UNEXPECTED BOND

Chapter2

I led myself up the flight of stairs, holding some flowers. I was supposed to place the flowers earlier in one of the hotel rooms, where I worked part-time.

But unfortunately, I came in late today, to avoid losing my job, I tiptoed my way to the room to drop the flower in the jar, before the manager found out.

I heaved out a sigh of relief. “ Don't screw this up,” I said to myself. The past few weeks have been hard for me. The thoughts of my ex-fiance cheating on me and being used and treated like a w***e after the birthday party, all came rushing back. I felt a wave of mixed emotions wash over me.

I spun, trying to return to my unit when my phone rang. Which made me groan.

I looked at the caller ID, it was my mum.

“Hello mum, is everything okay? I just left the house last week?” I asked, with uncertainty.

“You left without giving me the money for the medication. The doctor said, "I can't be late on my meds.” she stated, in a calm voice.

My mum wouldn't call for no reason. if it wasn't about one bill or another.

“Mum, I told you, I would give you the money when I get paid my wages in the coming weeks. You know why I took an extra job, Mum.” I replied, pulling a long face even though she wasn't there to see it.

“Fine, I hope nothing happens before then. Immediately you get paid, try to get me the medication,” she deadpanned. I could feel the weight of her words hovering over me like a dark cloud.

“Okay, I will hang up now. I have work to do,” I said and hung up. I sighed deeply as the call. She was all I had and it was my responsibility to provide for her, now that dad was no more.

“Mabel!, come here”. I felt shivers run down my spine as I walked to his office, my hands fiddling with the edge of my gown. As I sat there in his office, my gaze trailed off to the glass window. His office was enormous and had the perfect view of the buzzing streets that never sleeps.

“I noticed, you've been late to work for a while now,” he said, his eyes buried on his desk. I could feel the stench of tobacco and cheap alcohol, reeking of his breath.

“I don't condone laxity in my hotel,”

“Am sorry sir but…”, he stopped me in my tracks

“I don't want to hear any excuses, girly, the only reason why I haven't fired you yet is because of your pretty smile and customers like you, and because of the long standing relationship I have with your mum. Other than that, you'll be gone a long time.” My boss, Mr Sanchez, lectured me.

“Go brush your hair, and freshen your makeup, because two men booked our private lounge. They requested our best and most discreet workers. Which happens to be you and Anne. Since she's not on duty. I guess it's your call.” Sanchez told me. I bit my lower lips.

The hotel lounge was exclusive, so for these men to book the entire place for themselves meant, they were very very rich.

“Okay, sir,” I replied, as I sauntered around and headed to the changing locker.

When I got to the locker, I saw two men with a group of women, seeping on expensive wine.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I'll be your waitress for the night. Is there anything you'd like me to get for you?” I spoke in a polite tone. And the older-looking one smiled at me.

“How about you come sit here, and we have some fun together,” He said, grabbing my ass.

I gave him an angry look, and said with a stern voice .“Sir, you had better behave yourself, else I'll put you in your place.”

“Easy tigress,” the second one said. There was something about his voice, which sent chills down my spine. it felt familiar. Was he the stranger from the party? who left me without saying a word, or was my mind just playing tricks on me?

The lounge was dimly lit, I could barely get a clear view of his face. But there was something about him that got my heart racing.

I clenched my palm, holding my breath as I ran out of the hotel into the night. I couldn't believe he was the one.

A month had passed since that memorable evening, an uneasy period of time marked by nervous thoughts and unpleasant doubts. A nagging fear began to take hold of me as the days dragged on, apparently longer than the previous, and it became stronger with each passing second. I turned to my close friend Anne for consolation because I was unable to handle my worries on my own.

With the burden of my anxieties pressing down on me, I summoned the courage to share the relentless worries that had consumed my thoughts day in and day out. Seated across from her, I uttered the words that had been weighing on my mind like a heavy anchor. "I haven't seen my monthly flow since last month," I confessed, feeling the weight of unspoken implications lingering in the air, creating a palpable tension between us.

Anne's gentle tone and evident concern spoke volumes about the depth of our bond. As her caring gaze searched mine for any hint of solace, her words carried a weight of genuine worry and compassion. "Have you been eating well, resting?" she asked, her voice a soothing balm to my troubled mind. In that moment, amidst the turmoil threatening to overwhelm me, her unwavering support became a beacon of hope, casting a ray of light into the darkness. Feeling the warmth of her friendship, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that I wasn't facing my struggles alone.