Another Chance

Chapter 9

ANNA'S POV

I cursed to myself as I ripped open the envelope, pulling out the soggy letter from it and quickly scanning it, my eyes wide.

This had to be some sort of mistake.

I had my paid my rent on time. I had.

I grabbed my phone, my eyes dropping to the bottom of the letter, and I dialled the number that had been given to me.

Tapping my hand against the floor, I threw the letter to the side, not wanting to look at it any longer. The words were lengthy and confusing, and I wasn't in the right state of mind to be taking it in.

The phone continued to ring, and I was growing increasingly frustrated, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"Come on, answer," I groaned, beginning to pace around my living room, having to stop after two steps and turn the other way since I had no room to move, my space limited and furniture filling up the majority of the floor.

"Hello, this is David Holgate," a voice spoke from the other end, and I sighed in relief once I heard the voice of my landlord.

He would be able to fix this. He would assure me this was all some sort of mistake. He would be able to revoke the letter.

"David, it's Anna from Devnor Road," I started, my voice hoarse as I tried to catch my breath. "I've just got home from work and I've received an eviction notice? This has to be some sort of mistake. I've paid my rent."

I heard a sigh from the other end of the line, and my hands began to shake again, clutching my phone so hard I was concerned it would break.

"Hi, Anna, no. I'm afraid this isn't a mistake," David said lowly, sounding morose, and I gulped, tears brimming my eyes. "I'm afraid we had an anonymous complaint regarding the safety of the premises, and after a quick investigation, I have been forced to halt all contracts with renters. I'm afraid you have one week to find somewhere new to live."

The words were going in one ear and out the other, and I had to sit myself on the side of my couch, my eyes becoming fuzzy, the blood rushing to my head.

This was the cheapest place in town. I had done a ton of research before moving here, and I couldn't afford to rent anywhere else right now.

My payments hadn't come through yet for work at the school, and even with that money, I wouldn't be able to afford food if I had to find another place to rent. Houses were expensive around here.

"A complaint? Who would complain? Everyone here needs this housing," I told David, and he huffed.

"I know, I have been told that it is not a renter that has complained, but that's all that they were allowed to tell me. Until I can get the apartments to a better standard, I'm afraid you won't be able to stay Anna."

"How long is it going to take to get it all cleaned up? I can help," I told him in desperation, and I heard David chuckle sadly from the other end.

"That's nice of you Anna, but I'm afraid it's more than just cleaning up. Things need renovating and it's going to cost me thousands. I can't afford it, so I might have to sell the properties. The council have offered to purchase them from me. They want to turn it into a gym, but I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. For now, you'll have to move out," David said, causing me to sniffle.

"Is there anything that we can do to change their minds?"

"Unfortunately not, Anna. You have one week to be out of the apartment. I'm sorry. I'll send you more letters regarding furniture removals in the next few days. Take care."