,I could either wake him up gently or..
Nah ima be nice.

I ran my fingers through his hair before letting out a high pitched screech.Jasons head instantly popped up as he frantically looked around."Morning sunshine." I laughed.
"God your so annoying sometimes." He got up and laid down on my bed.

I walked over to my dresser and looked at my phone.

Greg:Nice job last night!The crowd is still going crazy at how your mask was pulled off.I think it might be time to take it off.

I scoffed.

There's no way I'm taking my mask off.

Me:I prefer to keep it,thanks.

Not even a second later,I got a response.

Greg:Just think about how famous you'll be!You'll  be on every head line Alex!Don't you want that?

Me:No I don't.Id rather fight with my identity concealed than have it exposed to the whole world.
Greg:Alex come on!You'll make more money!Just for one fight!
Me:No.Respect my decision and stop being so persistent.

I didn't get a reply after a couple of minutes.Why was he being like this?He always agreed with me being secretive and now he wants me to go public?He's probably drunk.

"Who was that?" Jason asked sitting up.
"Greg." I said placing my phone down.
"What did he want?" He asked.
"Nothing important." I shrugged.

He placed his head back down."Hey." I said.
He made a noise and I walked over to him."My mom is bringing her boy toy and I need to clean the house."
"So?"he mumbled.
"I need help."
"No,I'm tired let me sleep." He said and I frowned.
"Hey" I tried again.
"You see this bruise I have under my eye?Thats from you not telling me about my opponent." I said and he turned to look at me."I got pretty hurt that night.So I don't know if I can trust you to be my trainer."

"Come in Alex don't be childish now." He groaned.
"It's either you help me clean or I look for a new trainer."

He narrowed his eyes at me before sighing loudly."The things I do for you." He mumbled getting up.
I smiled and followed him outside my door.

We walked into the living room and saw countless beer bottles,trash,clothes,and shoes scattered across the room.

"I hate you so much right now." Jason said with big eyes.
"Love you too."I walked over to my speaker."You clean the kitchen,I got the living room." I said and he nodded.

I played some music before I heard something smash in the kitchen.My head spun around so fast I got a whiplash.

"What the hell are you doing?" I yelled.
"I saw a bug.." he mumbled.
"Wuss.." I said while plugging my phone to the speaker.
"Why are you always insulting me?" He whined.

I shook my head and started playing music."This might take a while." I said while I looked at the mess.

~•~

"Midnight Memories!"
"Baby you and me,stumbling in the street-"
"Singing,singing,singing!" We both sang off key.
"Midnight memories!" He shouted as his voice cracked.
"Anywhere we go,never say no."

"Just Do it,do it,do it!" We sang  as the song ended.

Me and Jason almost finished cleaning before Midnight Memories by one direction came on.So we decided to take a break and sing.As you can see we're not the best singers.

Me and Jason looked at each other before breaking into a fit of laughter.

Times like this just make me wish he was my brother.He's more dependable and caring than my real one.

"What time is it?" I said while drinking my water.
"Eight thirty."
"I need to get ready." I said walking to my room.

I took out my work uniform and walked into the bathroom.

I pulled back the shower curtain and waited for the water to get warm.Once the water was to my liking,I stepped in and relaxed at the feeling.The water cascaded down my back and relaxed my tensed muscles.

After about,ten minutes.I stepped out of the shower and covered myself in a towel.I wiped  the mirror of fog and looked at my eye.

It wasn't as bad as it was this morning.I won't need that much makeup since I'll be completely healed in the morning.As for my ankle,it's still sore but it's almost healed.

I put on my uniform and placed my hair into a bun.Then I did my makeup to cover up my bruises.Double checking to see if I messed up,I walked out of the bathroom and headed to the living room.

I saw Jason sitting down,watching tv."Ahem." I said.
"What?"
"I need your car." I said.
"Yeah and I want a million bucks." He said, his voice laced with humor.
"Please,I need to get to work." I pleaded.
"No."
"Please,I promise I'll be careful." I begged him.
"If I find the slightest scratch on my car,I'll feed you to that dog around the alley." He said tossing me his keys.
"Thank you!" I said and hugged him."Bye." I kissed his cheek and headed to his car.

Once I sat down I admired the car.I ran my hand along the seat,feeling the smooth leather.
"This is going to be fun." I said while turning on the ignition.

