Chapter 38

38 New Place and a Stranger

The first place that I visited was a complete bust. There was nothing wrong with the room itself but the man living next door was a heavy smoker and frankly, I could smell all his tobacco. Plus, I didn’t want to live with a heavy smoker always smoking on the balcony right next to mine. The second place was not bad, so I noted it down as a possible option. After thanking the agent, I headed to my appointment with another agent at the third and last place for the day.

By the time that I arrived at the third apartment building for the day, the sun was about to set. I spent a few minutes gazing up at the sky as it turned orange while I waited for the real estate agent to arrive. Honestly, I don’t remember the last time that I appreciated the small joys in life like this. Spending money on retail therapy was what I was really good at during my marriage to George and that was what I considered joyful. Now that I think about it, admiring nature and the various things around me wasn’t so bad either.

“I’m sorry that I’m a little late...” a tall thin man appeared.

He was panting a little and I could tell that he had ran here in a hurry. It wasn’t like I waited for very long.

“It’s alright. Shall we?” I replied.

“Please follow me this way,” he said as he gestured for me to follow him into the building.

As far as locations go, this place was the best. It wasn’t too far from Justin’s place and was walking distance from a bus stop and the subway station. The building was older and more run down than the other options, but the homey vibe fits well with what I had in mind. There was no elevator, and the room was on the fourth floor. This will force me to exercise a bit walking up and down which was perfect. The room was larger than the other options and was priced slightly lower due to the lack of an elevator and probably the age of the building.

The studio room was decent with a large balcony and window that would probably let in adequate wind and sunshine. It was unfurnished but I could envision fitting in a bed, a sofa, a coffee table and a small closet. That would probably fill up the entire room and make it feel homey and functionable.

“What do you think? With your budget you can probably get a bigger room if you want or one in a building with an elevator...” the agent suggested.

.....

“That’s ok. I think I’ll go with this room,” I replied decisively.

“Oh really? That’s great. The contract terms are mainly like I explained to you over the phone and here’s the rent contract. So, if you’ll just sign here and you can transfer the money later...” the agent said excitedly.

I could tell that he was ecstatic to rent out this room. On my end, I was extremely happy in taking my first step to an independent life even though it was vastly different from the one that I led before this. Moving from a penthouse suite in one of the most luxurious buildings in the city to this small studio in an old and slightly run-down building was a big change. However, although it was small, I could call it my own.

I smiled a little to myself as I signed my name at the dotted light on the rent contract. Next would be moving myself in here and getting some basic furniture. Since I didn’t have anything to my name anymore, moving in should be a breeze. Completely baggage free.

“Thank you so much! I’ll process everything and you can move in right away after the payment has been made,” the sales agent informed me as we headed down the stairs from the building.

“Sure. Thanks to you too. Have a nice day,” I bid him farewell as we parted in front of the building.

The salesman disappeared round the corner, and it was starting to get a little dark. I should head back to Justin’s place. It was walking distance from here so if I start now, I should get back before it got completely dark. I turned around and was immediately knocked over. Stunned, I let out a loud scream. Everything happened so fast that I wasn’t sure what or who had run into me. As I put my hands reflexively behind me to break my own fall, I felt a force hurling be back to my feet.

I landed against something hard but warm with a loud thump. Glancing up, I could make out a man’s large and very tall frame along with his partially obscure face hidden behind a black face mask. In the streetlight, I could make out his golden light brown eyes and light blond hair.

“Let...Mhhmmmm!” I cried out in panic for him to let me go but his hand covered my mouth completely.

What is this crazy guy doing?! Am I being kidnapped? Is it because of my debt?!

Immediately, I began struggling against him as his arm wrapped around my waist. My struggling proved useless as he began quickly dragging me into the dark alley next to the building, his large hand muffling my desperate cries for help. My eyes widened in shock as he pressed his back against the building and pulled my body hard against his. I could feel the heat of his body through our clothes and the hardness of his firm body against mine.

What is he doing?

“Shhhhhhh...” he hissed in my ear from behind for me to remain quiet as his arms tightened around my body.

I could hear my heart beating loudly against my chest and wondered if I was going to pass out from the panic and fear. The alley was dark, and I doubt anyone would pass by or spot us and that meant that help naturally wasn’t coming.

–To be continued...