Faking It Till Eternity

The loud bang! Bang! Bang! On the door jolted me and my daughter, Queency awake. The noise was so forceful it shook the door and rattled the walls. “Who’s there?” I called out, my voice shaky as I hurried to the door. “Open up, Ms. Morano!” came a stern, arrogant voice from the other side. “It's Mr. Harrison. Open the door now.” I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I quickly pulled on a robe and opened the door. Mr. Harrison stood there, his face set in a serious scowl. “You are behind on your rent,” he said firmly. “I need it now, or you’ll face eviction.” I tried to steady my voice despite the rising panic. “Mr. Harrison, it’s the middle of the night. Can't this wait until morning.” His expression remained unchanged. “No, it can't. I’ve been patient enough. If I don't have my rent by the end of today, you and your daughter will need to find somewhere else to live.” I glanced at Queency, who was standing behind me, her small face pale with worry. “Please, Mr. Harrison. I’m working on it. Just give me a little more time.” He crossed his arms, his gaze unyielding. “I have given you plenty of time. Either you have the money by tonight, or you are out. No more excuses.” With a final, impatient look, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. I closed the door and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath. Queency’s small hand tugged at my sleeve. “Mommy, what is going on?” I looked at her worried face and forced a smile. Everything is going to be okay, sweetie,” I said, trying to sound calm. “Mr. Harrison is just worried about the rent, but I’ll take care of it. Don't worry, let’s go back to bed.” Queency nodded, but her eyes still looked worried. I led her back to the bedroom, trying to distract her with a soothing voice. "Let's get some sleep, baby. We'll figure everything out in the morning. I promise." As I tucked her in, she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "Mommy, I don't want to leave our home. I like it here." My heart broke, seeing my little girl so scared. I hugged her tight. "We're not going anywhere, sweetie. I'll make sure of it. Now, close your eyes and sleep. Everything will be okay." I kissed her forehead, turned out the light and quietly left the room, my mind racing as I kept thinking about everything. I had to Come up with a solution quickly, or we’d be out on the street. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the overdue bills and eviction notices scattered around. I tried to think of a way to get the money we needed. I took a deep breath and went to the drawer where I kept my cash. I counted it carefully. There was only $200. I felt frustrated. It wasn't nearly enough to cover the $1,500 rent due this month. I had already accumulated unpaid rent for the past two months, bringing the total to $4,500. On top of that, I had outstanding bills for utilities and other essential, adding up to another $500 Living in Boston, Massachusetts wasn't easy. The cost of everything was high, and my acting jobs didn't pay well. The extra shifts I worked as a waitress didn't help much either. I sat down, feeling overwhelmed. I knew I needed to find a solution fast. I thought about reaching out to anyone I knew who might be able to help, but it was the middle of the night. I couldn't call anyone or expect them to answer. My friends and acquaintances were all dealing with their own issues, and even if I could reach them, l doubted they'd be able to offer the help I needed on such short notice. The next day, around 6:00am, I was still awake, with the situation at hand. I had barely slept and was exhausted. There was a sharp knock at the door. I knew it was Mr. Harrison. I opened the door to find him standing there with a serious look. “Ms. Morano, it’s past the deadline. Do you have the rent?” he asked. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Mr. Harrison, I am still working on it. Please, just give me a little more time.” He shook his head. “I have been patient long enough. I am only going to give you the grace of twelve hours to produce the rent. If I don't have the full amount by the end of today, you and you daughter will leave this house.” My heart sank. “I understand. I am doing everything I can. I just need a bit more time, at least two days. After two days if you done get your money, you can send us out.” Mr. Harrison thought for a moment. "Okay, I'll give you two days," he said. "But if I don't have the money by then, you must leave." I nodded, feeling a little better. "Thank you, Mr. Harrison. I'll try my best." He turned to leave, then stopped. "Ms. Morano, I'm not doing this because I like you. I'm doing it because I have to follow the rules." I nodded again. "I understand." After Mr. Harrison left, I went back inside. Queency was still sleeping, so I sat down at the kitchen table to think. I had two days to find $4,500. It was a lot of money, but I had to try. I looked around the kitchen, trying to think of what I could sell. We didn't have much, but maybe I could sell some things and get some money. Just then, Queency came into the kitchen. “Mommy, what’s going on?” I smiled and hugged her. “We have to find away to get some money, baby. But don't worry, I’ll take care of it .” Queency looked up at me with her big eyes. Can I help, mommy?” I smiled again. “No, baby, but thank you for offering. Mommy will take care of it.” I dressed Queency in her favorite outfit, a bright pink dress with little white flowers. "You look beautiful, sweetie," I said, trying to keep my voice cheerful. She smiled up at me, but I could see the worry in her eyes. "Mommy, are we really going to be okay?" I hugged her tightly. "Yes, Queency. We're going to be just fine. Now, let's get you some breakfast." In the kitchen, I made her a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. As she ate, I packed a small bag with some of her favorite toys and a change of clothes. I wanted her to feel as comfortable as possible at Veronica's. After breakfast, I grabbed my purse and the bag I had packed for Queency. "We're going to Veronica's house, okay? You'll have fun there while Mommy goes to work." Queency nodded, her spirits lifting at the mention of her godmother. "I love going to Aunt Veronica's house to play with Hayden!" I smiled, relieved that she was excited. I grabbed my phone and texted Veronica to let her know we were on our way. On the short walk to Veronica’s apartment, I tried to think of a plan. Two days wasn’t enough, but I had to come up with something. When we arrived, Veronica opened the door at the third knock. “Hey, you two!” She greeted was warmly, hugging us both. “Come on in.” “Thanks, Vee.” Veronica led us to the living room where Hayden was playing. I watched as my daughter joined him. Veronica turned to me. “You look exhausted. What’s going on?” I exhaled. "Mr. Harrison gave me two days to come up with the rent, or we're out." “That’s tough. Do you have any ideas?” “Not really,” I said as I shook my head. I was thinking about selling some things, but I don’t know if it will be enough.” “I am sorry, Ally. That’s a really difficult spot to be in.” “Vee, I hate to ask, but…….do you think you can lend me some money just until I can get back on my feet?” Veronica bit her lip and averted her gaze, obviously distraught. "You know I would be happy to assist you, Ally. However, I'm also having financial difficulties at the moment. Since Gauge lost his job last month, I've been responsible for paying all of the bills by myself. We're barely getting by." My heart sank. I felt certain that she was speaking the truth. Veronica struggled herself, yet she was always there for me. “I understand, Vee. I really do. I’m sorry for even asking.” She reached out and squeezed my hand. "Don't apologize. I wish I could do more. We'll figure something out, I promise." I nodded, trying to stay strong. "Thanks, Vee. I'll find a way. I have to." I looked at the clock and saw that time had flown by. “I need to go. I am almost late for work.” Veronica smiled at me. “Don’t worry about Queency. She will be fine with us. Focus on your job and stay strong.” “Thanks, Vee. I really appreciate it,” I said hugging her quickly before rushing out the door.