When The Right Door Opens Read Free

if it was able to offer him a
little time with his girl and make it appear as if they had a
normal life, it was worth it. Jamie knew he would do anything for
his child, even if he was dying a little inside with every man who
touched him. Jamie felt how he slowly became dulled by his job and
how he gave up on his fantasies to meet the One for himself. He
didn't have the time, or the wish to meet other men anymore
anyway.
    Jamie's life was dictated by his daughter and
his job and in between, he tried to stay fit, trim and a little
vain too. Little did he know that his life was about to change and
be turned up side down soon.

~~Chapter 1~~
    Loud pounding at the apartment door made Jamie freeze
with his morning coffee in hand. He instantly knew who was at the
door and what it was about. Jamie motioned Agnes, who was sitting
at the table shoveling in her cereals, to keep quiet, while an
angry voice boomed through the closed door. He still held his
finger in front of his lips and craned his neck to listen to
whatever was coming his way. Jamie didn't even dare to move or
breathe audibly.
    “McCarrick! I know that you are there. I
heard you and your child. Your rent is overdue. Again. If I don't
see my money by tonight, you are out! Is that clear? I'll change
the locks. I want my money. All of it.” Jamie and Agnes listened,
careful not to give themselves away, as heavy steps walked down the
hall, away from their door.
    Agnes looked at her father with big eyes. She
was clearly as shocked as Jamie and by the look of it, she waited
for an explanation, as well as some reassuring words from her
father. Jamie couldn't bear looking at her scared and disappointed
face and turned his back to Agnes. He put his mug on the counter,
trying to compose himself. He felt like crying, but at the same
time, he didn't want to lose it in front of Agnes.
    “Dad?” her voice was shaking and barely
audible. Jamie gulped and turned around to face her. Jamie looked
into big inquisitive eyes. By now, Agnes was fourteen and she knew
more about Jamie's job than was good for her. For a brief moment,
he wasn't sure what to say to her, but then he straightened up and
smiled tiredly.
    “It's alright sweetheart. Now, go get ready
for school. I will sort everything out tonight.” Jamie knew that
this night he would need to work late and maybe even start earlier,
too. It was mid-January and the nights where going slow. Not many
men were out and about to seek a quick satisfying thrill at that
time of the year. Winter months where always the hardest to get by,
and this time, it was no different.
    “I don't want you to go to work tonight.”
Agnes said gruffly, while clearing her bowl and taking her backpack
and coat. Jamie didn't know what to say, other than a quiet “But I
have to.” The girl kissed her father's cheek and nodded curtly.
    “Why can't you have a normal job? We could
move away from Gabefield and start anew. Somewhere, where nobody
knows us. You don't have to do this. Not for me.” Agnes's eyes were
pleading and it tore at Jamie's heart, but he believed that there
was no other option for him to gain money.
    For six years, he had been doing this every
day, even when he had had a cold, and now he was approaching his
thirtieth birthday without knowing it any other way anymore. He
wished his life was different too, without ever once having regrets
about Agnes's birth.
    “I am not a child anymore. You can't keep
everything from me. And I know that you know how much I know.
Please dad, please consider it.” Jamie nodded, wondering when his
little princess had grown up so much. She kissed him again and left
for the school bus, leaving Jamie alone with his conflicting
thoughts.
    The moment the door fell into its lock, Jamie
let go. His shoulders sagged and his tears flowed freely. He was
desperate and tired of his life. Wearily, he rubbed his face,
shaking his head hopelessly. Jamie was suddenly very aware that his
daughter was right. Of course, this