𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 ʲᵒʰⁿ ˢʰᵉˡᵇʸ

- 𝟎𝟎𝟑

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤
-𝟎𝟎𝟑-
𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟗

"I know.. I know—" Valerie stuttered as Alfie, or Mr Peterson as she usually called him, nagged her about her upcoming rent that was due to be paid.

"Money can't just disappear." He said angrily.

She swallowed hard and blinked to avoid tears from welling in her eyes. "You don't understand. It was there before I left, I swear. And i'll figure out a way to pay you in time, I always do!" She promised.

"You know what will happen if you don't get me the money, Flo." He said, using the shortened nickname in attempts to seem less harsh as he spoke to her.

Valerie nodded in understanding and dug her nails into her palms. "I understand, Alfie. But you've got to believe me, it was all there. When I returned, my whole room was a mess. Somebody had to have stolen it. Whether it was one of the other girls, I don't know." She pleaded with him.

Alfie shrugged. "I'm sorry, Florence, there's nothing I can do." He said sympathetically.

Valerie sucked in a breath and looked down at her feet. "Now off you go." Alfie dismissed her. She dragged herself back up the stairs and shook away the feeling of anxiety that had came over her.

It had been a week since Valerie had last seen John. And a part of her wished to see him again. But she knew it was likely that it wouldn't happen. Maria was still yet to make an appearance and Valerie was beginning to get the feeling that it was Maria who had taken her money.

Sitting on the bed, she stared at herself in the mirror. Her pale skin and slim figure made her feel ill. Looking after herself properly was never really her top priority.. getting money to survive was.

Valerie felt her stomach cramp with hunger and she wrapped an arm across it. Staring at the remaining money she had left, she knew she could use it to buy food. So that's what she did. After battling with herself to make a decision, Valerie pulled her coat over her shoulders and clutched the money in her palm.

For a Thursday afternoon, the markets were surprisingly quiet.

Her eyes wandered the fruit stall for a few moments. "Can I help you, love?" The woman behind the stall asked. Valerie met her eyes. "I'm just looking for the moment. Thank you though." She replied softly.

Deciding the markets weren't what she was looking for, Valerie made her way down to the small bakery which was family owned. She had been there occasionally with Maria when they had money to spare.

The bell rang upon her entrance and
Mr Barrett glanced at her. "Florence!" He greeted happily, "it's been a minute since we have seen you here. How are you?" He asked, wiping his hands on his apron.

"I'm doing as well as I can be. How about you, how is business?" She asked, scanning her eyes over the freshly baked goods.

"As well as it can be," he copied her reply with a laugh. "What can I get for you today?"

She continued looking for a moment and ignore the sound of the bell as the door opened once more. "I'm not too sure.. you pick for me." She said.

"How about a croissant?" Mr Barrett suggested. Valerie chewed her bottom lip and nodded. The older man grabbed a small, brown, paper bag and placed the pastry inside. "That'll be—"