Chapter 0006

"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice." Nelson Mandela

—

Eden woke up at five in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep. Olivia was next to him on the bed, with her book open on her thighs. She spent the night reviewing her lessons. He carefully left the bed and put on his slippers before walking to the bathroom. He washed his face and brushed his teeth, and then he headed back to the bedroom to get his workout clothes. There was nothing to do at home, so early in the morning, so he decided to go for a jog.

After he got dressed, he entered Leo's room and grinned when he saw his little arms and legs spread on the mattress. No matter how cold it was, Leo would always throw the cover on the floor, and Eden had to pick it up every time. He kissed Leo's forehead, took his keys and headed outside.

It was cold and dark, but Eden liked this time of the day as he would jump outside of reality for a moment. Instead of thinking about his problems, he would focus only on his body, his arms and legs movements, feel the blood flowing in his veins and the sweat forming on his skin.

Eden ran in the middle of the road, inhaling and exhaling fresh air before the cars come to pollute it. His feet led him downtown, where people finally started waking up. Some were opening their shops, and others were running to catch the first bus. He stopped in front of the burger shop, and he looked at the red and black logo. He remembered how happy Leo was to eat there the day before. He played with the other kids until he was satisfied and ready to go back home.

Sitting with Leo yesterday made him realise he didn't give him much time and attention lately. He's been busy with university and his part-time jobs, and he didn't get to play with him or treat him to his favourite places. Harvey reminded him that his son needed his father by his side, especially at such a young age.

"Well, well. Look who we have here!"

A familiar voice surged from behind, and Eden rolled his eyes. "Seriously, man? Why are you here so early in the morning?" he asked the loan sharks, who surrounded him, wearing their usual black shirts opened to the chest.

"I would ask you the same," Jack rubbed his chin, "Instead of working hard to get money, you're out here running and living the life,"

"Living life, my ass," Eden muttered, "I don't know what it means anymore since the day I knew you,"

"Whose fault do you think it is?" Jack lifted a brow, "You shouldn't have borrowed money if you knew you couldn't pay it back,"

"It's not my fault you keep increasing interests," Eden glared at him, "I can't get all that money with shitty jobs,"

"That's your problem, Eden," Jack faked a smile, "You're late this month. The boss can't wait anymore."

Eden sighed and ran his fingers in his hair, "I need a few more days, okay? I just got a new job, and I promise I'll give you more this month,"

Jack started laughing, "A few more days, he said," he looked at his partners and shook his head in disbelief, "Do you think you can negotiate with the boss? You know he doesn't like to wait,"

"What am I supposed to do then?" Eden put his hands on his sides, "Do you want me to go all Money Heist and rob a bank?"

"That's an option you could consider," Jack shrugged, "As long as you pay the boss the money you owe him,"

Eden rolled his eyes and looked away for a moment as he thought about what he could do to get out of this situation. Jack had enough of his silence, and he approached him and pulled his training shirt, "Talk to that boss of yours or whatever, you hear me?" he muttered, "Tell him to give you an advance, or get yourself another job. I'll give you three days, and if you don't get us the money, we'll have to use other methods,"

Eden gulped and slowly nodded his head. There was nothing he could do nor tell him. Messing with a loan agency would be his biggest mistake.

Back home, Eden jumped into the shower and put on his university uniform. He kissed Leo and put his favourite cereals in a bowl before pouring the cold milk.

"I heard your new boss is generous," Olivia took a seat at the table. Eden guessed Leo must have told her about yesterday. "He treated you to eat burgers and all. How nice,"

"Yeah," Eden nodded, "I guess he likes kids,"

"Leo said he was wearing the same uniform," she said, pointing at his white shirt and his blue jacket. "Is he with you at school?"

Eden hummed, "He's my junior."

"I see,"

Eden looked at Leo and made sure he was busy watching cartoons before he faced Olivia and whispered: "I met Jack and his men this morning,"

Olivia stopped eating and looked at him with concern, "And?"

Eden sighed, "Do you think you could get a job? I'm crazy late, and there's no way I could pay it fully,"

"Seriously?" Olivia scoffed, "I'm a med student!" she whispered-shouted, "I have no time for a job!"

"Then what should I do?!" Eden ran his fingers in his hair, "I have to pay the rent, electricity and water bills, wifi and groceries. I can't handle all this, Olivia."

"I gave you a solution before," Olivia said, "You're just stubborn,"

Eden scoffed and licked his lower lip as he looked away for a moment to calm himself down. "There is no way in hell I would let your parents pay for us," he muttered.

"See? Then you can't complain," Olivia shrugged.

"Olivia," Eden put his hand on her thigh, "I will never forgive them for what they've done to us,"

"They didn't do anything," Olivia laughed, "You didn't even let them do it,"

Eden stared at her in surprise and wondered if she was joking. "Olivia," he whispered, "They wanted to take Leo to a foster home!"

"So what? They didn't take him. He's still here with us,"

"That's because I convinced the social work assistant that we could take care of our child," Eden said, his eyes watering, "I promised I would get a job and take care of our family. Your parents wanted to take our son away from us. How could you forgive them?"

"They just wanted to help us, Eden," Olivia sighed, "We were twenty and jobless."

"Yes," Eden nodded, and then he looked at Leo, "Twenty and jobless, and still, look where we are. Leo is now five, nearly six. He's healthy, he goes to school, and has both his parents to take care of him," he took a breath and faced his wife again. "Now imagine if we let other people take care of him instead. What would we tell him when he grows up? That his parents are cowards?"

Olivia looked away, unable to answer his question. Eden knew it was hopeless to talk to her, so he finished his breakfast and helped Leo brush his teeth and wear his shoes to walk him to school.

👔

Who wants to smash Olivia's head? Me!

👔 Is being a med student really an excuse not to get a job?

👔 Do you think Eden should let Olivia's parents help them?

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