CHAPTER FIVE
621 Words
Ava’s heart pounded as she sat across from the doctor, waiting for the ultrasound results. The quiet hum of machines filled the small room, but nothing felt calm inside her. She wasn’t ready—her due date was close, and she still hadn’t figured out how she was going to survive on her own.
The doctor’s face softened, but there was something unreadable behind his eyes. He glanced at the screen, then back at her.
“Ava,” he said gently, “you’re not carrying just one baby. There are two.”
Ava’s breath caught. “Two?” she whispered. “Twins?”
The doctor nodded. “Yes. They both look healthy, but it means you’ll need extra care going forward.”
Tears pricked her eyes. “How am I going to manage? I barely have a roof over my head.”
The doctor offered a small, sympathetic smile. “I know it’s overwhelming. But you’re strong. And there are resources to help.”
Driving home, Ava gripped the steering wheel, her mind spinning. Two babies. Twice the diapers, twice the feedings, twice the bills. How would she manage without the father?
Later that night, Ava sat in the dim light of her tiny apartment, phone resting on the table. She whispered, “Okay, Ava. No more running away. Time to figure this out.”
Her phone buzzed—it was a message from Lila, checking in. Ava smiled faintly and replied, “Hey, can we talk tomorrow? I need advice.”
She typed again, “I need to find a job. For them.”
Her fingers trembled as she scrolled through job listings.
“Part-time cashier... receptionist... nanny... nothing perfect, but I have to start somewhere.”
Her phone buzzed again. This time a call from her Aunt.
“Are you alright, dear?” her Aunt’s warm voice asked.
Ava swallowed. “It’s twins, Auntie. I’m scared. I don’t even have a job yet.”
Her Aunt’s voice was firm but kind. “You’ll manage, I believe in you. Remember, you’re not alone.”
Ava nodded even though no one could see her. “Thanks. I’m going to try.”
Hanging up, she whispered to herself, “For them, I have to be stronger than ever.”
---
The next morning, Ava woke up before dawn. The weight of her twins pressed on her mind, but she pushed the fear aside. Today, she would start hunting for work.
With a small breakfast, she sat at the rickety table scrolling through job ads on her phone. Most required experience or full-time commitment she couldn’t afford yet. The hours slipped away, but Ava refused to give up.
Just as she was about to close the app, a new listing caught her eye: *Administrative Assistant — Flexible Hours — Welcoming Environment*.
The description sounded perfect. No mention of the company’s name, only a contact email.
With trembling hands, she sent her resume and a brief message:
I am very interested in the Administrative Assistant position you advertised. While I have limited formal experience, I am hardworking, dependable, and eager to learn. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Thank you for your time,
Ava."
She hit send and stared at the screen, hoping for a reply.
---
Three long days later, Ava was beginning to lose hope. She had barely left the apartment except for doctor’s visits, each step growing heavier as the babies grew. Then, her phone buzzed.
“Hello, this is Claire from HR. We reviewed your application and would like to invite you for an interview.”
Ava’s breath caught. She glanced nervously toward her aunt, who gave her a gentle, encouraging smile.
- Writer