~•~

"Alex,necesito que tomas el orden de la mesa tres,por favor!"Maria,Lupitas sister, yelled at me from the reception desk.
"I'm going!" I yelled as I grabbed my notepad.

Maria's restaurant was really fancy.When I got here she made me change uniforms because her staff would be wearing different clothes from what I wore.So instead of my comfortable uniform, I got a pair of black shorts paired with a white long sleeve button up shirt.Its not bad but eh.

Table three was the guy who we were busy with.Supposedly it's his 50th birthday and they wanted to rent a space for five.But who knew having five customers would have the restaurant busy.

"Hi my name is Alexandrea but call me Alex,I'll be taking care of you tonight." I said while placing napkins down.

"Nice to meet you Alexandrea!Im Eric!" A small little boy beamed at me.
"Don't mind him,he gets excited over meeting new people." His mom said rubbing his shoulder.
"It's fine ma'am,I absolutely love kids." I smiled at her."Can I start you guys with some drinks?" I said taking my notepad out.
"Yes but we have two people who aren't here yet so can you please just get them both a sprite?" She kindly asked.
"Of course." I said writing it down."And what does the big boy want to drink." I said looking at the adorable boy.
"Mommy!She thinks I'm a big boy!" He shook his moms arm.
"Well someone's growing up fast." His father chuckled.
"I'll have apple juice please." He said and I nodded
"What would you like sir?" I said Turning to the dad.
"Please call me Frank,sir makes me feel old." He told me.
"Well you are 50 now dear." His wife commented as I giggled a bit.
He chuckled."I'll have a coke and my wife will take an ice tea." I wrote everything down.
"Alright,I'll be out with our drinks in a bit.And happy birthday Frank."I said before leaving.

I walked into the kitchen and poured the five drinks.After they were all full,I placed them on a tray and carried them out.

"Here you are." I said placing the drinks down.
"Are you guys ready to order?" I asked.
"Not really,my other son hasn't arrived y-"
"I'm here mom." A voice said from behind.

I turned around and froze when I saw Mason hand in hand with Macey.He looked at me with wide eyes while Macey smirked at me.

"About time you get here." Frank said.
"Sorry traffic was heavy." He said while his eyes trailed down to my legs.
"Mason Don't stare at her." Macey whispered in his ear.

He simply rolled his eyes before they both took a seat.
"So Alexandrea,what would you recommend?" Frank asked me.
"I would definitely go for the shrimp cocktail.The shrimp we have here is fresh and it's amazing." I said remembering when Maria shared her shrimp cocktail with me when I got here.
"Alright,I'll have that." He said closing his menu.
"I'll have the same and Eric wi-"his wife started.
"I'll have the spaghetti please!" Eric said smiling.
"Don't yell at her,you'll scare her." His mom scolded him.
"It's fine ma'am." I said smiling as I wrote his order down.
"Call me Anna sweetheart." She said and I smiled at her.
"What do you have here that's healthy and will make me skinnier?" Macey said twirling her hair around her finger while looking at the menu.
"The house salad." I said.
"Are you joking?" She sneered while frank and Anna chuckled.
"No ma'am,everything else here contains a lot of calories."I said trying not to anger her.
"Whatever I'll have that." She said and rudely shoved the menu at me.
"And for you sir." I said not looking at him.
"I'd like a new waiter." He said.
"Mason don't be rude." Frank warned.
"It's fine,if you'd like a new waiter I could ask-"
"No!Mason I like her!Don't leave Alexandrea!"Eric pleaded.
"Fine.Ill have the steak and potatoes,medium rare." He said handing me his menu.
"Alright.I should have this out for you in a couple of minutes." I said and walked away with Mason's eyes watching me.

I brought the orders to the kitchen and waited.While I was waiting I heard Mason and his father bickering.

"Why are you always rude to people?" Frank scowled at Mason.
"Oh I'm sorry,I didn't think you'd care since you're never around." Mason said.
"I'm tired of your crap Mason.I work all day to provide for my family and you can't be a simply task and be nice to someone for a change?" Franks voice started to rise.

Thing is,from where they're sitting,no one should be about to hear them.I feel bad that I can hear them but..

"Can we please just have a dinner where no one is arguing with each other?Its his birthday for god sake, Mason." Anna said and placed her hand on Frank's shoulder.
"Yeah just comfort the pig that's never home and does god knows what." Mason scoffed.
"Mason stop." Macey tried to comfort him but he rejected her touch.

