"Yes, ma'am"

#5 - Rent

This chapter is unnecessarily long... while the others are barely scraping 1,000 this one is over 3,000. Hopefully, it's not as cringy as it felt to write- ~A.R.F.💛

Carter's POV

The drive to Vivian's house and then to the school wasn't as awkward as it was the previous day, or maybe that was just me. I don't think Vivian felt much tension. I, on the other hand, did.

When I opened my front door this morning, a sheet of paper fluttered to the ground that informed me of an eviction notice. I had to be out by Sunday morning.

The rent hadn't been paid.
And I had no way of paying it.

That wasn't the only thing on my mind. Vivian was also on my mind. She's given no reason to not trust her, but I can't help but be wary. The unusual kindness was a lot. Her concern for me was comforting and that scared me. I was afraid that maybe she had ulterior motives. Or maybe she just felt bad because of my freak out. I don't want that.

I'm trying not to overthink it, but I can't help it. Plus, I need to focus more on where I'm going to stay, where I will be living. My alternative living space was too terrifying.

I lost my job about a month ago and haven't been able to find a new one; no one would take me. Maybe I could get a loan and stay somewhere else? I doubt it, they would just send me back to him. And he definitely doesn't want that. Has he already been aware of my eviction? I hope not. I need to figure something out soon.

Vivian and I split ways once we got to the school. The day was just about the same as yesterday seeing as it was Friday and everyone cared even less. Thankfully, one friend who caught the bug, Nemo, was back so we endured the dragging day together. It wasn't storming anymore, it was just as cloudy, but Nemo and I decided it was nice enough to eat our lunch outside. Or really, they'll eat and I'll sit there snatching some of their lunch as we talk. Normally I'll steal off the other's plates as well but they're still sick. Maybe I could try staying at a friend's until I'm able to get another job.

As we went to head out to the school's yard, Nemo looped their arm through mine. Deep breathes. They were chatting away per usual when I heard someone call 'Carter' but I ignored it assuming it wasn't to grab my attention. Nemo didn't seem to hear it as they continued talking. This is why Nemo was my favorite out of the small group to be around - they were talkative but still observant and knew just the right amount of talking was ok around another. For me, they could talk their brains out and I would be fine, my occasional nods and hums of acknowledgement were enough.

"Carter!" This time the person calling was just a couple feet behind me.

Nemo stopped their talking and glanced behind us causing me to do the same.

"Hi, Vivian," Nemo waved. "Everything alright?" they asked as Vivian came up to my left side.

She smiled and waved back. Vivian glanced at Nemo and I's linked arms and then looked at me with a questioning look. "Yeah, just wanted to check on Carter but y'all didn't come to the cafeteria."

"Why'd you want to check on me?" I gave her a questioning look back.

"Just making sure you're all good. Do you mind if I join y'all for lunch?"

I look to Nemo for their response and they tell her we don't mind. Then the three of us head to the yard and settle at a bench for the short break we have from hell.

Being around Vivian made me slightly nervous, I didn't know her well, and yet she still seemed to care about me. Hell, she looked for me to make sure I was alright. Why? I don't know, but her caring just threw me off. I wasn't exactly comfortable around Nemo, but if I had to be alone with anyone, it would be them. They were chatty and good at being social, they didn't let others get them down, and they were caring and just enough concerned for everyone where they weren't pushy but just there for comfort.