Chapter five : Everly

Did I just see right? Was that the same man? Well hell he was there was no mistake. But seeing him here after so long, was surprising. He completely stood out of the place, with his perfect tailored suit and hair which were messy, as if he had run his hands through them all day and well. But soon after receiving the phone call he went away without taking his order.

"Eve?" I turned to see Jamie behind me. "Yes?" I smiled. "You know it's almost time for us to get off work. You mind coming with me to Big Joe's?"

"Anything the matter?"

"No, just for supper. You know, just you and me." He said. I laughed awkwardly, "I wish I could but I have to run an errand. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I understand. Well can we walk to the bus stop?"

"Sure." I said, "now I should get back." I headed back to the counter.

As the day ended, I grabbed my bag from the locker room and headed out. I waved at Jamie who was standing across the street and walked over to him, "Shall we go?" I asked.

"Yes." He smiled. The bus stop was 10 minutes away from the café. Jamie tried breaking small conversations but I was in no mood for them. My brain was stuck over the email I received earlier this morning. "Eve? You listening to me?"

"Uh...yes. I'm sorry, got caught up." I said, "Look the stop is here. Thank you and see you tomorrow. Bye." I made my way to the stop and thankfully the bus arrived at the right moment. I boarded it and went to sit on the last seat. I fished out my phone and read the email again.

__

Greetings

Miss Everly Madigan

We are glad to inform you that you have been selected for the National Mathlete Competition. It's great honour for our university and we wish you best of luck.

Please make sure to register yourself on the official website. For further queries contact the administration department.

__

I was over the moon after reading this. I registered myself online, only to get disappointed mid way, the participation fees was $2000. Every competition where I represented my university were paid for but this was not. I contacted the administration and was informed that I would not be representing the university but myself as an individual. It was a good thing, I could finally make a name for myself but I lacked the resources. The university refused to assist me in any way saying their hands were tied, and on top of it the deadline was in two days. Freaking two days! Where was I supposed to get this much money from?

It wasn't an opportunity I could miss on. I had to find my way out. Mr. James was out of town. I had $648 in my bank account and after cutting off all the bills there would not be enough left. My head was a mess.

I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes when my phone buzzed, Peyton. "Eve I got a solution. The money can be arranged!!" She said excited.

"What?! How?" I shouted, making a few heads turn, I mumbled a sorry and got back to her. "It better not be a joke, Peyton. I'm serious."

"I know you are. I have a way." I could hear her smirk, "Wait don't tell me it involves selling my body or working as a slave or some shit like that."

"No Eve. Just hurry and meet me at Fresh Point. I'll tell you everything."

Fresh Point? The place I promised to not go again and here I was again. "Eve? You there?" Peyton said.

"Yeah. I'll be there." I hung up. I decided to take a chance and got off the bus.

***

I stood outside Fresh Point and called Peyton, she hung up but replied with a text instead – In a meeting. Come on in. I'll find you.

I thought for a moment, reluctant to go inside, taking a deep breath I made my way inside. It was just the same as I remember, huge. "You want any assistance ma'am?" A young man came up to me. I smiled and shook my head, "No, thank you."

I wandered about in the aisles with hands in my pockets, waiting for Peyton. I got another text from Peyton – Come in the grocery aisle.

When I reached the aisle, Peyton was standing there talking to someone on the phone, she hung up my seeing me. "Eve. I've got an idea and I think it's gonna work."

I moved closer to her, "What is it?"

"Look the store is hiring employees cause the sales are going to grow over the holiday season. Employees are needed. Join the store and then ask for an advance." She said with a smug on her face as if she had spoken of a great idea.

"An advance of $2000?" I raised my eyebrows. She shrugged. "Are you even hearing yourself Peyton?! I know this job pays well but not that well. I actually thought you had something that would help but..." I shook my head.

"Hey Eve just think about it once." She pushed.

"No Peyton! Stop it. There's no way I'm going to join here. And as a matter of fact there's no way they're gonna give me an advance within two days!" I snapped.

"Okay, Eve. Calm down. I'm sorry I didn't think about it."

"It's okay. I just blew up. I understand you were trying to help. I'm sorry" I said calmly. But that's when reality hit me, it was impossible for me to gather such a huge amount. Maybe I could go for a loan, but getting a loan within two days? Borrow money? But I don't know anybody who could lend me such a big amount to me. I sighed and looked at Peyton, she was looking at me with concern. I smiled, "it's okay Peyton. It's not that we tried. I'll blame my luck for this. Maybe next time. Anyways you get back to your job." I turned to leave but run into a wall of bricks. A familiar scent hits me and I looked up to see a pair of deep brown eyes looking back at me. "Maybe I can help little one."