Lauren London has spent all twenty one years of her life fighting through every obstacle thrown her way. Navigating through life, she's only had herself to rely on. The only family she has is her son Kameron, who is her pride and joy. For the past f...
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Lauren
"Mama? You up yet?" My four-year-old son, Kameron, whispered, his tiny hands pressing against my cheeks.
I groaned softly, pulling him into my arms. "Come on, baby, five more minutes."
For a moment, I felt the warmth of his small body against mine, and my eyelids grew heavy again. But just as sleep started to pull me under, his voice cut through the haze.
"But Mama, I'm not tired anymore!" he whined, wriggling free from my grasp.
With a resigned sigh, I sat up, rubbing my eyes as I took in the ball of energy bouncing in front of me. "Alright, Kam, we need to go brush our teeth," I murmured, sliding my feet into my slippers and wrapping my robe tightly around me.
Scooping him up, we made our way to the bathroom. Our morning routine was second nature—brushing our teeth, washing our faces, the rhythm of everyday life keeping us grounded. But a tight knot had already formed in my stomach.
Rent was due this week.
Once we finished, we headed to the kitchen, and I pulled eggs from the fridge, trying to shake the unease creeping up my spine. Then, a knock at the door.
I froze.
Taking a deep breath, I set the eggs down, walked to the door, and peeked through the peephole. My stomach sank.
Mr. Williams.
Not now, please, not now.
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Rolling my shoulders, I forced my expression into something neutral before slowly opening the door and stepping outside. "What can I do for you today, Mr. Williams?"
"Well, Ms. Lauren, I just came to remind you about that rent that's due this Wednesday." His tone was casual, but there was something in his eyes that made my skin crawl.
A dull ache started behind my temples. "Didn't I just pay you two weeks ago? I thought I had this month covered."
"No, ma'am. That money went toward last month's rent. I need this month's by Wednesday." He tilted his head, his lips curving into a smirk. "You know, I've been letting you slide these past couple of months 'cause I like you, but something's gotta give."
Ice spread through my veins.
"What do you mean?" My voice came out quieter than I intended.
His gaze roamed over me, lingering in a way that made my skin prickle. Then, slowly, he licked his lips.
My stomach twisted. I tightened my robe around me, suddenly feeling exposed.
"Now, if you need another extension, just let me know. I'd be happy to help you with that, but..." He reached out, fingertips grazing my arm. "You're gonna have to do a little something for me."
A cold wave of fear crashed over me. My breath caught in my throat.
I reached for the door handle, heart hammering, but before I could pull away, he pressed me back against the door.
His breath was warm against my neck as he leaned in, inhaling deeply. My pulse roared in my ears.
I turned my head, my eyes stinging with tears. Pushing at his chest, I struggled, but he grabbed my wrist, pinning it behind me. His grip was firm, unyielding.
"You know," he murmured, his lips grazing my ear, "nothing in life comes free. Let me help you... help me."
A sickening wave of nausea rolled through me. My body locked up in panic.
Then—
The scrape of a chair against the floor.
A tiny voice called out.
"Mama? What are you doing outside?"
Relief slammed into me like a tidal wave.
Mr. Williams jerked back, his grip loosening as he turned toward the sound. My son's voice had saved me.
Swiping at my tears, I turned, scooping Kam into my arms. My hands were shaking. My whole body was shaking.
"I'll have the money by Wednesday," I forced out, my voice barely above a whisper. "Don't worry about that."
Clutching Kam tightly, I stepped back inside and slammed the door.
My breath came in short, ragged bursts.
"I don't like him, Mama. He's scary, and he made you sad." Kam's small hands cradled my face, his innocent brown eyes filled with concern. "You okay?"
I swallowed hard and forced a smile. "Yeah, baby. I'm okay."
But my chest felt tight. My hands wouldn't stop trembling.
Taking a shaky breath, I needed to focus on anything else. "How about, instead of me making breakfast, we pick something up and go to the park? How does that sound?"
Kam's face lit up instantly, his earlier worry forgotten.
