"You have two days, Alice. Pay the rent or you're out. I've got bills and responsibilities to handle too you know? No excuses."
The landlord's voice was sharp, a whip crack in the stale air of the cramped apartment, right from the front door. His eyes flicked past me to the sagging couch and the faded curtains then settled on the thin woman standing behind me. I followed his gaze and he was literally sizing her up. The pig!!!
What a freaking nice way to start the new week. So, last night I got a call from my friend about a party. Had a long night, can't remember much. The bottom line, is I came home pretty late only to be awakened by loud banging on the door. Lucky me, it was the landlord
"I'm trying, señor. It hasn't been an easy month economically you know. But I promise I'll have your money by the end of the week." I said it with as much confidence I could muster, though I couldn't really feel it. Maybe it was the remnant fun or embarrassment of last night, either way he's not buying it.
He sneered, the corner of his mouth twitching. "The end of the week? Tell me you're joking. Trying doesn't pay the bills. I want cash or you and your aunt will be out on the street before the week's end."
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. My throat was tight, words lodged somewhere between fear and fury. "You can't do that. My aunt's sick—"
"Don't care. And don't test me either. Two days!! Rules are rules."
The landlord turned on his heel and stomped toward the door.
I stood frozen, my head buzzing with an oncoming headache, the door clicking shut behind him like a sentence.
Who the fuck does this guy think he is anyway? The President?
I sank onto the threadbare couch, chest heaving. My aunt's frail footsteps approached, slow and uneven.
"Mi niña," the older woman said softly, settling beside her. "What happened?"
I swallowed hard, fighting away the sudden sting of tears in my voice. "The landlord... he's threatening to throw us out in two days. Two days" With that I cover my face in my hands.
My aunt reached out, fingers trembling but warm, brushing my hair back from my face. "Breathe, corazón. We have each other. We'll think this through. Siempre."
I nodded, too tired to argue. Resting my head against the worn fabric of the couch. The tension slowly unwound, replaced by the ache of exhaustion from last night. I've got to take something for this insane headache.
I closed my eyes, memories of the good days rising unbidden bright and sharp as broken glass. I saw my parents standing in the sunlit courtyard of our old home, laughter spilling from their lips like music,like they were new loves. My father's strong hands rested protectively on my mother's shoulders while she leaned into him. The memory, a bitter sweet one. The promise of safety and warmth wrapped around us like a blanket. Until...
The very day I lost almost everything. The building collapse, the fucking news, the crushing weight of metal and concrete burying my dreams, my life and future all together, my family, my security, my assurance. I've had to quit school, something I'd never quite thought possible.
My breath hitched. But here I am. I didn't realize the tear I was holding back had fallen. Oh, good riddance.
Her aunt's voice broke through the silence, gentle,ever so gentle, as a prayer. "Your parents loved you, you know." Of course they did. I smiled a little. "That love still protects you."
I swallowed the lump in my throat, feeling both the weight of loss and the fragile hope my aunt offered. At least I still got her.
"I've got to prepare for work."
"Work? It's Sunday. Since when have you started working on Sundays?" She asked.
"When the landlord shows up unexpectedly demanding his rent" I stood to go but my aunt held me and looked dead into my eyes. "We'll get through this. Don't lose hope"
I smile. "Yeah we will. I love you " " I love you first" she teased and I smiled.
"Hello, Cindy. You got home safe last night?"
"Sure. You?" Cynthia, my closest and longest friend, replied. "I got home good. But today didn't start out great"
"Why? Is it the headaches? Did you take water, salt and lime like I told you to each time you have hangovers? Oh yeah and banana with avocado." "No? Where the fuck did you hear that shit? The one about bananas and avocados?" This girl is unbelievable.
"A friend" she answered and groaned
"What's up?" I asked.
"Nothing. I just hate being around people. So why'd you call? You said something about today not starting out great. What's up?"
"I need to see you if I'm to get into that"
"Sure, I'm at Madame Tiffany's". That is a new french pizza place around the club. "I'm on the morning shift. Why don't you come over?"
"Ok. I'll be right there"
After I left my aunt in the living room section, I'd entered the tiny excuse for a bathroom to freshen up in preparation for an outing. Though it's nice to give Cindy a heads up, she doesn't like surprises.
"Tía, I'm already leaving. I'll be home in a few" I said gently and kissed my aunt on her head as she lay on the couch.
"Stay safe darling. The Lord be with you"
"Amen. Stay safe yourself" And with that I leave the house, hearing the door being locked from inside. Smart move Tía. I smile.
Sure enough, she's where she said she was. Not like I ever doubted her. "Hey" I greeted. "Sup" She replied, kneading dough. I look at the time. It's almost 12 when she ends her shift. She must have seen because she just abandoned the dough, whispered into her colleague's ear, held my hand and walked us out.
"Are you done for the day?" I asked "Yeah, but I'll have to resume the club early. I need extra cash".
I look at her for the longest of time before as if in cue, the tears formed in my eye, ready to spill. It's definitely that bitch called 'ovulation', cause tell me why I'm tearing up at the drop of the hat today. "Oh no, what's the problem corazón?" As she wiped my tears I told her all that has happened to me in the past couple of hours.
"That freaking ass wipe." she seethed.
"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," I whispered, voice cracking. Cynthia pulled me into a tight hug. "You're stronger than you think,corazón. But you're not
alone."
I clung to her words, even as doubt gnawed at my gut.