| When We Were in Love | |H.S|

| 1 | Everything About You |

"...And I wanted you to know without you, I can't face it."

- Everything About You, One Direction. 2011.

| Lily |

• March 1st. 2019 •

I woke up to the sound of people shouting, as usual. I yawned, sat up, and looked out my window to see the usual morning line up. An argument between a man who had a cart who sold overpriced junk and a customer. He would always rip off the very few tourist in the city. Surprised he hasn't been shut down in the past four years he's been up. I stood up from my bed and stretched then soon walked to the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of water then sat at my dining room table. I let out a breath and began to try to wake myself up. I then pulled out my phone and began to scroll through social media. As I was scrolling and looking through the same type of pictures through Instagram, a message popped up at the top of the screen. My eyes quickly shifted and I read the message.

'Hi! This is Lucy. I'll be there in an hour, if that's still okay with you? :)'

Shit.

I completely forgot I was seeing someone today about the roommate ad. Hopefully this is the one. I've already seen six different people. They were all either creepy, boring, or couldn't afford this place. After a few months of the rumor going around, it finally happened. Inflation on Eroda.

The first is coming up, which means my rent is going from $1500 to $2200 just like that. At least with a roommate and splitting the cost, I'll be saving $400. That is, if I can find one. And even if I can't find one by the first which is in a few weeks, that's what savings is for.

I quickly messaged back. 'Of course, see you then.'

Within seconds, she replied back. 'Great! Thank you! :))'

God she seems way too excited about this. Trying to make a good impression probably. Eh, whatever. I then stood up and walked back to my bedroom then got an outfit ready. I went to the bathroom and soon got into the shower. Within ten minutes, I was finished. I dried myself off, got dressed, then went back to the kitchen. I grabbed the box of cereal on top of my fridge and sat it on the sink. I then walked to my fridge and soon came to realize I had no milk. Of course.

I quickly got my shoes on then headed out the house. I walked down the street and back to Ricky's. As I was walking, I gasped realizing that I forgot my wallet. I quickly checked all my pockets and realized I had just barely enough for what I needed. I let out a sigh of relief and I walked in and went straight to the back. I grabbed the milk, a few blueberry and banana nut muffins, and a small orange juice, then headed to the front. I sat my stuff on the counter then pulled out a five dollar bill and a few ones from my pocket then looked up and saw someone I did not know.

"That'll be $10.24." He said very monotone.

"Uh, where's Ricky?"

"Left town. Family emergency. That'll be $10.24," he repeated.

"No, this is normally around eight dollars," I said, very confused.

"Inflation honey. $10.24."

"That does not kick in until the first of next month!"

"Some stores have put it into effect early. Now I'm not gonna repeat myself again. That is $10.24." I stayed quiet. I quickly grabbed all the change in my pocket then put it on the counter.

"Here, this is $9.86. Tell Ricky I can pay him back-"

"$10.24 or no breakfast."

"Look, I don't know who you think you are but Ricky knows me and I'm sure he trusts me to pay back just a few cents." I told him.