“You know I didn’t know before I came here what a skank was, so I Googled it. It says a sexually promiscuous woman, dirty, repulsive and immoral. The description suits you so well.”
Screeching again, Mella lunges for me, but is stopped by Noah. “Get out of the kitchen. You know Pres forbade anyone to come in here until meal times. You’ll be getting your punishment once I’ve spoken to him. Now get out and stop that fuckin’ screaming. You sound like a six-year-old having a tantrum.”
Checking the time, its past lunch, so hey, they missed eating lunch and I don’t care. I do however make a sandwich for Noah and hand it to him on a plate with a can of soda. “Thanks, Molly.”
“You’re welcome, Noah.” With that I get busy and marinade the ribs that I’ll be placing in the oven later. I make myself a sandwich which I eat as I’m putting everything away.
Once that is done I set to getting the rest of the meal prepped before I dash to my room for a freshen up. On the way to my room, I’m accosted by Floss. Of course, it’s Floss as she is besties with Mella. Christ, this place is a mess, and Whack needs an old lady to put this lot in their place.
“What you saying, Molly?”
Turning when I hear someone speak I’m surprised its Whack behind me. Floss sees him too, so rushes away. Deciding I’ve nothing to lose I of course spout off. “You need to find an old lady. One that can put these club women in their place and teach them some hygiene and manners. The place needs sorting out as far as they are concerned.” I can see the shock on his face and I skedaddle while he is surprised, and make my escape to my room.
The meal is laid out for everyone in the main room, roasted ribs, steaks, potato salad, and other sides. I eat a little in the kitchen, but I’m so tired that I can’t be bothered. I wash the pans while I wait for all the dishes to be finished with and prep the two dishwashers. Sitting at the table with a glass of iced water, I feel myself nodding. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open, but I’m not showing weakness to these assholes, so stand and step over to the back door so I can breathe some fresh air, hoping it will revive me enough to do the meal cleanup.
Dishwashers full, tables cleared and wiped. Sink clean, and the tea towels, towels and cleaning rags I’ve been using are now in the utility room for whoever is doing laundry, and that is not me.I’m not taking that on as well, and if they start that shit I’m outta here.
“Psst…” Turning I see Bri under the long kitchen table.
Stepping closer, I look around to make sure nobody else is watching. Taking a seat, I open a can of soda someone has left on the table. Whispering, I ask, “What’s up?”
“Once you are out of punishment, we’ll track your nasty sister down and nab the bitch. She’s gonna pay for all the shit she landed you in.”
“Are you okay? Did your punishment get done with?” I ask, thinking maybe it’s not something I should be asking.
Bri giggles. “Oh, yeah, I was punished alright. I can’t wait for the next time.”
“Oh, don’t tell me. I’m going to have dishpan hands by the time the two weeks are over.”
“I’m sorry you got the raw deal. It’s because you don’t have an old man. If you did, you’d get the same sort of punishment we did. But once you are clear, we’ll find your sister as I said. So, make sure you have ideas for the next time.” Bri sounds giddy with excitement, and that worries me because she sounds like she wants it to fail and get caught, just so she can be punished!
Once Bri has successfully disappeared, I leave the dishwashers running, make sure everything is as it should be, and head to the door to switch off the lights. But right before I do Andy walks into the kitchen.
“Hi, Molly. Do you have a minute?”
I point to the table. “Of course I do. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing really. Whack has put a proposition forward, and I’m not sure if I should take it or not. Can I ask what you think?”
“Yes. I’ll be honest with my answer, too.” I fold my arms on the table and listen while Andy fills me in on a barber shop idea, with the help of his friend Thorn Kincaide. I’m not sure what the problem is, as it’s an excellent offer, but I can hear the worry in Andy’s voice. “Andy, what is your worry? They are offering you a brotherhood, a home, business, and a future. What exactly is the issue you are not telling me?”
“I’m just worried I’ll be jumping out of one crock of shit into another.”
“Andy, they’ve shown you nothing but kindness. They got you out of that town without asking you for anything in return. You are being offered something special. Grab it with both hands. Once this mess is over and I’ve confronted my stepsister I’ll be out there on my own again. Nobody will watch my back. Nobody will support anything I want to do. You know how lonely and hard that is, so don’t go back to it.” I pat his shoulder, giving it a last squeeze as I step away and head to my room. Saying that to Andy has brought the realization back to me. I’ll be on my own once more, and soon.
I shower and throw myself onto the bed, close my eyes and am asleep before you can count to five. But morning comes around way too quickly. That damn alarm on my phone needs uninstalling I’m thinking to myself, as I quickly get washed and dressed.
In the kitchen I empty the dishwashers from last night and get breakfast started. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast. That is what they are getting with jugs I found and filled with cold orange juice, which I’ve placed on the long benchtable. Coffee is ready and I’m finishing toast when brothers start arriving.
I don’t speak to anyone, keeping my head down, and clear all the pans I used for cooking. When I feel someone standing very close to me at the sink, I look up and Breaker is looking down at me. “Well done, Molly. That was an excellent breakfast.”
Nodding at him as my reply, I turn back to the pans I’m scrubbing, and sigh as I feel him step away. I’m surprised when some of the men say ‘thanks’, ‘great breakfast, Molly’, ‘nice, Molly’.
“Well done, Molly. That was good, and it was well cooked. Not sure when I ate a breakfast that good.” I look up and Whack is standing looking at me. “Thank you,” I say, and he winks at me right before turning and walking out of the kitchen.
For lunch, I make sandwiches which I know will go down well, a pan of soup and a large bowl of broccoli and sausage pasta. I love pasta dishes and find them so quick and easy to make, and the assortment I make keeps them interesting to eat.
Cannon walks into the kitchen. “Molly, tomorrow the mayor wants a sit down to talk about your placard shit, and what happened up to that point. It’ll be in the afternoon, so I’m warning you now, so you have time to organize tomorrow's meals.”
