Hopefully
984 Words
Catherine’s POV
The park was quieter by the time I returned from the interview. The park now recognized me as its inhabitants now maybe. I walked slowly through the path I am familiar with, clutching my bag against my side while different thoughts raced through my mind.
I am hopeful that Miriam Duke would call me, I am convinced certainly because the interview went well enough, when I left the mansion it meant something good instead of something dangerous.
I spotted the same bench where I had sat before empty. I sat on it before letting out a small breath as I lowered myself onto the cold wood..
People move around me with ease, everyone focusing on what brought them to the park. Some were laughing, jogging, sharing a moment with loved ones. They are all living lives that feel structured and secured. I tried so hard not to compare their lives with mine, but it was also impossible to ignore the difference.
I prayed slightly because that job was more than an opportunity. It was my only path towards stability, towards shelter and meals that didn't depend on me begging before I would eat.
I became hungry, this became a soft reminder that hope alone could not fill my stomach. I reacted into my back jeans pocket and touched the folded hundred dollar bill Miriam Duke had given me.
The memory of her beautiful smile and warm tone came back to my mind, and for some seconds I believed that kindness still existed in a world that had once judged me without mercy.
I stood up and headed to a small restaurant, across the street. The windows are fogged slightly due to the heat inside. I reluctantly entered the restaurant.
The smell of food attacked my nostrils immediately, but the chatter of customers made my nerves alert.
I felt their eyes on me even before I saw them.
I noticed a man that paused mid-conversation to stare at me. Another woman whispered something to her friend while glancing in my direction. Maybe it is my imagination, but the weight of their attention made me sick and nervous.
For Christ's sake, it been ten f*****g years, yet the memory of headlines and online comments from f*******:, Twitter still clung to me like a ghost I couldn't outrun.
I kept my head down and walked to an empty table at the Conner. The menu trembled slightly in my hands but I forced myself to focus on what is written on the menu instead of the stares following me.
I reminded myself that I am now free, that I also deserve to sit here like anyone else.
I called the waiter, and ordered my meal quickly, choosing something because I am losing my appetite. As I waited, I watched the steam rise from nearby plates and listened to the melodious sound of the cutlery.
My presence here felt like a test of courage, one rebellion voice in my head even whispered to me to hide.. but I can't and would never.
When the waiter brought my food, I paused before taking the first bite, letting gratitude settle over me. Without Miriam’s benevolent gift, I would not be sitting here at all. This thought made my chest ache softly, and I closed my eyes for a brief second.
Thank you Miriam, I said silently, directing the appreciation towards Miriam Duke even though I should n't hear them.
The meal tested better than what I used to have in jail. Each bite I took from it helped in calming me down. I imagined what it looked like waking up in a real room again, to work and to earn money, it all looks like a myth to me now. For a few moments fear cripped in reminding me that nothing in this life is guaranteed including the job I cherished. I refuse to allow fear take control.
My phone buzzed against the table and it brought me back to reality
I froze.
I looked at the screen, low and behold - Miriam Duke was the one calling..
For a moment, I just stared at the phone, thinking touching it would make it disappear. Then I answered quickly, trying to keep my voice calm and gently.
“Hello, Mrs Duke”!
“Catherine,” she replied warmly. I hope I am not disturbing you.”
“No, not at all ma'am,” I replied almost immediately, my heart pounding as if I had committed another crime.
“I have reviewed everything we talked about, and I would like to offer you the job. Also I want you to start tomorrow morning by eight. If that works for you.
A momentary smile appeared on my face slowly, like sunlight breaking through heavy clouds. I held the edge of the table fighting the urge to laugh or cry at the same time.
Yes! Yes ! I said silently, my voice softer than I intended. “I know it , finally it works. Thank you… truly ; I was thanking an imaginary God.
I have a job now
For the first time in a long while, I felt relieved from the weight I have carried since I left prison. I finished my meal faster, I didn't even notice those curious glances from strangers.
I walked back towards the park with a new energy, knowing that from tomorrow it would not see me again.
My thoughts quickly drafted to what needed to be done. I counted the remaining money carefully, setting aside what is needed for small essentials like toiletress, a simple comb, anything that would help me look pretty on my first day at work.
I am ready for the next chapter of my life, the previous might seem rough and brutal. But I believe what is coming is better than what has happened.
It's still my story to write …
- Writer
