Diary of a Poor Billionaire

CHAPTER 1: Finally Away from Them

-Erick’s POV-

My packing was not done yet. I roamed around my room, looking for my stuffs that I can bring with. It was some minutes later when I heard my aunt shouting my name, urging me to come down.

I did not even reach the landing when she bellowed at me.

“What takes you so long, you poor scumbag? Didn’t I tell you to hurry up and help me bring Shania’s bag to the car? Gosh, you’re so pathetic!”

“Okay,” I said blandly.

“If you piss off my precious, my husband will make sure you really suffer this time.”

Of course, I was used to their attitude. It was always like this when I set foot in this house. They never treated me as their relative; it’s more like treating me as poor as a dog.

I tried hard to compose myself. Their threats were nothing to me as I was already immune to it. Even so, I should never try to anger them now or else they might not allow me to go to Seattle.

When Aunt Vilma said he needed my help, what she really meant was that it’s only me who should do the job so that she would not sweat herself. If other people saw what I ought to do, they would think I was their servant.

Well, I was always their servant. When did they treat me as my Aunt’s nephew? I was just a disgusting beggar in their eyes, a lowlife that never worth their attention.

I shrugged off bitterly and carried Shania’s bags to Aunt Vilma’s Volkswagen. Haggard and sweaty, I finished my job some moments later. It was then that I asked them.

“Can I bring in my bags too?”

“Go on. But you should not make us wait or I will leave you,” my aunt replied sternly.

In that moment, Shania had already been in the living room. She must’ve had heard our conversation because he stared at me unfathomably. But despite her temperament, I could not deny the fact that my cousin possessed a goddess beauty. I remembered back then how Shania used to complain to her mother about how the boys in her class peeked at her obstinately.

“Mom, do we really need to tag him with us?” Shania asked disgustedly. “Whenever I see him, I always feel like throwing up. Look at his ragged cloth. It’s really disgusting.”

Aunt Vilma consoled her and whispered. “I don’t want to, but it’s the only fastest way to get rid of him out of this house. The earlier, the better. Aren’t you worried at me if I stuck in this house with him? You don’t know more than I how much disgusting he is.”

“You only have to deal with it just for this day, okay?” she added.

“Okay mom,” Shania replied, disheartened.

Even if they whispered it, I caught all their exchanges. How could I have an aunt like her?

Now that they stopped talking, I took the opportunity to sneak out of their sight. Who knew they might start bullying me again? If only I had much money . . .

The Pence family was always like this. If they were tired of bullying me, they would then start to brag things others had not. They were so materialistic. Money and luxury were important for them. According to them, ‘If you have money, you have power. If you have connections, you are untouchable. But if you are poor, you’re not worthy to breathe.’

Even the neighbors were afraid of them and envied them. They were a bunch of bullies. On some occasions, the Pence family deliberately invited all neighbors in some parties just to show off their wealth.

To put it bluntly, the Pence family were merciless and bullies and despised by many.

Because of my situation, our neighbors sometimes showed pity on me. I was the only one in Pence residence that they treated fairly. But they couldn’t show it openly because they were afraid that doing such would mean they opposed the Pence’s.

I put on a forced smile as I thought about it.

Some minutes later, I was outside already, carrying four big rucksacks. Once I neared the car, I couldn’t help raise my eyebrows.

It was then that I realized the trunk was already full with Shania’s bags.

“You i***t trash, what are you waiting for? Hop in already,” Aunt Vilma yelled irritably.

“Where am I supposed to put my bag? It seems full in there,” I called out.

“It’s not my problem. You can just leave it in the trash can if you have a problem with that.” My aunt replied impatiently. “Besides, the back seat is still spacious.”

“Alright.”

I went into the back seat. A travel bag was already propped on one of the seats.

‘Great, I would be crammed inside.’ I thought.

“Be careful. I don’t wanna see any scratches on it,” my aunt bellowed suddenly.

It took me five minutes before I settled down uncomfortably. This would be the worst ride I had in my whole life. From Spanaway where my aunt lived, it would take us at least fifty worst minutes before we reach the Seattle. It’s so hot inside and I saw Shania adjusted the air conditioner and opened the window beside her, making the inside hotter while the cold air from outside only cooled the two the women in front. She then glanced at me and sneered contemptuously.

‘How I wish I could fight back at you, bitch.’ I thought incessantly.

I lost track of time when my phone rang suddenly. I picked it up to see Irah’s name on the screen.

The one calling me was my girl friend and her name was Irah Johnson. We used to be classmates in Challenger High School since grade 7 but our relationship started when we were in grade 10. Since then, she was the one who stood up if I get bullied. That was why I liked her most. Just the thought of her made me blush.

I answered her call without hesitation.

