Clara's Debt

Chapter 1 - The Proposal

College dormitories are known to be unreasonably pricey, especially for the modest accommodations inside. A small, uncomfortable bed and an often cramped living space is rarely worth the price. This is the exact reason why Clara decided against living on campus, and answered an ad for a roommate in a local apartment complex. Her recently acquainted roommate, Jack, generally left her alone, preferring to stay in his room, talking to his friends online. Only when their rent payments were due would the two ever actually interact.

Clara woke up in her twin-sized bed, feeling drowsy and disoriented. Despite it being the weekend, she woke up early, still reeling from the previous day. She laid in bed for several minutes, staring at the ceiling, before peeling off her blanket, and getting out of bed. Just like her usual wardrobe, Clara's sleepwear was generally average. Shy as she was, she wore fuzzy, fleece pants, and the same t-shirt as the day before. To remedy her general grogginess, she gathered her outfit for the day, in this case a button-up blouse, and a pair of jeans, and headed for the shower. Jack, her roommate, wouldn't likely be up for another hour or so, but still she locked the door to ensure her privacy. With only one bathroom in their small apartment, this would normally be a nuisance to any roommate, but Jack never seemed to care. Clara stripped off her pajamas, and quickly stepped in the shower, immediately feeling refreshed by the warm water. Clara avoided the mirror at all costs, as she wasn't very confident about her petite figure, and perceived lack of attractive qualities. Her breasts were small, but despite her disdain for them, were anything but unassuming. Her nipples sat nice and small in the center, sticking out only slightly. Since she often had a hoodie tied around her waist, or wore baggy pants, it was difficult for anyone to imagine what she had underneath. While she was generally skinny, Clara's butt was firm and round, and culminated at her tender thighs. As Clara bathed herself, she avoided looking at her sensitive parts, but still made a point to shave. She was generally devoid of major blemishes or body hair, aside from a beauty mark on her inner left thigh.

While Clara massaged her scalp of golden hair, she replayed the events of the previous day in her mind once again. I'm out of a job, she thought. Rent is due tomorrow, and I don't know what to tell Jack! I've never missed a payment before!

When she turned the water off, Clara heard Jack's bedroom door open, as he walked into the living room. She quickly dressed and brushed her teeth and hair, before leaving the bathroom, discarding her pajamas in her room, and entering the lounge herself. Here, as usual, sat Jack, on the sectional couch, with his laptop in his lap. "Good morning," he said.

"M-morning," Clara responded, with a subtle smile. She poured herself a bowl of her favorite cereal, and sat down to eat, hiding her panic over her predicament regarding their rent. How am I gonna face him today?! I'm a drain on this apartment now! I'm short on rent, and I can't ask him to spot me. Oh God, what do I even say?!

Before she could answer this question to herself, Jack interrupted her. "Hey, no worries, but rent is due tomorrow. You know the drill, just leave it on the counter and I'll take care of it," he said, his eyes never once breaking contact with his computer screen.

"Y-yeah. I got it."

"Thanks."

Clara's breathing picked up. She had to be honest with him. She had only enough money in her savings to buy a cup of coffee, and likely wouldn't make rent this month. "Hey, uh, can I be honest for a sec?"

Surprised, Jack looked up from his laptop at her. "Yeah, I guess, is something up?"

"Well...this is hard to say..."

"You don't have to."

"No, no, I do. I...lost my job last night. It was the only thing keeping me afloat financially, and until I can get a new one, I'm...afraid I can't make the rent."