BURNED

2| The Interview

   I am running behind Mr. Harrison on the way to his apartment. "Come on Mr. Harrison I promise I will have the rest of the rent next week!" I said, voice rising with frustration. Mr. Harrison was my landlord. He tried to be tough, but he was a sweet old man. He was slightly thin, and his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. His skin probably never saw the sun, because it was as pale as a cotton ball.

   It's to early for this! I think, hands on hip. Hailey is getting ready for school, and I didn't want her to know we were behind on the rent again. He sighs. "I'm sorry Yamina, but this is the fifth time you have gotten behind, and you still owe me from last time."

   I could tell he felt sorrow at the prospect of evicting me, but his supervisors were strict. More like evil. I think tapping my foot. Then it hit me.

   I run up to meet Mr. Harrison and put out my hands to stop him. "I have an interview today, it's with Mendelev Enterprises, if you just give me some more time I promise I will pay the rest of this rent, and next months rent early." I put emphasis on that last word, and let my hands rest at my side.

   Eyebrow raised, and curiosity peeked, he looks at me with wheels turning in his head. I smile for good measure. He starts chuckling. "What's so funny?" I ask, crossing my arms.

   "With a smile like that, and that attitude I can't see how you wouldn't get the job." He says grinning. I squeal, and hug him to my chest. His eyes widen, must have been a long time since a woman hugged him. "Thank you!"

   He tries to grunt with displeasure, but I can see in his eyes he's loving this. I finally let go, then something dawns on me. "Mr. Harrison where's your wife? Children? Surely a sweet old man like you has someone that loves him dearly."

   He blushes, and I think it's cute. A little old man blushing. He was still handsome after all. "My wife has been gone for years  and my son is at college, and my daughter well I never got to see her much." He says a sad note passing in his voice.

   I give him a kiss on the cheek, he blushes once again. "You better get going, I hear Mr. Mendelev hates when people are late." I thank him one more time, and run back upstairs to get Hailey to the bus stop.

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   I am done, and now I am getting ready. I have showered, shaved, primed, and pressed everything to death. Hailey was at school, and I was making good timing. Report to 4745 Boulevard Lane at 9:30 pm, it said.

   I looked in the mirror. Oh I look good. Almost like my modeling days. My hair was pressed from it's kinky curls into sleek, straight, shiny perfection, and went down my back a little ways.

   I wore a floor length black skirt with a slit up the side, and a white blouse  a black rose at the front. I decided on white stiletto pumps, it made sense.

  Gold glitter was pressed over my lids, eye liner lined my eyes, and my final touch was this black lipstick I had found during the move. I checked the me on my cell. It said 8:30 am. I better get going, I think. It would take me thirty minutes to get there.

***

   The bus ride there was surprisingly calming. For the first time I looked, like really looked out at the city. It was beautiful. Towering over the city were skyscrapers, and apartment buildings. The windows glistened as if sending out a signal to the world that said "Come join the big city!"

   We passed by beautiful lush green Parks, the streets were busy, I could see people laughing, squealing, even scowling. So many people in one place. We passed by several exotic restaurants, food stands, clothing stores, and finally after awhile I found myself at my stop.