That Mr. Stormway

Having filled the small table with tissues, Josey finally relieved herself of all the tears that would come. Tossing the finished coffee and tissues in the trash, she started her tirade of deep cleaning in the bathroom finally.

Several hours had passed and she had managed to conquer over a dozen colonies of dust bunnies, rivers of loose hair and unidentified hidden crumbs under the sofa. 

Even in Emily’s room she obtained a trash can full of paper bits, tossed sketches, and the occasional snuck snack wrapper. Her sister's hobby for drawing and tossing, could fill a landfill in no time. 

After making her bed, Josey laid on her back and stared at the ceiling. Cece had sent her a message earlier saying they will be texting those that passed, later in evening, and that Mrs. Avery wouldn’t budge on the names. 

Taking a deep breath Josey closed her eyes and decided on a catnap. It was only 2:30 so she could rest until 4:30 before she headed over to the apartment office. She easily slipped into sleep.

The music on the merry-go-round sounded a lot like her phone, Josey thought. Looking around the amusement park as she gently glided up and down, she suddenly noticed it was empty. All the fiberglass animals that were centered between golden spiral poles, were empty as well. Not a single body sat occupying their seat. Panic took over and Josey attempted to get off, but the spinning started faster and faster. Holding on for dear life, Josey started to scream. 

Bolting up in bed, covered in sweat, dizziness over took her when she opened her eyes. Her phone’s alarm was blaring the same melody from her dream.

Tussling her hair in frustration at the quick nightmare and patting her cheeks, her eyes started regaining focus. Grabbing her phone, she swiped the alarm off and noticed it was already 4:45. She thought for a moment and then yelped, jumping out of bed.

“I’m gonna be late! Why didn’t I hear my alarm?” Josey yelled out as she pulled her hair into a fluffy bun on top of her head. Her house cloths were fine enough to wear out, it was just signing a new lease, no reason to get dressed up. 

After grabbing the paper work she had to bring with her off the table, along with the paper from her purse, she slipped on her sneakers and headed out the door.

The sun was near the horizon already from it being close to fall. The leaves on the trees had yet to start changing and still showed life with their green colors hanging high above the sidewalk. 

It was quitting time for a lot of people that worked normal jobs, so the bus stops were again getting full. Josey felt a tug at her emotions when she noticed the women standing in heels and their nice business outfits. She wanted that so desperately.

Checking her phone after walking several blocks, she had arrived at the apartment office a minute early. Thankful for at least that, she hurried in.

The bell on the door chimed and she heard the raspy sound of Agatha’s voice.

“Josey dear, I was worried you wouldn’t make it!” the older lady behind the desk said.

“Ah, well, here I am!” Josey said nervously glancing around the office that was decorated like museum now. 

Rather than the cozy plaid couch and pictures of homes and apartments for rent she remembered, it was all cold black and greys with the occasional white trim breaking it up. Even the Home Sweet Home sign was no longer hanging above the desk. 

“Uh, Agatha, what happened? Did you guys get a new decorator?” Josey asked the lady behind the now marble top desk.

Agatha laughed as she rolled her eyes.

“No dear, we got a new owner, who is waiting for you through those doors. Better hurry along, this one is stiffer than a board.” Agatha whispered. 

Josey giggled and nodded and headed for the freshly painted grey door. Whoever the new owner was, they obviously needed a little color in their life.

Opening the door and not even having a chance to look at her surroundings, Josey suddenly froze at the voice coming from behind her.

“Are you able to read a clock? You’re officially 3 minutes late. I take it you don’t find being on time, very important?” the voice said sternly.

Turning around, Josey’s mind shattered in surprise. It was indeed the same Mr. Stormway that saved her early this morning, and ruined her interview. She knew this was not good. How could she ask someone like him for an extension or payment plan?

“It’s you. Well, I’m not surprised. Have a seat. I hope you saved both of us time and brought with you the forms?” Tarrin asked, recognizing her immediately.

Closing her mouth that was hanging open, Josey sat at the hard wooden topped table. Pulling out the forms she filled out earlier from the envelope, she took small glances at him.

He wasn’t wearing his suit jacket and she noticed his white dress shirt hugged at places on his arms. Trying not to notice anything else, she just stared at the table as she pushed the papers across the to him. 

“Have you reviewed everything carefully? Including the 8% deposit increase?” Tarrin asked her, raising an eyebrow.

Still staring at the table, Josey just nodded while trying to build courage in asking for an extension. Her apartment was on the line and she needed to get it over with anyway.

“Yes, but I need an extension on the date. I can’t come up with that amount of money in such a short time.” Josey said flatly to the table.

Tarrin just stared at her while she talked to the table. Feeling a bit offended at her actions, he kicked the table slightly causing a loud thud. Seeing her jump and look at him finally, he could tell she was sacred of him. Tarrin was used to it, as it was nothing new to him.

“I think 30 days is more than enough time provided.” He responded, watching her.

“No, it isn’t, if you’re living on a budget. If you can’t do an extension, the I am willing to do a payment plan. I can pay a little bit each week. It would only take me about 6 months.” Seeing her get braver as she said this, he just grinned.

“I don’t think you understand. The payment is due in 30 days. Not in payments, not in 6 months. If you can’t meet the requirements stated in the lease, then you can vacate the residence in 3 days as it says in the notice.”

“Huh? Where does it say that?” Josey grabbed the papers that were in front of him and scanned through them. 

She was sure she read everything. Suddenly remembering the first notice she was handed from the previous owner, she reached into the envelope. She had grabbed it from her purse on the way out the door and shoved it in the envelope just in case it was also needed.

Looking over it, she finally came to the last paragraph at the bottom. Her heart sank. She never read it because she was waiting for her job interview. 

It stated exactly as he said, 3 days, the lease was up. If a new lease wasn’t signed, she would have to vacate at the end of 3 days. Josey’s temper flared at the ridiculousness of the situation, and the stubbornness of the new owner. Not only did he botch her interview, he now held her and her sister's apartment in his rude hands.

Slamming her hands on the table, Tarrin didn’t flinch but looked at her with curiosity. Such a small female to make such a loud sound he thought to himself. He knew she finally realized it was her mistake for not reading the notice entirely. Yawning on purpose to provoke her further, he waited for her to fight him even more.

“Please. I will do anything you ask if you can give me  4..no, 3 months. Give me just 90 days to come up with the money. I can do it, please.” Her plea sounded pitiful. Tarrin didn’t have a soft heart. This was just business to him, but for some reason he hesitated before answering her.