THREE YEARS AGO

EVE'S POV

The sun was a blinding orb in the winter sky, casting long, sharp shadows across the icy sidewalks of New York City.

It was a sunny morning, and no one could explain why the sun would come out that early in winter. It was just supposed to be all rainy, but the weather reader couldn't even explain, and every citizen just took it as one of heaven's wonders.

People seemed to be walking with a spring in their step, their faces lit up by the unexpected warmth. I wasn't one of them. For me, the sunshine was just another cruel joke.

"Let's see what a day like this would imply in my life. Strange." I muttered on the street of New York City as I hissed out in complete frustration.

Life had been a series of unfortunate events ever since my parents had perished in that mysterious plane crash.

I had never had a good life. It was all calamity upon calamity. And my Aunt, Sarah, had taken me in, but her home was more like a prison. She wasn't helping in any way. She was the most heartless and wicked person I've ever known in my life. She made life a living hell for me.

She was a cold, calculating woman, with a heart as hard as stone. She'd made my life a living hell, a constant barrage of insults, punishments, and emotional abuse.

As I trudged down the street, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness. It seemed like nothing good would ever happen to me. The world was a cruel place, and I was just a pawn in its game.

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me out of my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. It was Claire, my best friend, always ready with a joke or a pep talk.

"Hello, girlfriend. How's it going over there?" She chirped, her voice as bright and bubbly as ever, just immediately after I picked up the call.

"Claire, it's going well," I answered, and a smile crept up on my face, knowing that I have someone to care about my welfare, at least.

It was nice to hear from her.

I continued, "I just finished my morning shift so I'm thinking of working out with some laundry. I've got some cool orders from good people around, so I'll just do that and submit my CV to some companies, too. I need to get a stable job, at least, Claire."

"Yeah, right." She agreed and I could have imagined how vigorously she would have nodded her head, "God help you, sweetie. I just called to check on you."

"Appreciate that, thanks," I said, feeling a warmth in my chest. Claire was always there for me, no matter what.

I was just about to cut off the call when she said again, "Em, Eve?"

"And there are some orders. My neighbors needed some printing services so I just got the files from them. I'll send them to you. It'll be easier, and we'll just meet at the restaurant tonight where I'll get the copies and deliver them to them tomorrow. Good?"

I invisibly clapped in my head, "That's a perfect plan. Thank you for that but what about the money? You know I don't work on credits." I replied, a hint of concern in my voice.

I heard her usual cackle, "I know, Eve, you only deal with money. I already gave them your wallet details so let me know when you get it as soon as possible. Bye."

And without waiting for my response, she cut the call. Just like that, she was gone, the line going dead.

Well… that's Claire for the world. Typical Claire! Always cutting to the chase.

She always cuts the conversation when it's perfect and she's done talking. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had some money coming in. Claire would always look out for me and promote me around to people who might need our services.

I was just a girl trying to make needs meet for myself, after all.

The sun was already dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city as I lugged the last basket of laundry up the narrow staircase to apartment 2 B.

Sweat beaded on my brow, and my arms ached from the weight of the heavy, damp clothes. I couldn't wait to get home, kick off my shoes, and collapse on the couch.

I knew that was a dream that surely wasn't going to pass soon, not with Aunt Sarah still alive. I chuckled.

But first, I had to collect my payment from Mrs. Anya, the elderly woman who lived in apartment 2 B. She was always a bit slow to pay, but I knew she meant well. I knocked on the door, and a moment later, it creaked open.

"Ah, Eve," Mrs. Anya said, her voice weak. "You're here."

I smiled. "Yes, I am. Here's your laundry."

She took the basket from me and began to inspect the clothes. "It looks lovely, dear. Thank you."

"You're welcome," I replied. "Now, about the payment..."

Mrs. Anya fumbled in her purse, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh dear, I seem to have misplaced my wallet. Could you perhaps come back tomorrow?"

I sighed inwardly. This was the same excuse she used every time. "Mrs. Anya, I really need the money today. I have other bills to pay."

She looked apologetic but I wasn't buying any of that. "I know, dear. I'm so sorry. I'll give it to you tomorrow, I promise."

I hesitated. I knew Mrs. Anya was having a hard time, but I couldn't afford to wait. "Mrs. Anya, I understand that things are tough right now, but I can't keep waiting. I need the money."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Please, Eve. I'll give it to you tomorrow. I'll even give you a little extra."

I sighed. I knew I was being unreasonable, but I was getting tired of her excuses. "Alright, Mrs. Anya. But this is the last time."

I turned to leave, feeling a pang of guilt. I knew I was being too harsh, but I was under a lot of pressure. As I walked down the stairs, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd made a mistake.

I shrugged that off knowing that I wasn't wrong either. She should at least have money before wanting laundry services. I was half-fuming.