Starving

Violet POV

After my rounds, I finally had a peaceful time for myself, falling asleep in my office again. I simply can't place it but my dreams were filled with the little chubby dumpling.

I woke up with a start when I saw him in my dreams tugging the hem of my skirt and screaming ‘Mommy!’ with the entirety of his vocals.

"Ayyy! Why would I dream of a stranger?" I asked no one in particular.

I checked the time immediately after I woke up and saw that it was early hours of the morning. I just slept in my office again. I just hope my boss doesn't realize I have been sleeping here even during my off days.

f**k that old man! I cursed.

I brought my phone out hoping it would provide just the distraction that I needed. But that old man won't let me be! The first thing I saw when I unlocked my damn phone was a text from my agent telling me that my rent was overdue and that he was going to lock me out.

I sighed, deeply.

Might as well get comfortable in my office, I thought bitterly. There was nothing I could do about it. I wasn't doing it on purpose.

I had siphoned my salary and most of my savings into my parent’s account. My dad needed a major operation in a month's time. It was a huge sum of money and we have to arrange it before the end of next month.

There was a knock on my door, bringing me out of my reverie. I looked up to see Joe, smiling faintly at me.

These past few days, Joe had always been there for me. Sometimes, I feel guilty because he also had other responsibilities. It wasn't like I was his lover. He was my best friend apart from Freddy.

Freddy… I miss him, though.

"Hungry?" He asked, with a grin, as usual.

Joe was the type that hardly gets angry. His face was always filled with smiles and he was so kindhearted.

But did he just ask if I was hungry? Of course, I was as hungry as hell!

"As hell, Joe. And not just that, I might as well become homeless in a few hours from now," I said, shaking my head.

I watched him dangle a takeout in my face with a faint smile. My eyes shone brightly as the hunger I had been trying to keep at bay, came rushing in. He placed it on my office desk.

" Got something from my salary and decided to share. I could help…"

" No, Joe. I know you need it more than I do. I will manage, sweetheart," I said, cutting him off with a smile.

"Make sure you finish every single bit and you can move in with me tomorrow. I just have to clear the garage," he offered.

Who was I to refuse his generous offer? I would be thrown out in a day or two. Instead of the humiliation, I will rather gladly take his offer as long as he wasn't giving me money.

" Alright. I will think about it, Joe. But as soon as I finish my dad's operation, I will start paying for rent, deal?" I negotiated, squeezing a smile.

" Vee…"

The beeper on his pocket started beeping so he had to rush out of the office after saying his goodbyes.

I was grateful for the meal. Seriously, I was sure I will starve to death.

I have been so damn hungry since this morning and had just a few cups of coffee and beverages offered by the hospital.

As I was getting ready to munch on the delicacy before me, my mind drifted to the little boy.

I hope he is finally okay.

*****

It had been a hectic day for me again but it was much better than the day before. It was already time for me to go off work and I came out of my office looking worn out.

I wanted to go and check out the place Joe told me about this morning. I need to move out before the next day. My agent would surely throw my things out if I don't move out myself.

I sighed as I got closer to the entrance of the clinic. Still in deep thought, I heard a singsong voice calling out to someone.

"Mummy!"

That voice… It sounds familiar. So I turned to look at the person only to see the chubby dumpling from yesterday. Why was he here again?

I thought I might still be dreaming.

It was impossible to have the same dream, same voice in real life. I bet he would have come running to get if his father hadn't held him tightly.

I quickly walked up to them and he latched himself to me, removing his hands from his father's grip.

"Vince!" I heard a suppressed voice calling him.

So that's the cutie's name? But then I was still confused on why he was still referring to me as his mother. Wasn't he supposed to have snapped out of it? I decided to have a word with Vince's father alone.

“Vince, do you think you can do something for me?” I asked, smiling as I whispered into his ear.

He nodded rapidly. “Sure, mom.”

I quickly radioed for Nurse Abby to come in and when she did, I turned my attention back to Vince and said to him, “Follow the nice lady to the shop across the street and get that candy for me. Will you?"

I squeezed a bill into his hands and my heart fell, knowing I had just given up my breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one. I would have to force myself to eat out of the hospital cafeteria or starve to death inside my office.

But then I had to speak to the grumpy man. As soon as Vince left with Nurse Abby, I looked at him.

"Can… Can we speak in my office?" I asked.

"Hm"

Hm? Was that even a word? I just rolled my eyes at his answer as I led him to my office. Just as we got to the entrance, I remembered my office was a mess!

"Uhmm… let's talk here, instead," I said, stopping at the entrance.

I watched as he narrowed his eyes but kept quiet.

“What the f*ck was that?” I asked him in a low tone.