Page 15 of Forbidden Fruit
It’s not fear that bubbles up inside me but rage that this asshole is trying to take advantage of my situation, kick me out, and threaten me that makes me grab the bedside lamp and smash it down onto his head with a smack that echoes in the surrounding space.
He drops onto his back, unconscious.
“Who’s the bitch now?”
The adrenaline rush is short lived.
Shit, shit, shit.
What if he calls the police? I’mnotgoing to prison for assault.
Not wanting him to wake up while I’m still here, I pull my suitcase from under my bed and throw everything I own into it. Thankfully, it’s not much—I didn’t dare buy anything new since landing on Kalliste, my future too uncertain to put down roots—so it takes me less than ten minutes. I realise as I make my way into the living area that I was never allowed to spend time in, that I own nothing in this place. I have no trinkets, no photographs, no memories to carry with me. It makes my exit faster but also bitter. If I had died, all I am would fit in a suitcase.
Once I’m outside, I stride to Lady in White. Customers are making their way in, so I go to the back door and knock, hoping Jade is working.
The doorman eyes me warily.
“I’m looking for Jade”, I say and he nods in reply.
She’s the only person I really know outside of the Marquesi family and my old boss, Betty. I’d like to think that we’re becoming friends, especially after she helped me get a job then Friday night when the celebratory cocktail turned into five.
I’m desperate and hoping she’ll let me crash on her couch until I find myself a new place.
Me
I’m outside with my suitcase. My roommate kicked me out and I’m pretty sure he’ll call the police on me. Can I stay at your place tonight, please?
Jade
Arrested? Exciting! ?? What did you do?
me
I’ll tell you if you let me crash on your couch.
Jade
Blackmail? I like your style. You fit right in with the Morettis. I’ll come out to give you the keys.
“So, what did you do?” Jade asks me way too casually for someone who’s about to open her house to a girl she barely knows who just assaulted a man.
“Chris was threatening me, so I knocked him out with a lamp,” I say while burying my head in my hands to hide my shame. God, I hope he’s okay. I didn’t mean to hurt him. Well, maybe just a little.
Jade cackles loudly and a few workers turn to us with curious stares.
“You are full of surprises, my friend.” She hands me the keys. “Make yourself at home. I’ll stay at my man’s house tonight, so you can get comfy. And tomorrow, wine night.”
“Wine night?” I ask incredulously.
“Yeah, babe. When you get home from work, we’re gonna drink nice wine while you tell me more about that shitty roommate. That’s what friends do. I gotta go. See ya.”
She kisses my cheek and wanders off back inside, leaving me stunned and a little excited. I might not have a place to call my own, but I think I have a friend for the first time in years. Those were hard to come by when my mum moved us from place to place every other year to follow her nursing assignments, and even harder when my aunt controlled everything in my life.
When I arrive at Jade’s place, a small studio twenty minutes from the centre of the city, I collapse on the sofa, exhausted by the stress of the weekend.
NINE
IS IT ETHICAL TO WATCH MY NANNY ON A FEED SHE DOESN’T KNOW EXIST?