Chapter Five: Navigating Uncertainty 

Kaida

"So, how did it go?" Meredith bounced on the couch, tucking her legs underneath her, her eyes burning with curiosity, and an optimistic grin playing on her lips. "You nailed the interview, didn't you?" 

I responded with a slow nod, my lips clenched.

"Yippee!" Meredith squealed in excitement, punching the air with her fist. "You got the job! I'm so happy for you," she gushed. 

I gave her a bland look, which eventually forced her to stop her jubilation. 

Her smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "What?"

 I sighed. The question "Are you that eager to get rid of me?" hovered on the tip of my tongue, but I reconsidered voicing it. After all, she was only looking out for me in the best way she could. She had been generously hosting me in her apartment, despite my not contributing financially. I felt a sense of shame and guilt about that. "It's only on probation," I said instead, in a dry tone. "It's uncertain whether I'll be retained." 

Meredith furrowed her brows. "Why would you think so? Don't doubt it, Kaida. That job is yours. There's no opposition."

I roll my eyes heavenward, trying not to interpret Meredith's effusive reaction as insincere or motivated by ulterior motives. She's a good friend, and I push aside any doubts about her intentions.

"Sure." I nodded, forcing a smile, and rose from my seat to check on the dinner I was preparing. That was as much as I could do while staying here - doing chores until her arrival from work. I had arrived earlier than Meredith from Ragnar's today and had put the time to use while my brain anxiously ticked off the countdown to my resumption tomorrow morning.

My encounter with Kai had left my heart pounding until I reached home. He rubbed me the wrong way, and I couldn't understand why. I detested him. I hissed through clenched teeth as I imagined his rude face, wishing I could bash it in with my fist and teach him some basic manners.

 I blew air up my nose, muttering a sharp curse under my breath, directed at Kai. Lost in my reflection of our meeting, I didn't realize I had reached the kitchen and stubbed my big toe against the island. Thankfully, the pain was mild, and I hadn't injured it worse. I curled my injured toe and flexed it to alleviate the pain.

I grabbed one of the kitchen mittens and opened the pot's lid. Steam surged into my face, accompanied by a tantalizing smell that evoked a smile and a rumble in my stomach. "Dinner is ready," I announced to Meredith over my shoulder, turning off the gas. 

Meredith clapped with delight, coming over to join me in the kitchen.

"Aren't you going to change?" I inquired as we worked in tandem setting the table, angling my chin in her direction.

 Meredith had plopped down on the couch the moment she arrived from work, eager for more details about my interview. She had been weary from her day at work, but her expression had brightened at the prospect of hearing the gist.

 I still couldn't fathom how a simple "How was your day?" had led me to deviate from my plan to fill her in on the details later, after she had showered and relaxed. Sometimes, my mouth could be loose.

"I'll change after dinner. I'm starving," she groaned, rolling her eyes and gesturing for me to serve quickly.

 As we began eating, Meredith asked a question, hiccuping softly into her fist before washing down her food with water. I hadn't caught what she said earlier, so I paused until she set her cup down and repeated the question. "So, when are you resuming?" 

"Tomorrow morning," I replied. 

Her eyes widened in surprise. "That soon? Good," she said, nodding approvingly. "What about the pay?" 

"We haven't discussed it yet," I answered. At that, Meredith narrowed her eyes, giving me a skeptical look. "You know me, girl," I drawled, my mouth curling into a smirk. "I wouldn't wager myself to the devil without knowing the exact price."

 "A taxingly high price," Meredith stated matter-of-factly, pointing one finger in my direction.

 "Zero shit. They're loaded, and if they're as mean as they're rumored, the pay's gotta be enough to be worth my time." 

"That's my girl!" Meredith cheered.

We resumed eating for a few minutes before Meredith posed another question. "But you ought to have talked about the pay first. What was the point of the interview then and asking you to resume tomorrow?" Her eyes narrowed again with that look that questioned if I truly knew what I was doing. 

I twitched my mouth, reanalyzing the earlier evening. Meredith was right. However, the moment had been overwhelming. One moment, I was furious about his contempt of my inherent disability, with my mind clearly written off working for them. The next, he took me by storm with his words. My brain had sort of maxed out on emotions, and intelligence seemed to have deserted me in that moment. Calculations ran in my head at the prospect of securing a high-paying job, yet I had skipped the most crucial aspect before agreeing to resume: inquiring about the pay.

"You ensure they clearly outline the job requirements and compensation before you start working. Understood?" 

I scoffed dryly. "Of course, I'd do that." As if I would provide my services without pay. I was heading to their house tomorrow morning, fully prepared. I had been thrown off balance by both brothers I met earlier today. I needed to maintain my composure if I was to survive working with them until I could achieve financial stability. 

However, one thing was clear: regardless of the high pay for the position I was about to fill, I would still be tied to them for months, given the magnitude of my debts. So, you understand my predicament, right? I couldn't afford to forget to discuss that crucial matter with the Ragnar Brothers, or rather, my potential employers, tomorrow. 

I made a mental note to bring up that topic first thing, following greetings. 

Let's cut to the chase. What's the pay range?

 I nodded in approval, ideas swirling in my head as I contemplated the scenarios that would unfold tomorrow.

I finished my meal mechanically, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of my new job. I felt tense, anxious, and excited all at once. I was about to embark on a challenging situation with my adversary. I hoped I wouldn't emerge more scarred than I anticipated. 

"Kaida!" Meredith's voice startled me.

 I jumped, losing my grip on the plate I was rinsing. The plate splashed, spilling water from the sink onto the floor. "What?" I gasped. "You scared me." 

Meredith studied me with a thoughtful expression, her mouth pursed in concern. 

"What is it?"

 "Is your heart not in this job? You've never liked them from the start, so I understand your reservations..." 

"How I feel doesn't matter, Meredith," I interjected. "I need the job, and as long as it pays better than my part-time jobs combined, I'm in." 

"But..." Meredith began to protest. 

I shook my head, interrupting her. "No buts. Working with them is a financial opportunity I desperately need. I'll deal with the challenges that come with it when I encounter them."

Meredith's expression turned resolute, her eyes locking onto mine. "Are you certain about this? Don't hesitate to reconsider; if you find the job is more than you can handle, quit immediately, okay?" 

I smiled appreciatively, feeling a warmth in my heart at her words. "Alright, Mom." 

Meredith rolled her eyes good-naturedly, chuckling. I laughed along with her, feeling some of the tension dissipate from my shoulders.

 The day had drawn to a close, its challenges successfully navigated. Tomorrow would present its own set of trials, but I was ready. I would face whatever came my way, undaunted by life's difficulties. 

I had come too far to falter now. Bring it on, future bosses. Until tomorrow morning, then.