A Fresh Start
1053 Words
With shaking hands, I stuffed a few necessities into my suitcase. Anger was hotter in my stomach than fear. I couldn't wait any longer because Reginald had attempted to take what wasn't rightfully his.
"Where are we going, Mommy?" Rosalind's little voice trembled.
I forced a comforting smile as I squeezed her hand. "To Beatrice, my love. There, we'll be secure.
She bit her lip without protesting, her eyes sparkling. I felt a wave of relief. It would not have been possible to escape if Reginald had been home.
The cool night air enveloped us as soon as we stepped outside. Uncertainty tormented me, but freedom was near. How would I care for her? How would we make it?
"But aren't we taking brownies, Mommy?" Rosalind pulled my hand.
My heart tightened. Darling, not right now. "Alright, we'll return for her later."
Even though she nodded, it was hard to ignore the sadness in her eyes.
Everything fell on me when we arrived at Beatrice's house. She pulled me into a tight embrace while tears streamed down my cheeks.
She muttered, "I'm so sorry, Eloise." You're secure now, Rosalind, and you are welcome to stay for as long as you need to.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded at her shoulder. "I need to get a job. I have to look after Rosalind.
Beatrice drew back, examining me. I've heard that The Bramblewood Café is hiring. Although it's not much, it's a beginning.
Although working in a café wasn't ideal, I would take any job at the moment. "Let's go take a look."
As soon as we entered the café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Over their meals, patrons sat conversing while soft music played in the background.
Beatrice walked over to the counter. "Pardon me, we're here to discuss the job opportunity."
A waitress grinned broadly. Yes! We are hiring. Do you intend to apply?
A chilly, well-known voice cut through the atmosphere before I could respond.
"Hmph! Who knew I'd run into you here?"
I was filled with nausea. I slowly turned and met Margaret's cold stare.
The waitress paused. "Yeah, ma'am. All she wanted to know was about the job. I informed her that you, my boss, weren't present.
I looked at Beatrice in shock. Was the café owned by Margaret?
Smirking, she crossed her arms. There's no point in applying. People like you are useless to me.
The café fell silent. Customers turned to stare, and my cheeks got hot.
"Let's go," Beatrice muttered.
I gave a nod, but Margaret's harsh voice followed as we turned to go. "You might as well accept Reginald's demands. You won't get a job in Blackthorn Hollow. He has ensured that.
I felt a chill go through me. He wouldn't, would he?
Beatrice gave my arm a squeeze. "Avoid paying attention to her. We'll discover something.
However, we didn't. All the doors slammed. "Reginald sent word," one generous business owner acknowledged. Anyone who hires you will be sorry they did.
A sense of despair took hold. I had a future to rebuild and Rosalind to feed. I leafed through the paper, looking for any opening.
Then I came across this advertisement for a secretary position at Ravenshadow Enterprises.
My breath caught. Sebastian.
Before I picked Reginald, we had been close, but that all changed. Would he even think about employing me?
Determination igniting, I circled the advertisement. There was nothing else I could do.
Upon entering Ravenshadow Enterprises' grand lobby the following day, my nerves were frayed. My interview was set for today after I called.
I informed the receptionist, "I have an appointment for the secretary position."
Her lips curled as she hardly looked at me. "Are you certain? That's how you dressed?"
I was filled with nausea. "I had a conversation with Mr. Alistair yesterday."
She laughed. "You seem to be here for something else."
I felt the heat creep up my neck. Was I an escort, in her opinion?
"Pardon me?"
"What's happening here?"
A deep voice broke the tension.
I turned—and Sebastian's eyes met mine.
My heart was racing.
"I—she—"
"Don't waste your time. I heard it all. He glared at the receptionist and spoke sharply. "We'll take care of you."
She stumbled, "Sir—"
He ignored her and turned to face me, his unreadable eyes searching for me.
"Come with me. I'll conduct the interview myself.
I took a deep breath. This was my only chance. I inhaled deeply before moving forward.
---
The heavy door behind us clicked shut as Sebastian ushered me into a sleek, contemporary office. As I sat down across from his enormous desk, my heart pounded. My skin prickled as he leaned back in his chair and studied me.
"Eloise, why are you here?" His voice was unintelligible.
I took a deep breath. "This job is essential to me. I—"
He interrupted me with a raised hand. "After everything, do you really think I'd hire you?"
A wave of guilt overcame me. I had given up on our friendship in favor of Reginald. Now I have no right to ask for assistance. But I was powerless.
I acknowledged, "I know I don't deserve a chance." However, I have to look after my daughter. I require this.
His eyes flickered. "Reginald is ensuring that no one employs you, isn't he?"
I glanced down. "Yes."
We were silent for a while before he rubbed his temple and sighed. "You were obstinate all the time."
I stiffened, anticipating rejection.
Then he said something. "You have the job. However, don't count on me to do you any favors. You'll put in twice as much effort as anyone else.
I felt a wave of relief. "I'm grateful, Sebastian. This is something you won't regret."
His eyes grew gloomy. "We'll check on that. Tomorrow at precisely eight o'clock, be here. Avoid being late.
Standing on unsteady legs, I nodded. His voice stopped me as I got to the door.
"And Eloise?" I pivoted. "You need to prove a lot. Don't let me down."
Determined, I looked him in the eye. "I won't."
I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding as I left his office.
A fresh start had just begun.
- Writer
