I didn't seem to have a choice either. I had to choose between taking this job, dealing with it, or begging Mrs. Perez, which was at the bottom of my list.

Despite their kindness, they still communicated with Helena, my stepmother, who I knew resented me. Probably informed everyone that I was ungrateful. Maybe I was, but I wasn't about to beg for her favor.

I got caught in my thoughts when the woman next to me stated, "We're here." We had arrived at the mall.

We got out of the car, and I ...