Daddy Issues

86 - Drug dealer

I've managed to pull myself together a little. I'm pretty sure I had something like a panic attack on that couch, but it passed and I'm finally capable of thinking a little more clearly.

Mom must have taken the SIM card from my phone. It's the only explanation. It wasn't enough to just take me here, she also made sure I wouldn't be able to call for help or get home. I don't know how she did it. Maybe she did it this morning when I was in the shower or something. I never realized that my mother was some sort of evil mastermind, but I guess I inspired her to it.

It doesn't matter. I'll just have to get home by myself. Asking for directions here and there, I've managed to find my way to the town center where a bus station is located. So with renewed hopes, I ask which buses to take back home and order the tickets.

'That'll be 11 dollars and 60 cents.'

With a relieved breath, I take out my card. I should have enough for that. But of course, I should have known it wouldn't be so easy.

'I'm so sorry, miss,' the girl behind the counter tells me. 'Your card was declined.'

'What?'

Did she somehow get ahold of my bank account too? Or did I just spent more than I thought?

The girl gives me an empathetic look. I'm sure I look completely desperate right now. It's certainly how I feel.

'Look,' I say, lowering my voice, so the other people in the station can't hear me.

'I am in a very shitty situation. My mother kicked me out and she dropped me off here, and I don't have anything. I don't know how to get home now. Can you please help me? Is there any way I could, like... pay later or something?'

'I'm so sorry,' the girl says, looking genuinely concerned. 'Why would your mother do that?'

Because I'm sleeping with her ex-boyfriend. I probably shouldn't say that if I want her help, should I?

'We just have a very bad relationship,' I tell the girl. 'It's a long story. She's always hated me. But I really gotta get home and my phone doesn't work, so I can't call anyone to help me out. I'm desperate.'

I get another apologetic look. But unfortunately her answer isn't what I was hoping for.

'I'm really sorry, I just can't give you a free ticket or something.'

My heart sinks. It's only 11 fucking bucks. But I don't have it and I've no idea how I'm supposed to get it. Would anybody hire me for anything to make some money today? I can't just stay here. I wouldn't even have a roof over my head.

'But you can borrow my phone if you want. If you need to make a call.'

'Really?'

I thank the sweet girl profusely while I take her phone and start to type in Mel's number. Or at least, what I think Mel's number is.

The first try doesn't go through. I must have messed up somewhere. So I try again. Only this time, a male voice I don't know answers. I hang up immediately.

'Do you... know the number?'

The girl starts to look at me a little suspiciously. Then she looks shortly over at the line that's formed behind me. I try to give her a reassuring smile.

'No, I know it. I'm just... I was confused.'

I try again. At least the phone rings. But it keeps ringing. Nobody picks up.

I bite my lip to keep from crying again. And hand the girl her phone back.

'Thank you so much,' I say. 'I'll figure it out.'