Dusk & Dawn

Chapter 26

Lexi drove us to the campus business office that morning. We had to settle our first month's tuition fees, and the thought made me slightly anxious. Once I paid, my bank account would be left practically empty. Thankfully, the guys had come through with a job just in the nick of time.

"Thank you, Miss Bell. Your account is up to date," the man behind the office desk addressed Lexi, handing her a receipt. I stepped forward and handed my student ID to the impeccably dressed man.

Lexi took a seat behind us in a row of chairs lining the wall, flipping through a trashy magazine. The office was deserted, likely because most university students indulged in Friday night revelries and slept through most of Saturday.

"Miss Eden?" the man called.
"Yes, that's me."
"Great. How will you be making the payment today? Cash or card?" he inquired, jotting down figures on a sheet of paper.
"Card, please," I replied. I never cared for carrying cash, fearing the possibility of being mugged or encountering some unfortunate mishap. I pulled out my card, and he slid the EFTPOS machine forward for me to access.
"Whenever you're ready," he smiled politely. I inserted my card, entered my PIN number, and waited for the transaction to process. My eagerness to leave and join the guys at work made my mind race with countless ideas I couldn't wait to share.

"I'm sorry, but it has been declined. Would you like to try another card?" he asked calmly. I frowned, wondering why on earth it would be declined.

Perhaps I entered the wrong PIN.

"I'll try again. I think I might have entered the wrong numbers," I said, sliding the card once more and inputting the correct PIN. I waited, hopeful this time.
"Sorry, Miss, it declined once again. It advises you to contact your bank provider," he handed my card back to me. My face flushed with embarrassment, my cheeks blazing hot.

"Let me check my account online. Maybe they're doing some monthly maintenance or something. I'll be right back. I'm so sorry about this!" I apologized and walked over to Lexi. "Declined? But you have enough, don't you? You're like Scrooge McDuck with your money," she tossed the magazine aside and peered over my shoulder. I attempted to log into my bank account on my phone, my thumbs racing as I entered the client number and password, a combination I had memorized since I was fifteen and old enough to earn my own money.

"Sorry, you have entered the client number incorrectly. Please try again."

I attempted once more, but the same disheartening message flashed on the screen. Lexi and I exchanged dumbfounded glances, our confusion mirrored in each other's eyes.
"I think I might have to give them a call," I said, trying to muster a smile.

There must be a rational explanation. I just need to stay calm.

I dialled the bank's number and spoke to the operator, who promptly transferred me to an account specialist.
"Good morning, Greg speaking. How may I assist you today?" His voice was surprisingly cheery, and oddly enough, it provided a small sense of comfort to have someone friendly-sounding who could actually help. Most of the time, I was met with monotone, middle-aged women who had mastered the art of sassy phone conversations.

"Good morning, Greg. I'm in desperate need of assistance. I've been trying to pay for my uni fees, but my card keeps getting declined. Then when I tried to log in online to check my funds, it says that my client number was incorrect," I explained, making a conscious effort to speak slowly and maintain a steady breath, despite the rising stress.
"Alright, let's get to the bottom of this for you. Can you provide me with your account number, name, and date of birth?" he requested, tapping away on his keyboard. I provided him with the necessary information and shot an anxious look at Lexi while I waited for his response.
"I'm sorry, but it appears that your account has been closed," he informed me.
"Closed? But I didn't close it! I had $1387 in there for university! Where could it have gone?" I asked, struggling to contain my frustration from spilling into anger.
"It indicates here that someone by the name of Carol Eden withdrew the entire amount and closed the account yesterday. I apologize, ma'am," his voice carried a tinge of sympathy.
"Are you alright, babe?" Lexi asked, concern etched on her face. It was only then that I realized I had been clenching my jaw and staring out the window, lost in a daze. I nodded slowly and concluded the call in silence.