The bell rang and their food was ready.I placed three plates on one arm and two on my other and started walking towards their table.On my way there,Macey placed her foot out.I quickly saw it and stepped over her.

"Alright,spaghetti for the big boy,two shrimp cocktails,a house salad,and the steak and potatoes,medium rare." I said handing everyone their proper dish.
"Thank you dear." Anna said.
"You're welcome,just let me know if you need anything else." I said an was about to walk away before mason spoke up.

"Why don't you tell my so called father that he should be home with his family more often rather than being out probably cheating on my mom."
"Mason!" Anna yelled.
"I'm so sick of your crap!You are a very disrespectful son that never does anything right!" Frank stood up.
"It's funny how you think I consider you as my father." Mason laughed.
"Excuse me,there's no need to argue over this." I said trying to calm them down.
"Did anyone ask you to speak?" Mason spat at me.
"Don't you dare talk to her like that!Apologize." Frank said.
"Why should I?" He said rolling his eyes.
"You're acting like a fucking five year old Mason!Apologize to her now!" He said sternly.

Mason got up and stood in front of me.I thought he was actually going to apologize to me.That was before I felt a cold liquid run down my head.
"Mason!" Anna yelled.

Mason placed the cup once filled with sprite on the table."You'd actually think of apologize to you?You're wrong.Theres no way I'd even waste my breath saying that to a lowlife bitch who can't do anything.Its better if you left,you'll be doing everyone a favor."He sneered before walking away with Macey right behind him.

People around the restaurant looked at me and some laughed.Anna and Frank didn't bother to help me.They were so kind to me,letting me call them by their names.But when this happens,it's like I'm not even here.
"Oh dear,please excuse him he has a bad temper." Frank said trying to get the remaining ice out of my hair.
"It's fine sir." He looked at me sad when I called him sir."If you don't need anything else I'll go now."
"Alex honey." Anna called for me but I already left.

I walked into the bathroom and saw my hair was drenched.My shirt had became see through so my black bra was showing.I felt so embarrassed thinking how everyone saw me.

I grabbed the bag I had with my other uniform and put it on.My phone dinged in my pocket.

Are you almost done?Im getting bored here!
-Jason
I smiled at the thought of him getting frustrated.Placing my phone back in my pocket,I grabbed my things and got ready to leave.

I had already notified Maria I was leaving and she said it's fine.My body was sore and emotionally drained from what happened.

I let out a long sigh before I headed home.Once I walked through the door I saw my mom and Derek on the couch making out.

I tried not to gag before my mom looked up and pulled away."Oh Derek,this is Alex my..uh..maid." She said.

Hearing those words come from my mothers mouth made my heart break.She doesn't even want people to know I'm her daughter.
"She does a terrible job at cleaning then." Derek snorted.
"Which reminds me,I told you to have the house clean before I can home didn't I?" She raised her voice.
"I did!I cleaned the house what more do you want?Do you expect me to sit next to you and wipe your ass as well?" I yelled.
"Don't raise your voice at me." She warned.
"Why?You never do anything except go out and get drunk!The least you can do is show me some appreciation once and a while!" I yelled at her.

Then my mom walked up to me and did something I'd never thought she'd do.

She slapped me.

Hard.

"You disrespectful bitch!" She yelled as I held onto my cheek in disbelief."Go to your room!I told what would happen if I was it clean so I hope you had something to eat because your not eating until you learn to respect me!" She yelled in my face.

I completely ignored her and went straight to my room.My eyes burned with tears but I wouldn't dare to let them fall.I can't let her see that I'm weak or that'll only encourage her.

Jason walked through the door and looked at me."Did she hit you?" I nodded.
"It doesn't matter.Whatever was left of my mom is gone.That women in the living room is someone I don't recognize anymore." I said as I fell into his embrace.

"I'm so sorry baby." He stroked my hair.
"I wanna leave.I don't think I can handle her crap anymore." I said gripping onto his shirt.
"I'll try everything I can to make that happen ok?I promise I you." He said.

Having her hit me just makes me feel empty.Its like having something you really admire be broken in-front of you.

Where ever the hell my dad is,

I need him.

I miss him.

I need his comfort.

But the thing is..

He doesn't miss me at all.