CONTRACTED HEARTS

Taking off the Romeo and Juliet book off my face, I groaned.

I stretched my hands to turn off my alarm.

Another day.

I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, showered and dressed up for another day.

You're a hopeful lot aren't you?

I rolled my eyes at my inner voice.

Entering my kitchen, I looked into my bread box and picked out...

The last slice of bread.

Broke much?

Sighing, I pushed it into the toaster and opened up my fridge for milk.

Pouring it into a glass, I drank.....

And immediately spat it out.

Rinsing my mouth, I gagged.

Expired milk.

Ding

At least you have your toast...

Great, burnt.

Great way to start today, Clarissa.

 *******

Pulling my car over, I noticed commotion...

In front of my workplace.

Confused, I rushed out of the car.

I noticed the number of people standing outside the café.

"What's going on? "

I asked one employee.

"I have no idea, came to meet the place closed. "

Strange.

Then Mr. Phillips walked into the scene.

"Attention everyone!"

The place went silent.

"I am very sorry but you all have to leave. "

What does he mean leave?

People started sharing comments again.

"Why should we leave? " One asked

Mr. Phillips took in a deep breath and continued.

"Someone bought this place and because of that, we have to terminate everyone's job here. "

Oh no.

Annoyed, disgusted, hurt, people started to leave and I headed to Mr. Phillips.

"Mr. Phillips? Who bought the place?"

"Brandon Barrels. He gave the offer just last night. "

"And you just took it? "

"I am really sorry Rissa but you know I really need the money and it was a really good offer. "

"Oh. "

He pulled out an envelope from his pocket.

"I got something for you. "

He took my hand and pressed the envelope into my palm.

"No, Mr. Phillips, I can't take this, you have it, I'll be okay. "

Bills: We are still alive.

"No, I insist. "

"No. "

Why not?

I smiled at him and he hugged me.

"I'll miss you. "

"Me too. "

Breaking the hug, I smiled at him and turned to my Mustang, the car he handed over to me.

Tears welled up in my eyes cause this was actually the job, I've been doing since I was eighteen and now, I am JOBLESS.

God, I hate rich people.

I mean come on, what the hell is he going to use that cafè for anyways

He literally owns a huge chain of construction companies.

Now I hate two people.

Mr. Bugatti and Brandon Bartels.

 *********

Grinning at myself because I wasn't going to meet Mr. Thompson, I entered my apartment and immediately slumped myself into the couch and groaned loudly.

I picked up all the envelopes scattered on my table and started ripping them open one by one.

How in the world am I going to settle this.

And now ,I have a freaking Bugatti to care for.

Groaning once more, I slapped my forehead.

No one asked you not to take the money from Mr. Phillips.

Indistinctively chuckling at myself, I thought of something.

The Mustang.

I could sell the Mustang.

And who the hell do you think is going to purchase it?

I mean, it IS old but people love vintage stuff, besides I might probably find an old couple who might love this.

Keep dreaming, Rissa, keep dreaming.

Finally settling on my decision, there was a knock on my door.

"Coming. "

I first checked through my small peep hole and opened the door.

"Hi. " I said

"We're here for damage of property. "

"Ummm.... "

"You crashed and damaged someone's car."

The guy said showing no emotion whatsoever.

"You've got the wrong door. "

"Clarissa Russell, Mustang. "

I gulped.

HARD.

I could not argue with them, they are authority.

"That's me. "

I chuckled nervously.

"I'm sorry but we have to take your vehicle, it's a threat to society. "

"No, please, I am not going to use it anymore, please. "

"Keys, ma'am. "

Not bothering myself to argue, I gave him the keys.

Seeing them leave, I closed the door of my apartment.

We might as well just go live on the streets?

Not now.

 **********

Rattling out everything to Sophie, I panicked.

"What am I gonna do?"

"You could come work for my dad? "

I don't want a job I didn't work had to get.

"So, no"

" Sorry, I didn't realize I said that out loud. "

"I have an idea."

"What is it? "

"There's a ball tonight and I want you to be my plus one."

"No, not happening. "

"I mean, you can take your CV along to show to the business men around. "

She might be onto something.

I could work as a cashier, receptionist, secretary, anything really.

Soon enough after we made the deal, Sophie left home to go get makeup, clothes and all for the ball tonight cause I have nothing on me.