Chapter Eleven
The heat finally died down as she step off the bus and cross the empty street. Her eyes scan the area. Nice and quiet. She could really use some peace and quiet in her life right now. This was the last apartment for the day. Sigh, last time, she didn't have any success. Ann spent her day off going from one place to another. Either it was too pricey or plain crappy apartments. She promised herself no more crappy apartment and beside, she just recieved her first week paycheck!! Indeed, it was pretty fat. Maybe not enough to splurge on gucci and Prada but enough left over from rent and food to get her more comfortable heels. Yes, I want more shoes! She ring the door bell while her eyes look up and down the building. It looks more like a house then an apartment complex. Her index finger reach for the bell again but the door open and an old lady appear.
"Hello, you must be Ann." she extend her hand.
Ann shakes the lady hand. "Hi, yes.. I'm here to see Mrs. Jean about the apartment..."
"That's me. Please come in and let me take you on a tour."
Her eyes widened as she step inside.... "This... this isn't an apartment."
"I'm sorry?"
"It's a house." she utter softly.
Jean smile. "Well yes, I'm looking to rent this house."
I can't afford this beautiful place!! "I don't think I can afford this apartment,errr, I mean house. it's totally out of my range..."
Ms. Jean takes her hand. "Come. Let me show you first then we can discuss about rent afterward."
From the living room to the kitchen, the bedroom and the bathroom... she could lie in the tub for hours. They finally return back to living room. Both sits down on the couch. Ann was hestiate to ask how much.
"You seem like a nice girl.. how about I make the rent $500 a month?
Ann jaw drop. $500!!! Was she hearing it right? A house like this would could easily rent from $1200+! "And this includes..."
"Every utilities. Oh, and the furniture stay here."
"Furniture too??" WOW. Ann couldn't believe her ears. This is the answer to her pray for a nice decent affordable place to live. "Are you serious? That's just way too cheap." she soften her voice at the end.
"So what do you say? I want to be able trust the house with someone who will take good care of it."
Ann smile from ear to ear. "Yes!" She dig her purse quickly. "I only have big bills. I hope you don't mind." She quickly count 500 in $50 bills and hand it over to Mrs. Jean. "When can I move in?"
"You can move in tomorrow." Mrs. Jean stick the money in a long white envelope.
"Thank you so much." Ann said and shake the lady hand happily.
"My pleasure." Mrs. Jean dig in her pocket and take out a small piece of pater. "This is the address you'll need to mail your monthly rent and it is due the first of every month." Jean walked Ann to the door and bid their goodbye.
Ann couldn't conceal her smile as she walk to the bus stop. The only bummer was the ride to work will take longer and she would have to get up extra early to make it on time.She then groans when she realize she might have to catch a taxi home on days she'll be working late at the office. But who cares!!! I can't wait to take a bubble bath in the marble tub."
When she got back to the old apartment, she immediately pack her belongings. Thankfully she didn't have many items while will make the move quick and easy. While gathering her books, she spot the year book. She open it slowly and shuffle to his picutue. He had glasses, braces and his hair was quite long too. Not like now, short and spike up with gel. Aum was so skinny back then but now....he have biceps and six packs if she remembered correctly the first or second time she saw him shirtless!! Ann couldn't deny how hot he look and surely, he have women crawling all over him. All the time. Suddenly, the regretful moments creep up making her heart ice cold.
"Billie, he's harmless....." Ann sit beside him watching TV at his house.
"Harmless? That dork is drooling over you and I don't like one bit of it."
"He's my tutor...if you still remember, I need to pass the stupid class in order to graduate."
"You don't think he has the hots for you?"
"Billie.. can we end this discussion already? and no he does not have the hots for me. OK?"
"Look at you, defending him. Fine and to prove my point, we will pretend to break up. Let's see if he ask you out to the prom...."
"Billie, you are insane!"
"Insane over you? Yes... come on babe, just go with the plan..." Billy reach into his pant pocket and pull out a tiny tote bag. "I have a present if you say yes....."
Ann eyes light up and grin. "Give it to me!" Her hand try to grab for it but he pull it away.
"You have to say yes to my plan and you have to accept to be his date for prom..."
"Billie... that' s very mean to lead someone on..."
He laugh and showed her a glimpse of the gift. "Yes?"
Ann squeal in delight! "Yes!"
Billie chuckle and wear the diamond bracelet around her small wrist. "Isn't this what you've been eyeing since we went into the jewerlry store the other day?"
She lean over and kiss him on the both cheeks. "yes...thanks babe. I love it!"
That day was the beginning of her downfall with Aum. Guilt consume her as she spend more time with him and when he asked her to be his date, she couldn't refuse because it was part of the plan. The night before prom day, Billie decided to mend their relationship and she wanted to do what's right by calling Aum and cancel their date. But once again, Billie bribe her with another gift not to call; it was diamond earrings to match her bracelet. She still remember the pain in Aum eyes when Billie made him look like a fool in front of everyone. She should have told Billie to stop his stupid hurtful comments toward Aum but she didn't. Instead she smile in delight like she enjoy him being humilated by boyfriend. He hates me. He has every right too!! I would be upset if he didn't hate me. I was spoil, shelfish and down right heartless. I derserve it. Aum would never forgive me for playing with his heart. Tears slip down her cheeks. Ann never believed in karma until the day she became poor. Billie dumped her instantly and took back every item he brought for her. But it's only the beginning isn it?, Her karma didn't end with Billie..... nope... now she's in Aum web full of disgust and hatred toward her.....
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Aum had on his sunglass and sit still in his dark tinted BMW car. As soon she step on the bus and long gone, he got out and walk toward Jean waiting in front of the house.
"Hello Mr. Aum." Jean hand him the enevelope. "She's moving tomorrow."
"Great.... . here's your reward." He smile and hand her a few bills.
