Chapter 2

• “Who’s there?” Ivy moved out of the room into their somewhat dated-looking sitting room to get the door.
• She had earlier given Mrs. Smith her evening dose of medications and left her to sleep, so she knew it wasn't her knocking.
• “Is anybody there?” she questioned again, seeming a little scared.
• Getting no answer, Ivy turned back to her room, “ I guess that knock wasn't from here, I must have been too carried away in my thoughts,” she said to herself as she dragged her feet back to her room.
• But the knock came again, louder than the first time. Ivy hurried to unlock the door.
• “ Dad? Where have you been for two days now?” she queried, “And you’re drunk again,” she added.
• “Move away and let me in,” Mr. Smith said, staggering and unable to control himself.
• “This is not fair…I mean mum’s health is in bad state and this is all you've been up to?” she cried, trying to pick her words.
• “You are not even helping matters. Yes, I know that seeing your business crash hasn't been easy for you, but this won't help us in anyway, we’ve got to move forward,” she added, instantly irritated at how her father had changed.
• Mr. Smith used to be extremely passionate about improving the future for his family, but now, he has not just become a shadow of himself, but indifferent to life in general.
• As expected, Ivy got no response as Mr. Smith was already dozing off. She was left with no choice but to help him in.
• “Get up, let’s go in,” she said trying to pull him up from the floor.
• He got to his feet gradually, stumbling a little, but with Ivy's assistance, he was steadied enough. She took him to the sitting room where she allowed him spend the night.
• Going back into her room, Ivy was optimistic that things will improve as time passes. She spent her night thinking about all the different ways she could make money and recalling how her father had spent so much money on her to complete her university degree, but she had never landed a well paying job.
• Her income from running errands and menial jobs only helped her pay one or two bills at a time, and it was never enough.
• Like every other night , she picked up her phone and browsed through her mail while stretching herself on her bed.
• “Hm, same old shit,” she whispered to herself as she scrolled through the mails and found lots of rejected job applications.
• She nodded off to sleep while going through her phone.
• ************
• Ivy was awakened by the sound of her phone ringing loudly at 7:45 a.m., the following morning. Though still in slumber, she made blind-folded movements on the bed, as she attempted to find her phone as it rang.
• “Good morning, Am I on to Ivy Smith?” on the other end of the phone, a female voice inquired.
• Appearing to be more conscious rather than drowsy, “Yes please, how may I help you?” she asked.
• “Okay, great! This is from The Shield Limited,
• I'm calling to let you know that you've met all the requirements for the position after reviewing your application and certifications,” the voice at the other end stated.
• “You…you mean I’m getting the job?” Ivy, who was overjoyed and at a loss for words, asked. This time, she was already fully awake.
• “Yes Miss, You are to arrive at the office by 9 a.m. to pick up your employment letter and begin working right away,” the lady insisted.
• “Wow! Alright Miss. Thank you,” Ivy said happily.
• As soon as the call went off, she hurriedly went to the shower to take her bath and make preparations to start off her day.
• She never imagined that she would receive the job, especially not from Shield Limited, so her excitement was indescribable.
• “Ivy, what are you up to?” Her mother asked as she walked in on her.
• “Good morning Mum. I hope you had a good sleep?” she answered, inadvertently dismissing her mother's inquiry.
• “I did, did you sleep well? You look so happy today,”
• She noted, slowly grabbing a space on her Ivy’s small bed to sit, watching her get dressed and apply some makeup on.
• “I slept well Mum. I was going to stop by your room to see how you were doing and inform you that I received a call this morning from one of the organizations I interviewed with, asking me to come pick up my job letter and begin working right away,” she glanced at the mirror and remarked, putting some lipstick on.
• “Really? That's a great news, good luck my dear Ivy,” she said.
• “Thank you mum, please take care of yourself. I'll see you when I get back, do not hesitate to call me if there is an emergency,” Ivy replied, feeling concerned.
• Mrs. Smith giggled and said, “I am no child and I can care for myself, just that I'm sick…and also getting old and weary.”
• “ No mum, you are not old,” Ivy insisted, giving her mum a quick smile.
• “Alright! I agree. It’s time to go so you don't run late,” her mum replied.
• Rushing out of the house, panting, Ivy had to walk down to the closest bus station to get a cab.
• She finally got a cab and hopped in right away, “I’m heading to The Shield Limited,” she told the cabman.
• “Okay Ma’am,” he replied as he started the car engine.
• “Could you drive a bit fast? I have an appointment to catch up with and I won't want to be late,” she requested.
• “Sure Ma’am, I think I know a shorter route to your destination,” the driver answered nicely.
• “You’re sure? Well that’s fine by me, take whichever route you think is faster,” she replied.
• “Yes Ma’am,” he responded, glancing at her through the front mirror.
• Truly, the route was shorter and in no time they arrived at the main gate to the company.
• “Shit! Oh no!” Ivy exclaimed sadly.