Chapter 3

• “You are fired!”
• Was what my last employer had said to me, after I had messed up again, during orders. It’s been two months since the divorce and though I managed to get some jobs, keeping them seemed way harder.
• I had run into Clint and Astrid a few times as well. They were doing well together and they’d feel relieved knowing that I was struggling all on my own. My family were also upset and had severed their ties with me, because of the decision I had taken.
• My phone rang, and I dipped my hand within my purse to retrieve it. My friend, belle, displayed on the caller Id and I took it.
• “Girl, how was the interview?”
• “I’m not there yet.”
• I was currently on a hunt for another job, at a company. I was going to apply as a cleaner as I heard they had a spot left. A cleaner’s job is not that bad and besides, I heard the manager was generous with paying his employees.
• “Please call me, after the interview. I hope you kill it.”
• A subtle chuckle escaped my lips. An interview for a cleaner’s job? What a joke. I do wonder what they’d asked.
• “Sure.”
• With that, I turned off my cell-phone, as the cab slowed down. We had arrived and from the window, I could see the large company building, just a bit ahead, towering over the city. It’s behemoth size, a sight to behold.
• “We are here.” The cab driver called my attention and as soon as I had paid my fee, I alighted the vehicle, before it sped past me.
• I’m nervous—Beads of sweats breaking out from my palms, while I rubbed them together, in an attempt to dry them. I’ve heard stories about the company and how it was very difficult to get even the easiest job.
• I took in a deep breath, before walking into the large company. The exterior did no justice to the interior, as it felt like a whole other world. Huge and cold, with employees running to their duties.
• “How may I help you?” The beautiful red haired behind the counter asked, her eyes down at her computer.
• She was stressed smartly in a black suit and red bow tie. She had a glass sit at the bridge of her nose, with her head buried into her work.
• “I have an appointment with your boss.” I said with a slight smile on my face, before she looked up and stared at me.
• “And you are?”
• “Amber Reid.”
• She nodded, before pulling out the telephone. After a phone call with whom I’d assume was the boss, she finally smiled for the first time.
• “Take the elevator to the left. You’d find him there.” She said and I thanked her, before heading towards the elevator. With a ding, I took my ascent to the top floor, where the manager’s office was supposed to be.
• “Come in” someone spoke from within, as soon as I knocked on the door with the tag, “The manager’s office.”
• I walked in, sighting a man sitting from behind the desk. By my estimation, it’s likely he was in his forties. His head, slowly lifted to look at me, before he extended his at an empty seat.
• “How may I help you?”
• “I found your poster. You have a spot for a cleaner and I’m interested, sir. I believe I have…”
• “You can’t get the job.” He said and I felt my heart rip. It hurts that I had let my hope up, only to have it dashed to the ground.
• “Why? Did I do something wrong?”
• “On the contrary no.” He replied before he stared at me in pity. “Someone beat you to it an hour ago. There are no vacancies left but we’d inform you, when we do.”
• No—No, No! This can’t be happening! It shouldn’t be happening! My head aches and my heart burns from the rejection. This was my last chance to secure a job and I have failed miserablely. My bills were already through the roof and I was in debts too. Not to mention that my rent was due and I would be kicked out anytime soon.
• “Please…I beg of you. If there is something you can give to me, I would take it. Anything at all. I wouldn’t mind but please, I have no where to go. I have no money and I need a job, please.”
• “Not my problem.” The manager responded with a shrug of his shoulder. He swore a stoic expression as he just stared at me, uninterested in my dilemma. “Thank you for showing interest in working with us, but there is nothing I can do for you. You may leave and when we have a new spot, you will be informed.”
• With a bitter sweet smile, I stood up and thanked him. My happiness had been rubbed again and there was no healing from this rejection. I held back my tears as I headed for the elevator but I knew just how much it hurts…
• As soon as I alighted the elevator, I walked past the receptionist, after thanking her. I was on the verge of breaking down. Life has been and would always be unfair to me. I wondered why I was been treated this way.
• I had suffered enough in my life and I need a break. I wondered why I had to suffer so much while others get things easy. I wondered if I had been cursed. My eyes stung badly and my heart pounded harder within my chest, I feared I would have a panic attack.
• “Mummy! Mummy!!”
• Huh?
• Before I could comprehend what was going on, I felt hands tighten around my waist. I had no idea what was going on but I could feel something rest against my waist, as it applied pressure to it.
• My gaze fell and my brows furrowed in confusion. A small frame, belonging to a boy, tightened it’s hands around me. He was sniffling and I could tell he was in tears.
• “Where did you come from?” I opened my mouth to ask but no words slipped through. Instinctively, I placed my hand on his head and gave him a gentle rub.
• He lifted his gaze to look up at me. “Mummy, where have you been? I missed you.” His cheeks was wet with tears, leaving me even more confused.
• What the hell was going on? Who’s child is this and where did he come from? He looked about seven years old, with features that had a striking resemblance to someone I might have seen.
• He extended his hand and I found myself lifting him off his feet. At that moment, I did not care if he was someone’s child, as my motherly instinct, only wanted to bring him comfort. I wiped the tears while hugging him, let him sniff back tears as he buried his head in my shoulder.
• “Welcome sir.” I turned around in surprise to see the Manager, bowing his head, along with the rest of the employees. They were all facing towards the exit and snapping my gaze back towards the exit, my mouth fell open.
• It was him. The stranger who had caught me by my waist a month ago, standing at the entrance. His hands tucked into his suit, while the ten guards stood behind him as always. I had no idea what was going on…what is he doing here? Has he been stalking me since then?
• “Daddy…” the little boy I was carrying suddenly said and I’m stunned as I notice the ressmblance betweeen the two. “You’ve found mummy!”
• What?!