Is luxury an artificial poverty?

3 months ago (Edited)

Luxury is difficult. Elizabeth nodded in agreement even when she thought it was such a weird inscription to have on the front of one's t-shirt on a Monday morning. As she nursed her cup of cappuccino, she reflected on the reality of the words she just read on the waiter’s t-shirt. Luxury was indeed difficult. And expensive.

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She thought about the blue Alexander McQueen she had seen on the PayLater app and thought about how good it would look on her during the get-together dinner later that month. Bless the soul of whoever had created PayLater. It didn't matter to her that she was already owing them thousands, she would pay later as the app suggested.

The slender redhead approaching caused her to shift her attention from the dress to the present. Michelle’s figure could make anyone’s mouth water, both male and female. Now, she looked like a movie star in the black tank top and bogus ripped jeans she was putting on.

“You've kept me waiting for thirty full minutes” Elizabeth announced the minute Michelle sat her pretty self in the chair opposite her.

“Oh, thirty minutes is too small. I'll double it next time. You kept me waiting for over two hours on the day of our graduation. I will never forgive you for that.”

Elizabeth giggled at the memory. She had insisted on getting a hairdo before heading over to the graduation ceremony without informing her best friend. When Michelle found out, she nearly screamed her lungs out at Elizabeth.

“So, what do you have for me?” Elizabeth asked, anxiously looking around to ensure no one was eavesdropping on them.

“Nothing much. Those guys are not employed any time soon. I spoke to Hector, he said he's not sure but he has promised to speak to the director. Things do not look so good, Liz.”

Elizabeth ran her fingers through her jet-black hair and covered her face with her palms.

“I'm stuck Mich. I owe everybody. I even owe PayLater. I don't know what to do…”

“Hey…” Michelle raised her jaw to look into her eyes “Let's go somewhere you can cry without getting embarrassed”

Elizabeth burst into laughter, grabbing her bag and keys as the tears came down to kiss her cheeks.

“So, what are you going to do? This PayLater app, how close are they to breathing down your neck? What are they anyway? A loan app?”

Michelle turned the steering of the Ford so hard that the tires screeched in protest.

“No. It's an app that lets me purchase stuff now and pay later. In installments.”

“So wait, it's like free shopping, or what? How do they know you will pay back?”

“They have my bank information.” Elizabeth stepped out of the car and rested her head against the door frame.

“How did you get into this mess without my knowledge? I don't know you to be financially reckless.”

She fell into Michelle’s arms the minute they got into the detached apartment her father had gifted her for her 26th birthday. Michelle was the wealthy one among them, sometimes Elizabeth wished to exchange lives with her, even for a day.

“I didn't know how to tell you that I was accused and sacked for something I know nothing about. Everyone would be disappointed in me. I haven't even told mom yet.”

Michelle rubbed her temples lightly, planting a kiss on her head. “You'll be okay, we just need to figure something out. You need a good-paying job as soon as possible.”

“I need to get a dress for the dinner get-together at the end of this month. Think you have something in your wardrobe?”

Michelle shook her head in amazement. Typical of Elizabeth to throw her problems aside for a party she wants to attend. She was the flighty-headed one of the two. Sometimes Michelle got scared whenever they were apart. Just like she became scared when Elizabeth called her, sobbing over the phone about her financial crisis.

While they looked through her clothes, Michelle decided to ask what she wanted to do for money.

“I don't want you to think I'm compelling you to work with me, especially because you like to be your own boss. What kind of job do you want to do?”

Elizabeth shook her head and then shrugged her shoulders.

“At this point, I don't have a choice. I just need something to let PayLater know I can pay them back. I'm on a hardship plan right now, I'm sure I can handle the rest of my debts once I have that covered.”

“We'll figure it out, I promise”

Elizabeth flashed Michelle a grateful smile, extending her arms for an embrace. So long as Michelle said everything would be okay, she could go to sleep and afford to snore.

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