Sade's Return

II

The elevator isn't functioning in my building and I live on the 20th floor. Well, I need to think of how I'm going to get 200 dollars by Monday so walking up the stairs is not a big deal. Walking up the stairs it's not quiet at all. Babies are crying, people shouting, music blaring, and TVs are obnoxiously loud. I also walk over a drunk sleeping in the hallway. He lives right across from me also. It seems like he can never make it to his apartment. One more floor to go and I still haven't thought of anything.

Next thing I know I bump into someone. "Ouch! What the hell, man?" I rub my nose and see Sonny (one of my neighbors). He is taller than me and has brown dreds.

I would be in denial if I didn't admit that I wasn't 5ft4in. So that would make everyone taller than me.

" My bad. Do ya have 5 bucks I can borrow?" He asks.

"No, I do not! I just impulsively signed up for an art class that costs me 200 bucks. Do you know where I can find that kind of money? Don't say the bank because I don't do banks."

" Ah, you don't do banks?" He asks

"No, I don't. Banks are a waste. They won't lend any amount of dollars to a poor woman that has less than a quarter in her savings."

"Ah I see gotcha...ask Ronny. He'll lend you the 200 for school." He says.

With a raised eyebrow and putting my key into my door. I say " Your brother? Then why don't you ask him for 5 dollars? Why are you asking me?" I walk in with him following me.

"Looking at the ground he replies "Well the thing is..it's like this...I never pay him back."

Not really in shock but surprised I tell him "Oh hell no, Sonny, and you were asking me for 5 dollars? When you won't even pay your blood back?"

Scratching the side of his face. "Yeah stupid right?" He replies.

  "Yes, very and get out, tell Ronny I will be visiting him later." I point to the door.

" Alright, Sade...see ya later." He leaves and closes the door.

Throwing my backpack on the floor. I flop down onto the couch and sigh. I have to stop being so impulsive. I try to convince myself that Ronny is a good guy and won't expect anything from lending me the 200. I just need to pay him back.That'll be when I get my next Government check and that's 3 weeks from now.

Now time for a shower. My apartment is simple. Small kitchen, living room, bathroom, and one bedroom. The carpet is a loud orange and the walls are brown. I don't have anything up yet because I just moved in. Looking at my surroundings I then go take my clothes off and get in the shower. After I come out I get dressed in a babydoll dress with fishnets and combat boots. I let my pink hair down. I get my keys, walk out the door and lock it.

I take a walk one more flight of stairs and come up to Ronny and Sonny's apartment. Ronny and Sonny are complete opposites. Sonny doesn't work, doesn't keep himself groomed, and has some off days where he talks to himself. Ronny is nicely groomed and works like a dog at a warehouse packing boxes. He's gone all day and comes home at night. I mostly speak to Sonny, he's a nice guy but I never really speak to Ronny. It's mostly hello and goodbyes. But Sonny has yet to say a negative thing about him and I've never heard or seen any kind of domestic disturbances coming from their place. So I'll try my luck today.

I knock on their door and wait. Sonny is the one that immediately opens it. He has a big grin on his face. "You're on time! We're having dinner." He says.

I look and see three microwaveable meals. I think to myself 'I can't possibly ask for money if they're eating microwaveable meals'.

"Don't worry about it. I can see question marks all over your face." His brother comes in as he says this. "Sonny can't cook for shit and I didn't have time to put anything to put together."

"Oh okay," I reply and we sit down to eat.

Ronny opens his can of beer and starts the conversation right away. "Sonny says you require some help when it comes to finances?" He takes a drink from his beer.

"Well, yes I signed up for an art class before asking for its price. I'm still really interested in this class so I wanted to borrow the money from someone and pay them back. Simple as that."

"Hmm..simple as that." He repeats my words. " How much is it that you need?"

"I need 200 dollars. I can pay it right back next month." I reply.

Sonny shakes his head as he pokes at his dinner with a fork. I can't help but glare at him. Are you seriously judging me when you were asking for 5 dollars and he won't even give you that? Ronny puts his elbows on the table and crosses his arms and looks right at me.

"That's one expensive class. How about this? I give you 200 and you pay 100? He says

"Where are you going with this?" I ask. I'm getting a bad feeling.

"Now hear me out and this is my only offer. I find you attractive and I admit I'm taking advantage of the situation, I've been wanting to ask you out. Just take a Saturday and spend it with me." He crushes his beer can. He makes me cringe. I was expecting something like this to happen. You can never get something without paying the price. At least he isn't asking me to jump his bones right now.

" I guess when you put it that way...who am I to refuse?" I reply.

We quietly finish our meal.

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