Web Of Lies
A whole new world!
*opens the window to a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge*
Krystle
"New city, new beginnings"
Aunt Becky
He's downstairs. I told you that he would be upset with the move.
Krystle calls Bryan in from downstairs.
Krystle
What do you think of our new home?
Bryan, as usual doesn't say anything. He stares at Krystle blankly
Krystle
*sad* "I miss the old Bryan so much who was full of life."
The doorbell rings. It's the landlady.
Mrs.Smith
I came to tell you about the house rules.
Krystle
No loud parties, no pets and the most important--
Mrs.Smith
Pay the rent on time!
Mrs.Smith
You're smart! But not smart enough to fool me.
Mrs.Smith
If I find you violating any of my rules, you can kiss the apartment goodbye.
Mrs.Smith
Also if you need anything, I'll be in my apartment downstairs.
Mrs Smith leaves and Krystle closes the door.
She heads to her bedroom. Tomorrow will be her first day of work at Walmart. She doesn't have to be late.
Krystle
Goodnight Bryan! Tomorrow is an exciting day for you at your new school!
She strokes his head and turns off the lights.
She wakes up and gets ready for her first day at work.
Krystle
I feel Walmart ready already!
She quickly heads to Walmart and finds the supervisor.
Krystle
Hi! I'm Krystle. The new recruit!
The supervisor quicky glances at her from top to bottom and breaks into a smile.
The supervisor briefs her to refill the racks on the left and tape barcode labels on each item to the right.
Krystle finishes her morning shift at Walmart and heads to her second job at Tipsy Fox pub.
Manager
Good luck on your first night at Tipsy Fox. Just be wary of our VIP patrons; they may be difficult to handle.
Krystle
*thinks about how much Aunt Becky likes her drink*
Krystle
"I know how to handle a drunk.... what could be the worst that could happen?"
It isn't long before a rich brat walks in with his clique.
Melissa
Yikes! Not Ryan again!
Krystle's co-worker Melissa escapes to the restroom. She wonders why Melissa left so abruptly and looked so stressed.
Ryan
Mmm..what have you got there? Where's Melissa?
Krystle
I'm Krystle. Melissa is busy with the other guests. What can I get you?
Ryan
*agitated* Huh?! Are you new in here? Everyone knows what Ryan wants!
Krystle
Err... pardon me. I don't know.
Ryan reads the name on her badge and runs his hands through his hair.
Ryan
I'll order one hot,lip smacking Krystle.
Melissa ushers her before she could finish.
Jane
Ryan is a rich brat. He harasses all the female staff here.
Krystle
*annoyed* Why don't y'all complain?
Jane
Hahaha! to whom? He's the nephew of the pub owner.
Krystle
Humph! No wonder he treats people like he owns them!
Jane
*sighs* I know it's gonna be difficult but you'll get used to it like the rest of us.
Krystle
"I can consider finding another job but the pub pays me pretty well."
She heads home, tired and sleepy.
Aunt Becky has fallen asleep on the couch with the TV on.
Krystle
Aunt Becky, did you have dinner? Aunt Becky!
As expected, Aunt Becky is completely wasted.
Krystle turns off the TV and gently places a blanket over.
Her first day is a mixed bag of experiences. She wonders what's in store for her in the coming days.
My hot neighbour
*Krystle wakes up to a loud commotion outside her apartment*
Krystle
"Why is Mrs Smith yelling so much?"
She changes into a new outfit
Krystle
*giggling* I can't get enough of this sexy outfit.
She opens the door and sees an attractive guy about her age,moving his stuff in, next door.
Krystle
"New neighbour. Nice"
Mrs.Smith
I said no pets allowed!
Javier
But Mrs Smith,Bonita is my therapy dog!
Mrs.Smith
Rules are rules,young man. No pets allowed!
She gazes at him until he catches her checking him out.
Her face turns red and she slams the door.
Krystle gets back at her morning chores while Bryan is standing by the window.He prefers staying indoor.
Krystle
Bryan, why don't you go and talk to the other kids?
Krystle
Are they still bullying you?
Bryan gets annoyed at her constant nagging and finally steps out.
He hasn't recovered from the trauma of losing his mom. He prefers talking in monosyllables or through actions.
Kids
Look! the strange kid is back!
Another boy comes over and snatches Bryan's basketball. Bryan struggles to reach for it while the rest are laughing.
The kids take turns in hitting Bryan with his basketball.
Krystle looks out of the window only to see Bryan surrounded by those bullies.
Aunt Becky
Where are you going?
