Chapter 5

A few weeks later, Ariel walked to the lecture hall, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on a familiar figure walking ahead of her.

“Stacy!” She called, waving.

The girl in question grinned, her ginger curls bouncing with each step she took. Stacy was Ariel’s only friend aside from Daniel.

“Do you have a minute?” Ariel smiled as she stopped in front of her.

“For you? Always.” Stacy replied. “You okay? You look kinda… tense”

“I’m fine.” Ariel replied quickly. “I just wanted to ask you something. Do you think you could help me find a part time job?”

Stacy blinked, then broke into a mischievous smile. “Oh my goodness, Ariel. Is that why you're so tense?”

Ariel nodded. “Kinda. I didn’t know how to ask you about it.”

“We're friends, so feel free to ask for my help with anything. I never hesitate to ask you to help me when I need help, do I?”

“That’s true,” Ariel admitted with a smile. “You had no problem asking me to proofread your entire sociology assignment at 3 AM last month.”

“Exactly! And you came through like a champ.” Stacy said, playfully nudging Ariel’s shoulder. “That’s what friends do.”

Ariel stared at the floor nervously. She wasn’t used to asking others for assistance. When things got tough after her dad died, she learned to be self sufficient, to figure things out on her own rather than burden others with her problems.

“So, you finally decided to join the workforce?” Stacy added, curiosity evident in her voice.

Ariel gave a small laugh. “Yeah… something like that.”

“Is everything okay at home?” Stacy’s expression was filled with concern. “I know moving back with your mom and stepdad was a big change.”

Ariel hesitated. “It’s complicated. I just need some financial independence and something to keep me outdoors, that’s all.”

“Well… you're in luck. My uncle owns a few businesses around town. One of them is this bar and casino… don't freak out! And they're looking for someone to help out in the evenings.”

Ariel hesitated, her brows furrowed. “A casino?”

“Relax, you're not working at the casino, just the bar. You know, serving drinks… nothing shady. I work there too, so you're safe.” She nudged Ariel playfully. “You'll get to see my awesome face all the time.”

“I don’t know, Stacy. What if I mess up?”

“Everyone messes up their first few shifts,” Stacy shrugged. “I dropped an entire bottle of expensive wine on my second night.”

“That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.” Ariel said with a nervous laugh.

“The point is, they’re understanding. Plus, the tips are amazing on weekends.”

Ariel was quiet for a moment before saying, “I'm very surprised, I didn't expect to find a job this fast.”

“Perks of knowing people in high places,” Stacy said with a wink. “Seriously though, I'll talk to the manager. If he says yes… and trust me, he will… you could even start tonight. I'll text you the details after class.”

“Tonight?” Ariel’s eyes widened. “That’s really soon.”

“No time like the present! Besides, we have a big poker tournament tonight, so we could use the extra hands.” Stacy checked her watch. “Shoot, I’m going to be late for Professor Wilson’s lecture. That man locks the door exactly two minutes after class starts.”

“Thank you, Stacy. Really.” Ariel said sincerely.

“Don't mention it.” Stacy threw an arm around her shoulders. “Just promise you won’t ditch me once you get rich.”

“Chill, it's only a part time job, not a million dollar contract.”

“You never know,” Stacy grinned.

“Right, because bartending is such a gateway to stardom.” Ariel rolled her eyes.

“Hey, you’d be surprised what connections you can make in that place.” Stacy insisted.

They laughed together as they walked to their various classes.

_____

**FLASHBACK**

A few weeks ago, Ariel sat on the couch at home, her ankle propped up on a cushion and a warm cup of tea in her hands. Her mother sat on a small stool, applying ointment on Ariel’s foot.

“You're not going back to the dorm, are you?” Her mother asked softly.

Ariel glanced up. “Mom, we both agreed I'd go back once my ankle is healed. So why are you asking that?”

“We don't live very far from your college, besides Daniel goes from home.” Susan paused, her hand resting on Ariel’s foot. “I just miss having you here. You've changed so much…”

“You've got Richard though.”

Her mom sighed softly, focusing intently on the ankle. “Richard works late most nights. The house feels empty without you.”

“Is everything okay between you two?” Ariel asked carefully.

Susan looked away. “We’re fine. Marriages have their ups and downs.”

“You don’t seem happy, mom.”

“I understand if you don’t wanna stay.” Her mother said, deliberately changing the subject.

Ariel understood her mom didn’t wanna talk about him. She was no stranger to the fact that her mom doesn’t love Richard. Ariel didn’t want to pry, didn’t want to force her mother to talk about it if she didn’t want to. Ever since her dad died, her mom stopped smiling as much as she used to. So if moving back here would make her mom happy, then fine.

“I’ll move back,” Ariel said after a long silence. “I don’t want you to be lonely. But promise you’re gonna at least try to accept Richard. He loves you, even with all his flaws, it's clear that he does.”

Susan’s eyes lit up, she got up and hugged Ariel gently. “Thank you, baby. You have no idea how happy I am right now.”

“And?” Ariel pulled back, staring at her mom.

“And I’ll try to make things work with Richard.”

“Alright now you can hug me.” Ariel laughed, opening her arms wide.

Even though Ariel didn’t say it out loud, a part of her also craved the comfort of home, and she missed spending time with her mom.

**END OF FLASHBACK**