1 Payment Plan

"Gizelle I know your in there! Just come out and we can come to an arrangement!"

Elle sat on her worn-out couch and stared at the front door. Her stomach growled in answer to the landlord's screaming and banging. She never did back away from responsibility. She got up and made her way to open the door.

"Mark would you stop the banging, what's wrong with you man!" Elle said when she was met by a short, red-faced, greasy man child.

"Pay what you owe and you'll have nice peace and quiet." Mark said with a slimy smile.

"I told you I'm still looking for work and for the last four years I've never missed a payment." Elle said not believing that after all the money she paid this guy over the years, he now treats her like a freeloader!

Look Gizelle everybody's having a hard time lately. We all trying to make it through this pandemic. I'm also just trying to put food on the table and pay school fees,OK? I almost took a job as a secretary when I asked on an extension." Mark laughed but he saw that Gizelle had that look.

He knew that look from when they were still kids. She can be lucky they happen to be cousins or, she would have been out long ago.

"You say the school needs a secretary?" Elle said as a plan started to form.

"Oh is that where I lost you?" Mark replied. "yeah they need one but do you even know paperwork and computers and stuff?"

"I worked as a secretary for two years. So yeah I guess I know my way around a paperclip. Just think of all the cash you could get if I get this job." Elle took her chance to distract him and buy a little more time. "So leave me so I can get ready. I have an interview to go to."

With that Elle closed the door and smiled. Mark was probably still standing outside making sums. She had scanned every possible job site and listing she could find. A job like this that wasn't advertised was a rare gem.

The school wasn't even in sight yet and she could hear the sound of children chatting and playing. She really hoped she wouldn't have to deal with them too much. It's not that Elle disliked children it's that they made her more afraid then snakes and spiders combined!

She walked into the main office with her CV in hand. A very nervous lady trotted her way and took her by the elbow.

" Oh thank GOODNESS you're finally here! I can't tell you what a relief it is that you could come in on such short notice." The middle-aged lady said as she was leading Elle somewhere.

Elle looked around trying to figure out what was going on. The next moment the lady took her into a class filled with screaming children.

" Alright so we are on unit twelve so you can just take it from the last lesson." With that the women left Elle alone with what looked more like a tribe on a hunt.

How the hell did this happen!? Elle thought as she took in her surroundings with horror. The children chased each other, screaming at the top of their lungs. Some stood round throwing toys and papers everywhere. Elle looked at the door and wondered if they would notice if she just left.

'On the other hand, they think I'm a teacher. It's a job! Probably a very well paying job too. Wait could I go to jail for not being a real teacher!?' Elle made her way to a large desk that must be hers now.

She slumped down on the chair and it creaked under her. When she opened the top drawer, she found notes on the previous lessons. Taking her phone out of her pocket to search the internet. Elle was sure she could learn a thing or two about teaching.

In the main office the actual substitute teacher walked in. She found the CV that Elle had dropped. When they confused her with this women she actually didn't mind at all. Her new office was peaceful and she could hear herself think. She would find this Gizelle and thank her.

Elle looked around and found an electric guitar. She checked the amp settings and made sure it was connected. She tried a few notes and found it was nicely tuned in. She played a fun and upbeat song she had played for her baby sister. At first she sang softly and tried not to play too loudly but, the children didn't even seem to notice.

"Alright you lot it's time to put on a show." She whispered bas she jumped in the way of a running row of children. She put the volume up and sang her heart out. The children stopped and stared at first. Then when one child joined in the rest did too. As the song came to an end Elle looked down to all the smiling faces.

In that moment she couldn't remember ever having this much fun. To finish Elle ran up and did a long slide across the floor. The children ran up to her laughing and she smiled back.

They all wanted a turn to play the guitar so she started to teach them about music. They were halfway through a rock version of 'Twinkle-Twinkle-Little-Star' when she heard the door close.

When Elle turned around she was met with a vision. The most beautiful women stood in the doorway. If she was here to arrest her it would be fine. She would willingly go anywhere with this goddess!

Her hair was the colour of snow and her eyes a delicious chocolate-brown. Her skin looked soft even from this distance. The look on her face was unreadable.

" I would definitely lose to her in a Poker game." Elle mumbled and reminded herself to really stop doing that. She smiled at the women but she looked on with a stone expression.

This could NOT be good!