Free falling

Not So Fine

Jamie was so excited that he was able to go back to school today he wouldn't stop talking my ear off. We were walking back home from the bus stop after long day.

Pete made sure to work me extra hard today for missing out on yesterday's shift. To make matters worst I got stiffed twice. I look down at Jamie still talking a mile a minute and remind myself that we'll be ok. I'll work something out. I always do.

We're making our way up the steps to our apartment when I get a weird feeling. I look closer and see our door is cracked open. I always lock the door. I pull Jamie to a stop and he instantly stops talking.

"Jamie go hide under the stairwell and don't come out until I come to get you." Like the little angel he is, he obeys immediately without asking questions. After making sure he was tucked away and out of sight I slowly make my way upstairs keeping my eyes peeled for anything out of place. I push the door open and my heart drops to my stomach as I look at the mess before me.

Our apartment has been destroyed. Our little bit of furniture is turned over, trash is everywhere and just about everything is broken. I run into Jamie's room and check the emergency box I keep inside his closet. Tears spill from my eyes as I see our emergency fund is gone. $755 gone just like that.

I quickly grab what is salvageable and all of Jamie's and my clothes. I go to the fridge to see if I can pack any food, but find that has been ransacked too. I grab some apples that were lying on the floor and rinse them off, stuffing them into a separate bag. I spot a box of protein bars and stuff them in too. Guess whoever robbed us wasn't too fond of them.

I run back downstairs to Jamie knowing he has to be terrified. I find him huddled under the staircase using Baymax to silent his cries. My brave boy. When he sees me he throws himself on me and squeezes tight.

"I thought that dad came back and gots you! I was so scares Kami!"

"I'm ok little tiger. See everything is fine. No ones coming to hurt us. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."
I hug him to me and pick up our bags. I make our way out and start to the bus stop. We make it just in time and I get Jamie settled down.

"Why are we not going home Kami?" I look at him with watery eyes and take a deep breath.

"Some bad people destroyed our home baby. But don't worry I'll figure something out. Try and get some sleep for a little while. He adjusts himself in my arms and places his head back in my neck. I let my head fall back against the seat and try to think of a plan. The only one I can think off is the shelter a few blocks away from here but it's really late and boarding is usually jammed pack. I doubt we'll be able to get a spot, but I have to try. We have no where else to go.

By the time we get there the lights are off and the doors are locked. It's a first come first served type thing and I'm not surprised that it's closed for the night. They're most likely filled pass the max. I adjust a sleeping Jamie in my aching arms and look around helplessly. We have nowhere to go and it's not safe to be out here at this time of night. I pull out my old flip phone and scroll through my contacts. I take a deep breath and press call.

"Hello?" A groggy voice comes through

"Hey it's me, I'm not doing so fine anymore."

............

"Thank you so much Carrie, you don't have any idea how much I appreciate this."

"Stop thanking me! I already told you I'm here whenever you need me. That's what friends are for. I just can't believe that you got robbed! Wait till I get my hands on them! They will regret the day they messed with my friends!"

"I don't even know who did it but I appreciate your enthusiasm for revenge anyway"

"Anytime Kami, anytime"

We pull up into a nice building that says Sterling Condominiums. She parks the car and starts to get out. I don't say anything thinking she has to pick up or drop something off before she takes us to her apartment.

"What are you waiting for? Come on!"

"You live here?"

"Yeah it was a gift from my parents. Come on I'll show you around." Someone came out and grabbed our bags and took her keys. I'm so confused. She works in the same run down diner that I do. Surely if her parents were well off then she wouldn't need to be working there. How can her parents afford this?

I follow her up in confused and apprehensive silence. She opens her door to a cozy looking condo. She shows us to the living room. And I notice a makeshift bed in the middle of the floor.

"Sorry this place only has one bedroom. I had one of the maids set this up while I went to get you guys, but don't worry that's for me. You guys can take the bedroom."

"No! You sleep in your own bed and we'll take this. This is perfect for us. Thank you." I quickly went over and laid Jamie down. My arms were killing me.

"Well if you're sure. I'm just down the hall. Just holler if you need me." She gives us a tired smile before making her way back to her bed.

I settle down next to Jamie and pull him tight to my chest. Now that we have somewhere to lay our heads down, all the emotions of today start to take their tole on me as my eyes start to water up. That's how I fall asleep, crying silently and praying to whoever's listening for a break.

Ok so what do you guys think? Poor Kami can't catch a break, I feel like such a cruel person for making her go through all this but things will pick up soon!
Side note, did anyone else almost fall out their chair trying to watch the Lion King trailer??? No? Just me cool.
Don't forget to comment and vote!