Problematic Solution
I thought everything was going to be just as I had imagined when I moved to New York. I was going to find a job and meet new people that would almost make me feel like I was back in my hometown, perhaps even better than that.
But reality had other plans. Instead of feeling at home, I felt like a complete stranger, lost in the crowds of the city. I must have looked like a lost kid, hoping someone would ask, “Hey, where are your parents?” I'd burst out of crying.
Finding a job was tougher than I thought, and the rent prices? I still haven't realized the logic behind them.
Still, I refused to let negativity consume me. I scoured rental listings day in and day out, determined to find a place that wouldn’t break the bank. Besides, I don't care about the room number and appearance of house at that point.
If I couldn’t find a place soon, I’d be forced to spend all my money on hotels—a thought that filled me with dread. Going back home empty-handed and proving my parents right weren't not an option. After searching through countless rental listings, I finally found one that seemed promising in terms of affordability. Surprisingly, the place looked nice and was reasonably priced. Excited by the prospect, I wasted no time and immediately booked a viewing.
Upon visiting, I found that it had two rooms, which was perfect for my needs, along with a spacious living room and kitchen. The layout was convenient, with the kitchen and living room situated together, allowing me to see both areas from a single spot.
Now, the only thing left to do was to find a good job. However, I couldn’t help but have some doubts about the apartment. Still, I reassured myself that I wasn’t obligated to commit, and maybe any concerns could be addressed.
I prepared and headed over to the apartment, which thankfully wasn’t too far away—just thirty minutes from my hotel and fifteen minutes from my college. Keeping positive thoughts in mind, I hoped that this might be the dream house I had been searching for.
I entered the apartment building and stepped into the elevator. Pressing the button, I headed to the fifth floor. Suddenly, someone stopped the elevator with his arm and joined me inside. I frowned at his reckless behavior but didn’t let it spoil my mood.
Noticing that he hadn’t pressed a button, I realized we were headed to the same floor. While I glanced around, he stared fixedly at the door.
As soon as the elevator stopped, I exited, leaving him behind. Hastily, I searched for the door numbers. It seemed like I was following him, but I hoped our paths would diverge soon.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans. We both ended up knocking on the same door.
“You’re in the wrong place,” he said, his expression grim.
“No, I think you are,” I replied, feeling a bit confused. The room number was 94, as indicated on my phone.
He scowled at me without hesitation. Then the door opened, and a shorter, happier-faced guy walked in.
“Hello, hello!” he beamed at us. “Why are you standing out there? Come in, come in,” he insisted.
“I’m sorry,” the guy said, “Didn’t I only book it for today?” He mentioned.
But the old guy was still smiling. “Yes, you did.”
“But I did too,” I raised my eyebrows. “We can’t rent the same apartment at the same time, sir.”
“You can,” he said carefully. “Then you will share the cost and pay less.” Oh my God, here we go.
We both exchanged intimidated glances. “Huh? You didn’t tell us that. Anyway, have a good day.” As the guy was leaving the house, the owner rushed toward the door and stood between him and the exit.
“Please, no,” he said. “You do need money, don’t you?” He asked. “You mentioned that you didn’t find a job yet.”
“That’s my problem, sir,” the guy said with a raised voice. “Please, move away from the door; you can’t keep me here.”
“Okay, but you won’t be able to find another opportunity like this,” he said. “Houses are too expensive, and, well, we’re all human beings after all. You wouldn’t die if you stayed in this house together.”
I glanced at the guy with an uncertain expression. Even if I found a job, I still wouldn’t be able to afford the rent on my own.
“What’s your name? How old are you?” I asked, curious to know if he was interested in sharing the house.
“Grey. I’m 22, working as a business agent. And you’re probably in college,” he replied, not sounding entirely satisfied.
“My name is Cordelia. I’m 19. I moved here recently,” I said, though I doubted it mattered much to him.
“How do you plan to afford this apartment? Do you have a job?” Grey inquired.
“No, I’m currently looking for one,” I replied, pursing my lips as he rolled his eyes.
How do you plan on handling all this?” he asked, frustration evident in his tone.
“I’m sorry honey, but I thought everyone had some common sense,” I replied, narrowing my eyes. “Do you really think I’d have made it this far without any money?”
He bit his lip, giving me a condescending look.
“And you don’t have a job either, honey” I pointed out.
“There’s a difference,” he said. “The job you’re thinking of is probably just in a café or shop. But the job I’m talking about is in business, as an agent. I could always work for Uber if I needed quick cash.”
I shrugged, not wanting to argue. After all, he was right. I was the new one in New York, desperately searching for any job I could find.
“So, what’s your decision?” the owner asked, giving a thumbs up. “I’m sure you two will get along just fine.”
Alex stayed silent for a few seconds and then sighed before saying, “Fine, I don’t have any other choice, and you don’t seem to either. We can share an apartment...and the rent...but don’t try to screw me over. And don’t keep calling me honey.” Then he turned back to owner guy “Lower the price by 10 percent,” Grey finally said. The owner looked confused but eventually nodded.
“Fine, but you two better pay on time,” the owner warned. “Wouldn’t want to have to kick you out.” He seemed serious for a moment before returning to his usual smile. He was definitely a bit odd.
And with that, we completed the process. We were both preparing to pick up the keys for our new apartment. With all the necessary payments made, it was time to finally move in. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves about sharing the apartment with Grey, given his rather unpleasant personality.
