Week 3: Chapter One
714 Words
2062 is going to be Claire’s year, of that she is certain. Now that Echo, one of the best new social media company hired her as a junior programmer, Claire would be able to move out of her parents’ house and into her own place, a small place but her own place nonetheless. The healthcare package Echo offered was like the one her parents have so she will be fine and be able to access medical services even if she breaks her leg again or needs antibiotics.
Claire looked at the email the company just sent her and part of her still struggled to believe it. She dreamt of this moment for the last 2 years at least. She was getting off the bus when she received the call to tell her she got the job. Five minutes later, Claire could still feel her heart racing.
*I need to tell someone* As that thought crossed her mind, Claire composed her best friend’s number.
“Hello Clarity!”
“Jane, do you really intend to keep that weird nickname for me?”
“Well, isn’t it what Claire means in French, Clarity?”
Claire was not sure what to answer to that, she never studied French so she hesitated before remembering why she called.
“Guess who just called me!” Claire said.
“I don’t know. Your mom? A new penguin just hatched, and she needs to stay at the Zoo overnight?”
“Seriously, you think I would call you for that?”
“Maybe not but I am not psychic, I don’t know who called you.”
“Well, a HR person from a certain well-known company just call about a certain job…”
“Wait, did you get the job at Echo?”
“I did!” Both girls squealed in excitement, and it took a while for Claire to calm down enough to give details.
“They asked me if I could start Monday. I said yes of course. Oh gosh, what will I wear? It’s my first grown-up job. I don’t have clothes for a grown-up job.”
A sliver of panic settled in Claire’s gut before Jane eased her worries.
“Don’t worry Clarity, we’ll go shopping tomorrow. You will look like a respectable young adult Monday morning after I’m done.”
“Thank you Jane! I really appreciate it. Oh gosh, I need to call my parents, I have to tell them.”
“Call them now, I’ll see you tomorrow!”
Claire called her mother next but only managed to leave a message. Her father did answer and when she announced the good news, he promised to buy a cake after work so they could all celebrate together.
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The bus was late so Claire was the last one home. When she opened the door, she heard “Surprise” before confetti attacked her. Her parents and her sister Vanessa were laughing at her shock before hugging her and congratulating her.
“Come eat dinner, daddy made your favorite!” said Vanessa. After being ushered by her 10 years old sister, everyone sat down to eat. During dinner, Claire had to tell her family everything she knew about this new job. They knew about the company, but none of them did any programming. Claire’s father Noah was an electrical engineer, which is related to computers, but barely in his case, while Julia, her mother, was a biologist and worked in a zoo. Vanessa was only 10 years-old and only cared about drawing and manga.
It was only during dessert that Claire really noticed that her sister barely ate.
“Is everything all right?”
“Yeah, I’m just not hungry. I’m just tired, school was boring… I think I’m going to bed. I’m happy for you sis!”
“Good night. Sweet dreams!”
Claire did not notice the glance her parents exchanged when Vanessa went to bed. Claire also decided to get to bed early, there were so many exciting things to do in the next few days.
- Writer
