Pay Your Rent

Chapter 1: Arabella

I stepped off the train and onto the bustling platform of Grand Central Station, the air thick with the electric energy of the city. The grandeur of the station took my breath away—its high vaulted ceilings, adorned with celestial murals, seemed to whisper stories of countless travelers who had come before me. I paused for a moment, letting the sights and sounds wash over me, the complete opposite of the small town I had left behind.

As I moved through the throngs of commuters, I couldn't help but marvel at the chaos surrounding me. People rushed past, their faces a blur of hurriedness, while the distant sound of a saxophonist played a soulful tune that echoed off the marble walls. I felt a rush of exhilaration; this was my new life, a world brimming with possibilities.

I had grown up in a place where everyone knew each other's business, where dreams often faded into the mundane. The small town felt like a cage, stifling my ambition and desire for something... something more. That is what led me to the city. New York was such a stark difference. It was new and fresh. It held so much potential for me!

I grew up in a broken household. My parents divorced when I was young. My father was an aspiring artist who would only play in bars that never sold out while my mother was too involved in her business. They never had the kind of fiery passion between them like most loving couples do- At least not to my eyes and they certainly did not have enough love to spare to their only child.

Growing up in those houses, in that small forsaken town, it had felt like a dark cloud hovering over me, stifling my every move. I was determined not to let that define me. I wanted more out of life. I had saved every penny, working two jobs to fund my escape. Now, standing in the heart of New York City, I was ready to reclaim my narrative. Especially after a hard break up too. I dated this guy I knew since high school. A five year long relationship. His name was Jackson and he was the epitome of a no good lying ass cheater, but it was whatever.

With a deep breath, I stepped outside, the rush of cool air hitting me like a refreshing wave. The streets pulsed with life, each corner offering a new adventure waiting to unfold. I took a moment to soak it all in—the honking taxis, the sizzling street vendors, the eclectic mix of people from all walks of life. It was a symphony of sights and sounds, and for the first time in a long while, I felt free and refreshed.

As I walked down a glowing street with multiple closed shops and street stalls, I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. I managed to secure a small apartment in a charming old building that boasted character and history—everything that I had dreamed of. However after surveying the area more, it did look a little rundown, and not in the whimsical cottagecore good way if that made sense. It was more of a dusty not properly taken care of way. I did wonder about the safety of the area as I only viewed the apartment by photos before I bought the first train ticket here.

My thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of laughter drifting from a nearby shop. A small smile graced my lips as I was excited for my new beginning. I wondered if I had the time to make new friends and enjoy the city. I wondered what all new things I could explore. I was more joyous to explore and live. I felt like I had all the time in the world from this day forward and by god I would take advantage of that. I was a single woman with no kids so I had nothing holding me back.

I shook off the thoughts and pressed on, finally arriving at the entrance of my building. The faded brick façade and rusted wrought-iron details beckoned me inside, a welcoming embrace that felt homey. I fumbled with the keys as I stepped into the dimly lit lobby, the scent of aged wood and dust enveloping me.

As I made my way up the creaky staircase, my heart started pounded in rhythm with my footsteps. I reached my apartment, 4C, and hesitated for a moment before turning the key. The door creaked open, revealing a space filled with potential and dust— sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the hardwood floors and casting warm shadows across the room.

I dropped my bags and took a moment to breathe. This was it. My fresh start. I wandered around, imagining how I would decorate the space, filling it with memories, but as I opened the closet door, a small mouse scurried out of the closet and underneath my legs. I threw my phone out of my hand in fright. My eyes followed the rat as it disappeared through a crack in the adjacent wall.

"What the hell- are you serious? Where did it go?!??"

When I calmed down, I decided it was best to search the apartment for any more critters. I walked to my bag and unzipped it. I grabbed a bottle of hairspray for protection. "Just my luck-" I spoke out loud. I began to walk around the place to seek out any other guests that I now lived with. I grimaced at all of the imperfections in the rooms. The photos that were listed must have been a few years old as the apartment definitely looked too much in need of repairs.

The apartment actually a small studio. The kitchen, dining room, living room and bedroom were all one area. Only the bathroom and closet was a seperate area. That was kind of cool- at least I had my privacy but if a stranger came in through the door, there was no where to hide. Maybe I could keep a knife or taser or something close by?

"I need to call management about some repairs..." I trailed off as I investigated the mouse hole.

Suddenly, a loud knock on my door jolted me from my thoughts. Startled, I approached the door cautiously and opened it to find a tall older man standing there, his scent was the first thing noticeable about him. The smell of cigarette smoke filled my nostrils. Long dark hair framed his face, and his muddled blue eyes seemed to assess me.

"Keep it quiet! Your yelling is ruining my sleep!" he hissed, his voice raspy and dry, with a twinge of anger.

"I- I am sorry about that!" I stuttered out, my face red in embarrassment.

"Tch." He scoffed as he turned and went back across the hall to his apartment which closed with a loud thud.

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure and confused on the interaction. I slowly closed the door trying to be careful over the noise I was making.

"I guess the walls are thin..." I whispered to myself.

So far, my first day here was already not looking as promising as expected. Go figures.