“Hello, Irah.” I said blissfully, while ignoring the curious look from Aunt Vilma and Shania. “What’s the matter?”

“I want to meet you when you arrive at Seattle.”

“Sure, just send me the address. By the way, how are you these past few days?”

“I’m sorry Erick, but I really have to go now. See you soon. Bye.”

Toot, toot—

I just smiled bitterly after she hanged up. I really missed her. Perhaps because the call was too short that it didn’t satisfy my longing for her.

I was deep in thought about Irah, but was interrupted when the car stopped.

“Are we there yet?” I asked.

“Not yet. But we’re almost there,” my aunt said annoyingly. I creased my forehead in confusion.

To answer my confusion, Shania butted in, “Can’t you see? I don’t want them to see me hanging around with you. We are already generous enough to give you a free ride. Get out!”

Seriously?!

“But I don’t know the way around,” I began to panic now. Were they insane to leave me here in this big city? They’re really merciless.

“It’s not my problem. Get out now. Before anyone sees me with you.”

After some arguments, I finally decided to get out; a smirk plastered on Shania’s face as she looked at me through the window. Then they sped up.

Sigh.

I looked helplessly around the unfamiliar city. Only a few people were here, obviously just passing by. Seattle was a big city, and having been here for the first time, I don’t know where to go.

Just as I was losing hope, a boy was approaching me. He looked the same age as I was.

Judging from his appearance, he must be from a well-off family. He wore casually but I could tell his clothing cost much more than I was wearing. His demeanor was cool and composed, and has a soft feature. I could tell he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

I thought he wanted to ridicule me, for he was just like most of the rich kids I met. But I was shocked when he extended his hand. Wasn’t he afraid his hands would get dirty? I guess he’s different.

“I’m Kevin Johnson. And you are?” said the boy named Kevin. I hesitated to accept his hand but it would be a shame if I turned it down, so I shook it reluctantly.

“I…I am Erick. Erick Miller.”

“I saw from afar how those women drove you away. Do they always do that to you?” he said, while looking at the direction where my aunt went to.

“Yeah, sort of. But they’re my relatives, so I can do nothing against it,” I said. He just nodded.

He then turned to me and looked at me from head to toe. I blushed since rich kids always had that kind of gaze when they’re looking down on me. He must’ve realized that I was not worthy to talk to someone like him.

“Sorry for that,” Kevin said while chuckling. “I guess you’re new here, right? Judging from your bags, you must be looking for apartments.”

“Yeah,” I said timidly.

“C’mon. Don’t be aloof. I can help you get an apartment.” With that, he prompted me to follow him. I had no choice but to follow him since I didn’t know the way around. I could also see that he’s sincere so I guess I could trust him a bit.

We stopped in a parking lot and Kevin retrieved his car key. He went straight into a black Mercedes-benz. I was a little hesitant. How could he treat me like his equal? At that moment, I knew he was kind and easy to befriend with, despite our status gap.

He drove the car out of the parking space and stopped in front of me. Then he opened the door of the back seat and helped me put my bags.

“That’s it. We can go now.” And then we sped off.

It was already dusk. Now that I was comfortable in the ride, I could not help but observed the city. Along the way, I saw Michael Moore on a billboard; it was a reminder of a ribbon cutting ceremony to be held in two weeks. A new mall called Seattle Pacific Mall had finished its construction.

Kevin broke the silence when the traffic seemed to slow down.

“You’re studying here, aren’t you?”

“Yes. At Seattle University.”

“Oh really? I’m studying there as well. In that case, we can be dorm mates. What’s your say?”

I couldn’t say no. He had been good to me so far, so why not? At least he took the effort to look for a dormitory for me. “Yeah. Thanks, by the way. ”

“Not a problem. We’re friends already, so you can ask me if you need help.”

I nodded, feeling elated. He was really something. It was the first time a stranger took the initiative to befriend me.

Another minutes passed. Kevin parked the car on the sideway. “We’ve arrived.”

“Are we in Seattle University already?” I asked. It seemed that we’re not in the premises yet.

“No. But we will live here. See that? That’s the one.” He pointed to a five-storey apartment.

“Eh? I thought we are required to live in in-campus dorms. Why here?”

“This apartment is basically reserved for third to fifth year students of SU. But since my dad owns this apartment, he can make exceptions for me and my friends, regardless if we are first or second year. Dad will notify the dean for this arrangement.”

Wow! They must be really rich, having owned that apartment.

“It’s getting dark. We should get going now.” He said and helped me carry my bags.

At that moment, a soft female voice was heard near the doorway. That voice; it sounded so familiar. “Miss Jean, is my cousin here?”

I froze as I finally recognized her. She’s none other than Irah, my girlfriend, and she’s prettier than ever.