The Beginning of More

Chapter 2 – The Email

The moment the front door opened, Lila let out a dramatic sigh.

"So excited that school is officially over for today," she groaned as she stepped inside the house.

Ariana laughed as she followed her in. "I couldn't be more excited myself."

Lila kicked off her shoes near the entrance and stretched her arms above her head. "I swear, if Professor Anderson had spoken for five more minutes, I would've started seeing stars."

The two girls made their way upstairs and headed straight for their room.

Since Ariana had been living with the Bennett family, the two best friends had shared the room without any issues. Over time, it had become as much Ariana's room as it was Lila's.

The moment they entered, Lila tossed her bag onto the floor and collapsed dramatically onto her bed.

"Honestly," she said, staring at the ceiling, "it felt like Professor Anderson didn't want to end class."

Ariana chuckled as she placed her books on her desk. "I thought I was the only one thinking that."

She sat down and shook her head. "He kept explaining the same thing over and over again like we weren't getting it."

"Exactly!" Lila pointed at her from the bed. She added. "At one point, I almost fell asleep."

Ariana laughed. "I'm glad you didn't."

Lila said. "Trust me. The last thing I need is to become the example he uses in next week's lecture."

Both girls laughed.

After a moment, the room grew quiet.

Lila glanced toward the door. "I wonder if Mom's home."

Ariana opened her mouth to respond. Before she could, a notification sound suddenly came from her bag.

Ariana's heart skipped. Her eyes immediately dropped to the bag sitting beside her chair.

She quickly reached inside and pulled out her phone.

The moment the screen lit up, her eyes widened. "Oh my God."

Lila immediately sat upright. "What?"

Ariana stared at the screen for another second as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"What happened?" Lila asked.

Without saying a word, Ariana turned the phone toward her.

Lila read the email. Then gasped. "They finally responded!"

A huge smile spread across Ariana's face. "They finally responded," she repeated, hardly believing the words herself.

The next second, she jumped to her feet.

Lila did the same.

The two girls immediately threw their arms around each other.

"Oh my gosh!" Lila squealed. "I can't believe it!"

Ariana laughed. "I know!"

For the first time in days, the weight she'd been carrying seemed lighter.

When they finally pulled apart, Lila pointed at the phone. "Well? Are you going to accept the interview invitation?"

Ariana nodded immediately. "Of course."

She sat back down and carefully opened the email.

The interview details were clearly listed. Date, time, location... everything.

As she finished reading, her excitement only grew.

"It's this weekend," she announced.

Lila's eyes widened. "That's soon."

"I know." Ariana looked at the screen again. "I need to prepare."

"Exactly." Lila pointed at her. "You need to prepare properly."

Ariana nodded. "I'll study everything I can about the role before then."

"And..." Lila paused dramatically.

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "And what?"

"You also need to decide what you're wearing." Lila winked.

Ariana rolled her eyes immediately with a light laugh. "Lila..."

"I'm serious." Lila said.

"That's not important." Ariana said.

"Oh, it is very important." Lila insisted.

Lila sat up straighter. "The way you present yourself speaks before you even open your mouth."

Ariana tried to fight a smile. "You sound like your mother."

"Because my mother is usually right." Lila smiled.

That earned another laugh from Ariana. "Fine," she admitted. "Maybe you're right."

"Maybe?" Lila repeated.

"Okay. You're right." Ariana chuckled.

"There we go." Lila nodded with a wink.

Ariana shook her head, smiling despite herself.

For the first time in over a week, things finally felt hopeful.

And as she looked down at the interview invitation on her screen, she silently promised herself one thing.

She would do everything possible to make sure she didn't waste this opportunity.

A knock suddenly sounded on the door.

Lila glanced toward it and called out, "Come in!"

The door opened, and Mrs. Bennett stepped inside with a warm smile on her face.

"There are my favorite girls," she said fondly.

Lila immediately got off the bed and walked over to hug her mother. "Hi, Mom."

Mrs. Bennett wrapped her arms around her daughter before turning to Ariana, who had also stood up.

"Ari, sweetheart." She said.

Ariana smiled warmly as Mrs. Bennett pulled her into a hug as well.

Instead of letting go immediately, Mrs. Bennett pulled both girls closer, causing Lila to laugh.

Before either of them knew it, the three were caught in an awkward but affectionate group hug.

"Mom," Lila complained playfully, laughing.

"What?" Mrs. Bennett asked innocently. "I'm showing affection."

The girls laughed before finally pulling away.

The three of them moved toward the bed and sat down, with Mrs. Bennett settling comfortably between them.

"So," she began, looking from one girl to the other, "how was school today?"

Lila answered first. "It was okay. Slightly boring, as usual."

Ariana immediately turned toward her. "Lila..."

"What?" Lila shrugged unapologetically.

Mrs. Bennett chuckled. "I know my daughter well enough to know that's exactly how she feels."

Ariana couldn't help smiling.

Lila suddenly nudged her. "Don't you have something to tell Mom?"

Mrs. Bennett's eyebrows lifted with curiosity as she turned toward Ariana. "Oh?"

Then her expression softened. "What do you have to tell me, sweetheart?"

A smile slowly spread across Ariana's face. "I got a response from the job application I sent last week."

Mrs. Bennett's eyes widened instantly. "You did?"

Ariana nodded. "I got invited for an interview."

"Oh, my goodness!" Mrs. Bennett immediately wrapped her arms around Ariana. "I'm so happy for you!"

Ariana laughed softly as she returned the hug. "I'm excited too."

When they pulled apart, Lila couldn't contain her grin. "The interview is this weekend," she announced proudly. "And I'm helping her prepare."

Mrs. Bennett smiled at her daughter. "That's very thoughtful of you."

Then she looked back at Ariana. "So tell me more about the position."

"It's an house assistant role," Ariana explained. "It's an urgent role. The pay is good, and it also comes with accommodation."

Mrs. Bennett listened carefully. "Accommodation too?"

Ariana nodded. "Yes."

Mrs. Bennett's expression became thoughtful. "Ari, you know I don't want you taking on too much while you're still in university."

"I told her the same thing," Lila added.

Ariana smiled gently. "I know. It's not because I want to leave. I just..."

She paused for a moment. "I want a little independence. I want to earn my own money so I can plan toward my future."

Mrs. Bennett reached over and squeezed her hand. "You already know this house is your home."

"I know," Ariana said softly. "And I'll always be grateful for everything you've done for me."

There was a brief silence before Mrs. Bennett asked, "And you're sure this is what you want?"

Without hesitation, Ariana nodded. "I am."

Mrs. Bennett studied her for a moment before smiling. "Then I'm happy for you."

Ariana smiled back.

"But," Mrs. Bennett continued gently, "even if this doesn't work out, I don't want you worrying. You're always welcome here. Whether it's another month, another year, or until you graduate and get the perfect job."

Ariana felt warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you, Mom." The word slipped out naturally.

Mrs. Bennett's eyes softened immediately.

She reached over and pulled Ariana into another hug. "You're welcome, sweetheart."

When they finally pulled apart, Mrs. Bennett smiled brightly. "My husband is going to be thrilled when he gets home and hears about this."

Ariana laughed softly. "I hope so."

"Oh, trust me," Mrs. Bennett replied. "He's going to be just as excited as we are."