Beautiful Mistake (Us against The World)

Chapter 7

Maya I found out something earlier today, Johanna said, crossing her arms. I spoke with the boss and looked into who actually applied for the job. Turns out, the girl was in an accident. She won’t be able to start for another month.

Maya blinked, hope flickering in her eyes.

So, Johanna continued, I told the boss about you. He’s willing to let you stay and work here until the real applicant is ready to start.

Overcome with relief, Maya clasped her hands together and sobbed. Thank you, Johanna! Thank you so much! I promise I will work hard and won’t let you down.

Johanna hesitated, then added, There’s more. Since you don’t have anywhere to stay, you can stay at my apartment. It's a one-bedroom apartment, so we both have to sleep in the same room. I will talk to my sister. She is out of town, so you can sleep on her bed.

Maya’s eyes widened in shock and gratitude. She stood up and hugged Johanna tightly.

Thank you so much, Maya cried. You don’t know how much this means to me.

Johanna patted her back awkwardly, then pulled away.

Don’t make me regret this, Maya. You will work hard, and you’ll stay honest from now on. Got it?

Yes, I promise, Maya said, nodding vigorously.

From that day forward, Maya resumed her work at the restaurant, grateful for the second chance she had been given.

The sun beat down mercilessly on the dusty construction site. Men in worn out clothes and heavy boots shuffled about, carrying bricks, mixing cement, and hauling debris. Among the laborers was Thomas, his shirt soaked through and stained, “Thomas!” called a familiar voice.

Thomas turned to see his friend Lucas walking toward him, wiping his hands on his dusty trousers.

“Lucas,” Thomas said, forcing a faint smile as they stood near a pile of bricks.

I heard what happened to your niece, Maya. Has there been any news about her? Lucas asked.

Thomas sighed deeply,

No, Lucas, he muttered. No words at all. It’s been weeks, and nothing.

I am really sorry, my friend. Kucas said, this must really be a hard time for your family.

“It is,” Thomas admitted. Every day I wake up hoping for her return. He paused, shaking his head. I just pray she’s alive and safe wherever she is.

Lucas nodded slowly, placing a reassuring hand on Thomas’s shoulder. She will turn up, Thomas. Don’t lose hope.

You know Maya is such a good girl, and everyone around here knows her.I will ask some of my friends who are commercial drivers. They see a lot of faces every day. Maybe one of them will spot her.

Thank you, Lucas, Thomas said, I appreciate it. I really do.

Lucas offered a small nod, but the moment was interrupted by a sharp voice booming from above.

Hey! You two, quit standing around and get to work.

Both men turned to see the site supervisor glaring down at them, pointing angrily from a ledge.

We’re sorry, sir, they said in unison. As they returned to work,

The small kitchen was filled with the aroma of simmering stew. Maya stirred the pot while Johanna chopped vegetables at the counter.

So, Maya, Johanna said, glancing over her shoulder with a smile, “what do you aspire to become?

Maya paused, her lips curving into a soft smile as she looked up from the pot.

A fashion designer, she said quietly, but with a spark of excitement in her voice.

Wow, Johanna said, genuinely impressed. That’s an amazing choice. What made you choose that?

Maya’s smile deepened as she set the spoon down, leaning against the counter thoughtfully.

Well, I have always loved fashion. I used to sketch designs in my notebook;dresses, pants, you name it. It made me happy to create something beautiful.

For about four years, I spent my evenings helping out at our neighbor’s small tailoring shop. At first, I would just run errands, but over time, I learned how to sew, how to work the machine, cut fabrics, and stitch patterns together. I’d watch our neighbor work so passionately, turning plain pieces of cloth into something beautiful, and I realized how much joy it brought me, too,

Johanna listened intently, nodding with a smile.

Sometimes, when things are tough, I would sit by the shop window and sketch designs on scraps of paper, dreaming of what could be. I imagined one day having my own place, a grand fashion house, where I could design clothes that make people feel confident, beautiful, and unique. I’d call it Maya’s Threads of Beauty.

I guess this is one of the reasons you left home, Johanna said, her voice gentle. “To chase your dreams, right?”

Maya lowered her gaze, a hint of sadness flickering across her face.

“Yeah. I just couldn’t stay back and do anything. I had to take a chance.

Johanna sighed, placing the knife down. It’s a pity you have to be so far away from your family just to fend for yourself, but seeing how hardworking you are, I know you’ll achieve your dreams.

Maya looked up, her eyes brightening as she smiled.

Thank you so much, Johanna.

Johanna grinned. Don’t mention it. We all have dreams, right?

What about you, Johanna? What do you want to become?

Johanna chuckled as she wiped her hands clean. A grand chef. I want to own my own restaurant someday,

That’s amazing, Maya exclaimed, her face lighting up.

They both laughed, leaning against the counter as they began sharing their dreams in detail.

