The Achy, Breaky Heart!

Chapter 10

Today is the first of the month and it's the day I'm supposed to pay Whistler the rent money. I don't have enough to pay him. At least I have a month left before I need to find someplace to go.

I pull on a pair of black tights and a white button up blouse. I brush my hair and teeth. I pick up my handbag and keys off the counter before stepping outside the apartment.

Whistler is blocking my exit. "Hello, missy, I'm here to collect this months rent from you."

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't have the whole payment on me. Can I give you what I have and I'll give you the rest next week?"

Whistler shakes his head. "No, can do, Missy. Pay me the money or you can get out."

I start crying. "I have nowhere to go."

He crosses his arms. "Not my problem."

"I paid first and last months rent."

He chuckles. "That doesn't mean you get to stay here for free the last month. You have until seven to clear your stuff out. What you leave behind will be donated to the people of this building. When you leave, just put the keys in my box."

"Yes, Sir. I have to get to work before I'm fired. Excuse me." I run down the stairs and out the door.

Where am I supposed to go. I'm pregnant and in a strange place.

I enter the Cafe and start cleaning the tables. I take orders at the register when it gets busy. The coffee orders keep coming during the day.

My boss pulls me aside. "Come into my office we need to talk."

I step into the office with her. "I'm sorry about today. I'm off my game."

She nods. "I can see that. Is there anything you need to talk to me about?"

I sit in a chair. No, I just have to figure this out on my own. I'm sorry I brought my problems to the workplace. I promise I'll be better tomorrow."

"Alright, get back to work."

I walk out of the room and help make coffee for the new patrons that walked into the Cafe.

"Sam, I need your help in the kitchen." Caleb says.

I enter the kitchen. "What do you need help with?"

"Can you make more of your brownies. They are selling like crazy. You need to teach me how to make it."

I show Caleb how to make it for when I'm not working.

Caleb hugs me. "Thanks for showing me how to make it."

I help with making the coffees for the last costumes coming into the cafe.

The doors to the Cafe closes at five.

I clean the tables and chairs. I put the chairs upside down on the table. I enter the kitchen to fill up a bucket with warm water and disinfectant. I sweep and wash the floors. I tie the bin bags and carry them out the back. I open the back door and step into the alley.

I hear some yelling in the alleyway.

"No, no, no, please don't kill me."

I need to get out of here.

I put the rubbish in the bin.

I turn the handle to the Cafe door.

It won't open.

I bang on the door.

Then I hear bang, bang, bang.

Someone please open the door.

I bang on the door again.

Please some one hear me. I want to get inside before these people see me.

A car pulls out of the alleyway and I'm frozen on the step as the car headlights come towards me.

I have tears streaming down my face.

Someone open the damn door.

The door opens and I run inside.

Caleb grabs my hand. "What happened?"

I shake my head. "Nothing, I'm just afraid of the dark."

I walk into the office and collect my bag. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I exit the building.

A car pulls over to the curb and a guy steps out. "What did you hear in the alley?"

"Not-nothi-nothing." I stutter.

"For your sake I hope you're telling the truth, baby." He runs a finger across my face. "If you are lying I will kill you understand?"

I nod.

He cups his hand to his ear. "I can't hear you."

"I understand. Can I go?"

He moves out of my way. "Have a good night, baby."

I make my way through town to my apartment building.

The sun has gone behind the sea and the streetlights are coming on.

As I approach the building I can see a removals truck parked on the curb. I enter the building and see my apartment door wide open.

I still have time.

I push past the guys to get my stuff.

Everything I own is gone. The only things I have left are in the bag next to the door. I don't know what left inside and I'm afraid to open it.

Whistler step into the room. "I couldn't wait any longer for you to get your stuff out of my apartment."

I open the bag and find a pair of sweat pants, jumper and t-shirt.

What happened to my beautiful dresses and underwear? That's gross that someone had to steal my underwear. I hope hand wash the underwear. If they don't it's going to shrink.

I pick up the bag.

"You're a dreadful person, Mister. Someday you're going to mess with the wrong person." I grab my gym bag and exit the place.

I have the keys gripped in my hands. I throw them at him.

A key hits him the face.

Where am I going now?

I take a deep breath and exit the rundown apartment building.

My phone rings and I pick it up.

"Hello, Pey,"

"Hey, Maddie and I are on our way to see you. We couldn't wait another week. We'll be in town tomorrow."

No, I can't have my friend know how terrible things are for me here."

I shake my head. "Can you visit next weekend?"

"No, we booked this weekend off and we intend to see you. Maddie and I will be there on Friday."

I sigh. "Fine, I'll see you on Friday."

I have two days until I see my best friends.

I stop in front of a brick building that have woman and children lining up outside of. "Excuse me, what's this line for?"

The woman smiles. "It's for the Woman's shelter. We get free food and drinks. Some even get a free bed to stay in."

"Thank you." I walk to the front of the line.

A woman exits the building. "Can I help you?"

I smile at her. "I want to volunteer to help you serve these people."

"Good, grab an apron and I'll show you the ropes."

I pick up a apron and tie it around me. I pour soup into a bowl and hand it to woman.

"Thank you," she takes the bowl from me.

"I'm Brie Clarkson."

"Samantha Black."

The rest of the night I talk to Brie and serve the homeless people. I pick up my backpack and exit the building. I walk through town and find a public bathroom. I fall asleep in the filthy, smelly bathroom.