Due date

I didn't know when I fell asleep, but I woke to someone knocking at the door.

"Coming, I'm coming. Just slow your roll."

I glanced at the clock on the small glass table to see that it was 9:03 am. 1 hour after my failed interview, I might have ruined my own life.

#Sad.

"Can you just wait!" I yelled as the knocking came again.

I removed the screwdriver from the latch, then slid the heavy door open.

"What if that was your landlord?"

"I would have closed the door."

"Anyway, this isn't about him. We are here to celebrate."

"There is no need. I didn't get the job."

"What?" Cooper let go of the helium balloon, letting it float to the ceiling.

"What do you mean? I put in nothing but good words for you."

"Yeah, well. I messed up. Big time."

"What did you do?" Cooper said, grabbing me by the shoulders and shook me a few times.

"Can we seat, or at least allow me to get my bearings? I just woke up."

When we sat down on the old squeaky sofa, I told Cooper all that had happened at the party. At the interview and even after.

"Holy shit, you fucked my boss!"

"Shh."

"It's not like anyone will hear us. But how did you let this happen?"

"I was drunk Cooper. It's not like I allowed it to happen, neither did he."

"You don't understand. Mr Carter is going to fire me."

"What? He can't do that. Can he?"

"I was the one that landed you the interview, said I you were my friend and that man is paranoid with a T. So yeah. He just might."

"I'm- this is so fucked up," I said, placing my head in my hands.

Cooper's rough hand touched my thigh. “Well, I can always work at the diner with Jenna."

"That would be a disaster."

"You're right, those blue aprons don't match any of my outfits."

I chuckled. Leave it up to Cooper to think about that.

He got up to walk past the mirror, then stopped to admire his flawless brown skin.

"And who is that handsome fucker?" He basically purred at himself.

At first glance, any woman would fall for the brown-eyed, brown skin. Buzz-cut haired man until he opened his mouth and say 'yess queen!'

Yes, my best friend is gay, but that's why I love him.

"Honestly, Coop, you know how much I need this job and that little shit head was the best bet."

"Maybe next time, don't let your pussy rule you."

"And what would you say about your community dick?"

Cooper gave me a look then laughed, "that was one time."

"Tell that to-"

"Don't even say it." Cooper cut me off.

"It was a good thing that I applied for other places instead of listening to you and putting my eggs in one basket."

Cooper came back to sit beside me.

"Don't stress too much J, I'm sure that you will land a job and everything will work out just fine. You are one of the smartest girls I know, so someone is bound to employ you."

"I don't know Coop. What if I don't get the job?"

"No, don't talk like that. You can't allow yourself to fall back down that hole."

I sniffed, then wiped my nose.

"Thanks."

"Good, now dry those eyes and cheer up. Everything will work out in your favour."

I took a deep breath and nodded.

"You're right, I just need to calm down, go to my next interview tomorrow and kick ass."

"That's my girl. Now I have to go, no more crying, ok?"

I let Cooper out, then closed the door. The minute I did, there was a knock.

"What did you leave now?" I slid the door open, not at all thinking who it might be.

"The only thing I left is my chequebook. Where is my rent?"

"Martin, I-I."

"Don't have it." The man with a balding, greasy head said.

He wiped his forehead as he was always sweaty. “This is why I didn't want you in my place. All you young people know how to do is fuck around and never pay. I want my rent, girl, or you are out of here."

"Martin, I just need time. Please? I promise I will pay you."

"What are you going to do? Make another hit? I swear if I ever hear any news about that again. I will call the cops on you. You have until the end of the week to pay me my 15 grand or you are out of here."

"Martin, come on, you know my situation. If had it, I would have paid you in full already and the end of the week is not enough time."

"I don't care. You have been here long enough."

I keep finding myself lost for words because I couldn't even answer him.

Sometimes I wish I had good comebacks like Cooper, but I'm not that witty.

"The end of the week."

After Martin left, all I could do was lean on the door and cry.

I slid to the ground with my knees to my chest and cried, wishing my life could be better, but I guess all the wishing and praying doesn't really work.

I was running out of options, and I was afraid that I might be too late.