Chapter 3: Going Public

I glanced at the group chat, too annoyed to bother. I treated her words like background noise.

The messages piled up, my screen flooded with classmates' reactions. My notification bar looked like it was about to explode, but I held off responding, letting everyone else have their say first.

"@Natalie If you have something to say, message me privately. Don't bother everyone else."

I hit send, my heart thumping. I'd always tried to avoid public drama, but Natalie had forced my hand. The group chat quieted for a beat, everyone waiting for the next volley.

"Also, if someone else agreed to $45 rent, go rent from them. You still owe me $105 for this month. I'm giving you until the weekend to pay up, or the lease is void."

I punctuated the message with a little fire emoji, hoping to show I meant business for once. If she thought I was just going to roll over, she was in for a surprise. I was sick of being her doormat.

Natalie, as shameless as ever, instantly replied with an eye-roll emoji:

"Why should I message you privately? Afraid of losing face? I'm not! I want everyone to see your ugly capitalist side!"

Her words practically jumped off the screen, dripping with sarcasm. She loved to perform for an audience, and I could imagine her smirking, satisfied with the spectacle she was making.

"Wasn't I clear? Since this year started, besides class, I'm always working part-time. Why don't you calculate how much time I actually spend in your place? Why should I pay full rent? If you don't rent to me, it's just sitting empty! I'm helping you make money!"

She had a knack for twisting things around. Suddenly, I was supposed to feel grateful she was "helping" me by paying less? Unreal.

"I'm being reasonable because you helped me before. We're classmates, but if you can't be reasonable, don't blame me for being rude."

I was so mad I laughed, paused my game, and typed furiously:

My controller slipped out of my hand as I turned my attention fully to my phone. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the kind of argument I'd always tried to avoid.

"Oh, so you do remember I helped you? Then why are you turning on me now? You chose to work part-time instead of staying home. I never forced you out. You can't blame me if you don't stay in the room 24/7. Did I lock you out?"

I added a shrugging emoji for good measure, letting everyone know just how ridiculous I thought her argument was. My roommates, watching over my shoulder, started snickering.

Natalie replied self-righteously:

"How is it not your fault? Half the money I make from my job goes to you! My paycheck barely hits my account before I have to pay you. Can't you cut me some slack?"

Some classmates who couldn't take it anymore started chiming in on my behalf.

"So if you stay in a hotel for two hours, you only pay them $10? Tell me which hotel is that generous!"

"Forty-five bucks? Are you kidding? (No offense to panhandlers.)"

"Seriously, $45 a month for a two-bedroom apartment downtown? If that's a real deal, let me know, I'll take it!"

"@Aubrey, now you know—don't be so nice for no reason."

...

After getting roasted for a while, Natalie finally went quiet.

After a long pause, she sent a voice message:

"Easy for you all to talk. You're not in my shoes. I'm renting her private place—it's not like a hotel! And what does this have to do with you? Mind your own business!"

Her voice sounded tight, maybe even a little shaky. Suddenly, her bravado seemed to waver. I almost felt bad for her, until I remembered how much trouble she’d put me through.

"Let me be clear: I'm only paying $45 a month. Like it or not, that's all I'm giving. If you want to rent, fine. If not, whatever. It's not like you're the only landlord near campus—I can find cheaper! Remember, if you miss this chance, it's gone."

I sat up in bed, scratched my head, and complained to my roommates:

"Seriously, do I owe her something? How can she be so shameless and confident? She's even threatening me!"

My roommates were watching the drama unfold and one burst out laughing:

"Hahaha! I've never seen anyone so shameless!"

"Honestly, people might think you're the one renting from her!"

They were doubled over, clutching their sides, and I couldn't help but grin a little, despite the annoyance burning in my chest.

To match her tone, I sent a sarcastic voice message:

"Right, right, right, you're missing out on a two-bedroom apartment for $150 a month, and I'm missing out on $45!"

"Honestly, girl, pack your things and leave. If we weren't classmates, I wouldn't have given you half price. I've lost money for a year, that's enough! Thanks for not renting! I owe you one!"

Sometimes I wondered if Natalie’s brain was just static and reruns—how else could she think like this?

I mean, was it just me, or did she live in a different reality? Maybe she thought she was starring in some twisted sitcom and the laugh track was on her side.