Chapter seven : Everly

I stared at my phone screen which showed that $2000 have been credited in my account. Where the heck did he get my account details from? I didn't remember giving him any. And I didn't know anything about him, except for his name, Adler, which I very well think could be made up. But I was more surprised with myself, I actually borrowed money from a complete stranger and gave him my most prized possession. And I swear, if anything happened to it I'll rip him apart.

"That guy was something. Wasn't he?" Peyton nudged me. And yes I did agree with her, that man was really something, he came in here like he owned the place and left just as soon. I shook my head, I had better things to think about. First register for the competition and then find a way to repay the amount to him as soon as possible. I gave him my watch, something I'd taken care of since childhood and separating myself from it was hard but I had no option.

I looked at Peyton who was already on her phone, "Hey," she almost jumped, "easy, I'm going back. See you." She nodded and turned, getting back on her phone.

I reached my home and settled myself under the warm blanket, my laptop in front of me which took forever to turn on. I'd been using the same one for the last four years and really wanted to buy a new one. But I think it'll have to wait for now, considering the amount I owed.

I finally registered myself and got the confirmation email. The competition was set to be held a week from now and I'd have to travel to the East Coast and this also meant an added living cost. I sighed and laid down in the bed closing my eyes. There was a lot I got to do and earning a living was on the top. "You can do it Everly!" I told myself. I shut the laptop and kept it on the bedside table. I got under the covers and closed my eyes, sleep is something I needed if I wanted to follow the plan made up in my mind for tomorrow.

***

"Mr. James please try to understand." I slumped in the chair.

"No Everly. Had you asked for a day off, I could've done something, but five. It's not possible." He shook his head.

"I need those days off. I'm out of town, I cannot come. I'm not even asking for payed leaves. You can cut it off my salary if you wish." I said, not really meaning it though.

Mr. James looked at me and then shook his head again, he took a long breath, "Fine. You can go. And I will not cut your salary."

I didn't believe his words for a second, "Really?"

He nodded, "Just this time. And make sure you take care of yourself."

"Yes." I stood up from the chair and turned to leave when he said something, "Everly, be careful." I looked at him with a little surprise and nodded before stepping out.

I made my way to the back of the café to Peyton. She was in her apron, taking out a tray of freshly baked muffins from the oven. I went over and took one from the tray beside it. "Don't even think. Keep it back." She snapped. I sighed and did what she said. "Anyway, I came to tell you, I'm off for a week."

"I know. All the best for the competition, make sure you win that thing." She said handing me a muffin. I smiled at her and took it, "Sure. I'm going back now, you know do the packing and stuff. I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Are you serious. I'll not be able to see you off, I have a date." She blurted.

"Ooh a date. Never mind, go enjoy it. Anyway is it the one you were talking about the other day." She nodded. "It's okay. I'll get going now. All the best for your date."

I walked out of the kitchen but not before being taken into a hug by her, I smiled and tried to return it back. She wished me luck with almost teary eyes and I shook my head, she'd to be the most sensitive person I've come across my life, but she's all I got. She stood by me through thick and thin and I planned on doing the same. She gave me a proud smile before she let go.

I gathered up all my essentials at the departmental store before getting back home. I might have gotten the golden opportunity I've been waiting for but it came with a price. A hefty price. But I'll take it as an investment, I might have to cut down on some things later but I'll manage that, I'd been doing this for as long as I could remember.

I reached the building of my apartment and for the third time today I had a feeling of being watched. I turned to look around and see a similar sight, the empty streets, not even a single trace of anyone. Even though it was only 7 in the evening, the streets were deserted, this happened here often. Not much people lived in this part of the city. It was cheap and didn't have much security but it provided, and that was fine by me.

My trance was broken when I heard a crackling sound from the alley in front. It was totally dark there and almost nothing was visible. The sound grew and a creature lept into the light from the darkness. I was taken aback and a small scream escaped my mouth but I regained myself soon when I looked down at the intruder, "Casper you scared me to death." He replied with a bark and a wagging tail. Casper was a labrador I'd found wandering around the area. I loved dogs and always wanted to have one. The day I saw him I was elated, I brought him to my place and ended up getting it destroyed. And one day when I returned he was long gone without a trace. I looked for him for days but no luck. And one day he popped out of nowhere and it'd been like that ever since. No matter what he always refused to stay at my place, so I gave up. I shuffled out the treats from my bag and bent down, he came forth wagging his tail and went straight for them, "Quite hungry aren't you?" I pet his chocolate brown fur. He barked again, I smiled. He came to me when I was at my worst and helped me out of it in his own way and every time he showed up, it brightened my day. He licked my hand and then my face, making me laugh. I offered him some more treats which he gladly accepted. Before I knew it he turned around and ran down the street, "See you soon." I called out standing up. I looked in the direction but there was already no sign of him. I shrugged and entered the building. I climbed up to the third floor. I turned the key and entered my apartment. I cross checked to see the door was locked properly and then made my way inside.