A beautiful betrayal

Sophie’s pov “I didn’t take the bracelet, you have to believe me. You know I wouldn’t do that” I said to my manager, Mr Collins. I could hear the desperation in my voice “Of course you didn’t” Mrs Costello scoffed. Her voice laced with disbelief. “I only helped you put it on like you asked and then I put it back in the box like you said” I said “Well it’s not there now” she said. Disgust was written all over her face. There was almost a hint of smugness. Did she know that I didn’t take it? I looked around the store, desperate to find someone who had witnessed the whole thing. There were only two other people in the store except me, Mrs Costello and Mr Collins and they both acted like they couldn’t see the drama unfolding before then. Then I spotted the cameras at the corners of the boutiques. “Yes yes! You could check the cameras! I exclaimed “I already did that” Mr Collins said. “The footage shows that you put the necklace back into the box” Relief immediately washed over me. Mrs Costello turned angrily to Mr Collins. “Are you trying to call me a liar? If she didn’t take it then where is it?” She said “No ma’am, I’m not calling you a liar” Mr Collins said with fear written all over his face. “Although the footage shows you putting it back into the box, it doesn’t show what you did when you carried the box into the back room” he said to me I felt my stomach drop. “Uh..well…yes…” I struggled with my words. “ I carried the box into the back room because Mrs Costello said I should find the matching earrings” “Where are the earrings now?” Mrs Costello asked, folding her arms over her chest. “They weren’t th-” “More lies. Just admit that you stole the necklace” she said “But I-“ “Are these the kind of rascals you employ to work here? I expected more from such a high class boutique. She has probably been stealing from other customers” she said to Mr Collins. Mr Collins sighed. “Sophie, Mrs Costello is one of our most valuable clients. She spends millions in our store yearly” he said “So, because she’s rich I’m automatically guilty? I asked. I was sure disbelief was written all over my face. “I’m not saying that” Mr Collins replied “But you’re acting like it” Anger flashed across his face. “Sophie.” He said with a tone that made my stomach drop. “I think it would be better if you went home for today” “You should probably just fire her” Mrs Costello said to Mr Collins. A brief look of surprise flashed across Mr Collins face but it went as fast as it came. He cleared his throat and said “Actually, I think it would be best if you didn’t come back” It felt like I had been slapped across the face. “You’re firing me” I managed to let out with a shaky voice. “I’m sorry but I have to do what’s best for the clients” he said while avoiding my eyes. I wanted to defend myself some more but the look on his face made me know that was going to be a waste of time. “You know I didn’t steal it. You know I’ve been nothing but diligent to my job” I said looking directly at him. He said nothing back. “Okay” I said, accepting my fate. I took off my employee’s badge and my hat and placed it gently on the table. I grabbed my handbag from the locker and walked out of the store. As I stepped out, I felt the cool wind hit my face. I remained frozen by the pavement of the boutique. Life filled the streets, everyone continued with life while mine had just been cracked open. I looked down at my phone and saw 3 missed calls, all from the hospital my grandma was in. I felt my heart drop to my stomach. I dialed the number back, they picked on the third ring. “Hello, is this Sophie Rodriguez” the man on the phone said “Yes, it is” “Okay, I’m calling from St Matthews hospital” I swallowed hard. “Is everything all right?” “We’re calling to discuss the outstanding balance on your grandma’s account” “I know, I will make payment soon, I’m just going through a tough time right now” “We understand that ma’am but the money keeps increasing. We need another deposit to sustain her treatment” “I’ll make one soon, I just need a little time. Please” I could feel tears gathering in my eyes “We’re sorry but you’ve exceeded our grace limit. If by 4pm tomorrow you’ve not made another deposit, We’d be forced to move your grandma from the intensive care unit to the general ward” “No please! I’ll bring the money tomorrow, don’t move her” “Thank you for your understanding” The phone went dead. Where was I supposed to get $1500 from by tomorrow especially since I had just lost my job. Maybe I should go inside and beg for my job. No. What good would that do? My grandma’s hospital bill was piling up, the rent was due the next month and I barely had enough money to buy groceries. I felt a tear drop from my eyes. I wiped at it angrily. What was crying supposed to do. I started walking, I wasn’t sure where I was going but I kept walking until I spotted a club with blinking red neon nights. “VALENTINO” the sign outside read. Lucy had told me how exclusive the club. I wasn’t sure I could afford it but at that moment I didn’t care, I just needed to get drunk. I crossed the street to the other side. If tomorrow was going to destroy me anyway, I might as well just let go for just this one night. I just wanted to forget all my troubles for just one night. “f**k it” I said as I walked into the club, unknowingly ushering myself into a place where my life would be changed forever.