Chapter 3

The dinner is delicious as always. My mother is really an excellent cook. Even those "healthy" lunch boxes she used to give me for primary school left an impression, although I would steal Seb's lunch too.

"It's delicious Mum." I mumble through a mouthful of food.

"Don't eat with your mouth full Eva." She scolds. "I've packed some food for Sebastian too so you can give it to him when you see him."

I almost choke on the rice. Does she somehow know I went there earlier?

"Mrs Grease, our old neighbour was asking about you. She has a son who is around your age. Shall I tell her you're interested?"

Rolling my eyes, I sip some water before opening my mouth. "Mum, I haven't even said anything yet. I don't know her son." I protest.

"Then, get to know him Eva." She says in a serious tone, "You're not getting any younger. There's only a year left until you turn thirty. Why don't you seriously think about settling down? You might be average in looks but I know if anyone gets to know you properly, they will definitely like your personality."

I grimace, "Thanks Mum but can't you let me decide these things myself? It's not like I will die if I don't get married."

"If I don't tell you, will you even bother looking for a marriage partner?"

She is right but I can't go on these blind dates which she plans to send me on. I have my own pride and values. I won't surrender to anyone if I don't agree with them.

***

As soon as I drop my mother off at the train station, I drive back home. It's 10pm. I'll take the box of food for Seb and pick up Miracle so I won't have to do a few runs.

Lifting the box, I shake my head. Mum really sees Seb better than her own daughter. She gave him more food than what she has left for me.

A loud knocking on my door, makes me frown. Who is here at this time? Opening the door, I am met with a furious old woman.

"Can I help you?" I ask.

Her angry eyes glare at me, "You are Eva Summer right?"

I nod with confusion. "Yes, I am."

"I need your rent payment for the past year."

"But I've always paid on time." I say. "I've paid Mrs Hat each month."

"Mrs Hat ran away with the money." She says with anger, "I never received a penny from you for a whole year. The police haven't been able to trace her so you still owe me the money."

I gulp nervously. What is this situation? Mrs Hat actually committed such a huge crime and is on the run? She was such a lovely, kind woman. I can't imagine her as a thief.

"How much is it?" I ask hesitantly.

"£6000 plus the additional bills are £3256." She says.

My eyes widen, "What?! So the total is almost £10,000?!" I don't have enough money to pay her. What exactly did Mrs Hat do with the monthly rent I gave her?! "I shouldn't need to pay if I already gave it to Mrs Hat. I always paid on time."

"You should have realised she was cheating you and given it to me directly. Now, the police can't find her so you are responsible for handing me the amount you owe."

"Can't you think it over again? I really can't pay you right now." I admit.

"If you want to take this to court, it's up to you but if you pay up, it will be quicker and won't waste time." The woman says.

I don't have a choice. She wants to sue me? My mother will definitely have a heart attack if she finds out. "I honestly don't have the money right now but I will try to find some."

"You have until midnight. If I don't receive it, prepare to meet me in court." She threatens before stamping off.

Closing the door, I slide down onto the floor. I only have two hours to find £9256. Where can I find so much money?

Opening my mobile contacts, I click on a number. The call rings before going dead. I try the next number and it takes me straight to voicemail.

"Pick up, pick up. Please." I whisper as I wait for another number. I sigh in relief when Amber's voice comes through.

"Hi Amber, I have a favour to ask." I say slowly.

"Sure Eva, what is it?"

"C-could I borrow–"

Pulling the mobile away from my ear, I stare at it. Did she cut me off?

Frustrated, I grab Seb's box. I can only rely on him again. Driving in a hurry, I arrive at his house. I have a hour left to get the money.

"Seb, can you lend me £9256?" I ask breathlessly as soon as I enter.

His eyes widen and he almost drops Miracle. I run over and take the baby from him.

"Why? What have you done Eva?" He sighs, "You keep bringing me troubles."

"Please?" I ask desperately, "Mrs Hat ran away with a year worth of my rent and the landowner is asking me to pay her by midnight today or she will sue me."

"Mrs Hat should be the one she takes to court, not you." He says.

"I know but the landowner is adamant that I pay. Please Seb, I don't know who else I can turn to. Please help me. I will definitely pay you back every penny." I plead.

"Fine. But there is one condition."

"What?"

"You take Miracle to the police. You can't even take care of yourself, how are you going to look after a baby?"

"You're being serious? I can't give him away. No, I won't! I already promised Miracle that I will be his mother." I say in anger. Why is he giving me such a stupid condition?

"If it's that way, I'm sorry but I can't help you." He says coldly.

My eyes widen, "You're an asshole. Can't you spare me? I'm your friend!" I bite my lip. I have no choice. "Fine! I'll take Miracle to the police so please help me."

Seb pats my head, "Here."

With the cheque, I head home. Miracle in the seat beside me. How can I give him away? I will be no different than the parents who abandoned him. Poor baby.

"Don't worry, I'm your mother now and mothers need to protect their children. I will give you my love Miracle. I will bring you up as my real child." There is no way, I can be cruel enough to give him away.