I watched behind the blinds of the window as the black Rolls Royce drove off the lane and sighed, finally able to let the breath I’d been holding escape.

The tightness in my heart lightened, relief and disbelief waved through my mind.

“Thank God,” I whispered, pressing a palm to my chest. “I survived that.” I'd been so scared.

My shoulders dropped, and for the first time today, I allowed myself to feel something close to peace. But that moment didn’t last long.

He knows where I live, what if he brings the cops to arrest me later? Or worse, what if he returns with some thugs to beat me?

“ Why did you let that rude man call you evil and just took it?” I heard Lina's small voice, jolting out of my thoughts.

I turned and there in the middle of the small living space of what I've known my whole life to be my home, stood Lina with her head lowered and arms to herself. Her innocent eyes were glossy with unshed tears.

Maro looked just as wounded beside her, his little fists clenched by his side as he expressed just enough of Lina's question.

“Are you... are you evil?” Lina’s voice trembled as she raised her gaze to ask.

Her words struck my heart, terribly. So much that I panicked.

“No" I sighed, moving closer to Lina and Maro. These poor little ones didn't have to witness all of that.

I hated it. And I had no one but myself to blame.

I crouched down quickly, pulling them both into my arms. “Of course not. Never. Don’t ever think that, okay?” I whispered, firmly denying it despite knowing otherwise.

But I really wasn't evil, we need to survive. And I do what I have to, just to make sure that we live to see the next few days.

I was more between the gray area of life. But to these kids, there were only blacks and whites to everything.

“Then why did you let him say that to you?” Maro persisted, stubborn as always.

I struggled to answer for a while, reveling in the silence. “Sometimes... it’s better to let people say what they want. Doesn’t mean it’s true." I cupped his face.

" But..." I quipped and forced a smile. " I’m so proud of you both for standing up for me.”

I held them tightly, brushing away a tear from Lina’s cheek. I knew I had to change the topic or these little fiends would pester me about it all night.

I don't want them feeling bad about what they'd seen and heard all night either.

“How about I make your favorite meal tonight? Hm?"

“Fries and hotdog sauce?” they both asked in unison.

I smiled. “You know it."

Just then, the front door creaked open. A lanky young man stepped in, his baseball cap twisted backward and fake designer chains clinking around his neck. His dark-brown curly hair peeked from underneath his cap, eyes as honey as his skin.

I frowned at the sight of him, even though it was always sweet and delightful to see him around.

“Yo! The gang's all here.” He jeered as he walked in.

I stood and groaned, frowning at him. “Jax, seriously?”

Jax was my best friend since childhood. Right now, he's the only person I had closest to family other than my siblings.

But that doesn't excuse the fact that he was supposed to be keeping an eye on the kids for me while I went for the interview.

“What?” he grinned, flicking out a wad of cash with a magician’s flair. “I was hustling. And see, I got lucky. The streets are pretty generous today."

" Here guys." He handed the kids a few notes. They squealed in delight, running to the couch to count.

" Yay, now I can get a doll!" I heard Lina squeak as she ran.

Jax then shrugged at me and proceeded towards the kitchen, looking at me as though he'd done nothing wrong in the world. His innocent face playing the part as he grabbed an apple juice from the refrigerator.

Those were meant for Lina and Maro!

I watched him for the longest, before I finally lost it.

“Jax,” I said through clenched teeth as I marched towards him. “I told you to watch them. I went on an interview, remember?” I queried in a hush.

“I just stepped out for a sec!” he defended. “They were fine– They are fine. See?” acting as though I was overreacting.

“No. I found them near the trash. I came back with someone and saw them there. He saw them there. What if that man had reported me to social services? What if they took them away?”

He froze, jaw tightening. “Shit. Sorry.”

I sighed, then softened my voice. “Look, I’m grateful to have you around, and for everything you’ve done for me. And look, I know you taught me how to survive. But... Today had taught me something else. I can’t keep doing this. Not with them around.”

I moved to take the notes back from the kids’ hands and returned them to Jax. The kids groaned in protest but I didn't care.

“Not cool,” Maro muttered.

I gave them a stern look and they fell quiet.

" Jeeze, really?" Jax muttered in a daze, baffled.

“I mean it,” I said to Jax. “I can't keep doing this, I need a change. For myself, for them...” I looked at the kids who just stared at us with arms folded and mouths pouted. I didn't want to betray their trust in me, not anymore.

His eyes searched my face. “You serious?” he pressed, still unable to believe it.

I nodded, stating firmly. “Dead serious. I could’ve been arrested today. And then who would take care of them?”

“What happened? Who's this guy that got you changing and all?” hearing this his brows furrowed as he asked. The jest in his tone didn't hide his concern.

I hesitated at first, but then realizing he deserves to know, I told him everything.

About the boss, how I'd taken his wallet, the interview, the flash drive, and the near-miss.

After listening, Jax let out a low whistle. “Damn. That’s... heavy."

“It is.”

“Then I understand why you'd need to change. It really can be dangerous for you.” he said quietly. “ Well, I didn’t think I’d see this day coming." he chuckled nervously.

“Neither did I,” I admitted. “But I have stakes. I think I've realized some sorts. I was careless about it but, I don't think I can be reckless anymore. Not after today.”

He smiled, weakly. “I get it. For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you.”

I gave a tired smile. “Thanks.” Jax was always like this. A bit crooked, but still the best person to have around.

“But what about the interview?” he asked, nudging my shoulder as he walked past to join the kids on the couch.

“I thought about trying that diner again,” I said, laughing. “But I may have... borrowed too much from them in the past.”

" Haha!" He laughed and I joined, roaming to lump myself on the couch too.

“I’m serious, though. I’ll find something, surely.”

“ And if you can't, you’ve got me,” he said, his voice a little too deep and convicted. “Whatever you need.” His eyes were resolute and strong, the type that draws one in and leaves one reassured.

I nodded, happy yet somehow worried about putting my burdens on him like this.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I reached for it picked it and on the screen, there was a message hovering.

“ Miss Natalie Mcdaugherty, This is from the HR Team of the Lyrex Holdings owned by the Vellari Conglomerate Firms. We’re pleased to inform you that you’ve been accepted for the position you applied for. We’ll send the formal offer via email, Congratulations.”

“Wait– seriously?” I couldn't help but exclaim.

I spotted Jax's concerned expression as he voiced out, " What's wrong?"

I stared at Jax, mouth hanging open as I was more confused than him.

“I got the job.” I muttered, very much in disbelief.