Chapter 7 Any choice

Becka was up at five the next morning. It was unusual, but worry robbed her of all her sleep. She kept thinking about what Harry had told her, and what she heard later. She thought of going to beg Rita, but she didn't want them to have the slightest idea that she had overheard all that they said. The ultimatum came ringing in her head- one week! If they gave her a hundred years, she knew she'd never figure out where to go or what to do. She stood from the bed and walked the length and breadth of the room. She thought of what to do over and over again.

She didn't know how long she had spent pacing up and down the room, until she heard movements in the house.

At seven thirty, her phone rang. She picked it. It was Scarlett, her friend.

"Hello Scarlett." Becka began.

"Good morning, Beck. How are you?"

"I'm fine."

"I called to say hi." Scarlett said.

"Thanks."

"What's wrong? Your voice is..."

"I have a big issue in my hands." Becka said, trying not to cry.

"If you don't mind, can you tell me?"

"My brother has ejected me out of his house."

"Why?" Scarlett asked.

"I don't know. He has given me a week."

"Is he crazy?"

Becka broke down in tears.

"I don't know where to go, Scarlett."

There was silence for a while.

"You can come over and stay with me, Beck."

"What did you say?" Becka wanted to get it clear.

"I said you can come and live with me." Scarlett answered.

Becka quickly jumped at the offer.

"Oh, Thank you!"

"Never mind. You can come over anytime. I hope you remember my address."

"Yes. I'm coming over this morning."

Scarlett laughed briefly.

"Alright. I'm expecting you."

"Thanks a million, Scarlett!" Becka couldn't hide her joy.

"Ok, take care." Scarlett replied and hung up.

After Becka took her bath and bathed her baby, she carried baby Sandra and headed for the kitchen. Rita was there, humming happily to herself. Becka wondered what was making Rita so happy like that. She spotted a bottle of beer on the kitchen table. Becka smiled and shook her head. Becka's face returned to normal when Rita turned. There was a cigarette in her mouth. Then she didn't have to wonder why Rita was very happy. Becka moved close to the kitchen table. She screwed up her nose. Avocado toast. She hated Avocado toast. Rita didn't seem to notice her, so she didn't ask her why she had to prepare such a horrible meal for breakfast. Without talking, Rita offered Becka a cup of coffee. Becka collected it and tasted it. No taste. She gently placed the cup on the table and left the kitchen.

She returned to her room and began to pack her things- her clothes, her shoes, her baby's things and a few others. She stuffed them into her duffel bag and a smaller one. She dressed Sandra and placed her in the pram. Before she left the room, she looked around to check if she hadn't forgotten anything. Then she carried the bags and pushed the pram out of the room. Harry and Rita were in the sitting room watching a horror movie. Both were startled when she walked into their view. "Where are you going?" Harry asked, puzzled. "Relocating, as you said." Becka answered. Harry and Rita exchanged looks. "I didn't mean today!" Harry said, now looking at Becka. Becka gave him a despising look. "But I'm leaving today. I never believed you, Harry, of all people to do this to me!". She said, opening the door. She expected him to be angry, but he wasn't. "Send me your address for me to know where you are." Harry called after her as she slammed the door shut. Becka boarded a taxi to Scarlett's house.

Becka didn't have an idea that where Scarlett lived was bigger than Harry's. From the exterior, she guessed that. She went up to the door and pressed the doorbell. Scarlett opened the door. "Beck, come on in." Scarlett said and beckoned her in. Scarlett showed her round the house, and ended the tour in the kitchen. Becka noticed two girls sitting on the dining table eating breakfast. Scarlett gave a quick introduction. The girls smiled broadly at Becka. "I'm Darla." One of the girls said, giving Becka a hand shake. "My name is Bella, 'Bel' for short." The blonde girl said with a friendly smile. Scarlett smiled at them. "Would you like to join us for breakfast?" Bel asked, still smiling. Becka returned the smile. "I'm sure you'll love this." Scarlett told Becka, placing a large plate on the table in front of Becka. Darla collected Sandra and cuddled her. Becka didn't want to turn down the offer, since she had come to live with them. She watched, surprised as Scarlett spread mayonnaise on a slice of bread, put mustard on another slice, put two slices of bologna on it, purple onion, lettuce and tomato. Scarlett smiled as she placed the sandwich on Becka's plate. Bel poured her some coffee and offered her cream and sugar cube. "If you like to." she said. Becka felt at peace with them, so she ate. She was surprised to see girls living alone live such an expensive life.