Chapter 9

Emily tossed on her bed as she struggled to get some sleep. It was past midnight and all she could think of was how to get a job and pay her bills that would be due soon.

She ruffled her blanket and threw it over her face in a bid to get some sleep. It was pointless, because the moment she closed her eyes, the different disturbing thoughts swung in.

Finally, she sat up and picked up a bracelet that laid on her bedside stool. It was gold, with glitters that shined so bright even in the dark.

That was the last present she had gotten from her parents before the accident that claimed their lives on her birthday.

Her mother had entered her room by 6:am in the morning, with a little heart shaped cake and a candle on top of it.

“It’s your big day my love, make a wish”, her mother had said to her with a bright smile that made her heart elated.

She blew off the candle a minute later after which she was pulled into a warm hug.

Her father who had been watching them from the door trudged forward and joined the hug, placing calm kisses on her cheeks and digging his hands into her hair.

“We have a present for you. You may see it as a mere gift, but then, it’s a good luck charm”, her mother had said and brought out the beautiful bracelet.

“This is beautiful”, Emily giggled and took hold of it as though it was the most fragile thing she had ever laid her hands on.

“As long as you have it, everything would be good for you”, her mother said in conclusion and drew her in for another hug.

That was the last heart warming conversation she had with her parents and inasmuch as it’s been years, she couldn’t deny the fact that the scar was still fresh and new.

“I miss you both so much”, she said as she sniffed hard and glared at the bracelet.

“Is the good luck charm still working? I need a job badly”, she muttered to herself as she looked at the bracelet as though it held answers to her questions.

She dropped it back on the stool and cuddled herself up on the bed, deciding to shut her brain to worrisome thoughts.

The next second, she drifted off to sleep, with a visible look of worry and pain on her face.

She woke up the next morning to the chirping of birds and the loud noise coming from the street where she lived.

She lived in a neighborhood that was so noisy, littered with uneducated and poor individuals, who engaged in different things to survive.

That was the only part of the city she could afford and she was glad it had a roof to protect her from sun and rain.

“Good morning Emily”, she said to herself, yawning aloud and jumping off her old and creaky bed.

She walked over to a part of her room where she wrote her daily affirmations and goals. A smile made it’s way to her face as she reminded herself that she was hardworking and unique.

She stretched her hands towards the table and picked up a sticky note and pen.

“Get a job today”’ she wrote and placed it on the wall.

She had no idea of how to go about it, but deep down, she was willing to give it a try.

She walked into the bathroom and had a quick shower after which she settled for a breakfast of coffee and sandwich.

She picked up her laptop and scrolled through different pages that updated vacancies in various companies or establishments.

She scrolled through each of them as anxiety engulfed her.

Most of the vacancies she saw were above her level as the requirements were nothing close to who she was.

She sighed in frustration as her phone vibrated, indicating a call.

“Hi Ariana”, she said calmly.

“I’m so sorry about yesterday’s event”, Arianna said from the other end of the call.

Ariana was Emily’s colleague in the restaurant where she previously worked in. She was one person who tried to motivate her during days when she felt extremely sad and worthless.

“It’s fine”, Emily replied as she fought the tears that threatened to fall off her eyes.

“There’s an opening for a job somewhere”, Ariana informed, making Emily sit up abruptly.

“Where?” Emily asked hurriedly.

“I would send you the details. Rumors has it that it’s from one of the richest men in the city. The pay is really considerable too. Take a look and give it a try”, Ariana encouraged while Emily smiled in elation.

“Thank you so much”, she replied and ended the call.

The next minute, her phone beeped and she saw a notification from Ariana.

She took in a deep breath as she went through the details of the job.

“A maid?” She asked herself, almost screaming in shock.