The Purple Iris

chapter five: home sweet home

And just like that, the first quarter of my senior year came to a rapid end. 

You'd think that nine whole weeks would inevitably drag, but somehow I managed to trudge through it with a brave face. It was already the end of October, and Halloween was on the horizon; within two days, to be exact. My routine didn't change through the quarter, maintaining the balance of school and work. I didn't have much of a choice, if I wanted to keep up with graduating on time and affording my monthly living expenses. 

On occasion, I was able to pull aside time to hang out with my friends, Kaylen and Billie. This usually began with them showing up on my doorstep on a surprise visit, sleeping over on a school night. Although it didn't happen as often as it used to, a relaxed smile found its way on my face. Senior year would possibly be the very last time I'd be able to experience these gentle moments, since we all three had different plans in mind for our futures.

I breathed a shaky sigh, glancing at my phone for the current time. It was sixth period, or at least the start of it. The tardy bell had yet to ring, and I was nervously tapping my fingers along my desk. Science was hardly my strong suit, let alone Marine Biology. Sadly, it was required to receive my diploma, yet it didn't make it any less difficult for me to learn. The first of November was steadily creeping around the corner, and so was the rent for my apartment. Living alone wasn't exactly easy for me, considering I was technically by myself without any of my family's support. 

I picked up extra hours from Moon Beans whenever possible; my manager graciously gave me as many as I needed, without interfering with the state's minor laws. Only the required amount of people were aware of my burdensome situation, and that's how I hoped to keep it. Orphaned at the age of twelve, with no other reliant blood-related relatives? 

Yeah, no.

My anxieties began to wash over me, the internal struggle to stay seated or the work the rest of day. Hell, I knew I needed as much as I could get, in terms of money. And I also knew I'd more than likely be short on rent. I couldn't keep drowning in the same cruel cycle. It was terribly exhausting, and I felt myself wearing thin from the heavy weight of the responsibilities burdened unto me.

Without another thought, I miserably stood from my assigned desk. I explained my absence to the teacher, then resumed route to the student parking lot. The hallway fell silent, once the last bell sounded off into a distant echo. I texted the group chat shared with my friends, telling them to not wait up for me later.

Kaylen: We'll swing by Moon Beans afterwards, ok?

A smile spread on my features, and I hastily replied. Kaylen had been my best friend since middle school, and she was one of the few friends I still managed to keep throughout the years. She stubbornly clung to my side through the good, bad, and the ugly— especially during the unexpected death of my mom. It was never easy, but she was always there for me to lean on. 

During my short walk to my car, I noticed Mr. Morris passing through, following a cemented path to the main building. I hoped to not cause notice, yet he managed to see me anyways. I awkwardly waved in his direction, but he waved me over to talk anyways.

"Did I miss the memo for the early day?" He teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Mhm. But really, I'm heading to work."

Mr. Morris straightened his posture, his eyes brightening with the mention of the quaint coffee shop. "Oh yeah? Well, reserve my usual spot?"

"Sure thing." 

With one last concerning glance, he sent me on my way. I climbed into the '03 Civic, slinging my belonging into the passenger side seat. 

Smoothing out my apron, I approached the counter of the shop, ready to take the next patron's order. The special drink of the month was of course Halloween themed, called "Witches' Brew". It was heavily sugared beverage, hardly containing coffee at all. However lacking it was in caffeine, it certainly wasn't lacking in audience. 

"I'd like to medium Witches' Brew, please."

I tapped the screen in front of me, being sure to correct the quantity to two. "Alrighty, would you like whipped cream on those?"

"Oh yes please!" The young woman exclaimed.

"Gotcha." I replied, totaling up their order.

Today in the shop, I was on cashiering and Daniel, out of all people, was the barista. But like usual, he was late. I sighed, slightly annoyed and halfway relieved that I still held a semblance of sanity since he wasn't here yet. Annoyed only because due to his lateness, I was on barista duty.

After cashing out the order, I quickly hopped over to the side, getting to work on the drinks. With a crème base and lots of mocha, was essentially Witches' Brew beverage. I carefully placed the dome styled lids on each of the cups, crafting a perfect whirl of whipped topping. 

