Page 19 of Vows In Corruption

I’ve tried to hide our struggles from her, because she doesn’t need to be subjected to that or even worry about it, but I’ve failed in doing it right.

I look into the hazel eyes that we both got from our mother and see sadness flowing through them and it breaks my heart.

She’s right, we can’t afford to send her to Saint Christopher, but I’ll be damned if I don’t give her that opportunity.

I give my sister the most loving look that I can muster.

“Do you want to go?”

Her eyes narrow as if she is trying to figure out where I’m getting at. “Of course I do. You know that.”

“Then you’re going.” I state, matter-of-factly.

“But, Ella.”

“No, buts.” I place my hands on either side of her face. “You are not turning down an opportunity like this.”

She shakes her head. “There’s no way we are going to be able to pay for it.”

“You let me worry about that, okay? You just worry about finishing high school and getting into the best college that you can, and I will worry about the rest.” If I have to take on three to four jobs again to be able to give my sister this then I will. I will not let her life go down the drain just because I don’t have my shit together.

If I don’t hear back about the assistant position at Lane Enterprises, then I will look elsewhere. A few of my friends were talking about how a new club had opened up, I think the name was Perversa, and they were looking for dancers. I can do that.

You are willing to sell your body to make money?

For my sister, I would. For her I would do anything.

But maybe I don’t have to go that far. Schools like Saint Christopher have to have financial aid available or scholarships that Charlie can apply to. That school isn’t for for the richy rich kids.

Once we get Charlie’s enrollment settled, I will look into it.

Tears start to form in my sister’s eyes as she digest what I just said.

“Are you sure? It’s not only tuition, its also uniforms and books and room and board on campus is strongly encouraged at a school like this” Her voice shakes a little, like she wants to be happy but doesn’t can’t find it in herself to do it.

Fuck that.

She should be happy always.

I give her the brightest smile that I could give. “Yes, I’m sure. Send me the email and I will see what we need to get you enrolled. And we will figure out uniform and books and room and board.”

Her arms make it around my neck and she knock all the air out of me.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Ella. I promise to do good and get good grades and get a job to pay for everything school related.”

I hug her back just as tightly and shake my head at her when I pull back. “Nope. No job. You go to school and that’s it. Well, you play sports and join the drama club or whatever other club you want, but that’s it.”

I get an eyebrow raise, but I just raise one back.

For a solid minute, my sister and I have a silent stand-off, challenging the other. Like always, though, I win.

Charlie rolls her eyes and gives in.

“Fine, but the second you need me to get a job, I will.”

“If it ever gets down to that, you will be the first one to know.”

My sister stares at me for another solid minute, before a smile spreads across her face and she starts bouncing up and down again. She bounces for a solid two minutes before she stops and slaps a wet kiss against my cheek.

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