Page 61 of Filthy Savage

I need this place. It’s my last hope of getting away from my mother. And this is the best home I can find on a budget I can work with. I’ll use Fionn’s money to supplement if I need to, but with the new job and nights as a housekeeper at the hotel, I’ll come close to being able to afford this place, plus utilities.

I’ve even gotten a used car recently. Nothing special, but all mine.

“Oh, I understand,” the woman says, leading us up the stairs to show us the three bedrooms. “When I had my kids, I wanted the same thing. I raised my three children in this home.”

“That’s really nice. That’s what I’m looking for. Somewhere to plant roots.”

Glancing over at me as soon as we make it to the top, she smiles fondly, and I swear, I feel as though she wants me to have this place. She’s retiring and moving down south and wants someone reliable, so if I tell her I’m a single mom, she’s not going to rent to me.

“What do you think?” she asks.

I rub my belly some more, hoping that sways her. I’ll take anything I can get.

“I want it.”

She gives me a thoughtful look. “I have two other applications, but I do really like you.” A grin spreads. “Eh, what the heck? I think a young family is just what this house needs.”

Phew.

“Great! Thank you so much!” My entire body radiates with pure happiness, and Emily is practically jumping up and down beside me.

“Of course, dear. I’ll need the first month’s rent and security deposit now, and the rest, you can send via Venmo or mail a check.”

“Venmo is fine.”

“Let’s sign the paperwork and I’ll be out of your hair.”

I can’t stop grinning. I have a home. I have somewhere to raise my daughter.

“This is great. We’re gonna live so close!” Emily whispers.

It’s going to be tough to be on my own with another life I have to take care of, but it’s what I have to do.

My girl and I will be fine on our own. We have to be.

I’m all she has, and I promise to do better by her than my mother ever did by me.

Once the papers are signed, I return home with Emily, needing to pack. I can’t wait to be out of here.

As soon as my mother sees Emily bringing boxes out to my car, she grabs my arm. “What the hell is this?”

The bags under her eyes have started to fill up even more. She looks tired. Drugs have done a lot of damage to her. She’salways done them for as long as I can remember, though she was a lot more functional back then.

In recent years, it’s gotten worse. She’s started gravitating toward crack and has stolen money from me to buy it. Sold our TV to get high.

I can’t live this way anymore. And I’ll die before I let my daughter live the way I did.

“I’m moving out.” I straighten my spine, bracing for the fight that’s coming.

“Excuse me?” she scoffs. “What the hell you mean, you’re movin’? Who told you you’re allowed to move?”

“She doesn’t need your permission, Desdemona.” Emily narrows her glare. “She’s been the one supporting you all this time, and it should’ve been the other way around.”

“Who the hell asked you anything, you little rich bitch?”

“Don’t you dare talk to my friend like that!” My heart races. “Come on, Emily, we’re done here.”

I’m leaving my bed and dresser behind. I’ll buy another one. Something affordable, but new, because I deserve it.

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