Chapter 2 Hit and concede

"I can't believe this," I muttered, gasping for air as I climbed the last flight of stairs.

Fresh out of college with a degree in accounting, my life hadn't been a whirlwind of excitement like I thought it would. I barely dipped my toes into the pool of adult life, only to be greeted with a marriage proposal from a stranger.

Everyday since I left home, I got reminded how dumb I was for leaving, how I should have accepted it with a happy heart. But no one would ever understand, not until they're in the same situation. Right now, I didn't even want to be me.

After a grueling day, all I craved was some peace and quiet. "Finally, I made it." I sighed as I reached the top. Note to self: stair climbing should be listed in the top three things I hated the most. But as I got to the door or my apartment, I realized that once more, I got hit by one of the universes shenanigans. "What now?" I held the door handle and tried at it again, but it refused to budge. I raised my hand to check my watch.

"Ava? Why the hell is my door locked?" I wailed, dropping my hands, and raising my head to look at the ceiling. I felt like I was about to drop dead. I stood there, waiting for her, wondering what could be worse than this situation. I dropped my head to look at the hallway.

In the hallway, everything was basic. The walls were plain and strong, simply keeping things in place. Underneath, the floors were made of wood, smooth and cozy. The lights above me went on and off, telling the world that their end is near. But knowing the landlord, they would stop working long before it would get changed.

I turned to look behind me as I heard footsteps from the door opposite mine. I watched the door swing open. She stepped out of the room with hurried steps and wrapped her arms around my neck, squeezing out my last breath. "Where have you been Isa? " She squeezed tighter. " I was worried." She released me from her grip and stared at me with her beautiful dark green eyes, her hands now on my shoulders.

Her facial features were perfectly selected. Strawberry blond hair with emerald green eyes and light freckles on her cheeks. She wore a green knee-length nightgown which told me she'd been home all day and I couldn't help but smile. Ava was the only person that felt like home besides my brothers. She never made me doubt for a second that she cared about me even when I ran away from home.

All my other friends didn't get it though, they all seemed to be quick on their heels when they heard I was cut off. Although I wasn't listening, it had something to do with 'luxury lifestyle' and 'hot billionaire' and how I wanted nothing to do with them. They were wrong anyways, I only loathed the latter not the former. I wondered why girls always thought all billionaires were these hot ecstatic creatures. But that, I would leave for later. All I wanted now was to sleep.

"I just went to see my dad, nothing serious."

"And?" She squeezed my shoulders. "Has the problem been fixed?"

"No, but I have several measures I haven't implemented yet. If I could just get into my apartment..." I raised my brow, signaling to the door behind me.

"Well... Ehem... I don't think that will be possible," she hesitated. She peeked past me to where the stairs were as if looking for someone. "The thing is, Laura came in today and she said you couldn't stay here anymore."

"What? But why the hell not?" I blinked in shock, furrowing my brows. Laura only let me stay with her for a few months because she needed someone to help clean the house when she was away. Of course, that was profitable to me seeing that I didn't have money for rent anyways, but that stingy critter could not be this mean, could she?

"She said to give you this note." Ava reached into her pocket and brought out a tiny yellow paper. Taking the paper, I arched my brows in anticipation, wondering what exactly she couldn't say over the phone. I unfolded it, revealing words In unclear ugly handwriting. Thank goodness one's handwriting doesn't determine their looks.

**You can't stay. Got paid to kick you out. Your bags are with Ava, be gone before dawn.**

I had to say, I always admired how she was so honest and straightforward. This was the first time she used her sticky paper on something other than price tags. They were usually things that involved me using her stuff.

**30 cents per toast.**

**10 cents per minute. Don't overuse my microwave.**

Hmm, good times. I could feel her love for me with each note. So what if she threw me out? We've played this game more than a thousand times. It's called _'kick out isa, bring isa back.'_ I smirked.

"Hey, you just got kicked out. What's funny about that?" Ava raised my chin and looked straight at me. I was so lost in thought I forgot she was still here, standing with me.

"Oh, uhmm nothing," I shook my head, " I'm just..."

I couldn't think of what to say. What was I feeling? Shock? Anger? Exhaustion? "Do you think I can leave my stuff till I get back from work tomorrow? I think I'm gonna work the night shift today."

"Yeah, of course, but you still have four hours left. Why don't you come in an-"

"I'll be fine Ava. Might as well work extra hours." I shrugged walking backward to the stairs.

"But you-"

"See you tomorrow." I waved, forced a smile on my face and turned around. I walked straight to the stairs. Dad was getting serious about this. He made sure I didn't get a job with my degree, then he made sure I had nowhere to stay-that was pretty easy since my friends were hung up on money- and now he's paying people to make life harder for me. Bravo monsieur, you finally learned how to truly restrain me, make life so hard I have to come back pleading. Too bad I'm a girl, I could have been your wasteful prodigal son. I'd have to call him tomorrow morning to tell him how happy I am that he found me a husband. I couldn't have done it without him. Seriously.

I left the building, feeling frustrated by the scorching sun. I shielded my eyes with my hand to see the busy street ahead. People with unhappy faces hurried in all directions, while cars honked loudly from every corner. It was a bustling afternoon. My legs hurt from walking all the way from the car rentals, and I knew I had to walk more to reach my destination.

I started walking. Ok new goal, get through the day. When tomorrow comes, everything will be fine. Dad would win, but at least I'll finally go back to the life I know and love. That's it, just get through the-

I stopped thinking as my eyes opened. I was too engrossed in thinking I didn't realize I closed my eyes. I raised my hand to see what direction I was headed but it happened too fast I couldn't have seen it even if I doubled my speed. And then...darkness.