"Two medium Witches' Brew on the bar!" I shouted, landing two straws beside the order.

The ding of a bell reverberated across the shop, and the tall and lanky asshole named Daniel came across the threshold. I rolled my eyes, slighted by loud presence. A girl walked in behind him, following him in tow. She was very pretty, just like the majority of his gross groupies, yet they all shared one common flaw: they were stupid enough to like Daniel.

"'sup, Rainie. Sorry I'm late." Daniel lazily smiled.

"Yeah, whatever just hurry your ass up." I snapped, watching him disappear into the breakroom.

Minutes later, he returned with his uniformed Moon Beans apron. Waiting on him was the very same girl, who stood ungraciously by the breakroom door. They exchanged a few words, then he seemed to say something funny enough to make her blush with a laugh. 

Fucking p*****t.

"Miss me?" Daniel teased, slipping behind the counter beside me.

"Ew, god no. Just please try to make it here on time, will you?" 

Daniel quirked his lips, acting as if he were truly thinking about my simple request. "Hm. Maybe."

I shook my head in absolute annoyance. "You do realize you'll only get so far with your tardiness, right? I'm no snitch, but your attendance is kind of being watched."

Management was awfully attentive with Daniel and his irresponsible attendance. Especially since it was typically while we shared a shift together. I frowned in disgust, hoping the night would fly by without any further issues.

"You know, it sounds to me like you're actually worrying about me. You actually care, don't you?" Daniel sneered back, casually leaning against the bar.

When hell freezes over, sure.

"I care enough when it affects me." I quickly added, diminishing any hope he had.

This earned a frown from the raven haired man. "Damn, I guess I've gotta find a way to make you care." 

A scoff voiced in my throat, as I folded my arms over my chest. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Daniel idly shrugged, which made my blood rapidly boil with vexation. "Not sure yet. By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something." He dully stated, locking his blue irises with my brown ones.

I made a displeased face, tacitly encouraging him to go on with whatever the hell he wanted. 

"What's your relationship with that guy? You know, the one that comes in here all the time?"

My lips parted, visibly shocked that he asked me such a thing. And the worst part was, I knew exactly who he was referring to.

"Why... Do you care?" I questioned, squinting my eyes at him.

A taunting laugh sounded from his throat, causing me to tense my shoulders. He threw his hands up, grinning devilishly. "No need to sound so defensive. I was just asking a question."

I remained silent, averting my attention to the ground. Why did I have to answer? What was the point?

"You know what, hold that thought— I'll just ask the guy myself."

My gaze tore from the dirty tile to Daniel's face, then to the figure he was watching across the room: Mr. Morris. Panic spread throughout my body, pain blooming to my head with heavy ache. Why was this getting me so worked up?

"Wait, don't." 

Daniel's expression met my troubled one, pursing together his lips. "Yeah?" 

I nodded. "Yeah, asshat. He's just one of my teachers from stupid school. Satisfied?" I asked, irritation lacing my every word.

He studied my face, before coming to a sudden realization. He made it so plainly obvious with how expressive he was, with what I knew he was about to say.

"You like him, don't you?"

My heart plummeted to the soles of my tired feet, my cheeks and forehead growing uncomfortably hot with embarrassment. I couldn't answer, and I didn't have to answer. 

Daniel smiled wickedly, and I could almost see him mentally put two and two together. I couldn't help but watch Mr. Morris, as he approached the counter with a sincere grin appointed directly towards me. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a scowl form over Danny's lips. 

"Hey, Rainie! I'll have the usual today."

Since he visited so often, Mr. Morris basically experimented with most of the menu. He finally opted for routinely ordering a large iced coffee, with vanilla and mocha flavoring and a splash of 2% milk. He claimed it tasted similar to 'chocolate milk, but with coffee'. I couldn't resist crinkling my nose at the analogy he once made, yet complied anyways.

I nodded, then quickly realized I couldn't have him notice anything different in my usual mannerisms. "You got it."

His gentle smile grew wider, as he retrieved his wallet, always preferring to pay for his coffee with cash rather than debit. I quietly gave him his correct change and told him it'd be ready in a moment, turning to watch Daniel already getting to work on preparing it. I wanted to scream, to simply run away. Daniel was so f*****g annoying and I just couldn't have him running his gab to my teacher about something so pointless. 

