Paying the Rent

The sun is beating down hard upon your as you walk the last block to the apartment complex that you live in. You just moved to Southern California and had no idea that it was going to be this hot during the summer. The temperature was already in the triple digits. And as if the weather wasn't irritating enough, more problem were ahead. All of which brought on by a lack of funds.

Though it was the banks fault that you were short changed on your paycheck, you're the one paying the price. So far, the end of the month is coming fast and not only do you have to pay for the rent, in full, on your apartment, but you also need money for tuition just so that you can stay in school. All day you've been trying to think of just who you can get to lend you money but it seems everyone's wallets are pinched pretty tight.

A fear embedded deep in your stomach, only sigh as you see the gate to your building and push it open.

Standing at a fairly average height, you're not at all bad looking. With a tight body, a firm ass, and a winning smile, insecurity was never a problem for you. Never were you lacking for dates or unable to charm yourself out of a situation, but now was looking grim. There was nobody to charm anymore...at least no one desirable.

As you walk toward the mailbox, you secretly roll your eyes behind your glasses as you glance out of the corner of your field of vision. There, standing in front of an open doorway are three men, all who've given you nothing but a hard time since you moved in. They ignored you at first, but the moment they saw your first date with another man, the ribbing and snickering began.

All three were Mexican and hard working construction workers that were rarely home during the day when they had a job. But when were out of work, they spent their entire day and nights outside their apartment, drinking, laughing and smoking. They were the epitome of the predominant male ideal.

One, his name Andy and obviously the leader, stood tall, at least 6'0 with a tight, muscular body, short cut black hair, a thick mustache and narrow, brown eyes. His wide smile, which always showed off all of his white teeth always had a devious hint about them. Now he stood with his back against the wall, a beer can in one hand and dressed in dark blue jeans and a white tank top.

The second one, sitting back in a chair was named Daniel. He seemed younger than Andy, with a clean shaven face, a shaved head and with a muscular frame that seemed only a bit more packed on than Andy's. He was just grinning as he leaned back in his chair, a Maxim magazine held loosely in his hands.

The last was the oldest one named Memo. He was old enough to be their father with short black hair that grayed on the sides, a graying mustache and beard, and a round stomach that hinted to his continuous love of beer. He was also dressed casually, a can of **** in his hand as he leaned in through the door to see a soccer game that was playing on the TV.

You can only shake your head and ignore their stares as he stop at the mailbox and insert your key. "Of all days, why today?" you mutter as you pull out your mail and begin to look through it.

Before you know it, you hear footsteps and that same, devious smile on the back of your neck. You try to ignore it until you hear that accented voice waft into your ears.

"Hey man," Andy said with a smirk. "Rude not to say 'hi', ya know?"

"Don't start with me today." You whisper and you slam the mailbox closed in anger.

Andy only laughs and mocks and "Ooooo" as he holds up his hands and steps back. "Touchy today. What's wrong? Did you 'Daddy' spank you too hard while you were playing?"

You hear the laughter of his comrades as you close your eyes and grit your teeth. "Fuck you man. Listen, I'm not in the mood for this shit. I have enough problems than to deal with you."

"Oh really?" he replies with a smile and sips his beer. "And what problems can a pansy-ass like you have?"

Sighing, you don't know why you blurted it out, but it was just too frustrating to keep it in anymore. Unable to control yourself, you spiteful recount how you day went. About being short changed in your check by the bank, about tuition coming up and nobody with the money to lend. By the time you're finished, you're shocked at everything you just said and meekly turn your head.

"So that's it?" Andy whispers with a playful grin. "Money's all your problem."

Shaking your head at your agitation, you grind your teeth as you turn your head back to him and lock eyes. "Yeah, that's it. What? You want to lend me the fucking money?"