"Excuse me, you're in front of my apartment. Do you need anything from me?" Nyla asked.
"Hi, ma'am are you Ms. Burnes? Can we talk to you for a bit? If you are not comfortable, I can talk to you inside, and let's leave the door open."
"No, it's fine. I trust you will not do anything bad to somebody who just lost her baby and is a recent victim of domestic violence... I hope?" She said as she did not attempt to hide her bruises and stitches.
"I'm sorry to hear that." The tall man bowed a bit and followed Nyla as she went inside the apartment.
Nyla offered him instant coffee. He drank it graciously but still maintained a stoic face.
"Ahmmm so...? What is this about?"
"I am David Grant from White Hat Financial, a lending company which Mr. Curt borrowed money from amounting to $100k about 4 months ago. He was a good payer for two months but he has missed payments since then. He stopped coordinating with us and won't take our calls." He stopped as if expecting some kind of acknowledgment from her. He gave his business card to her.
"Oh is that so... I wasn't aware and honestly don't know where he could have used it. We only make about $40k a year... But if you were looking for him, I am sorry but I do not know where he is now after our fight 4 days ago."
"Ma'am... you were the co-maker, are you not?"
"What?! I did no such thing!" She gasped. She stared into nothingness for a while. Confused and trying to remember was there ever a time she signed anything with him but to no avail.
"I really, I really did not...". She started to tear up.
"I will call my boss regarding this. Please excuse me."
Nyla was left with a thousand thoughts running through her mind.
'Was I scammed? How did I become the co-maker? Why is this happening to me?'
After a while, Mr. Grant returned and politely informed her:
"Ma'am, I think it would be best if you can talk to my boss about this. But seeing you have to recover more, I have suggested that we approach you again once you're healed. Please agree to head to our office. I will keep in touch."
"Ahmm, if I can gather my thoughts earlier, I will contact you to clarify this. I am just totally surprised. Thank you for being considerate too.
"Okay, ma'am" and off he went with his other two colleagues who were standing guard outside.
Nyla locked her door. She closed her eyes.
Abandoned by her mother...
'Does she think of me sometimes?'
Unloved by her ex-husband...
'Was there a time he looked at me with kind eyes? I don't seem to remember.'
Disowned by her father...
'Will he ever take me back? Do I want to even go back?'
Got beaten by her lover...
'Does he feel remorse?'
Lost her first baby...
'Is it a boy or a girl?'
And now co-maker of a debt of her runaway lover...
'Did it ever occur to him that I will shoulder his debt once he disappeared?'
'Was I a cursed child? Am I bringing misfortune to everyone around me? Hmmm No. I'm always the unfortunate one. Or maybe I am meant to be alone... since I'm always the one getting the short end of the stick…'
She followed all the doctor's advice religiously. Two days later, she felt much better and decided to contact Mr. Grant.
"Hello Mr. Grant, I am ready to talk with your boss."