PARADOX

When my shift was finished at Fantasy Donuts, I wandered around the city thinking about Tony Stark's contribution. Should I work for him? He is an impudent guy. 7:12 pm. I only work extra hours because I have nothing to do. I talked it over with the manager and she thought it was best for me to accept his offer. The shop had plenty of help but I'll miss that sweetness every morning. I do need the money, sooner or later I'll get kicked out of my apartment. Gripping on the card, I gazed at it.

'I can do this. It'll be beneficial for me.'

Pulling out my phone, I dialed the number. I walked to the side of a nearby building and waited for someone to answer. No one picked up the phone.

'Was this all a joke?'

I stuffed the card in my pocket along with my phone. Pacing to a nearby gas station, I bought a few things. While I was walking down the candy aisle for the 8th time, I noticed a man glancing up at me from the cashier. I didn't come to this gas station much, but why was it so... empty? I casually walked around the store, monitoring if he was still watching me. He was. My heart rate started to increase and I started to play crime show episodes in my head.

'I might die today... I might never see donuts again.'

I pulled out my phone and paused for a moment.

'I have no one to call... I don't have friends. All I had was the shop's phone number and the people who worked there and --- Tony's...'

Staring at the number I dialed earlier, I thought about calling 911.

'But what if that guy sees the numbers on my phone? He'll just kill me on the spot. Shit, can't believe I'm doing this... let's see if the famous Iron Man answers his god damn phone.'

Holding my phone up to my ear, I hear it ringing. I glance at the guy and he's getting closer to where I'm standing.

'I'll just run out the door. What if he has a gun? Shit, you're right. What am I doing? I'll just kick his nuts! Who am I kidding, I'm not strong enough. You should really stop talking to yourself in your mind.' I grinned at myself. 'I really am crazy.'

"Hello?" the phone answered. My eyes filled with delight and tears almost slipped out.

"Tony? it's that girl you gave a job offering to this morning and I'm in a situation," I whispered.

"What kind of situation?"

"I'm at a gas station and this guy looks like he might murder me because he's been staring at me for the past 30 minutes or so."

"What does that have anything to do with me?"

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but, could you come and accompany me out?"

"Hahahahahaha really? I mean--"

"Tony, please! I'll accept your job offering! just please!"

"So what? Do I bring my suit?"

"No! Just dress like you're hiding from the press and escort me out of here!"

"Fine. Fine."

He hung up. I was so relieved! 'Wait, I didn't tell him where this is! Shit!' I was about to dial Tony again but someone came through the store's doors. My eyes looked straight over to the man who just entered and saw tony's face. he casually glanced at the man who was still looking at me and walked over to where I was standing. His hoodie was covering most of his face but I could clearly tell that was Tony Stark. Tony grabbed my wrist and escorted me out. I left the things I grabbed on the floor, I just needed to get out of here.

Once we were outside, the night sky was already there. I peeped up at Tony and he was looking down at me. "Thanks, Tony." I said beaming up at him.

"You start at 8am. I'll send you a car at 7." he said back. I smiled and nodded then started to walk off. My arms wrapped around my chest and my breath being visible. "How are you going to get home? I can't leave you here by yourself."

"I'll call a taxi."

"Do you even have money for one?"

"No. That's why I lied."

Tony ran up to me and pulled my sleeve. "I'll take you home."

"No, it's fine, I can call my dad."

"(Y/N), I know you're lying."

"How do you know my name? I haven't told you my name."

"I looked you up."

"Stalking me, are we?"

"It's not called stalking. Anyways, you need to get home. And I'm going to take you." he shifted me towards his limo.

"Fine."

It's been 10 whole minutes of silence. I knew something was up. "How did you find me? I didn't tell you which station."

"I'm Tony Stark. I can locate anyone I wish," he replied with a rude tone.

"Is that your explanation for everything? 'I'm Tony Stark.' Yeah, we know. We just don't care."

''We'?"

"Everyone who finds your obnoxious attitude displeasing!"

"Tch."

When the limo reached my apartment, I saw all of my things outside labeled 'free'. I got out of the car and ripped off the label. Looking up to my room, it was labeled for leasing.

'Great. Just great! I live on the streets now.'

'What's wrong?" Tony stepped out of the car and stood next to me.

"I'm homeless now. Excellent!" I faked a smile at him. Tony stepped aside and called someone. A few moments later people were hauling my belongings into a truck. "Tony? What are you doing?"

"Get in the car and I'll show you."

The limo drove to the Stark Tower and Tony opened the door and said, "Welcome to your new home."