Annie
‘So, it’s $120 a week, plus bills,’ Cheryl says. ‘The previous tenant left the bed and the couch behind. You’re welcome to those, or I can have them removed.’ She runs a hand over the top of the threadbare couch and waits for my response.
Cheryl Patel is the rental property manager for Chirnside’s only real estate agency and has been since I was born.
‘I think we could get a second-hand one that’s a bit cleaner than that,’ Mum says, stepping up next to me.
I’d wanted to come by myself, wanted the experience of getting my first rental to be mine alone. But Mum seemed so excited to be involved that I hadn’t had the heart to tell her no.
I walk through to the kitchen. It’s dark, smells of grease, and the stovetop is covered in rust patches. ‘The oven works?’
Cheryl walks over to it and turns a few knobs. ‘Just needs a fresh gas bottle.’
This place needs a fresh everything.
Mum taps the wall, and a few paint flakes flutter down onto the countertop. She looks in my direction and makes a face.
‘I can ask the owner about giving it a coat of paint before you move in,’ Cheryl says. ‘He’s wanting a two-year lease.’
I look at her. ‘Two years? That’s a big commitment.’
Mum gives me a puzzled look. ‘What’s the difference between one year and two?’
‘One year,’ I reply.
Mum tuts.
I’m hesitant to commit to one year of living this way, let alone two. I remember having a conversation with Bridget when I was fourteen and she was seventeen. We planned to move out together once I finished school. I’m gutted that she’s not here hating this place with me. Though we might have made a home of it with two of us.
‘You don’t have a lot of options in Chirnside,’ Mum whispers. ‘You can’t afford anything fancy while you’re saving for a car.’
I could if I worked five days instead of four, but I don’t say that. I look up at the ceiling, which is blistered from water damage. ‘Then maybe I look outside of Chirnside.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Mum says. ‘You can just about walk to work from here.’
Cheryl looks between us. ‘I could speak to the owner about a shorter lease.’
I shake my head. ‘I’m so sorry to waste your time.’ I can’t believe my options are this or living with my mother forever.
Mum’s mouth drops open. ‘At least let Cheryl ask the question.’
I’m already heading for the door.
‘We’ll be in touch,’ I hear Mum say behind me.
I practically fly down the chipped concrete steps and go to wait by the car.
‘Annie,’ Mum says, walking over to me. ‘That was a bit rude.’
It was. I nod in agreement, then turn in a circle, breathing in as much fresh air as I can manage.
Mum’s eyes move over me. ‘You know, it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive about leaving home for the first time.’
‘I know.’
‘I thought this is what you wanted?’
I slow my breathing. ‘It is.’ Partly.