I will be walking down the runway when my designs are being showcased, Maya said, pretending to strut around the tiny living room. And when they call my name Maya Lucas Antonio, the designer, I will walk out like this!

She dramatically swayed her hips, holding her chin high, which made Johanna burst into laughter.

“Okay, my turn!” Johanna said, pretending to hold a cooking pan. When I’m a famous chef and there’s a cooking show, I will come out like this.

She twirled around and pretended to present a plate of food, mimicking a professional chef’s stance.

Maya clapped, laughing until her sides hurt. The two spent the rest of the evening playfully demonstrating their dreams, sharing stories, and making plans for the future.

As the night grew late, they both retired to Johanna’s small bedroom. Each lay on a separate bed.

“Goodnight, Johanna,” Maya whispered.

“Goodnight, Maya,” Johanna replied softly.

With smiles still lingering on their faces, both girls drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Johanna was quiet for a moment, absorbing everything Maya had shared. Then, with a warm smile, she said softly,

“That’s not crazy at all, Maya. That’s beautiful.”

She leaned closer, placing a comforting hand on Maya’s arm.

You know, I think that’s one of the reasons you left home, right? To chase this dream?

Maya nodded slowly, her voice calm but firm.

Yes. I knew I couldn’t keep waiting for life to happen. I had to take the first step, no matter how hard it was.

Johanna sighed, looking at Maya with admiration.

It’s sad you had to leave your family behind to fend for yourself. But you’re strong and hardworking, Maya. I can see it. And you know what? I believe you will achieve everything you just said.

Maya’s face brightened, her heart swelling with gratitude.

Thank you so much, Johanna. That means the world to me.

Johanna grinned, lightening the mood. Now, if I’m going to own a grand restaurant, and you’re going to run ‘Maya’s Threads of Elegance,’ we’ll need to celebrate our success together someday.

They both laughed as Maya pretended to walk the runway, announcing,

And now presenting Maya Dawson, the designer behind Threads of Hope.

Johanna joined in, holding an imaginary tray of food.

And here comes Chef Johanna, serving her five-star cuisine.

Their laughter filled the room, echoing dreams and hope into the night. Later, as they lay on their separate beds, ready to rest, Johanna whispered into the quiet air,

“Goodnight, Maya.

“Goodnight, Johanna,” Maya replied softly.

And for the first time in a while, Maya closed her eyes with a smile, knowing that someone believed in her dreams.

The room was drenched in dim, colorful lights, flashes of red and blue. The VIP section was alive with energy, music pounding so loudly it shook the floor beneath Riccardo's feet. He sat lazily on a leather couch, a glass of whiskey swirling in his hand.

Around him were strippers dancing, their bodies glistening under the low lights, as one gave him a shoulder massage. Riccardo’s shirt was undone, expensive chains resting against his chest as he grinned lazily, intoxicated.

Cash fluttered like confetti as he sprayed bills into the air, letting them rain over the strippers' bodies.

The chaotic celebration seemed endless until his phone rang, cutting through the music like a sharp blade. Riccardo frowned, pulling the device from his pocket, his smile disappearing instantly. The name on the screen was enough to shift his entire demeanor.

He signaled sharply to the strippers. Stop. All of you, out. He barked.

The strippers exchanged glances as they collected the money on the ground. “Now,” he barked.

Riccardo, still holding the glass of whiskey, stood. He downed the remaining alcohol in one long gulp, his jaw tense. Without another word, he grabbed his jacket, pushed through the VIP curtains, and walked out into the night, entering his car and zooming off.

As Riccardo stepped inside, his mother, Laura, emerged from the living room, smiling warmly as she approached him.

Riccardo, you’re back, she said, not noticing his uneasy expression. Come, we have something important to discuss.

Please, Mom, not now, Riccardo muttered, avoiding eye contact as he moved past her. “I had a long day and I need to rest.

Laura’s smile faded as she turned to follow him. Riccardo, are you okay? Come back here.

“Mom, I am fine,” he said firmly, walking up the stairs, ignoring her.

The door slammed shut behind him as Riccardo threw his suit jacket onto the bed with force. Growling under his breath, he slammed his fists onto the mattress, punching it repeatedly as if trying to release his frustration.

Breathing hard, he walked to the drawer near his bed. Pulling it open, his hand emerged holding a sleek, black gun. The cold metal sat heavily in his palm as he stared at it.

He picked up his phone again, dialing a number sharply.

You fool, Riccardo hissed when the line connected, his voice low and venomous. How could you let him escape?

I'm sorry, boss, the voice stammered on the other end. We were keeping an eye on him, I swear. I don’t know how he managed to untie himself and run away.

Riccardo clenched his jaw, his grip on the gun tightening. I don’t have time for your stupid excuses. Fix this. Or you will pay with your life.

Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call, still holding the gun in his hand.

“Riccardo?”

The voice startled him. His mother’s voice.