Manipulate [h.s]

05

Stevie Coles

I packed my items into boxes three days later, my landlord had stopped responding to my texts and calls. It was possible she even blocked my number. The $1000 dollar bond I'd given her at the beginning of our lease was nowhere to be seen. I swore and cursed her multiple times once I realized the money wasn't coming back, I needed that money.

Cherry wanted me to take it to court but I had no money to spare on lawyers or time to argue the case. It was unlikely I'd even be listened to anyway, a young foolish girl who had moved out to the big city with dreams too large.

During the beginning of the year in early spring work was always slow, even on days we considered 'busy'. The money trailed in slowly and time ticked away faster. I was running out of time and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

I was on my way home when I took a detour past a small café in the neighborhood. It was always open late for the night stragglers, somehow it survived the thievery and roughness in this part of town.

The bell on the door jingled as I pushed it open, the toasty warmth inside heating me up. In the last few days, I'd purchased ice cream and coffee far too much, but I couldn't help myself. Somehow it felt better to just spend my useless savings because I knew there was no way I could afford an apartment with them.

"Coffee, black please," I asked the fragile old lady behind the counter. It was already well past midnight; I hadn't been sleeping well since the eviction notice. Once the building was bulldozed unless I crashed at Cherry's I would be left with only the club or the streets as my option.

When I first moved away from home, leaving everything behind, I had just enough for a shitty apartment. Since prices skyrocketed and my earning had suffered a drop, I knew another apartment was out of the question. Except, even if I was able to sleep in the quiet alley behind the club Meredith wouldn't be able to stay with me. I wasn't ready to part with her, but my options were wilting.

I sat down at the window table, staring across the road towards the bustling highway. The city came alive at night, especially when you lived in the heart of it. I'd moved out into the quieter sections a while ago, searching for cheaper accommodation where I wouldn't need a car for work. There were limited options then and next to nothing these days.

A warm mug of hot cocoa that smelled strongly of peppermint was slid across the table towards me. Two marshmallows floating on top and a was suddenly reminded of my childhood fascination with hot chocolate. I couldn't even recall the last time I had one.

"It'll warm you up more," the old woman smiled warmly at me. "It's good for the soul." I gave her a wobbly smile, blinking away the emotion that sprung onto my face. Everything had been going into the dumps recently and her sliver of kindness made my heart burst.

"Thank you," I murmured sipping the cup and she pushes a brown paper bag in my direction too. My hand wavered as I went to accept it, suddenly starving from a whole day of no food. A warm pastry and a jelly doughnut, I thanked her again.

The old woman cocked her head and surveyed me, "I've seen you before girl, you live in the apartment a few streets over," I nodded in agreement, my mouth full, "I hear it's being demolished."

I swallowed slowly, trying to keep my face calm. "In a month," I confirmed softly and she reached across to grip my hands. Her skin was soft and warm as they clutched my own.

"You be careful sweetie, it's not always safe out here alone," she stood up a moment later and I started after her a little, unable to find the right words to respond.