Pay up

Maisse wiped her tears as she got to Vik's apartment. She did not want him to see her crying. She just hoped that he was still inside and had not gone job searching.

She had thought so hard while walking and had decided not to home while stressed. She was of no use to the girls with tears streaming down her face and an incoming headache. She would sleep at Vik's house for a while before going back home. Maybe the rest would be of help to her churning mind.

She reached Vik's door and was lifting her left hand to knock when the door opened revealing Vik.

"I saw you through the window. Come on in." Vik ushered her in.

Maisse was too stressed to remember that Vik saw everyone that came and left; his window was directly opposite the apartment entrance.

"Can I get some water please?" Maisse asked politely.

"Of course. Feel at home. You are always welcome here." Vik opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water.

He took out a glass from the cabinet and poured water on it before giving it to Maisse.

"Are you okay? Why are you not at work?" Vik asked as he sat down next to her.

"I was fired." Maisse said, her throat swollen with untold emotions.

Tears had started welling up her eyes and her hands were trembling with fear of the unknown.

"I am so sorry about that." Vik moved close to her and hugged her.

"Her loss really. You are an excellent and hardworking girl."

"You did not even wait to listen to the reason why she fired me." Maisse said after the hug.

"It does not matter. From what you have told me, that woman is impossible to work with. You surviving through those months is a miracle. You deserve better."Vik said.

Maisse knew Vik was right. She deserved better. A better job, a better father, a better life. Vik was the only friend she had. All her other friends had abandoned her when she could not keep up with them. They wanted someone who loved to party every other weekend. Maisse could not do that as she had her sisters to take care of.

It was Vik that had helped her get the job at the diner. He had found her seated on the steps of the diner with her sisters. They were hungry and did not have money. Vik had talked to Old Prisley who had given them something to eat and also given her a job.

"Well, I will tell you anyway. I broke her crystal. She took my phone and wants me to pay before giving it back." Maisse explained.

"She has your phone? You have to report her, that is a violation." Vik said, angry on her behalf.

"We can't. You know how the police in this city are. They won't listen to someone like me." Maisse said.

"You are right. But we should at least do something. We can't just sit here and do nothing." Vik said.

Maisse was feeling better. She was happy to have a friend like Vik. Vik took her matters seriously and was always on the frontline to help her.

"Right now I need money to go get my phone. I need it if I am going to get a new job. I used almost all of my savings to take one of the twins to the hospital."

"Where did you leave the twins?" Vik asked, panic written all over his face.

"I left them with a sitter in the morning. I didn't want to go back while still stressed." Maisse explained.

"You are right. You should be strong for them. I have an idea. Why don't we go talk to Old Prisley and see if he can help. How much is the money?" Vik asked.

"She wants two hundred dollars."

"Well, I have fifty. We can ask him for the other one fifty dollars. I am sure he will help. We can also ask him about the buyer and if he talked to him. "

Maisse did not want to burden Old Prisley with her problems but she had no option. There was no one else to help her. Her father did not care at all. Maybe it was better if she got married. She shook her head to get rid of that thought.

Old Prisley was seated on the patio when they got there. He welcomed them with open arms and asked someone to get them some food.

Maisse then explained, with Vik's persistence, what had brought them over.

"Mr. Prisley I need your help. Ms. Simmons took my phone because I accidentally broke her crystal. She said she would not give it back until I pay. I wanted to ask if you could help. I used my savings to take Emmy to the hospital." She said.

"I am so sorry about all of that. How is doing now?" Old Prisley asked.

"When I left in the morning she was feeling a little bit better. I don't know how she is now as I don't have my phone with me." Maisse said.

"I have never liked that Ms. Simmons." Old Prisley said. "Not to worry though, I will pay your debt. I have some cash around the house. How much is it?"

It was two hundred but Vik offered to pay fifty so that means I need a hundred and fifty dollars." Massie clarified.

"Vik can keep his fifty. He will need it seeing as both of you are still out of jobs." Old Prisley advised.

Maisse waited as Old Prisley went into the house to get the money. He came back with two new five hundred dollar notes and gave them to her.

"Sir, this is too much. I only need a hundred and fifty." Maisse protested.

"Just take it. I know you are struggling. Seeing as the diner is already sold and you have no place to eat for free. The money will help you for some days as you figure things out." Old Prisley said.

He gave Vik two hundred dollars. Vik wanted to refuse but he insisted.

"Speaking of figuring something out, did you manage to talk to the buyer of the diner? Did he give you any positive answer?" Vik asked as he pocketed the money.

"Ooh, yes. I almost forgot. I talked to him and he said he will find something and get back to me when he gets back from his business trip. Let me call him and ask if he is back. Maybe you can even go see him." Old Prisley said.

"That would be nice." Maisse said.

Old Prisley dialled Bronton's number and waited for him to pick up.

"I am not the father of your baby so stop calling me!" Bronton said angrily before cutting the call.

"What did he mean by that?" Maisse asked.

The three of them were confused. What had just happened?