Was This a Personality Mismatch or Something Much Darker?- Part 5

“If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

“Amy, why weren’t you picking up your phone? I have gist for you!” “Sorry Belle, my shower took longer than anticipated. What’s up?” “I have found you a place.” “Really? Tell me about it!” “Ok, so whoever owns the apartment is charging about 1500. The building is new, the view is awesome, the location prime. I have booked you an appointment to go view tomorrow morning.” “You’re an angel. It’s like you were present at the drama I starred in this morning.” “Which one?” “Belle, don’t bother! It’s a story for another day. Besides, my life is so filled with ordeals lately it’s hard to know which trumps the other.”

When Belle got off the phone, Amy was visibly happy. She almost forgot about the incident in the bathroom. She breezed through her activities that day and couldn’t wait for tomorrow to come. The next day, she got to the address Belle had given her. “Hi, I am looking for Tom. I have an appointment with him.” “Check the sixth floor.” As Amy exited the lift, she dialed the number Belle gave her. “Hello Tom, this is Amy. I have an appointment to view an apartment.” “Oh yes, I have been expecting your call. Please meet me at apartment 604.” “Sure!”

Tom opened the door to the apartment. Amy walked in. Belle was right. This place was awesome. It was a studio; sparsely but tastefully furnished. The view from the balcony was stunning. It was a self-sufficient space. No need to step out to do anything and no sharing with random people. This realization hit Amy and she sat down to take it all in. “So how much is it?” “It’s 1500 each month and it is not inclusive of utilities.” “Really?” Amy did not like that bit of information. The rent alone was already past her budget. “Is the furniture part of the rent?” “If you want it to. We can include it in the lease.” “Anything else I should know?” “We will need two months’ rent in advance and your credit report.”

It’s like someone had burst Amy’s bubble. Before this, she had paid one month’s rent to all her landlords. Then, this rent was above her usual budget. Her dream of exclusive living was fading before her eyes. Good things don’t come easy! “I’ll try to get back to you before this week runs out. Tom, thank you so much for your time. Can I use the restroom?” Amy thought to experience the apartment a bit more intimately as it might be her last time here. Oops, as she used the restroom, she felt even more nostalgic. As she found herself getting lost in her thoughts, she came back to reality. She washed her hands and then met Tom outside the apartment.

“Belle, I don’t think I am taking the apartment.” “Why?” “It’s above my budget and the landlord requires two months rent upfront. The rent is not inclusive of utilities. The search continues.” “I am sorry Amy. It’s okay Belle, you have had my back for so long. That means a lot.” Amy got back to her apartment. She sent a message to her current landlady about the inconvenience of yesterday. Her landlady offered to reduce her rent. Fair enough! It’s not like she had a better option.

Three days past and Amy received a phone call. “Hello, who is this, please?” “It’s Tom.” “Hi, how are you?” “I am good. I have not heard back from you.” “I am sorry Tom. I won’t be taking the apartment.” “Do you mind sharing the reason?” “It’s way above my budget.” “Oh, sorry to hear this. What’s your budget?” “Well, much lower and I prefer to pay my rent and know it covers all residential expense.” “Ok, you know what, let me look into this. It won’t be for the same apartment but somewhere else.”