AN: Thanks to everyone who took the time to review. I apologise for my bad punctuation and grammar in the previous chapter. I have corrected it and replaced the chapter. Would anyone like to my beta?
Chapter 2 – Heartache and Hard Work
A week after Nathan left, Haley sold the apartment and moved to Charlotte. She bought a small apartment for herself and Abby to share. She worked in hotel during the day. Her neighbour looked after Abby while Haley was at work. It is now 4 months later and Abby is 6 months old.
Haley rushed home after hard days work. God, I am so late, Mrs Harris is going to kill me. After my landlord of course, as I am little late on my rent again.
"Haley, your late again!"Mrs Harris huffed.
"God, I am so sorry Mrs Harris, I had to work extra hours, I totally forgot and really need the money" Haley said sincerely
"Haley, I'm not mad at you or anything but I need money too, I can't keep looking after Abby if you are always going to be late. I have a family to take care as well. We are a bit strapped for cash ourselves. I am afraid I don't think I can look after Abby anymore."
" P-please Mrs Harris, don't leave me, I've got no-one, and I am barely managing paying all bills let alone getting childcare."
"Haley, I'm sorry I have no other choice." Mrs Harris said walking out of Haley's apartment.
God, What am I going to do? I can't take Abby to work with me. Then suddenly the power went out. Shit, I must have forgot to pay the electricity bill! Great, just fing great, more bills! Haley went to bathroom and began to cry softly, so that Abby wouldn't waken up.
The next morning.
BANG! BANG! BANG! Haley woke up to her landlord banging on her apartment door.
"I'm coming " Haley called out before giving herself once-over in the mirror. Her light brown hair was a mess and in desperate need of a cut. Her once full of life big brown eyes were lifeless and bloodshot. She looked old before time.
The banging continued until Haley opened up the door. Her landlord Vinnie had a very angry look on his face.
"Vinnie, look I am sorry I don't have this months rent." Haley said timidly
"Look kid, I like you and all but I really need this money, I have bills to pay and this the third time you failed to pay rent so I am going to give up to the end of this week to come up with the money you owe or your out." Vinnie said frustrated.
The end of week came and Haley still did not have the money so She was forced to leave. Haley and Abby found themselves Homeless. For that first night Haley did not sleep a wink, fearing for her daughters safety
Haley wondered the streets of Charlotte and small homely, warm café came to her attention. Karen's Café, I really do need a cup of coffee.
She waked into the café and petite dark haired women with friendly smile approached me as I sat down.
"What can I get ya?" the friendly women asked.
" A cup of coffee would be great thanks." Haley replied politely.
A couple of minutes later the women returned with nice steaming up of coffee.
"Aww she 's adorable, what's her name" the women said as looked at Abby.
"Her names Abigail, but I just call her Abby, she's my daughter" Haley said "I'm Haley."
"Well Haley, your daughter is beautiful. I'm Karen, if you need anything just give me a buzz." Karen Smiled and attended to the rest of her customers.
Haley finished her coffee and went up to the counter to pay for her coffee.
"Karen, are you looking for any waitresses at the moment?" Haley asked hopefully.
"Sure, when can you start?"
"Right now, but what about Abby?"
" I have a playpen she can sit in while you work."
"Great, you have no idea how much you are helping me out here Karen." Haley smiled.
After he first night at Karen's, Haley and Abby returned to the bus shelter that they had been living in. Haley hoped that it would get better and she would be able to afford a place to stay in some time.
