Love amidst pain and luxury

CHAPTER FIVE

Rin

The sun was already receding behind the clouds, signifying the onset of nightfall by the time I pulled into my driveway. I sat staring at the bungalow I'd called home for over fifteen years. I couldn't believe that in less than a month, I might end up losing it.

This was the house we moved into after staying with my uncle, back when the twins were just babies. So many fun memories lived here, and I wanted mom to come back to it. The thought of losing it now, because I couldn't afford the rent..…

I bowed my head and rested it against my hands on the steering wheel. The warmth of the car's interior felt both comforting and stifling.

“God, please.” I let out a deep breath, forcing a smile as I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror. “It's going to be okay, Rin.”

After feeding myself words of encouragement, I grabbed the grocery bags from the backseat and made my way into the house.

“Hey everyone, I'm home.” I called, my voice almost singing as I used my foot to shove the door closed.

The twins and Ken were on the couch. Both boys were staring at his phone, while Ken's thumb and index finger moved swiftly around the screen.

“What are you guys doing? Gaming?”

“Yeah, Call of Duty.” Nathan answered, not taking his eyes off the phone.

Ethan looked up at me. “Hey, sis, need help?”

“Nah, I'm good. Enjoy.” He smiled as I walked past them into the kitchen. He followed me. “Ken's really good. He has about fifteen kills already.”

“Wow, that's a lot.” I dropped the bags on the island.

“Yeah!” He seemed so excited and happy as he helped me sort through the bags, putting everything in its proper place. “You know, sis, I was wondering…” He stopped and looked at me.

I leaned against the counter, giving him my full attention. “Go on.”

He sighed. “I know things are kinda hard right now, but Nathan and I are fifteen. In less than two years, we'll have graduated high school, and we still don't have a phone.”

“Ethan, I—”

“Just hear me out, sis. There are phone stores where you could get us nice phones and pay it down gradually.” I was about to protest when he raised his index finger, the others clutching the canned beans in his hand. “Or better still, let me work. I don't know if Nathan would want to, but I definitely don't mind.”

I grabbed the bags of vegetables I had bought and carried them to the sink to wash so he wouldn't see the tears welling up in my eyes. “Ethan, honey, you're supposed to be focused on school. I know i haven't paid your fees yet, but by next week, i should have taken care of it, and you'll be back in school, which will leave you no time to work.”

“But—”

“No buts. I know you want to help, but don't worry, I got this.” I closed my eyes, blinking back tears. “You know what?” I turned toward him.

“What?”

“I'm gonna try my best. Before you graduate, or right after, I'll get you both a really nice phone.” I smiled.

He gave me an uncertain look as he placed the now empty grocery bags into the kitchen locker. “Okay.”

“Now go back and enjoy the game. I can take care of things here.” I widened my smile.

He paused at the doorway, looking back at me. “Just so you know, sis. I don't mind staying without a phone even after I graduate college, so no pressure.” He gave me a big smile, showing his teeth, and then exited the kitchen.

“Oh, gosh.” I gripped the kitchen sink, a hand pressed to my chest.

The kid was such a sweetheart, and he was right. There wasn't one of their classmates without a phone. Imagine how they must feel going to school and hearing their mates talk about drama in the class group chat, or something trending, and they can't relate.

I couldn't take it. The fact that he even tried to assure me he didn't mind was the worst part. I felt like a failure.

I turned open the kitchen tap and put a bowl under it to cover the sound of my cries.

My mind kept racing, calculating all the bills and expenses I had to pay. Mom needed to have surgery within the oncoming week, the house rent needed to be paid, the boys had to return to school as soon as possible, and I knew fully well my salary wasn't going to cover all these things.

I rubbed my chest, running small circles over it. The realization that I was going to fail everyone was sinking in. I needed air, needed to clear my head.

The kitchen suddenly felt suffocating, the walls closing in. I moved toward the windows, pushing them open wider. Why wasn't the air coming in?

My chest rose and fell frantically. I gripped the pendant of my necklace, the chain digging into my neck like it was choking me.

“Water,” I gasped.

I bent over the sink, trying to drink directly from the tap. I choked, coughing as water spilled down my chin.

I reached out and turned off the tap, collapsing to the floor. Air. I needed air.

I tried to take in large gulps, but it felt like someone had cut off my diaphragm. My heart pounded heavily against ribs. Was this the end? If I died here, what would happen to everyone?

I struggled to stand, pulling myself up by the edge of the island. My grip slipped, and I fell—but before I hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around my waist, holding me up.

He lifted me and placed me on the kitchen counter. I gasped for air as he ran his hands slowly down and up my back, his breaths calm and steady.

“Breathe, Rin. Breathe”