O'Connell (Mending His Heart)

Another unsuccessful day

The clock on the living room wall read 6:15 p.m.

Arabella Rose sat on the old sofa, staring at her phone. Her handbag rested beside her, and her feet ached from walking around the city all afternoon.

Another unsuccessful day.

She had visited three different companies, submitted her CV to two offices and received the same response everywhere.

"We'll contact you if there's an opportunity."

She was beginning to hate those words.

At twenty-four, Arabella had graduated with a First Class degree in Business Administration. She had worked hard throughout university, sacrificing sleep and entertainment because she believed that one day, her efforts would pay off.

Yet here she was, months after graduation, still unemployed.

She unlocked her phone and opened her email.

Nothing.

She sighed and dropped the phone onto the sofa.

"God, please. I just need one opportunity," she whispered.

Her stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything since afternoon. She stood up, picked up her handbag and headed towards the kitchen.

Catherine Rose was standing beside the cooker, preparing dinner.

"Good evening, Mum," Arabella greeted quietly.

Catherine glanced at her before returning her attention to the pot.

"You're back."

"Yes, Mum."

"How was your job search today?"

Arabella hesitated.

"Well, I went to three places, but—"

"But what?" Catherine interrupted, turning towards her. "Let me guess. Nothing again?"

Arabella lowered her eyes.

"I was told they'll contact me."

Catherine scoffed.

"Contact you? Arabella, are you not tired of hearing the same thing every day?"

"I am trying, Mum."

"Trying?" Catherine repeated. "What exactly are you trying? You wake up every morning, dress yourself and go outside, only to return with nothing."

Arabella swallowed.

"I submitted my CV to another company today. I'm hoping they'll—"

"Hope? Is hope what we're going to eat in this house?"

Arabella fell silent.

Catherine placed the spoon on the counter and looked at her daughter.

"Sometimes I wonder why things are so difficult with you. Since you graduated, there has been no good news. You're beginning to look like bad luck to this family."

The words struck Arabella harder than she expected.

Bad luck.

She stared at the floor, trying to find something to say, but nothing came out.

"Have you even checked whether there's anything left in the kitchen?" Catherine continued. "Everything is becoming expensive, and I cannot keep doing everything myself."

"I'm sorry, Mum."

"Sorry doesn't solve anything, Arabella."

Arabella nodded slowly.

"I'll check the food."

She opened one of the kitchen cabinets and pretended to be busy. She didn't want her mother to see the tears gathering in her eyes.

She loved Catherine. Despite everything, she knew her mother had struggled since William's death. But sometimes, she wished Catherine would understand that she was struggling too.

She wasn't enjoying being unemployed.

She wasn't happy asking for money whenever she needed something.

And she certainly wasn't happy returning home every day feeling like a disappointment.

After helping her mother arrange the dishes, Arabella returned to the living room.

She picked up her phone again and opened the email application.

Still nothing.

She locked the screen.

"Maybe tomorrow," she whispered.

By 8:30 p.m., the front door opened.

"I'm home!"

Arabella immediately recognised the voice.

Nicholas.

Her twenty-year-old brother walked into the living room, carrying his small backpack. He had just returned from the neighbourhood barbershop where he worked.

"Welcome home, Mr Barber," Arabella said, forcing a smile.

Nicholas looked at her and grinned.

"Ah! My beautiful sister. Have you finally secured that job so you can start sponsoring your favourite brother?"

Arabella laughed.

"You're not serious."

"Of course, I'm serious. I've already planned my future. My sister will become a rich woman, and I'll be enjoying the benefits."

"Go and wash your hands before you start dreaming about my money."

Nicholas laughed and dropped his bag.

"Where's Mum?"

"In the kitchen."

He looked at her again.

"Are you okay?"

Arabella nodded quickly.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Nothing. You just look tired."

"I'm fine, Nick. Just a long day."

He studied her face for a moment before shrugging.

"Alright. But don't forget me when you become a big woman."

"Never."

Nicholas headed towards the kitchen, and Arabella let out a quiet breath.

She was grateful for him.

Nicholas had his own struggles, yet he always found a way to make her laugh. He was protective, sometimes annoyingly so, but she wouldn't trade him for anything.

Later that night, the house became quiet.

Catherine had gone to bed, and Nicholas was already asleep.

Arabella sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the small window beside her.

She had tried so hard to remain positive throughout the day, but her mother's words kept returning to her mind.

Bad luck.

She pressed her lips together.

"Why does everything have to be so difficult?" she whispered.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

She quickly wiped it away, but another followed.

For a few minutes, she allowed herself to cry.

She hated feeling helpless. She hated watching her mother worry about money. Most importantly, she hated feeling as though she wasn't doing enough.

After some time, she reached for the small Bible on her bedside table.

She opened it, read a few verses and closed her eyes.

"God, please don't let me give up. I know things will get better someday. Please give me a chance to make my family proud. I just need one opportunity."

She remained quiet for a moment.

Then she reached for her phone.

It was 11:47 p.m.

She opened her email again, almost expecting to see the same empty inbox.

But something was different.

A new message.

Arabella frowned and sat up straight.

The sender's name caught her attention.

COLE HOLDINGS.

Her heart began to beat faster.

She tapped the email.

Subject: Application Update – Cole Holdings.

Her eyes moved quickly across the screen.

"Dear Miss Arabella Rose,

Thank you for your interest in joining Cole Holdings.

After reviewing your application and qualifications, we are pleased to inform you that you have been shortlisted for an interview.

Your interview has been scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m.

Please arrive on time and come along with the necessary documents.

We look forward to meeting you.

Regards, Human Resources Department Cole Holdings."

Arabella read the email once.

Twice.

Then a third time.

"Wait..."

She covered her mouth.

Was this real?

She checked the sender again to make sure it wasn't a mistake.

It was real.

Cole Holdings had invited her for an interview!

She jumped off the bed, almost dropping her phone in excitement.

"Oh my God!"

She immediately remembered that everyone was asleep and lowered her voice.

A huge smile spread across her face.

For the first time that day, she felt genuinely happy.

She wiped her cheeks and looked towards the ceiling.

"Thank you, God."

She couldn't believe it.

Tomorrow morning, she would walk into one of the biggest companies in the city for an interview.

She didn't know what awaited her there. She didn't know the kind of people she would meet or how much her life was about to change.

All she knew was that she finally had a chance.

Arabella placed her phone on the bedside table and looked at the email one more time.

Tomorrow was going to be different.

At least, she hoped so.