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Jackie's POV

I went home after changing into my dress. Amelia had tried to speak to me but I didn't have the time nor strength to listen to her. All I wanted was to lay on my bed and cry. Which was what I did the moment I got to my room. I lay on my bed and started to cry in the darkroom. Thankfully, Andrea wasn't in the room so I was able to cry out the pain in my heart.

I started to think of Lucas and how he offered to help me. Despite how desperate I was for a helper, I didn't want any type of help from him. I didn't want to give him a reason to step all over me in case his real side came out.

"What do I do now?" I whispered and sniffed then turned on the lamp on the desk beside my bed. The first thing I saw was my timetable sitting on the desk, glaring straight at me, making me feel the reality of the exams coming up so fast.

I sat up on my bed and wiped my tears. I knew I had Maddy and Axel to help but they had already helped me in my first year, I could not ask them again. It would not make any sense and I didn't want anyone looking down at me like a charity project. I was sure there was some other way I could earn enough to get myself a place to sleep.

"Maybe I could also try and see if I could get another student loan," I said. "At least for another year until I start doing something that'll give me enough to get back on my feet."

I rested my elbows on my thighs and covered my face with my hands. I groaned when my head ached. The last thing I wanted was to fall sick. I needed every strength I needed to prepare myself for what was to come.

My phone dinged and I took it out of my purse. I blinked away the blurriness in my eyes and my breath hitched when I saw a text from Lucas.

I hope you're okay. Remember, I'll be here if you need help.

I rolled my eyes and switched off my phone then laid back on the bed, staring into the darkness around me.

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Exams had begun and so far, I've written five courses that I barely studied because I was too focused on my problems but I was certain I did well from the little I could understand.

I was walking back to my residential building when I saw a notice posted on the wall. I walked up to it and saw it was an evacuation notice from the school board for the end of the year. It made my heart sink low in fear as I had not thought of where to stay.

I thought of Maddy but she didn't have an apartment. She had plans of going back to her family home after exams and Axel didn't live anywhere close. I was all out of options. I could not even beg my roommate because I wasn't that close to her.

I sighed and looked away from the notice. I had five more papers left and by the end of next week, the exams would be over and I have not found a place. At this point, I had only one option.

"Jackie?"

I turned in the direction of the voice and forced a smile on my face at the sight of Clark, Maddy's boyfriend. He was standing amongst two other girls who I suspected were his coursemates. He said something to them before approaching me.

"Hey, how are you?" He asked. "I haven't seen you for weeks."

"I've been away, studying and all," I replied and he nodded. "What about you?"

"Same thing," Clark said and snapped his fingers. "Hey, I wanted to ask you something."

"Uh, ask away, I guess," I said as I was still pensive about our last time together.

"You see, I live in a big house with other people and sometimes, I'm not always around to even take care of it, so are they. So, I spoke to Maddy about her referring me to someone who might help and she said she doesn't know anyone. I asked my coursemates and they are either too busy or don't know anyone," Clark said, confusing me.

"I don't know what you're asking. Can you elaborate more, please?" I asked, feeling impatient because I needed to go up to my room and study for the math exam I had on Monday.

"Sorry," he said and cleared his throat. "I live in a three-bedroom house and it's always untidy. I am looking for a cleaner since I fired the last one because she kept stealing from me and not doing anything. Do you know anyone who can do the job?"

A feeling of hope filled my body at his words. I had to look to the heavens to say a mental prayer because this man was God sent. I could not believe what I had just heard to the point I was too stunned to speak.

"Jackie?"

I smiled and looked at him, feeling giddy because he didn't need to look too far.

"What type of cleaner are you looking for?"

He shrugged. "Anyone that can keep my house tidy. As long as they can do the laundry, keep pieces of furniture clean and all."

I beamed. "It seems as if you've met her."

"I have?" He looked so shocked that I had to laugh.

"Yes... You're standing in front of her."

I watched for three seconds as realization masked his face and laughed when he rolled his eyes playfully.

"Are you serious?" He asked.

"Yes. I was looking for a job to prepare myself for next year especially if I can work throughout next year. So, yes. I can do the job," I said and Clark smiled brightly.

"You're sure you can do the job?"

"Yes, sir. I can do it perfectly."

"Thank you so much. You'll start after the exams. I appreciate it, Jackie. Thank you so much."

"No, I should be the one thanking you. So, after the exams, right? Okay, can I ask what the job will be like? I mean, the days I'll work and the pay."

"You'll work every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday," Clark replied. "You'll get paid after every day you work. You'll be paid $200."

I gasped. "$200? Jesus, that's a lot!"

Clark shrugged. "My house is big. So, it is reasonable."

That was like making a thousand and two hundred dollars in two weeks. I was going to be rich by the end of a full month. I was so excited that I hugged Clark who stiffened. I pulled away and muttered an apology.

"You're adorable," he said and placed his hand on my shoulder. "After the exams, you let me know. Take my number from Maddy when you're ready, okay?"

I nodded and watched as he walked away, joining the girls who had been waiting for him in the background. I squealed when they were far away and happily danced inside of me.

"I have a job!" I said at the top of my voice but froze when I realized one thing. "But I still don't have a place to stay? The exams end next week and I don't have any idea where I can stay. What do I do now?"

Some minutes after thinking, a dreadful idea crossed my mind.