Daniel handed my teacher's order to me, head ducking down enough to needlessly whisper three abrupt words.

"Does he know?"

I nearly split the iced coffee all over the floor, quickly gaining enough composure to reach the pick-up order bar. 

Mr. Morris patiently awaited by the counter, soundlessly tapping on the screen of his cell phone. He turned around, spotting me with his drink order. "Ah, thanks a bunch." He spoke sincerely.

I nodded again, this time plastering a curt smile. Even if it was a pathetic mask with how nervously ill I felt.

Daniel watched the short interaction between us two, leering over to my teacher's figure. He sauntered over to me, probably about to poke more fun at my expense.

"So Rainie can actually find someone interesting, huh."

I turned my back, walking over to one of the many sinks placed in the shop. Lathering soap onto the palms of my hands, I furiously scrubbed them with warm water.

"What makes you like him? His looks?" Daniel continued further.

I yanked a spare dish towel from a random spot, and dried my hands. Daniel silently watched me, biting his lip with frustrating wait. He wanted me to say something.

"Will you please just stop?" I retorted, pacing away from him.

I pushed through the door leading to the storeroom, where coffee beans and the like were kept. Of course, Daniel followed me. 

"Why is it so hard for you to just answer the question? I'm genuinely curious."

"Why is it so hard for you to not be so annoying? I'm genuinely curious." I mocked in response. 

Daniel frowned at my answer, and I felt him his eyes watch as I dug around for particular bags of coffee beans. We were running low on fresh grounds, and before we closed, certain tasks needed to be done. However, this didn't require Daniel's vexing presence.

"Are you going to avoid the question altogether?" Daniel asked again.

He was perched against the wall, as I took bags of several coffee beans out of their respective storage containers. I mentally counted, being sure I had enough so I didn't need to bother going back and forth. 

"Danny, please— it's just a crush. A silly teenage crush, that doesn't mean s**t. Now, drop it." I finally vocalized, eyes fixated ahead of me.

"Fine, I'll drop it. But only on one condition." 

I paused, turning enough to study his movements. I waited. "Which is?" I cautiously asked.

Daniel pushed himself from where he slouched, collecting a few bags of beans into his grasp that once were in mine. "If you go out with me."

Scoffing, I whipped my head around, and stormed out of the backroom. I eyed the lobby, and saw that no one was at the counter to order. Thankfully.

"Just one date, just one." Danny continued.

Irritation flared across my face, my brows furrowing together. I gently placed the bags of coffee onto one of the smooth countertops, watching Daniel do the same. I took a deep breathe, and attempted to compose myself. 

"So you're blackmailing me."

Daniel stopped in his tracks, quickly peering over to where I stood. "No? How do you gather that as blackmailing?" 

I shrugged. "Dunno, maybe because you said you'd leave this s**t alone if I went on a date with you?" 

"Don't think of it as that, think of it as an opportunity to get over your useless crush on someone you have no chance with."

Ouch.

"That isn't winning you any brownie points, by insulting my feelings." I pointed out icily.

"Look, you know it's not because of you. You're a total babe, and let's be honest— he's your teacher. It's obvious that it wouldn't work out, and you know that."

He's right. I'd be ignorant to think otherwise. 

"So on that note, what do you say?"

I met Danny's eyes, and pursed my lips. He wasn't ugly, not a chance. But looks weren't everything to me; personality meant everything in my book. Daniel was cute, but a total shithead whenever it came to his attitude. He and I were polar opposites, and I couldn't make that more plain for him to understand. 

"I'll...I'll have to think about, Daniel. Seriously."

Daniel slightly perked up at this. Was he stupid?

"That isn't a straight no, so I suppose this means I have a chance?"

"Don't make me change my mind, and completely say no." 

He shrugged me off, gleaming a devilish grin towards me. "Whatever you say, Rainie." 

