Welcome to Paradise

Chapter Three

It was the day before my rent was due. The last month consisted of me working my ass off everyday and occasionally hanging out with Billie. I felt like we were really starting to become good friends. I also may have had a tiny crush on him, but he didn't need to know that. I still didn't have enough to cover rent. I had already started looking for a new apartment, but I couldn't save up for a new one and pay for this one all by myself.

I decided I was going to ask Jazz if she could cover the rest of my rent. And that I would pay her back when I could.

I got to Tyler's and knocked on the door. He answered the door.

"Hey Tyler, is Jazz home?"

He smiled. "Yeah she is. What do you need?"

"I would like to talk to her. Alone. She's my friend."

"What is it about?"

Why was he being so controlling? "That's not your business."

"Well, then. If you're not going to tell me then you can leave."

I was about to walk away, but I heard Jazz talking.

"Tyler who is it?" She peaked around his shoulder. "Hey Ash. You can come in."

I gave Tyler a smug smile and then pushed past him to get inside.

"What's going on Ash?"

"Can I talk to you alone?"

She smiled. "Of course."

She led me to their room and we both sat on the bed.

"I don't know if I'm losing my mind or what, but I don't remember Tyler being so controlling."

She frowned. "Um. Yeah. I don't either. I mean, everything was fine for like two weeks, and then all of a sudden it's 'I need to know everything that you're doing and everyone you're talking to'."

"Are you okay?"

I wanted to bring up the rent situation, but this was more important.

She sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "I mean, I love him. Or I thought I loved him. But the last two weeks have been crazy to say the least."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm thinking about breaking up with him. I just need to find a place to stay if I do."

I looked at her in surprise. "Are you serious about breaking up with him?"

"I mean. He isn't crazy and abusive like your ex, but I feel like I'm suffocating here. He's always watching what I'm doing. Always trying to look at what I'm doing on my laptop. And if I go anywhere he has to come with me or I can't go."

I frowned. I didn't want her thinking that if Tyler wasn't hitting here then the relationship wasn't toxic. "That's not okay. Did you try talking to him?"

"Yeah. Multiple times. But he never listens. I feel like I'm the only one trying to keep this relationship afloat."

"I'm sorry Jazz. You could always come back to the apartment if you break up."

"Speaking of. I have your rent money."

I looked at her in confusion. "I thought you weren't going to pay this months?"

"I know I said that, but it was a heat of the moment thing. I was upset and I took it out on you."

I chuckled. "I guess I worked my ass off for nothing."

"How much extra do you have?"

"Like $350."

"Lets go party then. Go to dinner. You can bring Billie if you want."