BABY MAFIA

The day I graduated from high school was the best day of my life. Not only because I knew I was free from the clutches of school, but also because I knew I was beginning a new chapter in my life. I could now focus on my future and what I truly love; 'fashion designing.' It has always been my life's dream to become a well known fashion designer, with my own clothing boutiques that sell nothing other than my designer brand clothing and accessories. It would all begin in that moment, with me graduating high school, then getting into my dream fashion school 'Kingsley.' It had been something I've been fantasising about all my life and that is exactly what it turned out to be. One big, unreachable fantasy. "Melany you know we love you, but we just can't afford for you to go to Kingsley." My mother said while taking a sip of her coffee. "Your mother's right Mel. Don't forget that your brother and sister are still in school and you all need to be fed, clothed and sheltered. We are barely getting by as it is." My father agreed. "Mel honey. If we could we would pay for you, but even if your father and I put in extra hours at work the money could never amount to Kingsley fees." My mother said. "Those are just the cons of our jobs and we hope that you understand sweetheart. If we could we would." My father said, while he rubbed gentle circles around my back. "I understand." I finally said and I know what you're thinking, but I really did understand. My parents have done so much for me and my siblings. For starters; they made sure that we never went to bed hungry. Even though they didn't earn much, they made sure that we got what we needed and I still love them for that. My mother Monica was a strong white woman who swallowed her pride and got herself a cashier job at Shop N Go down town. My father Jackson was a strong black man who travelled the world for his family on a daily basis as a truck driver. My mother came from a rich family, but when she met my father she vowed to sacrifice anything to be with him. That sacrifice was her family, wealth and inheritance, yet my mother never regretted her sacrifice. A year after my parents got married, my mother fell pregnant and gave birth to me; 'Melany Trey.' Nine years later, she fell pregnant again and gave birth to my younger twin brother and sister; 'Jared and Juliet Trey.' As three children in the family our parents needed to make sure that we had everything we needed and honestly they succeeded grandly with that. If you had seen us growing up, you would have hardly known that we were struggling financially. That is why I understood my parents reasoning and I wasn't going to stand against it. Although it stung a little to know that I wouldn't be able to fulfill my life long dream. That didn't mean I had stopped hoping though. I actually had a plan B. "We are glad that you understand sweetheart. We're really sorry. We know how important this goal is to you, but we just can't." "It's okay dad. I have a question to ask the both of you though." "Yes Mel, anything." My mother said, then they both stared at me with anxious eyes. "Well I was thinking, instead of me just sitting around here being a parasite in your pockets; how about I get a job if that's okay with you? It would keep me busy and my pay cheque could contribute to the family budget. And if I get a job, I can start saving up to pay for my own schooling." I watched as my parents anxiety turned into happiness and they tensed bodies relaxed. "That's a brilliant idea, Mel!" They said in unison. "Go ahead, sweetheart. You have our full support in anything you do." My father said, as he pulled me into a hug. "We love you Melany, never forget that." A MONTH LATER... "No and I mean no daughter of mine is going to work at a strip club!!!" My father yelled. "I agree with your father. I thought we raised you better, Melany." My mother said sternly. "You did mom, but it's not like I'm going to be stripping. I'm just going to be working as a bartender serving drinks that's all." "No way in hell, Melany! That is no environment for an eighteen year old, regardless of what you are doing!" My dad said while rubbing his temples to calm his nerves, then he sat down on the couch. "But mom, but dad. If I take this job we will have more money to spend and I could be headed to Kingsley in just a years' time." "No Melany no! We don't care about the extra money. All we care about is seeing you succeed." My mother said. "But how am I supposed to succeed if I can't even go to Kingsley?" "You will go to Kingsley Mel and you will succeed, but you don't need filthy money to get you there." My mother said as she sat down next to my father. "Well where am I supposed to get another job?" I asked, feeling a little frustrated. "Well help you find one, Melany. You could be a cleaner at Shop N Go or you could work as a receptionist at the truck valley." My dad suggested. "I don't want those jobs dad, they aren't my style. I want this one, it's fine for me." Suddenly my father shot up from his seat and took a few steps towards me. Rage was written all over his face. "So being a prostitute is more your style, is it?" He asked, bringing his face closer to mine. "After everything we've taught and done for you? It's fine for you to throw it all away just like that? Uh?!!" "I...I." I stuttered, scared because I've never seen my  father this angry my whole life. Just then my head whipped to the side and I felt the painful sting of the slap my father just delivered to my cheek. "You make me sick, Melany! I don't even know who you are anymore!!" My father looked me straight in the eyes and said the words I thought I would never hear coming from his mouth. "You are no longer my daughter. If you want to destroy your future and reputation for some money, then go ahead, but you're not doing it in my house. Get out, get out now and don't come back!!" He yelled as he pointed his finger to the door. All the yelling must have frightened Jared and Juliet because they came running into the living room. "What's wrong?" They asked when they saw me crying. I didn't answer them, I just rushed past them with my hands covering my face and I ran to my room. When I entered my room, I grabbed my duffel bag and started shoving all my clothes into it and I put all my shoes into my old school bag. I thought my parents said they would support me in anything I do. Where is that support now? When I was sure that I had packed everything, I took both my bags, said a short prayer and left. When I got to the front door, my whole family was standing there waiting for me. My father even held the door open for me. My mother looked at me with disappointment and digust in her eyes. Jared and Juliet looked sad and confused at the same time. They kept asking mom and dad where I was going. My father wouldn't even look at me. He just pointed his finger to the door and looked away. As soon as I stepped out of the door, it slammed shut behind me. From that point on, I had no family and it was all because I wanted to work at the 'Foxy Tail,' for the good of the family. I should've just turned back, apologised and begged my parents to take me back, but I didn't. Instead I just kept walking and never even looked back.