《Dusk & Dawn》Chapter 26

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Lexi drove us to the business office on campus that morning. We were due to pay our first months tuition fees. It made me a little nervous that once I paid I would have nothing left in my bank account but luckily the boys had helped me out with a job just in time.

"Thank you Miss Bell, you're up to date." The man behind the office desk addressed Lex and handed her a receipt. I stepped forward and handed my student I.D. to the man dressed in formal business attire.

Lexi took a seat behind us in a row of chairs lined against the wall flicking through some trashy magazine. The place was empty, probably because most college students drank on Friday nights and slept most of Saturday.

"Miss Eden?" The man asked.

"Yes, that's me."

"Great, how will you be paying today? Cash or card? He asked writing down figures on his piece of paper.

"Card please," I never liked carrying around money just in case I got mugged or something. I flashed my card and he pushed the eftpos machine forward for me to reach.

"Whenever you're ready." He smiled politely. I inserted my card, entered my pin number and waited for it to process. I was just anxious to get out of there and start working with the guys. So many ideas were swirling around in my head I couldn't wait to share them.

"I'm sorry but it's been declined. Do you want to try another card?" He asked calmly. I frowned, wondering why the hell it would have been declined.

Maybe I put the wrong PIN number in.

"I'll try it again, I think I put in the wrong numbers. I slid the card in again, entered the right PIN number and waited.

"Sorry Miss, it declined again. It says to check with your bank provider." He handed my card back to me. My face started glowing red hot from embarrassment.

"Let me just check my account online, maybe they're doing the monthly maintenance. I'll be back, I'm so sorry about this!" I apologised and walked over to Lex.

"Declined? But you have enough, right? You're like Scrooge McDuck with your money." She threw down the magazine and looked over my shoulder. I tried logging into my bank account on my phone, my thumbs rapidly tapping in the client number and password which I had memorised since I was 15 and old enough to earn my own money.

Sorry, you have entered the client number incorrectly. Please try again.

I tried again but the same message came up. Lexi and I looked at each other dumbfounded.

"I might just call them." I tried to smile.

There has to be a logical explanation. I just need to stay cool and get to the bottom of it.

I dialled the banks number and spoke to the operator who transferred me to an account specialist.

"Good morning, Greg speaking, how may I help you today?" His voice was chipper which somehow made me feel a little more at ease having someone who was actually friendly sounding who could help. Most of the time I got the monotone, middle aged women who could sass you off the phone.

"Good morning Greg, I desperately need some help. I'm trying to pay for my college fees and my card's been declined. I also tried to login online to check my funds but it says my client number is incorrect." I tried to speak slowly and breathe without stressing out.

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"Okay, let's get this sorted out for you. What's you account number, name and date of birth?" He asked tapping away on his keyboard. I filled him in on the details and made a nervous face at Lexi while I waited.

"I'm sorry but your account has been closed." He reported.

"Closed? But I didn't close it. I had $1387 in there for college! Where has it gone?" I asked, trying not to yell.

"It says here someone by the name of Carol Eden withdrew the total amount and closed the account yesterday. I'm sorry ma'am." I could hear the tone of pity in his voice.

"Are you okay babe?" Lexi asked looking worried. I didn't realise I was clenching my jaw and staring out the window until Lexi spoke. I nodded slowly and ended the call in silence.

"Guess who fucking robbed me?" I asked Lexi not expecting a response. I never usually swore but I was at my breaking point. Feeling the anger rising up within me I ripped open the door, went outside and punched the brick wall. The knuckles of my gloves ripped and instantly started bleeding. Probably not the best idea since walls are solid. Luckily the adrenaline in my body took over and I didn't feel a thing. I paced up and down the car park until Lexi ran out with both of our bags.

"They took it all?!" She asked in a high pitched voice.

"Every single cent and they even had the nerve to close my account." I scoffed, appalled at how ruthless they were. When I started working at the local bookshop my parents took 100% of my earnings.

"Consider this board for us letting you stay under our roof." My father justified.

"But how can they even do that? The account is yours!" Lexi seemed more pissed than me.

"Oh, they can. When they opened the account for me when I started working, they put their names down as authorised nominees to make changes to the account." I shook my head in disbelief. Convenient for them, not so for me.

I checked the time and it was 11:30, almost time to meet up with the guys. I groaned, hoping I could hide my shitty mood by the time we got to the tavern. There's nothing worse than someone who rubs their negative mood all over you, it's a creativity killer.

Lexi followed me into the car starting sentences but unable to finish them, disgusted.

"I just can't..."

"How the in the hell..."

"And you! You! Why..."

We buckled our seat belts and Lexi sped out of the college grounds.

"How are you gonna pay for college now? You're not even going to be able to room with me anymore!" Lexi yelled using her hands as she spoke. She made me a bit nervous when she drove, especially when she was talking passionately about something. So I leaned over and steadied the wheel for her. She tapped my hands and smiled sheepishly.

"Honestly, I don't know." I sighed trying to exhale all things negative. I closed my eyes trying to think of the happy times I've had so I wouldn't yell and lose my shit in the car.

I've been through worse before and I got through that.

