The Voice

Part 1: Chapter 1

Kiara

When was the last time I could leave work early? I swear I probably haven't had a short day like this since my last day of college. Unfortunately, getting knocked up at 22 didn't help me have fewer sleepless nights. I've been used to pulling double shifts or working more than two jobs since high school. With my work schedule and dealing with my son, I barely have time for myself these days.

Miguel, my adorable little gremlin, is thankfully still in school until 3:30. After that, I'll have to run him uptown to see his therapist. As I clock out from my shift at the local coffee shop, I think of everything I need to pick up from the grocery store. I wonder if Janai is working today? I don't work at the grocery store until tomorrow morning, thankfully. Janai said she would try to pick up extra shifts this week, so she probably is there. If she's working, I definitely need to stop by and give her phone charger to her.

Janai came over last night, and after a blunt or two, a movie, and some tacos, she headed home. Too bad she left her phone charger, and I know she doesn't have the extra cash to buy another one right now. She has answered none of my texts since last night, but I'm sure it's cause she didn't have said charger.

On my way out of the coffee shop, I say goodbye to Riley, my manager, and he tells me to enjoy the rest of my afternoon.

"I definitely will! I'll see you tomorrow at 3."

"Did you forget you have the day off tomorrow?" Riley asks with a brow raised.

His blue hair and eyebrows look absolutely perfect with not a strand out of place as he prepares a latte for a customer at the counter. Riley is quite handsome with tanned skin, and he is gay, but he is a huge flirt with any and everyone. With his athletic frame and bubbly personality, any man would be lucky to call him their boyfriend. But Riley loves to be free and try whatever flavor he's into that day.

Riley is usually my source of cheerful conversation while I work, and God, I hate when he's not here. He has been a great friend since I started working here almost four years ago. If it weren't for him, I'd never know when I actually have to be at work. Seems I've forgotten yet again.

"Crap, that's right. It's the grocery store and the gas station that I work at tomorrow," I say, stopping in my tracks as I face-palm myself at my utter incompetence. "I meant to update my calendar. I've just been all over the place. Thank you for reminding me!"

Riley chuckles. "It's cool, I know you've been really busy lately. Especially since you took on a third job," He says, giving me a look that says I should be relaxing instead of working more. "But I guess you'll have more time to yourself since Miguel is staying with his grandparents for the summer."

My eyes go wide with horror, and Riley notices it as he hands the customer her drink.

"Wait... don't tell me you... you actually forgot his grandparents were coming to pick him up tonight?" Riley inquires with a look that says there's no way I could forget a huge detail like that.

"Shit! I'm gonna have to rush home and finish packing his bags," I say as I speed-walk towards the exit.

"Why do I give you extra time to yourself if you never actually have time for yourself?" Riley chuckles as I head out the door.

I make my way to my beat-up blue Nissan Altima, parked right in front of the store and get in before the heat makes me sweat too much. The heat and I have a very love-hate relationship; it doesn't take much effort for me to sweat from any kind of heat. Physical activities can be just as difficult for me with sweating.

Thankfully, my car was already running before I got outside. Remote start is a blessing in every sense of the word. Once in my car, I set up my driving playlist and make my way to the grocery store.