Krystle
*annoyed* Why do you care?'All you care about is your wine and daily soaps!
She rushes down to give them a piece of her mind but pauses when she sees something unexpected...
Javier
Hey! Hold it right there!
Javier
If I catch you bullying him again, I won't hesitate to call the cops. They have a special place for bullies like you!
The kids scramble for cover and leave Bryan alone.
Krystle
Bryan! Are you okay?!
Krystle
Yes, he's my brother.
She cups Bryan's face in her palms and notices his bleeding nose.
Javier
Don't thank me! I just can't stand bullies. Parents should teach their kids a thing or two about being kind.
Krystle
I agree. By the way, I'm Krystle, your next door neighbor.
Javier
Yeah, I saw you! I'm Javier. Sorry for the commotion a while ago.
Krystle
It's alright. Mrs Smith is hard to convince.
Krystle takes Bryan upstairs and notices Javier smiling and walking away.
Later she reports to work at Tipsy Fox pub.
Since Ryan isn't around, Krystle works peacefully, waiting at tables until her shift ends.
Krystle
See you guys tomorrow!
On her way back home she can't help but notice the decorations that line her path.
Krystle
"It's been ages since we celebrated Christmas..."
She passes by Javier's apartment and hears him playing a Christmas song on his guitar.
Krystle
*gloomily* "Some people are plain lucky. They have nothing to be worried about"
She steps into the apartment to find Bryan sitting on the couch holding a box of Christmas decorations.
Krystle
*angrily* Not again Bryan!
She takes the box and places it in the closet.
Krystle
"Sorry mom but Christmas isn't the same without you anymore"
She recollects some moments and becomes sad.
Singing the birthday song
Krystle dresses for work.
Aunt Becky
Oh! You look stunning!
At the pub. The crowd tonight is wild and unruly.
As usual Ryan walks in and looks for Krystle amidst the crowd. Where do you think she'll hide?
Krystle
Ugh! He's here again!
She quickly hides under the table.
Just then, someone lifts up the table cloth.
Melissa
I'm guessing you are his new muse.
Krystle
*annoyed* Muse?! More like his punching bag!
Melissa
I'm just glad I got him off my back!
Melissa
*giggling* Good luck with the birthday boy!
Krystle
Wait! It's his birthday?
Ryan
Hey, doll! I bet you missed me the other night, eh?
Krystle
Yes! I work over 60 hours a week just to see you!
Ryan
Aww! You're still upset. Let me make it up to you.
Ryan
By the way you didn't wish me!
Krystle
Get a life Ryan! I've got other tables to wait on.
Ryan
Don't forget that you work for my uncle! I can end your struggle right here... right now!
Frustrated she quickly wishes him.
Ryan
You know what? Just sing me the birthday song.
Krystle
"You're gonna pay for this, Ryan"
Krystle
*sings* Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...
One of the friend- "She sings like a cow!"
The nasty remarks lower her confidence and a tear streams down her cheek.
Ryan
Oh my god! She's crying! This is going on my Snap--
Ryan takes out his phone, when a familiar face walks in and snatches the phone from Ryan.
Javier
Apologize to the lady!
Javier
I said apologize before I beat your sorry excuse of a face into pulp!
Krystle
Javier...you don't know Ryan..his uncle owns this place.
Krystle
Just go....I can take care of myself!
She finishes her night shift. She is startled by seeing Javier outside.
Krystle
Javier?! What are you still doing here?
Javier
I was worried after seeing how that jerk was treating you!
Krystle
Thanks for standing up for me in there...
Javier
I can't believe you work in this pub with that spoilt brat around!
Krystle
"Trust me. I don't want to!"
Both of them take the subway. It's completely empty.
Krystle
What were you doing at the pub?
Javier
Umm...I was looking for a job.
Krystle
Oh! I bet they are never letting you in after what happened tonight.
Javier
Hahaha! It's their loss.
Krystle
Have you tried other places?
Javier
People just don't want to employ me :-|
Krystle
Don't want to? They better have a better excuse than that.
Krystle breaks into cold sweat. Suddenly the empty subway feels unsafe.
Krystle
"He doesn't remotely look like he'd do something wrong."
Krystle
"He's been nice to me and Bryan... or was it pretence..?"
She is confused. She doesn't want to judge him so soon...
Krystle
"I better get off this subway. I don't feel safe with him."
She holds her breath until the next station arrives and jumps off.
Krystle
"Does Mrs Smith know about this?"
Krystle
"I've got to stay alert."
What is it that Javier has done? Is it safe being with him? What dark secrets is he hiding?
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