The evening went by slow, probably because I self consciously knew I'd be stuck with Danny 'til close. I took my break whenever Kaylen and Billie dropped by for a visit, landing a table in the opposite corner of where Mr. Morris sat. He returned to order a refill, which I personally obliged, mostly to avoid him and Danny crossing paths. Daniel kept his word, mostly. He stayed away, yet watched with meddlesome intent. I wondered how long I'd have to think about the supposed date, although I knew how impatient he'd be to know. Either way, I feel like I'm screwed.

Mr. Morris, as usual, was one of the last people to leave the premises. He waved a sincere goodbye, wishing me to have a good night. I opted to cleaning up the lobby, sweeping then mopping; Daniel did the same, but behind the employee-only counter. 

I drove home in silence, not bothering to turn on any music to enjoy on the car ride. My head was busy with the thoughts of the day, between dealing with Daniel and school. Darting up the concrete steps to my apartment, locating on the second story. I firmly held onto the painted iron handrails with care, ice slicked over the staircase. Fishing out the keys to the door, I paused once I noticed a folded up white piece of paper, messily taped over the peephole. I frowned, hurriedly snatching it off the door. I huffed, my breathe depicting before me from how cold it was outside.

It was an eviction notice. 

Scrambling to open the front door, the lock turned with struggle, probably from how worn it was. I dropped my backpack onto the floor, shutting the door behind me. Tears threatened to prick at the corners of my eyes, as I read the notice. 

EVICTION NOTICE:  

Due to the lack of payment ($350) from the previous month's rent (September), you are receiving this notice. You are expected to pay this sum, along with the allotted late fees, within 72 hours. If payment has not been made, you are assumed to be relinquishing your residency.

Sincerely, the Head of Blue Lakes Apartments

I bit my lips in frustration, so hard that I could faintly sample the tang of blood on my taste buds. Disbelief spread across my face, my anxieties creeping into my head again. I'm going to be homeless, seeing as how I couldn't possibly come up with that much money in three days. I knew I was short last month on the rent, but I didn't think I was missing that much. I explained to the complex manager that I was falling behind on expenses, and I was given time. Or, so I thought. Each day that the rent is late accumulates $10 extra. 

I quickly dialed the complex manager's number, only accessible at this time at night since I was a minor and he lived on the apartment grounds. The dial tone rang and rang until I grew tired of the repetitive sound.

Please, please answer. 

"Hello?"

"Bill, it's me, Rainie Gray. What's this about an eviction notice?" 

"Ah, yes. You were late on September's rent, equaling to nearly a grand in late fees."

"Are you serious? We had a written agreement, Bill. Please, I have nowhere else to go."

A sigh was breathed into the receiver on his end, one bearing of fatigue.

"I'm well aware. Ms. Gray. But the corporate office has taken notice of your accounts, and they're refusing to wait any long nor to drop the charges."

"Look— I know. I do, I know. But I literally have no other means than my current job. I'm only seventeen, and I don't turn eighteen for another few months-"

"Rainie, I understand. I also understand that you were emancipated at sixteen, due to the loss of your parents. God let them rest in peace, but I can't do anything more for you anymore. I've allowed the late payments time after time, but this time they're not going to ignore it. I'm sorry, I really am." Bill explained.

Everyone is always sorry, aren't they?

"You have helped me, Bill. But sorry isn't going to prevent me from being homeless. Sorry for calling you so late, 'night." I answered, speaking almost in a whisper.

"I know, but my hands are really tied this time. Goodnight, Rainie."

The line went dead, leaving me alone with the haunting silence of what was to come. Three days, I'd have to move. Again. It was too much, and I didn't know what to do anymore. Kaylen's family has offered for me to stay with them in the past, but what about now? Temporary solutions, but let's get real; I'm alone and always will be. Foster families were never my niche, leaving me in the court's hands. Declaring emancipation was the answer, instead of being carelessly flip-flopped from family to family. All for what? 

I retreated to my empty room, refusing to bother with changing out of my clothes that were stained with coffee or other daily grime. Slinking under the worn comforter atop my bed, I shut my eyes tight. So tight that maybe the flow of tears would maybe stop. I shivered underneath the blanket, soon shifting into a sleep so deep that I dreamt of falling into the same darkness that has been following me since I became orphaned.

Home sweet home, right?