A stolen life

Hopes for the future

third pov

Rea was sleeping on the old uncomfortable sofa when she heard the ring of her phone. She woke up alarmed, looking for her phone, in the mess she had made. Her books, pens, notes, and facemasks were all around the place, as she had stood up till late to study

"Hello?" - she answered with her heart pounding to her chest. Rea feared that her mother was sick or was having another breakdown or crisis, every time the phone would ring. 

"Hello, Rea. I am calling from the Henderson Company. I am happy to tell you that you have been admitted for this year's internship, among thousands of applicants. " - Martin said in a collected, professional voice

"Huh? What?? " - Rea took a deep breath, trying to process what she had just heard

"You are expected to come at 8 am sharp, to the new central office, on Monday. I will link other details in the email. " 

"Are you sure? Are you sure this is not a mistake? Am I really in? " - Rea said feeling overwhelmed

"Yes, Rea. You are in! You are the only girl this year who made it to the final list"

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" - a sudden happy scream, making Martin remove the phone from his year. Rea was so happy and excited, she overreacted, screaming and doing a happy dance. Martin looked at his phone surprised as the sound of joy was still being heard. During the years he had been dealing with the new interns, he had never seen such enthusiasm. 

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" - Rea replied with a big smile in her face " You will not regret this" 

"I am sure I will not. Keep this enthusiasm during the upcoming months, and many doors will be open for you young lady. " - Martin said with a smile. He could not help but like this girl. 

"I'll see you at Monday" - he said before cutting off the call. 

......................................

23 years ago

A pinching happy noise was heard at the small apartment, where Robert and Aurora lived. 

"Robert, I got in. I got the job!" - she said with the enthusiasm of a little girl, jumping on his shoulder, hugging him tightly. 

"Job? What job? " - Robert asked confused, but her joy and enthusiasm was infectious, he was smiling without knowing what for

"At the museum. I applied a few weeks ago, but I did not expect them to call back. Now you don't have to work at the fast food, you can dedicate your entire time to your project" - she said, putting small kisses on his face

"What? NO!" - Robert suddenly became serious. "It's my duty to take care of you, not the vice-versa. I will provide for both of us!" - he said in a firm tone

"You do take care of me, your love is my medicine. And you will provide for me and our children, our whole life. But right now, you need to focus on your project, it's a wonderful idea and you have what it takes to become successful. Please let me do this for you!" - Aurora said looking at him with puppy eyes, making him melt inside

"No, love, I can not accept such a thing" - he kissed the back of her neck, but his voice was cold

"Oh" - Aurora moaned, from his hot kiss " Please, love don"t be so stubborn. This is your chance"

Robert cupped her face and looked at her adorably. "I love you and it makes me so happy that you care so much for me. But I will take care of you and that is my final say" 

....................................

third pov

"I got the internship, I got the internship" - Rea shouted from across the room and went hugging her best friend. 

"You did not! Don't play with me Rea, I am really not in the mood" - her friend, Jennifer said looking at her with suspicion

"I did! I am in!" - she said jumping up and down 

"Oh my God!!!!! Rea!!! I can't believe it" - her friend rushed over hugging her " I am so proud of you. You deserve this and much more, you have worked so hard for this day to come" 

"This deserves that champagne bottle, we have been saving since New Year" - Jennifer rushed to the small fridge and took the bottle, opening it with the ceremony. She poured some champagne in two water glasses and raised a toast 

"To you Rea! The smartest girl I have ever met. You are a true talent! And I am sure you will be very rich and famous one day." - she said smiling brightly

"Thank you, my dear. And when that day comes, we will travel the world together" - Rea said taking a sip. 

"Oh yes. I will be your full-time living-in-your - back friend. People will envy you, but they will envy me more" - Jennifer replied and both girls burst into laughter. 

" I just want to take proper care of my mom, she deserves the world" - Rea said taking a deep breath.

...............................

23 years ago 

" You are the smartest young men I have ever met. You are a true talent! And I am sure you will be very rich and famous one day Robert. You will do great things. But you need to focus full time in this project' - his professor said, holding the files in his hand

"I just want to take proper care of my wife, professor. She deserves the world. I don't care about all that" - Robert said in humbleness.

"And a true gentleman as well" - his professor said smiling " I'll tell you what. If this gets approved and we get some investors I will open that champagne bottle, I have been saving for two years. " 

"Let's hope so" - Robert taking a deep breath