CHAPTER 6: New Work

"Do you really want to do this? If not, you can just stay here. Well, I suggest you stay here. I don't want you to go anywhere if you are not still fine. You know me." Haria tried to stop me and convince me I should just stay here in the condo. It's not like I will leave her alone here. I just need to do this for myself, for us.

"I am fine, don't worry. I will be right back safe, I will just find some jobs out there. I don't want to be a burden to you," I replied. She smiled weakly, seems like she's not that convinced either.

"You will never be," she said and sighed. "Fine, if you really want to go, let me drive you in the first place you planned to go." She told me and then took her purse to the sofa. I nodded my head, finally, after some hours of stopping me. I did it.

"Okay, thank you."

"For you," she replied before opening the door. Her condo was on the 8th floor of the building. It will be hectic for us to use the stairs since one of the elevators is in maintenance. There are two here, and we will wait for it to open so here we are standing in front of it.

"You know what? I did some research and found out that the asshole who tried to hurt you went to jail 5 years ago for the same reason. And when Gray already talked to him, we can surely put him in jail once again easily." Haria suddenly brings up the topic while we are waiting. I looked at her, I didn't really know what to respond. The memory is still vivid, however, I don't want to lay in my bed and cry all day since it will not bring me money and food to eat. I don't want to die yet, I have been through a lot these days. I think every situation makes me stronger over time. And I want to use those bad experiences to become more efficient and productive in life.

There is still pain.

But the only thing I can always lean on is myself. I don't want to tell Haria all of my problems even though she said she's willing to listen and understand, even help me. However, there is something in me that I don't want to do. I don't know, many I just used on being alone. And she also has some problems, I don't want to add some more on her shoulder.

"Oh sorry, I think you don't want to talk about that now. Don't worry, it will be all fine. Just be careful from now on, okay? I know it's not your fault in the first place, I am just worried," she said while looking at me with those worried eyes. I smiled and nodded my head.

"Don't worry, I will do my best." I told her even though I don't know what is really the best.

"I know, you always do." After saying that, we both looked at the elevator once it stopped and walked inside when it's open.

"Take this."

While we were inside, she handed me a…pepper spray?

"But—" I tried to protest since I think I don't need it but she stopped me with a glare.

"Stop. You need this, I don't want to see you running again, crying, you already gone through a lot so you need to protect yourself now. You see, there are many bad guys out there trying to take advantage of women. And we, women, need to be more cautious about our surroundings. So take this, display it there in your bag so no one will not ever try to touch you. You got a magic pepper spray." She tried to joke around but I couldn't help but smile. I know she's worried, and I am thankful for all of her help.

"Thank you, Haria," I said and I meant it. Before we could get emotional there, the elevator had already stopped. We are already here in the lobby, my eyes were looking straight and I don't know if I just had some hallucinations or what but I think I saw that person. Why is this happening to me? I don't want to see him anymore nor have some conversation with him once again. I know he helped me once, and I am so grateful for that. However, I want it to end there.

"Hey, you okay? I told you, if you are not still you should go ba—" she did not finish what she was about to say when i looked at her and smiled.

"I just remembered something, don't worry I am fine. There is nothing to worry about." I held her hand and pulled her for a hug. Well, one of the reasons is to hide myself if it was really him. What is he doing here by the way? I hope I am just really having mild hallucinations since I am taking medicine these days to keep myself calm.

"Fine, let's go?" I nodded my head when she invited me. We went to the parking lot to take her car and then she drove me to one of the coffee shops where I am planning to submit my resume. Once we reached the place, I told Haria to go first since she needs to go and work. I don't want her to be late. I know I can do this, it's just me and myself once again. I was about to take the poster where they were looking for a staff when someone grabee it first. I looked at her and saw that she was working there based on her uniform, she's looking at me innocently with her confused eyes. I tried to posture myself before speaking.

"Hello, are you still looking for a part timer?" I asked.

"Uh…" she started, I don't know why she didn't want to speak as if she was shy about it. "We don't need one anymore, I already got in and my boss told me to take this away. I am sorry," I bit my lips once I heard it from her. I think this coffee is not the one for me though.

