Fixing The Devil

Say Hello to Aunt Sweet and Sour

I was drowning, not in a sea full off sharks. Worse. Debts. I was drowning in debts.
In my own defense, they aren't exactly my debts.
So here I am standing in front of hell. To pay the cost because I sure as hell can't pay my debts.
Man up, Val. You have to try. You have to save what's left.
If only there was something left. Nothing. I have nothing. Not even a penny in my pocket. Speaking of money, I had to pay the cab as well. Yes, I took a cab to hell. Sadly, it's not cheap.
"Miss, ye gunna give me my money or what?" As if reading my thoughts the cabbie shouted from his car.
"Yes. J-just wait a minute!"
Taking a deep breathe I opened the gates of hell.
Well, I tried.
-Again and again. Why won't this door open?
I tried knocking, bursting, kicking, shouting but it wouldn't budge so I tried to open it like the cops from the movies by running into it with my side.
Oomph!
Bad idea. A jolt of pain pierced through my arm and maybe just maybe I think .I heard a crack. Oh god! Oh god! No no no no. Not the left hand!
I didn't have time to confirm my injury because the door opened just as then. I didn't let whoever it was speak. "Give me 30 dollars, would y-a-a-?"
My mouth hung agape as I looked up to see a stunningly good-looking guy standing there in just his boxers.
He eyed me succinctly. I kept on staring speechless.
"I know he's a fella to the eye but I need my money!" The cabbie shouted
And you're being a fly to my eye. I wish I could just swat him away. So, clearing my throat I spoke up again to the half naked guy. Unfortunately I couldn't get more than one word out. "M-money?"
Muttering incoherently under his breath in a pestered voice, he gave me a note of 20. I waited. He stared at my hand which was asking for more, with an eyebrow raised. Muttering under his breath again, he pulled out a note of ten. I hurriedly snatched them from his hand and gave them to the cabbie who held a scowl.
Is everyone a bit moody today?
"Don't worry I'll pay you b-back. I just need to see Aunt Artemis." I walked into the house without sparing him a glance, shouting my Aunt's name.
He hadn't spoken a single word yet or put on his shirt, for that matter. So it was better to stay sane while not looking at him.
"You're here already?" My aunt said in a disappointed tone as she descended the stairs."I thought you were coming tomorrow?"
"Yesterday, by t-tomorrow I think I meant today."
She shook her head as if to get rid of my words before leading me to a room that was going to be mine. Oddly, though, my room looked a lot like an attic. There was quite a resemblance. There was only a bed and a closet in it. Nothing else. Mark my words, nothing. Well, apart from cobwebs. Oh well, spiders are good company.
She left me in my room without any greeting or small talk whatsoever, not that I expected any.
The half naked guy came in but this time fully clothed. Good God.
I studied him closely. He had messy blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a lip piercing and a perfect look. Although, his expression was somewhat expectant. I stared at him confused. What's he doing here?
He stood silent with an expectant look. I don't think he came in here just so I could study his features although they were admirably good. He seemed to want to convey a message with his expression. Too bad I only understand English words, not invisible codes in the air.
A few minutes later while I still continued to look at him bemusedly, he shook his head, muttered under his breath and left the room. What's the matter with him?
Shaking off his odd behavior I unpacked all of my stuff which was a mere none than a few appliances and clothes. All placed in one suitcase.
Settling in. Check.

*~*~*~*
Uncle Hutton was the last one to sit at the dining table. I waited for them to say grace but they never did. The ate silently without a single word. Even Harriet was rather quiet.
"N-nice house , Uncle Hut."
No reply.
"The dinner is quite delicious a-aunt Art."
No reply.
"Harriet, can you pass me the water?"
No reply. She didn't even lift an eye.
Had everyone taken an oath of silence?
"Who was the guy here e-earlier?"
This time Harriet looked up, more like glared at me from under her eyelashes. I'll be honest, that look sent shivers down my spine.
"Alec. Our neighbor. My boyfriend." She finally spoke.
And he walks around half naked in your house?
I opened my mouth to speak again but the look on her face said I'd better not.

The dinner went on silently. I don't think they approved much of my company. Not that I'm asking for any. I already owe them a lot - 4 digits to be exact. Which is why, I need to find a job. Or jobs.
After dinner I went back to my room- the attic. Just as I entered, my phone started
buzzing.
"Hel-"
"We've got good news and bad news!" John's impatient voice said, excitedly.
"Bad n-news is?"
He hesitated before saying in a sympathetic voice. "Mr. Henderson contacted me. He claimed to have loaned some-"
"Good news?" I cut him off, already knowing what he was about to say. There's been a lot of similar calls lately.
"We might just get the company back." He emphasized the word 'might'.
"We're getting the company back?!" I squealed.
"I said might, darl-"
My aunt chose that time to barge into my room.
I ended the call and turned towards her.
She had the hugest, creepiest smile on her face. The sight made me cringe.
"I just came over to check if you're comfortable dear."
My mind darted off to the cobwebs and then to the bed that seemed like a a piece of cardboard with dirty sheets on it, not to mention that it was extremely cold in here. And then I answered, "Yep. L-Luxurious."
The smile drooped from her face and her eyes narrowed, "Well, it ain't getting any better than this."
With that she turned around to leave. She stopped as if she had just remembered something and turned back again.
"Dear, I don't mean to be demanding but we have been running tight on money these last few weeks since your uncle got unemployed. And now, despite our tough circumstances, we've been kind enough to let you stay. But we won't be able to manage, you know. It would be helpful if you could lend a hand as well. You understand right, darling?"
She made a sympathetic face with here eyes slightly watery and a hopeful and eager small smile.
"Yeah I understand. Don't worry, Aunt Art. I'll try my b-best to not be of any financial t-trouble." I answered.
The smile vanished from her face and she left the room in a sudden haste before slamming the door shut. She closed it with such force that a loud crack could be heard.
Oh man, that was the only suitable and acceptable thing about this room! At least it gave me some privacy in a foreign, somewhat stranger's house.
I strolled towards the door to see it swaying slightly back and forth. I pushed it shut but it slowly swung back open. I searched for a lock but couldn't find any bolt or lock. Shoot!