The making of a Luna

Chapter 3

Ashley

Outside the window of my apartment the rain is pouring down. The weather is very fitting to my own mood at the moment. This very day last year, just after finishing a big exam, I got the call that changed my life completely.

My mom and stepdad John had been in an accident and no one had survived. It was on their way to the country club that their car hydroplaned, crashed straight into an oncoming car and dragged it with them into a creek. The family of four in that car died as well.

I am planning to visit my mom’s and John’s grave, but am hoping for the rain to ease up a bit before that. So for the time being I’m playing a game on my phone. Just as I am about to score a perfect score an unknown number calls me making me jump and drop my phone. I shuffle around until I manage to grab it and I answer with a cautious voice, afraid of what bad news the person on the other side might deliver on this day of misfortune.

“Hello Miss Simmons? This is David Banks, principal at Silver Lake elementary school. I hope I’m not calling you at a bad time.” I snap up in a full seating position from my slumped form on my couch.

“Oh. Hi, Mr. Banks. Of course you are not interrupting me.”

“That is good to hear. I am calling you to offer you the position at my school.” I gasp as the news settle in. Then I throw a punch into the air. “You said that you would keep on your studies even if you were offered a position?”

“Yes. I have a little over one and a half years left. It should not be any problem to continue my studies even though I work. But there are a few days I need to be present for presentations and examinations.” I bite my lip as I perch on the edge of the couch. I am really in need of a well paid employment to continue with my studies.

Shortly after my parents unexpected death I found out that their luxurious lifestyle wasn’t more than an elaborate hoax. This drastically dropped my economy from above middle, down to the bottom, forcing me to sell off all of my mom’s jewelry and less important possessions as well as the large house and nice cars John owned.

But not even that was not enough to pay off the huge debts they had left me with and I was unable to take out any loans for my education. Lucky for me, I have a scholarship to cover at least half of my college fees.

“Yes, yes. Of course. As long as you know the dates for these days and apply for them in advance I don’t see any problem with that. If you need to work less than 7:30 am to 4:30 pm it can be arranged as well. Of course less hours and days off will be deducted on your pay.”

“No. I’m sure I can work the whole day. I will study in the evening and on the weekends.” I blurt out.

“It sounds like you are interested at least.” Principal Banks chuckles on the other side and I chuckle as well.

“Yes, I want the position! I really loved the school and the town was so quaint and lovely. So different from the big city.”

“That is great news. Do you think you could start next week?” Before I can stop myself a small groan leaves my lips. “Is it not possible?”

“It is possible. I have already changed my classes to distance studies. The problem is housing. I have an apartment in the city that needs to be sold and before that I won't have any money for deposit. How hard is it to find housing in Silver Lake?”

“Yeah. That can be a bit tricky. Population has increased considerably the past few years and housing has not kept up. But if you make a phone call to the alph, eh. I mean the mayor, I am sure he can arrange temporary housing. You made quite the impression on him yesterday.” I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment and I am happy principal Banks can’t see me.

“Oh. Is that so?” Principal Banks chuckles lightly. I have no idea what I did to impress the mayor, but right now I don’t care as long as I can start my job faster than expected.

“Yes. So give him a call and then I’ll see you on, let’s say wednesday? That should give you a chance to pack up your apartment and move here.” I agree with him and after receiving mayor Bleckbourne’s contact information I thank him and we end the call.

I do a small victory dance around my apartment before I sit back down on the couch and take a deep breath. Now is as good of a time as any to call Mr. Bleckbourne and ask him for assistance. It takes three tones before his unearthly gorgeous voice breaks the static silence.

“Bleckbourne.” Just that one word has a shiver going down my spine and once again I am happy I can’t be seen through the phone.

“Hi, Mr. Bleckbourne. My name is Ashley Simmons. We met yesterday at Silver Lake elementary school when I came for an interview.” I pause to give him a moment to remember me, but he is quicker than I had anticipated when he answers.

“Ah, yes. Miss Simmons. How nice to hear from you. Did the interview go well?”

“Yes, thank you. It went very well and I have been offered and accepted the position.” I smile broadly in pride of my achievement.

“That is very nice to hear. And why do I have the pleasure of hearing your sweet voice?” It sounds like his tone has lowered an octave or two as he speaks and I barely manage to bite back one of those swooning school girl giggles at his words.

“Um. The thing is.. I need somewhere to stay in Silver Lake. At least to begin with. Principal Banks wants me to start on Wednesday next week and there is no chance of me managing to sell my apartment and find a new one in Silver Lake or a neighboring town before that.” For a few moments Mr. Bleckbourne is silent on the other side.

“That can easily be arranged. Our community building has both housing and guest rooms. Will you need help with the move as well? Perhaps storage for furniture and items you might not need in a temporary living accommodation.”

“Uh. Sure. Do you have a storage facility in Silver Lake?”

“Yes. And I have men and women who can help with the move and transport of everything. All you will need to have easy access to are clothes, toiletries and other necessities for day to day living. We have a dining hall which serves all meals so you won’t even have to cook. How does it sound if the helpers come on Monday? Then you will have 2 days here before you start your job.”

Wow! Can this really be happening?

“Yes. That sounds lovely.” We agree on all the details concerning time and then end the call. Then I do a second victory dance. This is exactly what I needed after the nightmarish last year of my life. Finally it feels like my life is going in a positive direction once again.

***

She got the job! But I’m guessing that you are not at all surprised about that considering Alpha Colton’s call to the principal in the last chapter. And lucky for him, she accepted! So now it is time for her to move to the picturesque town of Silver Lake. Let us hope that the job will work out well for her, and for Alpha Colton.

Please leave a comment and a vote!