Forgotten Love

Chapter 9

Allen slowly came to, her body aching from the hard floor. She was met with an eerie silence, the only sound her own ragged breathing.

As she sat up, she felt a stiffness in her face, and her fingers brushed against the dry tears that had left salty streaks on her cheeks.

She looked around, trying to remember how she ended up on the floor.

The memories came flooding back - Lucas's sinister smile, his cruel words, the memories of her childhood that he had unleashed.

Allen's heart felt heavy, her mind foggy. She struggled to her feet, using the doorframe for support.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and was met with a stranger's face - puffy eyes, red nose, pale skin.

She didn't recognize the person staring back at her. The pain and fear had etched deep lines on her face, making her look older, weary.

Allen knew she couldn't stay here, couldn't face Lucas again. She needed to escape, to find a way out of this toxic cycle.

But for now, she just took a deep breath and began to move, one step at a time.

Allen stood under the cold shower, letting the icy water wash away her tears and calm her racing thoughts.

She felt numb, her emotions drained from the previous night's events.

After showering, she mechanically got dressed, her movements lacking their usual purpose.

She reached for her phone, her instinct being to call Eleanor, to confide in her friend and seek comfort.

But then she remembered the harsh words she had spoken to Eleanor, the way she had pushed her away.

"Stay away from me," she had said. Allen's heart sank, regret washing over her. She couldn't call Eleanor now, not after what she had said.

She felt alone, truly alone, for the first time in her life.

The realization stung, and Allen felt a fresh wave of tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

She took a deep breath and fought them back, knowing she couldn't give in to her emotions again.

Allen's heart sank as she opened the door to find her landlord, Mr. Johns, standing in the hallway with a stern expression.

"Allen, we need to talk," he said, his voice firm but controlled. "You're late with the rent again. This is the third time this year. I've been patient with you, but I can't keep covering for you."

Allen felt a wave of shame and anxiety wash over her. She had been so caught up in her own problems, she had forgotten about the rent.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Johns. I'll pay it next month, I promise." But Mr. Johns shook his head.

"It's not just about the money, Allen. It's about the pattern. You're consistently late, and it's putting me in a difficult position. I need to know that my tenants are reliable."

Allen knew she was in trouble. She had no excuse, no explanation. She had simply forgotten, and now she was facing the consequences.

"Please, Mr. Johns. Don't evict me. I'll do anything."
Mr. John expression was firm, but he nodded slightly, seeming to consider Allen's situation.

"Alright, Allen. I'll give you one month to get your finances in order. Pay the outstanding rent, and we'll forget about the late fees. But you need to pay the next month's rent on time, or I'll have to start eviction proceedings."

Allen felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had been bracing herself for the worst, but a month was doable.

She could find a way to scrape together the money, somehow. "Thank you, Mr. Johns. I won't let you down again."