When the World Ends, She Begins novel Chapter 42

Tiffany's eyes filled with tears. "My hair was styled by the lead stylist at Phoenix Glow Studio ... "

Braxton held a pair of kitchen scissors that they once used to scale fish and snapped at her.

"Are you serious? Look at the world right now, and do you still care about your hairstyle? Cut this disgusting mess off already!"

He pressed Tiffany down in the chair. "Do you want Trey to get grossed out and walk away? Then you'll really starve to death."

Tiffany bit her lip and stayed still.

As Braxton chopped at her hair, he muttered, "Tomorrow, when you see Trey, you better be sweet. Don't waste time. Get as much food as you can."

"Got it."

Tiffany stared into the mirror. The hair she had taken care of for years was now falling to the floor. It felt like her pride and dignity were being chopped away, too.

Tears blurred her vision.

Trey Leroy lived in Building 12 of their neighborhood. He was into outdoor sports and had all the gear, even kayaks.

When the flood first hit, he stocked up on food right away. Later, he raided his company's outdoor store and hauled back more kayaks. He rented them out at high prices to other residents so they could cross the flooded streets, earning himself even more food.

Slowly, Building 12 became the richest building around.

The young men in that building were strong and worked together, so nobody dared rob them.

Braxton and Tiffany met them while scavenging.

Both groups had their eyes on the same office building. Tiffany tried to use her looks and charm to sweet-talk Trey into sharing supplies.

Of course, she failed. In times like these, only idiots give away food.

But before leaving, Trey gave her a long look.

"If you run out of food, come by my place and help with some housework. I'll pay you." He winked.

They were both adults. Tiffany had dated before. She knew exactly what he meant.

At the time, she figured she wouldn't need to stoop that low. She and Owen had planned to rob Harold and Natalie anyway. That would solve everything.

But when their raid ended in failure, all her plans fell apart.

The thought of Natalie filled her with rage.

How dare that bitch live so well?

Natalie not only had piles of food but also refused to let Tiffany and Braxton stay at her place.

Selfish. Heartless. Natalie was trash in Tiffany's eyes.

She got up at 7 a.m., drank a big glass of warm water, then did Pilates on an empty stomach. By 7.30 a.m., she was in the kitchen cooking herself a nutritious breakfast.

Her mornings were for martial arts training. She pushed her body hard, drilling her footwork and combat moves. She even built her own target board to practice shooting.

At lunch, she ate high-protein meals for energy, then stood and watched a TV episode to digest. After that, she napped.

Afternoons were for leisure. Sometimes she studied new skills through video lessons. Other times, she curled up with downloaded novels.

The only downside was not having anyone to talk to.

She missed chatting in book forums, writing reviews, and sending virtual gifts to her favorite authors.

Now it was just her. Still, at least she had Lucky. Talking to him kept her from going crazy.

Evenings were simple. She cuddled Lucky and binged shows, movies, or reality TV.

When her eyes got tired, she experimented in the kitchen, cooking creative new dishes and storing them away.

By 10.30 p.m., she was in bed, letting her body rest.

Natalie was proud of the life she had built. No work, no stress. Plenty of food, good mood, glowing skin. Even her period was regular again.