Page 23 of My Ruthless Neighbor

That’s not a foolproof plan but it’ll have to do. What if they’re armed? I don’t want to die. Life is tough and sometimes shitty but I want to live.

I should call the police.

“You’re here, good,” says a voice, making me jump. The rotten apple along with other things scatters on the floor. It takes a second to realize that it’s my landlady’s voice.

I get to my feet. Mrs. Bowers is standing in my doorway.

Before I could fire my questions, a young couple emerges from my apartment.

They smile at Mrs. Bowers. “We love it.”

She doesn’t return their smile. “Great. You can move in by tonight.”

Wait, what? “The hell they can!” A new fear engulfs me. This one more potent than the thought of facing the burglar.

Mrs. Bowers turns back to me. “You don’t have to create a scene by screaming, Summer.”

“I live here.” I hate that desperation rings in my voice. “You can’t break into my apartment in my absence let alone give them a tour. That’s illegal.”

“Talking about illegal activities.” She crosses her bony arms. “What should I think of you lying about being out of town and using the fire escape to avoid paying rent?”

I burn with embarrassment when the couple stares at me disapprovingly. I avoid them.

My throat tightens and I try to swallow and find my voice. “I am sorry. I won’t repeat it.”

“Too late.” She turns her nose up.

Unshed tears sting my eyes. I can’t lose the apartment. Raleigh is suffering from a broken heart. Invading his space wouldn’t be ideal. Where would I go? I don’t have enough cash to spend on a motel.

“Please,” I utter the word I hate. I beg. “Don’t do this. I have nowhere to go.”

“Sounds like your problem, not mine.” She sniffs.

I shake my head. “I’ve lived here for three years, Mrs. Bowers. You can’t do this to me!”

The guy interrupts. “Look, we don’t need this drama. You asked us to pay the rent in advance and we did.” He looks at me with suspicion. “Get rid of this trouble or give us our money back.”

I narrow my eyes. “Dude, you don’t have to be an asshole.”

“What did you call my boyfriend, bitch?” His curvy girlfriend reaches up and pushes me hard. I stumble back.

Steadying myself, I smile darkly. “Asshole. A perfect match for you.” I step closer and shove her and her asshole boyfriend catches her. “And don’t fucking touch me.Bitch.”

“Don’t bully my tenants.” Mrs. Bowers says sharply.

“Fuck you and your tenants!” Enough is fucking enough. She had no right to do this. I glare at her. “I may have lied about being out of town for a couple of days but I really did end up flying to Hawaii. I could show you my airplane tickets but that wouldn’t be enough, would it?”

Her left eye twitches. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that.”

I get in her face. “Or what, old hag? Are you going to call the police? Go ahead. Call them. Let them see how cruel are. You torture people for fun! Would it kill you to cut me some slack? I was late only eight days. Eight. Days!” The couple steps back as I shout.

“Can’t you have a little humanity!” I take a deep breath. I am worsening my case here. I take a step back. “Look, I have nowhere to go. Give me a few more days. I’ll pay the rent.”

The pause is long and uncomfortable after my outburst. I know the outcome even before she opens her mouth. “You have approximately five hours to pack your things.” She sidesteps me and leaves. So does the couple.

???

I have lived in this studio apartment for the past three years. And it’s hopeless to see my things all packed in just few boxes.

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