Chapter 9

*Louise's point of view*

Apparently I should have listened to Alex earlier. It was already seven and I still hadn't got around to packing up my stuff because my flatmates had decided to take it upon themselves to make me feel as guilty as possible about leaving.

*Four hours earlier*

'But Lulu, you can't leave, we need you- I need you,' Cory said whimpering as if the idea that I may actually be leaving her hurt her on a deeply emotional level, 'You're like a mother to me and the rest. We need you.'

I mentally cringed at the horrid nickname people liked to bestow upon me while I scoffed outright, I wasn't stupid and knew the only reason they wanted me to stay longer  was because I was the one constantly making up for their irresponsibility and paying the difference in unpaid rent that was due.

'I'm sorry but I need to do this for myself, I did not spend so many years if my life studying to not use my degree, plus god knows I need the money, ' I said calmly as I tried to reason with her. I had known Cory long enough to k now that she was stubborn and when things didn't go her way she would more often than not, do something really drastic in order to get her way, 'Think of it as you finally being able to spread your wings and becoming Independent.'

'Come one lulu, please thin about this, your being selfish in your decisions,' she said, her soft pleading voice already beginning to change, 'you know I can't afford this place by myself.

'Actually, you won't be by yourself, you still have Craig and Lewis,' i said as I moved past her and into the kitchen, 'Also you could always just increase the rent you guys each pay or better still get a new flatmate.'

I had reached forward to grab a granola bar from the cupboard when my hand was slapped back down and I was dragged back roughly. Furious I turned round to come face to face with a pissed off Cory. Instantly I took a step back and checked for any sharp objects.

' Now listen here you Bitch,' Cory hissed narrowing her eyes at me as she jabbed her fake nail endowed finger at my chest, 'you will stay here for the remainder of the six-month lease you signed and pay the fucking rent or I will take you to court for breach of contract!'

My eyes widened at the fact that she even knew what that was and the threat she held for my future. I knew she was capable of doing something so ridiculously drastic and would most likely win.

'Look I really can't stay, I'm going to be traveling all over Europe in the next six months and relocating to America so I don't think it will be fair for me to pay rent for a place I don't live in,' I tried to reason as I inched towards the telephone oh so conveniently placed on the counter top to my right.

'I don't care!' she said childishly with a pout that was probably meant to look cute but instead looked like a constipated duck.

'look why don't I just call the landlord and see what he has to say about his?' i asked as I dialed our landlord's number, 'he will sort this out since it his building.'

I pressed the call button hoping that he would be more understanding of my situation seeing as I was the reason he always got his money. We had built a rapport, a friendship that allowed me to ask for extensions in order to get enough to pay the others share of the rent. However, he seemed to only think of himself and his wallet. 

'I'm sorry Louise but I can't help you out here,' he said,he knew that with my departure, he would see little to no money, therefore, had agreed with the others , 'what with all the late payments and outstanding debt, I can't allow you to just jump ship.'

'But why?' I whined, I felt utterly betrayed by him, 'Do you know how big of an opportunity this is, and hey what if I rebel and don't pay my share of the rent either for you making me give up my dream Job?'

'Okay fine,' he said letting out a frustrated sigh, I thought I had finally convinced him and was seconds away from doing a happy dance when his next words made my heart sink.

'If you want to break the lease early, it'll cost you three thousand pounds extra plus this months rent.'

'What! But that is ridiculous!' i yelled completely shocked at the price and annoyed at the smirk Cory now held.

'It was short notice Louise, it's your choice, pack and pay or stay and wait,' he said before the line went dead.

*Present time*

This lead me to where I am now, locked in my room panicking about my future as I paced across the room.

I didn't want to let this amazing opportunity go, it was already hard to get into my field of work let alone at the best company in the world. I didn't want to be a waitress all my life- actually, I couldn't even do that anymore as Alex made me quit today. I didn't fancy crawling back with my tail between my legs but I also couldn't afford to go.

They wanted me to pay for the unpaid months rent as well as an extra three thousand. I just didn't have that kind of money.

I was on the verge of a panic attack when I heard a knock on my door. Thinking it was my landlord, I cringed away from the door.

Maybe if I stay really still and quiet, they will leave me alone, but alas it was not to be.

Their knocking increased to what could only be described as pounding aggressively on the door. I pitied the door, it felt like it was going to break any second especially since they were thin as cardboard.

My premonition came true when not even one minute later the door burst open but it wasn't my landlord or even my flatmates. No, standing in all his arrogant glory stood Alexander with a furious expression directed straight at me.

Shit.

What did I do now?