Chapter 4

4: 4

The South Gate bubble tea shop was locked up tight, a whole crowd of people penned inside.

Hester was probably in there right now throwing a fit at the staff. I picked up my pace. It was time to settle the whole account with her.

I pushed the shop door open. Hester was planted at the counter, arguing at the top of her lungs with the clerk.

The clerk's voice was pitched high:

"How many times have I run the card? It just won't go through. Are you flat-out messing with us?"

Hester had gone red all the way down to her neck, shouting in a panic:

"My family's transferring the money any second! Would it kill you to wait a little longer?"

She turned, saw us come in, and instantly shoved past the clerk to rush over, grabbing Lottie's hand in a grip.

"You're finally here! This guy keeps insisting I'm trying to stiff him. It's such a small amount, how could I possibly not be able to pay it?"

I leaned against the door frame and coldly watched her perform.

"If you've got the money, just settle the bill," I said, unhurried.

Hester bit her lip, her voice dropping at once.

"The transfer from my family's going to be a little late…"

She let go of Lottie and looked from one roommate to the next.

"Whoever's got some cash, spot me for now. I'll pay you back in full tonight, I promise!"

Lottie edged back.

"I've only got eight hundred left for the month. That won't stretch to the end of it. Can't lend it."

Alberta shook her head flat out.

"Just topped up my meal card. There's not a cent to spare in my account."

Cammie backed up two steps too. "Don't look at me. You know how things are at home."

Hester's eyes locked onto me last, her voice going hoarse.

"Pat, out of the whole dorm you're the best off. Just cover me for the emergency. I swear I'll pay you back right away."

I looked at her and let a small, cold smile pull at my mouth.

"Can't lend it."

"I just transferred thirty thousand to the student I sponsor. I don't have any spare cash on hand."

The moment she heard that, Hester's eyes lit up.

She swallowed, and her tone hardened in an instant. "Forget it then. What's with the attitude? It's not like I can't come up with the money."

With that she wheeled around to the counter, snatched up her bank card, and shoved it eagerly under the clerk's nose.

"Run it again! My parents have already sent the money over!"

The clerk ran it once more, expressionless. The machine beeped twice. Payment declined.

Hester's whole face burned scarlet. She whipped around and glared at me, her eyes full of fire.

She screamed at the top of her voice:

"Didn't you say you'd already transferred me the thirty thousand?!"

The instant the words were out, her whole body went rigid.

She realized she'd let it slip, and her hand flew up to clamp over her mouth.