Chapter 4. The Job Hunt

I was not in the mood to continue with the job hunt anymore and returned home. It was unusual, and my mother, who was knitting in the parlor, was surprised to see me.

Instantly, she asked me, "Why are you back so early?"

"Nothing," I answered her curtly and walked to my room.

She was not pleased with my mood or response and got up lazily. She walked slowly to my room and stood by the door. Presently, I was lying on the bed in low spirit and facing the ceiling. She observed me for a while before she sat down.

"Do you want us to talk about anything, Son?" She asked me.

I felt useless to myself and my family. Therefore, I closed my eyes and allowed my tears to run down my cheeks.

"Why are the jobs not forthcoming?" I asked in despair.

"It will come if you are patient. If I may ask, have you tried the local bar and resort?" She encouraged me and asked.

I looked in her direction and answered her, "No, Mom."

"Why not? You can give it a try. Who knows, you may be lucky."

"The problem I have with such places is that the pay is little and the work is so demanding." 

"I know but you can start with it while searching for a better place."

"I got it, Mom," I responded.

"By the way, why did you return early from the gold field?"

"There is no job for me there," I answered her dismissively and changed the discussion.

Afterward, we discussed other things, and my mom laughed happily. I was happy that she was stable.

"Come, let's prepare lunch together," she requested and got up.

"It's all right. I will be with you shortly," I promised her and got up.

She walked out of my room and I began to change my clothes. When I was through, I joined her in the kitchen. We were chatting and preparing the lunch with glee when my father, who had left home the previous night, drove into the compound, and my mother's mood changed. At that point, I felt like killing him for causing my mother so much pain.

Not minding how she felt, he got out of his car with a pack of food which was in a beautiful but expensive shopping bag. He got into the house and without looking in our direction, he walked to his room. 

Nevertheless, the smell in the atmosphere changed to cigarettes and different kinds of female and male cologne.

I looked at my mother's face and it was covered with pain.

"Everything will be fine, Mom. Just a little more patience," I urged her with the determination to visit the local bar and resort that evening and take up any job. 

It had been my father's habit to return with his meal every day, and I suspected that the ladies usually buy that for him, just to win his heart. Besides, our food no longer befits his new status. He would eat his food in his room and rest to his heart's content in preparation for the evening job. That had been his routine since he openly engaged in the sex trade.

My mother and I had our lunch and left Eugenia's own for her. Thereafter, I returned to my room while my mother did the same thing. I began to write my application for the resort. While I was doing that, I remembered Mr. Zenith and felt like throwing up.

"What was he up to? Pervert," I cursed him and continued with my application.

I applied for the position of a janitor, just to be far away from my boss and patronizers. After that, I rested for a while before I began to dress up. A few minutes before 4 PM, I was set. I got out of my room and headed to my mother's room to inform her that I was leaving.

At the same time, my father walked out of his room. His high-quality cologne and perfume wafted into my nostrils and announced his presence. When he appeared, he was stylishly and impeccably dressed. His sophisticated and fashionable wears were able to tantalize any woman.

"Good evening, Dad," I greeted him without expecting any response.

As usual, he ignored me and walked out of the parlor. I shrugged my shoulder and walked to my mother's room all the same to inform her that I was set to leave.

She opened her eyes slowly and asked me, "Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes, Mom. Eugenia will be back soon to stay with you."

"It's okay. I pray that you get the job."

"Thank you for your prayers, Mom."

"You are welcome."

"I will be back," I said and took a step.

"It's all right."

The Mining Field

After Julius left, Mr. Zenith was angry with himself for not controlling his emotions before him. He was carried away by his look which reminded him of Denise, his first love. He was despondent and his mind traveled down memory lane.

Eight years ago, to hide their relationship from society, they often met in the field to explore precious stones. They would end up having beautiful moments with each other and the experiences were unforgettable.

Their love for each other and their dream of a better life in the future made them work harder, and they discovered gold earlier than they could imagine.

"We made it, Denise!" he exclaimed.

Denise was euphoric and shouted, "Yes. Reuben. I'm happy for us."

For the first time, Denise hugged and kissed him. He was elated and looked into his eyes. They locked eyes for some seconds before he tapped his back and walked to the other workers.

"Thank you for your time. You can close for the day. Denise and I will round up for the day," he said to them dismissively.

Without suspecting anything, they appreciated him for the gesture one after the other, "Thank you, Boss."

"You, are the best, Boss."

He smiled and watched them walk away happily. He returned to Denise who was sitting on a tree trunk and sexually tensed.

"I'm here for you, Denise," he looked into his sexy eyes and said.

Denise smiled seductively and looked around.

"We are alone, dear" he assured him and allayed his fear.

Denise was happy to hear that and leaped closer to him. He encouraged him, held him tighter, and requested, "Do whatever you wish to do with me."

He was thrilled. He kissed him deeply and he reciprocated. Then, he looked into his eyes and whispered to him, "I have been thinking of your lovely body all day and imagining many things."