Chapter 1 Her Helplessnes

• It was morning and Beverly was seen rushing around the kitchen, expertly flipping pancakes while balancing her phone on her shoulder.
• "I'm telling you, Clarice, I'm drowning in debt! The interest rates are killing me, and I don't know how much longer I can keep up this charade." She sighed, her frustration evident in her voice.
• "I know, Bev, but you can't give up," Clarice encouraged. "You're strong, and you'll figure something out. I am here for you, okay? I will help you in the best way I can. Have you thought about talking to a financial advisor or maybe even a lawyer?" Clarice asked.
• "Lawyer?" Beverly laughed humorlessly. "What's a lawyer going to do? I've already tried everything, Clarice. I've maxed out my credit cards, and the loan sharks are circling like vultures. Clarice, I have sold everything of value, and I'm still struggling to make ends meet. The whole burden is weighing me down, it's just too frustrating and it's driving me nuts" Beverly sighed again in frustration. Her friend couldn't help but sigh too.
• As Beverly poured the batter into the skillet, Jorel her son, burst into the kitchen, his backpack bouncing behind him.
• "Mommy, Mommy! I'm ready for school! Can I have pancakes with strawberries?" His over excited voice resonated through the kitchen.
• "Of course, baby! Mommy's got your favorite breakfast ready." Beverly forced a bright smile onto her face. "I will talk to you later, Clarice" She said and ended the call instantly before facing her son again.
• "You look so handsome and sharp today" Beverly giggled, squatting to his level, and playing with his cheeks while adjusting his uniform.
• "I am always sharp and handsome, mommy. You know that....everyone does" Jorel said and her mom chuckled, staring into his eyes.
• How much she cherished and loved this boy that always gave her reasons to keep pushing and never give up.
• She stood up and began to juggle the pancakes, eggs, and toast, her movements swift and precise. As she placed the dishes on the counter, her younger brother, Alex, sauntered into the living room, his eyes fixed on the floor.
• "Good morning," he muttered, his tone icy.
• "Good morning, Alex," Beverly replied, trying to sound cheerful. "How about some breakfast before school?" She asked, with a little smile curved on her face.
• "I'm not hungry," Alex grunted, heading straight for the door.
• "Alex, come on! You need to eat something," Beverly called after him but he rolled eyes and continued walking.
• "Uncle Alex, can I show you my new superhero lunchbox?" Jorel quickly ran and tugged on Alex's sleeve.
• "Hey, little man, that's awesome. Maybe I'll see it later, okay?" Alex's expression softened slightly, and he forced a small smile.
• "Okay, Uncle Alex!" Jorel beamed, nodding his head.
• Alex ruffled Jorel's hair, then turned back to the door.
• "I'll grab something at school." He said to Beverly, and started heading to the door again.
• Beverly sighed, her concern for her brother evident.
• "Jorel, go tell your uncle to come back and eat his breakfast." She turned to Jorel and said, hoping Alex would listen to the little boy.
• Jorel nodded in obedience and took off after Alex.
• "Uncle Alex, Mommy says you gotta come back and eat!" Jorel called out.
• Alex turned around, his eyes locked on Jorel.
• "Tell Mommy I'm not hungry, okay, little man?" He smiled faintly, then turned back to the door. "And tell her to stop worrying about me, got it?" He said.
• "Got it, Uncle Alex!" Jorel replied, his eyes wide with understanding.
• "Alex....." Beverly tried to say something but Alex's next response was a slammed door.
• As the door closed behind Alex, Beverly felt a pang in her heart. She knew her brother blamed her for their father's death and their mother's subsequent descent into alcoholism.
• She tried to push aside her worries and focus on her son's chatter. But the weight of her debt and her strained relationship with Alex lingered. The weight of his resentment hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of her failures and struggles.
• "I guess it's just us, then, Jorel" Beverly's shoulders slumped in defeat, sighing out heavily.
• "Eat up fast, okay, so you don't go late for school. Or should I feed you, to save time?" Beverly asked, and Jorel shook his head.
• "You should go get ready instead, Mommy, that will save more time" Jorel's reply sent a warm feeling to Beverly's heart.
• How understanding, caring and smart this boy was.
• As Beverly headed to her room to go get ready, she began to think about the debts she's yet to pay.
• •••••••••••••••
• [ MONTHS AGO ]
• Beverly sat nervously in the sleek, modern office, her eyes fixed on the imposing figure behind the desk. Reece Blackmore's piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into her soul, his expression unreadable.
• "So, Ms. Beverly," he said, his deep voice firm but not unkind. "You're here for a loan. Tell me, what makes you think you're a good risk to lend out such amount of money to you?" He began and Beverly swallowed hard, her palms growing sweaty.
• "I-I have a good business plan, Mr Blackmore. My boutique is doing well, and I just need a boost to take it to the next level." She spoke nervously.
• "A boutique?" Reece raised an eyebrow "That's a risky venture. What makes you think you can succeed where others have failed?" He asked, narrowing his gaze.
• Beverly's heart raced as she struggled to keep her composure.
• "Because I'm passionate about it, sir. And I'm willing to work hard to make it happen." She explained.
• Exhaling, Reece leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers.
• "I'll give you the loan, Ms. Beverly. But I expect regular payments, and a share of your profits. And let me make one thing clear: I always get my money back. One way or another." He told her plainly, a knowing smirk playing on his face.
• This lady is sure playing with fire.