"Okay, thanks." She smiled before going inside after that. I sighed and took a look at the paper I was holding. These are the lists of places where I can go and find a job. The first one got eliminated. I hope there is just one here who could accept me.

I spent my day walking around, going to places I think I can apply. Some took my resume but some did not, they said they wanted an experience but a graduate one. Once I got tired of walking, I went inside a restaurant to ask for water. The guard open the door for me with a smile on his face.

"Good morning, ma'am!" He happily greeted me, I think he's only in his 20's. Well, he seems to love his job so much. And because he looks approachable, I tried to ask him.

"Hey," I called him, trying to get his attention.

He turned around at me. "Yes, ma'am?" He asked.

"Do you know who's the owner of this restaurant? Are they still accepting staff? Applicants? Any work," I asked him. He stares at me directly in the eye before smiling brightly and I hope that smile says it's a yes.

"Yes, I know they are looking for a waitress. You can ask for it at the counter. By the way, I am Nicko." He offered me his hands. I looked around first before accepting it since I don't think it's appropriate for him to talk to other people and even offer a hand while he is on the job. This restaurant looks so expensive. There are only a few customers, they look elite.

"Ariadne," I replied, telling him my name. "Thank you for the help," I smiled at him before walking straight to the counter. "Hi," I greeted the lady who was cleaning the table.

"Hello, ma'am! How may I help you?" She asked.

"Hmm. I am just wondering, how can I apply here as a waitress. The guard there, Nicko. Nicko told me that they are still accepting applicants, can you tell me?" I asked.

"Yes, yes. Take a seat first, I will just call the manager." She gestured to me to sit first which I did and then she walked inside the room where I think the manager was. A waiter gave me some water while I was waiting there. I think this restaurant has a very considerate and kind approach for every customer that will go inside, or even not customers. They served well. I would be happy to work here if ever.

"Miss?" After about 2 minutes, she called me again. This time, telling me to go with her. "Manager is here, you can talk to her." She then pointed to the room where we stopped. My heart pumped faster, I don't know if I should go inside. I got traumatized by this kind of scene, I don't know who is the one I will see behind this door. My mind went back when she patted my shoulder. I did not know that she is still here with me. "Don't worry, she is kind. You can go now, don't be nervous. I already told her about your purpose for coming here," she told me. I nodded my head and mouthed 'thank you' before taking a deep breath.

I counted for 5 second more to prepare and opened the door. I saw a very fine lady sitting in a swivel chair and was in front of her computer. She was so gorgeous, her red lipstick made her more stunning along with her red outfit. I think she likes that color very much.

"Are you just standing there and observing me? Come here and take a seat." My eyes widened as she started speaking, even her voice was so sweet but a very intimidating and powerful one.

"Ahm, no. Thank you," I said before going in front of her table and sitted. I then handed her my resume, she first examine it before taking a glance at me.

"So, you want to apply as a waitress, are you?" She asked.

I smiled at her first. "Yes, ma'am. I am willing to do anything you ask me to do, I am a responsible and a hard working one. I am also a fast learner so I think I can learn things here in a very short time. Just please give me a chance, and I will make sure not to disappoint you with my performance." I confidently said, I need to grab this opportunity to talk to the high personnel now. Hoping that she was not finding it rude. She was just nodding her head the whole time I was speaking. I bit my lips and can't help but to tap my finger above my lap because of nervousness.

"Okay," she started. I gave her my all focus to hear what she will say about it, "I like your confidence so I will allow you to work here for one week and I will definitely monitor your performance and if you failed for what you have just said right now. I will not be going to give you a chance anymore, are you into this challenge, Miss Gabriel?" She asked. I don't know if I will be happy by it or it will sound threatening for me but no, I need to grab this now. I need to do my best.

"Yes! I will do my best!" I told her. It was nice to have a job, even though I am not sure yet but I will try to make this possible for me. I don't want to make myself look like a fool for not even doing what I have told her.

"Then you can start tomorrow, I guess, see you at 7 o'clock sharp," she said and stood up. I followed her until she offered me her hand which I gladly accepted right away.

I think this is the start to move forward.