"I'll just have to drop out and start again next year Lex. I'll work for a year and save... in cash this time." I let out a huff.

"And as for living arrangements, you can get a new roomie in and I'll sleep on the couch until I get enough up to rent a small place on my own." Lexi parked the car on the gravel in front of Jim's. She glared at me and got out of the car. I opened my door and she spoke over the roof to me.

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"Like hell I'm going to let you sleep on the couch Quinn! How can you not give a fuck about this?" She asked, fuming.

"Easy, like this." I shrugged my shoulders giving the best 'I don't give a fuck' face I could. The truth is I did care and sure I was angry but I didn't want to give my parents any more power over my life. The doctors had told me I needed to remain stress free if I wanted to continue to live a healthy life, so I tried to play it down regardless of whether I wanted to punch every object I saw.

"Who's sleeping on the couch now?" Zach stood, leaning against the wall taking the last drag of his cigarette before stepping on the butt.

"Quinn wants to sleep on the couch while I get another roomie because her ass hole parents stole all her money!" She sped through without taking a single breath. Her face was so red it looked like she'd spent all afternoon out in the blazing sun.

Lexi locked the car and ran to embrace Zach who stood with his arms open.

"You calm now boo boo?" He kissed the top of her head and Lexi nodded, exhaling a deep breath of relief. Mason opened the tavern door and leaned outside with a curious look on his face.

"Everything okay out here?"

"Yeah, Lexi's just a little worked up over Quinn's parents. They took her money and she can't pay for college or dorm rent." Zach squeezed Lexi tighter rubbing her back like the doting boyfriend he is.

"Hmm... Zach can I speak to you for a sec? Girls, come in. The rest of the boys are just up on stage." Lexi and I looked at each other, confused but decided to comply.

Mason and Zach stayed outside to talk about god knows what while us girls went inside. We waved to the other guys while we walked over to sit at the bar.

"Did the guys get lost outside or something?" Lexi checked her phone for the time and huffed.

"I think I know a way we can pass the time." I said slyly grinning. I jogged up to the stage where the drummer and bass guitarist were.

"Psst, guys. Do you know Heartbeat Song by Kelly Clarkson?" I stood at the bottom of the stage watching them look to and fro between each other and me. They frowned and scoffed as if it was the most absurd question they'd been asked.

"Come on guys, we all know you love yourselves a bit of Ms Clarkson." I raised one eyebrow and crossed my arms.

"I wanna play it with you guys. Lexi's feeling a little annoyed with my situation at the moment and I wanna cheer her up. Plus, I need some therapy Pleaaaaaaase?" I put my hands in a begging position and made a pouty face. They shook their heads and smiled down at me.

"Get up here girl." I slapped them on the back and nodded. They brought a guitar over to me and slung it over my shoulder. I looked down at the shiny black materpeice and realised it was Mason's. I spend a moment in reverence running my fingers along the strings slowly.

I pointed to Lexi and then my heart just like Zach does for her every show. As she sat on the bar stool her face cracked a smile which grew bigger and bigger until it took up her whole face. I looked back at the guys and counted them in.

"1, 2, 3, 4."

Lexi squealed and jumped off the bar stool to dance. Zach and Mason came through the front doors and stopped dead in their tracks when they saw what was going on. I strummed that guitar and sang like my life depended on it. If I was going to be here I would damn well be sure to make everyone's life better not worse while I was in it. I want to be the exact opposite of my parents. Every word I sung melted off the hurt and anger slowly, shedding them layer by layer.

Mason's jaw dropped open and Zach patted him on the shoulder, laughing. I knew Lexi loved this song but it also had meaning for me too. The lyrics made me think of Mason which pained me to admit. I needed to start acknowledging what I was feeling because keeping everything locked away all the time was a pressure that was beginning to become unbearable.

When we struck the last chord and let it ring out I turned back to the guys and we had a round of fist bumps before all jumping off stage.

"That was so impulsive and random Quinn girl..." Skeeter stared at me.

"It was the best fun I've had in the past year! Don't tell the guys that," He beamed and started air drumming walking towards the others.

Lexi gave me a flying hug, running up and throwing herself at me.

"Thank you Quinn Bee. I'm sorry I was being such a baby before, I just worry for you, you know?" She chuckles at the thought then covers her mouth to hide it.

"That made me feel warm all up in my fallopian tubes." Mason rubbed his lower stomach, grinning.

"Killer job AmicaMea. If I could pick anyone for my baby to cheat on me with, it'd be you." He winked. I realised he was talking about me playing his guitar, his baby. I felt somewhat privileged.

Everyone began taking seats at the tables nearest to the bar while Zach passed out some drinks to each of us.

"Mase and I were talking outside..." Zach paused at looked over to Mason.

"We'd love you guys to move in with us. Lexi baby, will you come live with me?" He held out his hand and Lexi threw her arms around his neck, pecking kisses all over his face.

"Yes, yes and yes!" He spun her around while I was watching, trying to sort out my thoughts.

It's so generous of them to allow us to stay but isn't it weird living with guys?

