Chapter 1 who are they?
Marissa dragged herself through the ricky-tick door, the creaky hinges echoing in the dark hallway of their crumbling apartment building. The air was thick with the smell of stale air and yesterday's cooking. She trudged up the stairs, her feet heavy with exhaustion, the sweet scent of freshly baked bread from the bakery lingering on her clothes – a reminder of the long day she'd had.
As she opened the door to their small, cluttered apartment, the faint hum of the TV greeted her. Her brother, Alex, looked up from the couch, a faint smile on his pale face. "Hey, sis. How was work?" His voice was weak, but the spark in his eyes was still there.
Marissa dropped her bag on the floor and kicked off her worn-out shoes, revealing her cracked soles. "It was okay. Just the usual chaos at the bakery. But we landed that big order for Audrey Ocean's birthday cake. We're gonna make a killing off that one... if we don't mess it up," she added under her breath.
Alex's eyes lit up. "That's awesome, Rissa! You deserve it."
Marissa smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards her brother. He was the reason she kept pushing, kept working. She leaned over and hugged him gently, careful not to jolt his fragile frame. "Thanks, Alex. How was your day?"
"Same old, same old," he said, his voice muffled against her shoulder. "But I'm good. Don't worry about me."
Marissa pulled back, her eyes scanning his face. He looked a little more tired than usual, but he was trying to put on a brave face. She forced a smile onto her own face. "Alright, I'll try not to. But you gotta take it easy, okay?"
Alex nodded, his eyes already drifting back to the TV. "I will, sis. Promise."
Marissa sighed, knowing he wasn't always good at keeping promises. She got up and headed to the tiny kitchen to heat up some dinner – yesterday's stale beans. As she waited for the microwave to finish, she let out a tired sigh. Tomorrow was going to be another long day. The food was finally heated up she dished it into a bowl she headed back to the living room and handed it over to alex, am sorry i can't eat that right now..why?, Marrisa asked with her brow slightly furrowed. I haven't taken my drugs tonight he replied Marissa's face fell as she took the uneaten plate back to the kitchen. "Alex, why didn't you tell me you hadn't taken your medicine yet?"
Alex looked up at her, his eyes apologetic. "I forgot, sis. I'm sorry."
Marissa quickly checked the empty medicine packet and sighed. "It's okay, I'll just run down to the store and get more. I'll be right back, okay?"
Alex nodded, his eyes already drifting back to the TV. Marissa grabbed her worn-out sandals and headed out into the chilly evening air. The store was just a few blocks away, but it was a trek she'd made countless times before.
As she walked, she counted the coins in her pocket – just enough for the medicine and maybe a little bit left over for tomorrow's bus fare. She quickened her pace, hoping the store was still open.
When she got there, she grabbed the medicine and headed to the counter, her heart sinking as she realized she was a few dollar short. The shopkeeper looked at her sympathetically. "It's okay, Marissa, you can pay next time."
Marissa hesitated, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thanks, Uncle John. I'll bring the money tomorrow, I promise."
The shopkeeper nodded and handed her the medicine. "Take care, girl. Your brother needs you."
Marissa smiled weakly and headed back outside suddenly a black suv drove in and Parked right in front of the store who could own such an expensive car she wondered because nobody in the ghetto could afford such a massive car Marissa's curiosity got the better of her as she watched the SUV park in front of the store. She slowed her pace, pretending to adjust her sandal as she took a closer look.
A man in a suit stepped out of the first SUV, scanning the area with a serious expression. He whispered something to the driver, who nodded and stayed put. The man then opened the door of the SUV, behold! a tall, brooding guy with a chiseled face stepped out. He stretched his lean frame, looking out of place in the rundown neighborhood.
Marissa's eyes widened as she took in the expensive watch on his wrist and the designer clothes he wore. Who were these people, and what were they doing here?
The suited man spoke to the brooding guy, who nodded and headed into the store. Marissa's instincts told her to keep watching. She slipped into the shadows, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of fear.
As she peered through the window, she saw the brooding guy approach the counter, his eyes scanning the shelves. The shopkeeper, Uncle John, looked up and nodded in greeting. They exchanged a few words, and the guy pulled out a, box, flashing a wad of cash.
Marissa's eyes widened as she realized – this was no ordinary customer. This was someone important, and they were here for a reason.
Her mind racing with possibilities, Marissa decided to stick around and see what unfolded.The transaction was over in a flash. The brooding guy took the black briefcase from Uncle John, exchanged a quiet nod, and headed back out to the SUVs.
Marissa's eyes were glued to the scene, her mind racing with questions. What was in that briefcase? And who were these people?
As the SUV. prepared to leave, the brooding guy's eyes suddenly locked onto hers, his gaze piercing through the darkness. Marissa's heart skipped a beat as she felt a jolt of electricity. She quickly looked away, her face flushing with embarrassment.
The SUVs pulled away, leaving Marissa feeling like she'd just witnessed something she wasn't meant to see. She took a deep breath and continued her journey home, the black briefcase lingering in her mind.
When she got back to the apartment, Alex was dozing on the couch. Marissa quietly handed him his medicine and watched as he took it. She tucked him in, her mind still reeling with the events she'd just witnessed.
What was that briefcase???
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