The Deal

CHAPTER 5.

I never thought I'd see such beauty sitting right next to me on the bus. She couldn't stop giggling and tugging at my dress while peeking at me with those beautifully adorned beaded eyes in her mother's arms. Her toothless smile was undoubtedly one-of-a-kind which could compel anyone to liquefy like hot chocolate. She’s a chubby baby full of so much life and no worries at all about life. I smiled at her and reached my fingers towards her to mimic tickling, and she erupted into giggles.

Her mom, who was on the phone, turned over, and I said to her, “She's the prettiest and most likely happiest baby I've ever seen. She's so lovely”. Her mom beamed with smiles and said, “Thanks, she's indeed a happy baby” Her mom tickled her, and she cracked up once more.

The bus came to a halt at my station. I smiled at the baby who was now fondling her mom's hair and her mom, and took up my bag and my documents and dropped off the bus. While walking towards my apartment, I noticed everywhere was quiet and it was unusual. I took up my phone to check the time, ‘9:40 am’ The interview was such a brief one. That surely justifies the reason for the awful stillness. I strode past Mr. Varun’s house and to my apartment. I took out my keys from my bag and unlocked the door.

Stepping in, I felt a surge of joy rush through me all at once. I closed the door and went towards my room. All I could think of was the interview. “I just hope I get it this time,” I said while taking off my clothes and tossing them onto my table. I slipped into my onesie, which is so comfy, “it's super cozy”. Right on time, my stomach let out a loud rumbling sound, ” urgh I'm hungry. I need to get a snack or something”. I picked up my phone from my bag and I walked happily over to the kitchen.

Being home alone comes with an overwhelming feeling that can't be defined. I scanned the fridge, pulled out the milk and grabbed the cereal box on the top shelf.

I accidentally knocked down some letters as I grabbed the box. “What the hell are these?” I said curiously, picking them up. They were already open. I slid the letters out of the envelopes and I got to see their contents.

The first letter just changed my mood.“Arghh f**k, why can't people be more f*****g thoughtful.” I said sighing with my hands on my face. The letter is from the hospital where Dad’s meant to get treatment. It said his insurance plan had expired and it couldn't be renewed. “Where the hell am I meant to get thirty thousand dollars for each treatment? They're bloody thieves”. I pulled out a chair and sat down, still pondering where I could get such an amount of money or worse, what would happen to him if he didn't get treatment. I tried to wave such thoughts off my mind and I opened the second letter and silently hoped it would harbor some good news as I said, “I hope this letter won't be as disheartening as the previous one”.

“Could this day just get any worse? why is all this bad news coming just after I had an extremely smooth interview?” I rubbed my hands on my head and sighed “Arghhhhhh, darn what am I gonna do?”

I stared down at the letter; the letter I always loathed getting sight of it every month. On the top it read, in bold red letters, ‘RENT DUE’.

Firstly, thirty thousand dollars for Dad’s treatment, and now the rent is due, and I don't have a job. I feel so dejected despite all these struggles, I'm not able to provide.

I toss the letters onto the table, grab a plate and spoon, and pour in the milk and then my cereal. I think eating will take my mind off these issues for a reasonable amount of time. I take my bowl of cereal and head straight to my room to get a novel to read.

Katrina Blkane has always been my favorite author. I have read several books, but none had such a resounding impact as the books written by Katrina. Her books have evoked a positive transformation in my life. Her book, The Secrets of Life, brought about a huge difference in my life.

I plopped down onto my reading chair and opened the book, Truth Untold by Katrina Blkane. I dropped my plate on the table and as I read, I ate. My mind nevertheless pondered on my Dad’s treatment and the rent. I tried so much to think less and continued reading.

I put my spoon in the bowl and it hit the bottom. My cereal had finished, and I didn't even notice. I guess I was really enthralled by the book. I put a bookmark and I decided to get a snack from the fridge. I deserved it considering the way I nailed the interview a few hours ago and, besides, a little more food won't hurt.