I closed the door behind me and went over to the couch. I was already reeling with anxiety as I stared down at the letters in my hand. Placing them on the coffee table I went into the kitchen to get a glass of water.
I took a long drag of the liquid and went on to open the letters bracing myself for the worst.
The first letter wasn't what I expected. The headline was written in bold, An eviction letter
My hands got clammy as I read in disbelief. We discussed this with the landlord earlier this week and I thought we agreed. Holding the letter closer to me it detailed that I should vacate at the end of the week.
I know it wasn't fair for me to ask for an extension I was already three months behind plus he has been good enough to let me stay for as long as I did. I only had one choice to make up the whole amount in five days and move to a new place by then.
My previous frustration was now overshadowed by my current fear. I folded the letter and went on to open the second one hoping to already get some good news, not that I was expecting any.
"Isabella, I thought we had an agreement when you begged for the money to help with your aunt's medical bills. I am running out of patience and won't take lightly this sign of disrespect. If I don't have my 5000 by the weekend you won't be pleased. Our next encounter will be fatal if you don't hold up the end of your deal."
I instantly knew who it was and my breath hitched at my throat. How could he have possibly known where I lived? I was very discreet while meeting him making sure to take a lot of back roads just to avoid this.
At that point, I was very desperate and saw no other way. Aunt Maribelle needed the money and the terms that were discussed didn't matter to me, I just wanted my aunt to live. Now I didn't know what to do. Placing the letters on the table I forced myself to go through the stuff my aunt left me.
Maybe I could pawn something and at least get some cash to pay off some of the debt before I lose my head. Opening the old wooden chest a lot of memories came flooding back. It was like pulling a scab off from a wound.
After some minutes of searching, all I got was some clothes and a few jewelry that didn't look like they were worth much. Giving up I decided to look for another alternative, placing her belongings back a green pendant fell on the floor.
I had never seen it on my aunt before and I was curious as to what it was. Picking it up from the floor I slowly placed it in my hand. It had some initials engraved on its back R.G
Looking at the dainty necklace I decided to wear it as a remembrance of my aunt, at least to have her with me everywhere I go. Looking at my phone, I hadn't noticed how much time had gone by.
Tired from the disappointments of the day I tucked myself to sleep hoping that tomorrow would be better.
Two days later
"Would you pick up the table 4 for me? I am a bit stumped with all the orders I have" June asked jolting me up from my thoughts.
"Of course girl, I got you," I said trying to plaster a smile on my face.
This was the last place I'd rather be but I had to if I had any chance of making any amount this week. Pushing my exhaustion aside I decided to put on my fake smile and walk to the table.
As I passed through the room full of chatter my thoughts ran back to the impending doom I was in. Did Justin know where I worked? Of course, he did if he already knew where I lived.
I was brought back to reality when something hit me hard and I lost my balance and toppled over. Looking at my side was a lady dressed casually lying on the floor.
"I am so sorry. I didn't look where I was going." I frantically stood up trying to help the lady.
"How could you? Is this how customers are treated in this establishment?"She raised her voice while scowling.
"It was a mistake it won't happen again." I apologize disappointed in my actions.
Everyone was looking at us and I didn't want it to be a scene. Our manager walked out seemingly glaring at me. I knew that I was in trouble and I couldn't afford to lose this job, not now.
"I am sorry for the inconvenience caused ma'am. I'll make sure this is not repeated." He reassured her while giving me a stank look.
I hurriedly walked out only to be met by a calm breeze. It was already dusk and I was relieved that my shift was almost over. I took a moment to compose myself to attend to table four.
As I was walking inside I could tell by afar that the table was only occupied by one person. I was relieved as didn't have any enthusiasm left in me to entertain a lot of people.
As I got closer I could see that he was a sharply dressed man with a familiar scent to him. As I got to the table, I cleared my throat, and the man looked up from his mobile phone.
"What are you doing here?" I asked surprise clear in my voice.
"Don't flatter yourself miss, the last time I checked this was a cafe right?" He asked with a smug look on his face.
I could not stand him after his rudeness towards me the other day. I thought about ignoring him and walking away but I was under a lot of scrutiny from the manager. I couldn't afford to make another mistake.
"Welcome to Barney's cafe, what would like to order?" I said swallowing my pride.
I decided to act professionally just to get it over and done with.
"I came to see you." He said wiping the smug look on his face.