“That doesn’t mean that I’ll move in here,” I throw at him over my shoulder.
“Dammit, Evie. It’s a safe neighborhood. You’re close to the school. I live right around the corner. This place is perfect.”
Turning to face him, I cross my arms and glare at him.
“It’s too much.”
“Too much what? Money? Last time I checked that was my problem,” he snaps as he starts to lose his patience with me.
“You don’t like hearing the word no, do you?” I ask as I realize that Rhett is used to getting his way. “I know it’s your money, Rhett. Trust me, I’m highly aware of that fact.”
Once the words are out, I pinch my eyes shut. I didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh.
I let out a sigh and drop my arms to my side. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I’m grateful for all your help. Not only is this place costly, but it’s too much for me. I’ve never had my own bedroom before. I wouldn’t know what to do with all this space. I’d rather have something small and comfy, than something big and empty.”
I give Rhett a pleading look, hoping he’ll read between the lines. All this space will only remind me that I’m alone.
“I really like this place.” My hope goes up in a puff of smoke. Rhett’s too stubborn to see things from my point of view. “Just try it for three months. If you can’t find roommates, then we can look at smaller places.”
My eyes dart back to his. “Really? You’ll be okay with that?”
“Yeah,” he says, smiling. “Can I go fill in the application now?”
“It’s not like anything I say will stop you from doing what you want,” I tease.
“You’re a quick learner, Evie Cole,” he teases back. “Stick with me, and I’ll make you famous.”
Laughter bubbles over my lips. It amazes me that the one second we can be arguing and the next we’re laughing. I’ve never met anyone like Rhett. Being around him is actually pleasant, and it makes it easy to like him. I think it’s the same for him because he’s starting to joke with me.
∞∞∞
(Six months later.)
As I pull the brush through my hair, I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
Everything has changed over the last few months. It happened so fast that I’m still overwhelmed when I think of it.
Living on my own has been an adjustment. Then I had to worry about surviving, where now I have too much time to feel lonely. I’m still looking for a job, but at least now I’m able to be more selective in my choices. I’m hoping to hear back from the gas station down the road. Yesterday I applied for the cashier position, and with a little luck, I’ll get it.
During the first three months, I used to see Rhett a lot, but since I’ve started studying I only see him once a month. He had me open a bank account, so he could easily transfer money into it, instead of having to go shopping with me. He gives me way too much, but I only use what I need. The rest I leave, hoping that once I’m done studying I’ll be able to repay him much quicker.
If I’m honest with myself, I have to admit that I miss Rhett. He crawled into my heart those first two weeks. I thought we were becoming friends, but seeing as he chose to put distance between us, I must’ve been mistaken.
I stand up and take one last look at myself before I grab the sweater from where it’s lying on the bed, and my bag. Since I’ve gained back all the weight I lost while living on the streets, I’ve been experimenting with clothes. I scour all the thrift stores for bargains, and that way I’m able to save a good portion of the monthly allowance I receive from Rhett.
It’s getting colder, but with the boots and sweater, I should be fine wearing a dress today. I fell in love with the dress the second I saw it. It’s vintage with a high waist and pleated skirt. The bodice is cream which complements the deep green skirt. As I leave the apartment, I have to admit that I actually feel pretty. It’s a foreign feeling, but one I bask in.
I haven’t decided what to study yet, but luckily I have plenty of time before I have to decide on a major.
I get to class with some time to spare, doodling in the front of my notebook, when a girl sits down next to me. I smile at her before returning to my not so great drawing of a palm tree.
“Damn, I should’ve grabbed a coffee. I was worried I would be late for class if I stopped to get some,” the girl sitting beside me says.
I drop my pen on the table and smiling at her, I say, “Coffee would be nice.” Glancing at the time, I see that there are only five minutes until class starts. “I don’t think we could get some and be back in five minutes.”
“Yeah, this lecture is going to be torture without my caffeine fix. I’m Willow,” she says.
“I’m Evie.”