collecting the rent

''Hey Mike, getting settled in yet?'' Anna asks.

''Yeah Becky is a really nice roommate.'' you respond.

''I'm glad you two get along. So about your rent. I would like you to pay up some of it up front this month. It's something I like from all my new residents. You know just to show some sign of faith.''

''Oh well how much would you want up front?'' You worry, so far you haven't made a lot of money working for Angela.

''200 dollar, if that ain't too much.''

Crap so far I only got 70 dollars to show for. ''Would you settle for 70?''

''Are you seriously trying to haggle with your landlady?'' Anna smirks. ''How about 70 dollar and a date.''

A date? Is she seriously asking me on a date?

''You know just a friendly meeting to get to know my new resident a bit.'' Anna quickly adds.

''Sure thing Anna!'' You say confident as you hand over your money.

''Great, I'll pick you up sunday.'' Anna says as she leaves.

You enter your room and Becky is already waiting on you. She made some dinner for the both of you. Amused she asks how your day went. You tell her all about it. Becky is very intrigued by the research Miss Monica is doing. ''So do you feel any different Mike?'' You think about it for a second but don't notice any changes yet. Your glad really. No matter what Miss Monica tells you. Hypnosis seems dangerous to you.

When you tell Becky about your second unpleasant meeting with Raven she sighs. ''Don't get involved with her Mike. She's bad news.''

''It's not like she gave me much of a choice Becky. I had her boot pressed firmly into my back!'' you say defensively.

''Raven has somewhat of a reputation. She's an awful bully. I'm telling you, you shouldn't get involved with her.''

You promise Becky not to get involved with her but you can't back out of your promise either. You know Raven would be even less pleasant if you backed out on her.

Becky starts laughing when you mention the date with Anna. ''You're an idiot you know that?'' She says amused. ''I don't mean it in an insulting way. Please don't be mad!'' Becky quickly adds.

''No harm done Becky. But tell me what makes you say I'm an idiot.''

''You have a date with Anna on sunday right?''

''Well yes but I don't see how that makes me an idiot.''

''Sunday is the ball game at college. The basketball game where Raven expects you.''

You're shocked. ''I didn't know there's a ball game on sunday!''

''I figured.'' Becky says. ''Want me to help you out?''

''What do you mean Becky? You got a way to be at two places at once?''

''No silly unless you happen to have a saw.'' She pranks. ''But what if I go to Raven and you meet Anna. I'm sure whatever Raven wants you to do I can do for you.''

''You would really do that for me?'' You ask in awe.

''Yes, of course Mike. But you'll owe me one.''

After dinner Becky goes back to her bedroom to work. What a great friend she is.