Page 9 of Indebted

“I know, but he’s already stopped the influx of cash.” I felt the need to point out. “That’s how this whole mess got started. I won’t be under his thumb, Zoe. I’ll figure something out.”

“Maybe I could put your tuition on my credit card?”

I pulled her in for a quick hug. “You’re the best, Zoe, but you and I both know your step-monster monitors the shit out of that thing and I don’t want you in anymore trouble with that woman than you already are.”

Zoe rolled her eyes. “Please, I’m pretty sure she’s cutting me off after I graduate. Dad’s been dropping hints that I need to focus on a good career.”

“Well, if you ever need a roommate…” I let the offer hang.

Now it was Zoe’s turn to grab me for a quick squeeze. “I’ll hit up my boy toy at the financial office, okay? Maybe he’ll know of something we can arrange for you. We’ll find a way.”

Anxiety was already working its way around my stomach, fear stealing my bravado. Without my tuition backing, I’d be rubbing pennies together hoping they’d breed.

But I refused to be Justin Kingston’s pawn.

I nod. “We’ll find a way.”

Late Monday afternoon, I was pretty sure I was having a panic attack.

The door to my room was shut, the Ramirez family out at one of their cousin’s soccer games. It wasn’t an ideal living situation, but I couldn’t beat the rent for a single bedroom. The blinds were drawn, the air conditioning unit in my room rattling as it fought a losing battle against the sweltering heat.

I was flat on my back, staring at the ceiling, chest too tight to be normal.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

The financial officer’s voice still resonated in my head.

He’d never heard of anyone giving up money.

Well, surprise.

The lie about coming into a sudden influx of cash and wanting the benefactor to help someone in need had barely made it past my constricted throat.

I grabbed my phone.

Me: I think I’m dying. What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Zoe: Is your face drooping? I heard droopy face is a symptom.

My lip twitched.

Zoe: Did you search the paid internships I told you about the other day?

Me: Not yet. I’m a little busy with my panic attack. Thanks for asking btw.

Zoe: Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the evening. Enjoy! #selfcaremonday #panicattackforthewin

A laugh escaped me, some of the tension easing around my chest.

I could do this. One evening for pity. That’s all I got. Then I’d get online and find no less than five internships that wouldn’t have me ripping my hair out. I could juggle three jobs and school if need be.

The thought made me sick, but three more quarters, that’s all I had left of the school year.

The doorbell sounded through my door, followed by three succinct knocks.

I turned my head as if I could see through my door, around the corner, to the front.

Every once in a while, the Ramirez’s neighbor brought left over casserole when she baked too much. Usually I was at school and missed out on the freebies, but this time I’d have it all to myself. Lunch for the week solved.