Eye-opening

"Here's the deal, Kids." Their mother gestured for he and Karen to sit. Not that there was any food on the table.

Matt had expected pushback, so he sat and waited. He didn't expect what he got.

"Rent here is five thousand a month," his mother said. "We only paid a thousand for first month but we have to make up the difference by the end of the month or we're out. And if, by some miracle, we can come up with nine thousand by the end of this month, we've got to come up with anohter five thousand every month from then on."

"You guys got robbed on that rent," Matt said.

His mother shrugged. "We were in a hurry."

"How much is dad going to chip in?" Karen demanded.

"Well, I got a text from him saying he's not coming back. I'm guessing the courts would make him pay something for child support and spousal support, but not much because you're both eighteen. More to the point, not soon. I figure we aren't getting anything from him in time to make a difference."

Well, hell. Matt could tutor all day long and he still wouldn't get close to chipping in nine thousand dollars.

"First thing is to get you a better job," Karen told their mom. Matt and I can keep what we have now and get evening jobs, too. The nine thousand for the first month is going to be tough. After that, we have a chance. I've got close to a thousand saved for college. How much do you have, Matt?"

Damn, she was talking about wiping out his college fund. "About the same."

"So, check to see if the landlord will take six thousand a month until we pay off the four thousand we owe them. Let them know it's that or nothing at all. Now, Matt. We've got half an hour before we have to head for school so see what you can find in terms of a job for mom. That's first priority."

"Got it."

"And mom, cut out the drinking. I got it that you needed something when dad was screwing around on you but he's out of your hair now and you need to straighten up."

Watching Karen get decisive like this was actually a little sexy. Matt sort of wished he'd been the one to do that but he figured there would be time. In the meanwhile, he'd been given instructions. Time to get on his phone and see what kind of jobs were out there... before his dad wised up and cut him off the phone plan.