I was taught you're not meant to live with anyone until you're married. I was sure that wasn't the cultural norm anymore judging by their willingness to just let us move in and Lexi's positive response.

"We had two brothers staying with us up until a week ago and they transferred upstate to take over a family business or something." Mason tried to explain. I think he noticed the look of caution in my eyes.

"Thanks guys, we really appreciate it." I didn't want to seem ungrateful but doubt gnawed at me.

"No worries. After all, it solves your homeless problem and Lexi's room mate problem." Zach grinned still holding Lexi tight in his arms.

"So how much do you charge for a month? I'll try and make sure I save it up for you guys." I said trying to count figures in my head.

'"What?! No no, you guys are like family now. Family don't pay." Zach answered.

How can these guys afford to have two extra people's living expenses?

"Oh, well then don't pay me for working, that can go towards my rent. I don't want to be a burden on you guys. You're helping me out so much already." I felt guilty having to rely on their generosity to get by.

"Hey, it's cool. We can cover it. You're not putting us out of pocket at all. We wouldn't help you if we didn't want to. Okay?" Mason raised his eyebrow at me. It was hard for me to accept that people just wanted to help out of the goodness of their own heart. I was sceptical but I managed to nod.

"Um, just a random question." I started.

"Do the rooms have locks on the door?" I asked, wringing my fingers nervously.

"Why? Do you like to indulge in some 'private' girl time?" Mason nudged my shoulder.

"Eww, no! I just like my privacy, okay?" I pushed him back a little harder.

"Oh I'm sure you do. Naked private time." He winked trying not to laugh. I scrunched up my face at him.

"Can you just get off the naked subject?" I put my hand over my face trying to conceal my mortification.

"I will later, don't you worry." He gave a sly smile before he took a sip. I slumped further down my chair trying to hide.

"Hey, I'm kidding. Just trying to get you to loosen up babe." He massaged my shoulders. Thick fingers pressing gently into my stiff muscles.

"Just leave her alone man, she's stressed." Zach came to my defence, weirdly enough. I saw a look of understanding when he smiled at me and then kissed Lexi. Lexi definitely told him something.

I have to remind myself to talk to her about that later.

"There aren't any locks on the doors but if we wanna come into your rooms we'll knock first. We are gentlemen after all." Mason gave me an apologetic smile. I smiled back and picked up my water to take a sip.

"You guys aren't technically staying with us in the same house anyway. We're more like neighbours. You'll be in the pool house. It's practically like a mini house in itself. It has a kitchen and two bedrooms. The only thing it doesn't have is a bathroom." Mason explained.

"You guys wanna pack and move in today?" Zach asked, excitedly looking down into Lexi's eyes.

"Ahh, baby, I think you're underestimating how much shit we have." She giggled.

"How about tomorrow then? We can pick you girls up in the morning. That way you don't have to continue paying dorm fees." Mason suggested.

I needed to start living again. I only got to experience a tiny tip of the iceberg that is life for a few months before I went running back to my parents for forgiveness. This time, I was going to try and take every opportunity life gave me since I didn't have their expectations holding me back any more. It didn't make me any less scared though.

"Okay, lets do it." I said holding my fist out to fist bump him. He looked down at my fist and he frowned.

"Woah Rocky, what happened to your knucks?" He said taking my hand gently and inspecting it.

"Oh... I might have sort of collided with a wall a few times... on purpose." I looked down a little embarrassed. I'd totally forgotten.

"Well I think I need to take you to get cleaned up. The blood is dry and its starting to heal around your glove. Come, Jim's got a first aid kit in the back." He pulled me off the bar stool and toward the back room. I shot Lexi a 'help me' look. If he was going to clean my knuckles, he had to take off my gloves. I just wasn't ready to explain just yet, I was already moving in with him, that was progress enough for one day.

"Oh, Mase, let me take her. I need to talk to her anyway. You know, girl stuff." She cupped her hand over one side of her mouth. Mason frowned looking suspicious and a little disappointed.

"Um, okay?" He released his grip on me and Lexi power walked into the back room with me. I shot Mase an apologetic look before disappearing around the corner.

"Thank you Lex, I owe you one! I thought he was gonna put up a fight for a minute." I wiped the straggling hair out of my face with the back of my hand.

"It's okay, I wanted to talk to you anyway about this moving in thing. Are you sure you're okay with it? I mean, I know how you grew up." She peeled my glove off and had to use the tweezers to pick the loose bits of fabric out of the wound. Luckily I wasn't squeamish and she was a nurse to be.

"Yeah, it's scary as hell, don't get me wrong... but I need to do this. Up until I was 18 I hadn't lived. I barely knew what was outside my own house. This will be good for me... and for you and Zach." I laughed playfully. She sighed like a woman in love.

"I've never lived with any of my boyfriends so this will be new for both of us." She finished with the antiseptic and started wrapping my hand up in a bandage. She wrapped all the way up to my wrist since my glove was totally destroyed and unsanitary.

"This time tomorrow, we're going to be in a hot little pool house and be roomies with hot men. Talk about luck!" She squealed bouncing up and down excitedly.

My mind swam in thoughts of excitedment and panic.

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