The Life of Her

Amber’s POV A sudden pause I made just a few steps from my stately oaken door, sensing the overbearing and maddeningly presence of the woman who’s patiently waiting for me to open it. Now her raging voice lingered around the place – a total sense of anger and probably just caught the other neighbor’s attention. As far as I know, I don’t want to seek such things from others, might as well hide and disappear myself at this time. With a spiritless sigh, I slowly opened it for her, giving her a forced worn-out smile. “Again? How many times I will tell you that you’re not the only one, Amber who is dealing with how f****d up their lives are.” Mrs. Jordan pinched, hands crossed in front of her, eyebrows meeting each other, glaring straight towards me. I slowly scratched my head and yawned. My eyes are still wet from my sobs yesterday night. “Are you just going to stare there like you can’t see me at all?” She added, now being pissed. With my soar voice, I replied. “I’m very sorry, but I don’t have money right now Mrs. Jane to pay you.” “Then get your ass outside that apartment!” I was surprised by her sudden outrage and directly fell onto my knees, hugging her legs. Guessed she didn’t expect that either. It’s time to save myself and bring justice to my apartment. I cried in tears and hugged her tighter. “M-Madame…p-please give me another chance…” I said between my sobs. Mrs. Jane tried to push me but I held her tight. She sighed and patted me slowly by the shoulder. Destiny is really making its way according to my plan. With a gentle rub, she helped me stand up and is able to face her now relaxed face. She should always be like that for her not to get those wrinkles and wavy lengths of her eyebrows. “Okay okay, Amber. But I will remind you that this is your last chance. If you can’t pay me before March, then you should start packing your things and get yourself out of that apartment. You know, there are still a lot of people who are also in need of a place to live.” She seriously said. I slowly nodded and thanked her, bowed my head many times until I can’t sense her presence, disappearing in the thin concrete. I closed the door and fell on the floor, hugging my legs with a deep sigh coming out from my mouth. That was close. The calendar being hanged on one of the corners told me that I still have four months to go for me to be able to pay Mrs. Jane – the last chance she gave me. A sudden rumble knocked inside my tummy like ringing bells telling me that food is needed. I stood up and headed to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, there is nothing to be recognized to eat. Guess I need to go outside, might as well buy a box of it – now empty. I snatched my wallet from my bag, got my black worn-out hood on, and directly locked the door, taking myself head to the convenience store. Passing the cobbled streets is not that bad. Still, I will choose to walk rather than taking a cab, to think that my destination is just a few blocks from my apartment. A thirtyish woman with her black scarf wrapped around her neck together with her lacy blue dress is walking towards me. The weather is in no condition right now, taking a week by now also. She gave me her warmest smile that can make any man smile at her also, which I similarly did. She passed by me, bringing with her a bouquet of those white tulips. I heard that the café at the corner of this street is known for its flowers and pastries. I remembered it was called Brend’s Bread and Flowers if I heard it right. I might as well visit it later to buy some bread. The traffic is a bit of jammed, people, like ants, busy passing each other, the air filled with smokes and horns and shrilled talks can be heard everywhere. I scratched my back, rolling my eyes – now irritated by the presence of many people. Opening the door, the bell rang enough for the cashier to notice my not so bearable appearance – dark sagged eyes, messy hair, and clothes being worn for almost two days now. Everything seems nice – not the way I imagined before. I went inside and grabbed some potato chips, canned goods, noodles, soda, tissue papers, and some beers. I paid and didn’t bother to see how the cashier looked at me like I’m a living dead. Who cares? Not even happiness tried itself to knock on my door. I left the convenience store with a yawn, still exhausted from last night. The sun exposed itself to the heat it’s giving. Umbrellas filled the streets, people avoiding its vastness, trying to find any shelter in any form. I took my phone out of my pocket. Still eight in the morning. A rumbling sound suddenly poked me – hunger. I looked at the goods I brought, just right to fill my tummy with something. Looking around, the light is still red, but now in ten seconds. Well, I just need to make my pace fast and I can make it to the other side. Taking a step together with the crowd, I made myself passed the street not until a loud screeching from one of those vehicles passed through me like a flash. I saw myself rolled several meters on the ground, shattered glasses from the beers I brought, some of the noodles being crushed, tissue papers rolled like those wheels that just hit me – everything is scattered. A horridly sharp pain gripped me around my torso and stomach. I tilted slowly my head and saw blood, fresh, coming out from my own body. I heard footsteps reaching from those who are alarmed at the moment, people started to gather around, screaming for help - panicking. The sounds and smell of the wound whirled around, getting my vision into a blur. Though everything seems light. I guessed this is the end of my time. I slowly closed my eyes, but then I heard an unexpected snap. A snap that brought me back to my conscience.