I need to get to the bank. I pack up my backpack for Archer and get him maneuvered into his carrier and head out. It’s raining today. I'm dressed in jeans, a nice blouse, and my boots. I have Archer in a pair of infant jeans and a little shirt. He has a cap on his head, but I packed him lighter clothes in case the weather changes and it gets warmer.
The bus stops right in front of the bank. I step inside and stand in the line. When I get to the counter, I give the teller my identification, bank number, and the withdrawal slip.
"Ma'am, I'm very sorry, but there isn't enough money in your account for this withdrawal."
"What do you mean? This is the second time my money hasn’t been deposited. What's going on?" I can feel the tears starting. How am I going to survive without that money?
"Ma'am, can I help you?" A man steps up behind me, and I turn to see he’s the manager, according to his nametag.
"My monthly allotment of my inheritance hasn't been deposited yet. It should have been done a couple of weeks ago, and then again today. I've called the attorney, but he's out of the office. I can't wait until he comes back on the twenty-fourth." I can't stop the tears now. "I need that money, or I'm going to be evicted." The panic is starting again, and I'm making a scene.
"Please come with me." He directs me to the side and into an office.
Archer is getting restless because I'm upset. I try to juggle him around, but it's hard with my brace and him squirming.
"Coral, sweetie, is that you?" I turn to see JoAnna standing in the doorway. Great, now Rowdy's mom is going to find out how desperate I am.
"JoAnna, do you know this young lady? She was starting to make a scene, so I thought I would bring her in here."
"This is my son's girlfriend."
"I'm not his girlfriend. We are just friends." I try to make my voice sound firm, but I’m unable to and it quivers.
"Sure you are, sweetie. Here, let me help you get him out of there." JoAnna walks over and helps me get Archer out of the carrier. She pulls off his little hat and starts bouncing him around. "What's going on?"
I can't get the words out, and the tears are still coming down. I wish I could blame it on hormones, but I've always been an angry crier. When I get upset, I cry.
"She said she was being evicted without her money. Something about an inheritance needing to be deposited," the bank manager tells her.
"I've got it from here. She can come to my office," JoAnna says and walks out with Archer. I grab my bag and chase her down. She ends up in a large corner office with windows across two walls. I take in the big desk and the plaque that states she's the senior vice president. Crap! Not only am I embarrassing myself in front of Rowdy's mom but also an officer of the bank. Can my life get any worse?
"Can we call the executor of the estate and find out what's going on?"
"I tried. She’s not answering. I tried the attorney, but he's on vacation for another week. The apartment manager said I have until tomorrow to pay them, or I need to be out by Sunday."
"This wasn't the first notice, was it?"
"No." I drop my head in embarrassment. "They sent me one on the fifth when I didn't pay them. I've been trying to get the money, but there are no extra shifts at the hospital, and Rowdy wouldn't let me get the second job I found."
"He told me where it was, and I'm glad he stopped you from it. How about you come and stay with me until you get on your feet? I live in a large three-bedroom house all by myself now that Rowdy's moved out."
"I couldn't do that. I have to figure out something because if I get evicted, I could lose Archer."
"Rowdy told me about that too. I know some people in the CPS office. They can conduct their visits at my place. I'm a registered foster mother, so I’ve had the background checks done and everything. Rowdy’s aunt, Charlene, used to work for them."
"Again, I can't do that."
"Yes, you can, and you will. I won't let you lose your son. I know how hard it is to be a single parent. You need to have friends in your corner. It's why I moved back here after Jared died. His family all lived here and wanted to help me. His parents were upset when we moved to Phoenix, but they knew I had nothing to do with his death and only wanted Rowdy and me close. So, I came home and had good friends, like Georgia, and family. You need that, sweetie."
"I don't have anyone. I couldn't move back home if I wanted to."
"Rowdy hasn't told me everything, but it's your family’s loss for not wanting to be a part of this little man's life. I promise I have plenty of room. Come stay with me. Go back to your apartment and pack up. I’ll go get some things and then come pick you both up."
"Are you sure?" I can’t believe her generosity, but I have no choice. I need her help.
"Yes, I'm positive. I wouldn't offer if I wasn't."
"Okay." What options do I have? Yes, I haven't known her long, but she's willing to help, and right now I don't have a choice. I won't lose Archer.