3. New Job

HAZEL:

I continued staring at the rejection letter. I didn't know where to start thinking anymore. My thoughts were in chaos and my whole world was gradually crumbling. At this point, there was nothing that could fix it.

My phone beeped again, distracting me from my thoughts. I didn't bother to check it and just switched off the phone. I needed to look for a job instead of wallowing in self-pity. I had a short bath, dressed up, and went out with my file neatly tucked in my handbag. This time, I wasn't going to apply online or look for a menial job. I was going to check a nice job and I manifested it in my mind. I locked the door, took in a deep breath, and put a smile on my face.

I revisited the hotels I had been to earlier to check if there were any vacancies but as usual, none. I managed to speak to some managers, it turned out they wanted something in return. Something I couldn't give to them. I was so far from home just because I was searching for a nice job. The sun was emitting very hot waves. I felt my skin burning against my clothes. I decided to sit under a shade until I found my strength to continue.

I drank the water I took from home before relaxing my back on the seat. I brought out my phone to check the time because I didn't want the twins to get home before me. I didn't make any food before leaving the house. It was already past twelve. I was about to turn it off again when I caught an interesting message heading. This time, it was directed to my email address. It was from the same company that rejected my application.

"What do they want now after breaking my heart?" I pouted but opened the message anyway. While reading the body of the message, I stood up abruptly. I even forgot my bag was on my lap. It fell to the ground but I care less about what happened to it.

"We, at EltonVille Group of companies, gladly wish to inform you that your application has been accepted and you will be resuming your duties as soon AS POSSIBLE!" I screamed and jumped for joy, almost dropping my phone. I was overridden with joy. This was the best company anyone could get a job and I finally did it. But why did they reject me the first time?

Well, who cares? I screamed and jumped again before picking up my bag and immediately ran back to the house. But then, there were still unanswered questions. Too bad I couldn't send back an email because they didn't ask me to.

I paced around the living room, anxious. What if the second message was a mistake? It clearly stated my name but yet, it could be an error. I couldn't help but worry. I didn't want my excitement to go in vain. I didn't want my hopes to rise only to crash once again to the ground.

Three hours had passed and still, no message from them. I had finished making lunch for my siblings and was now sitting on the couch, facing the blank TV with my phone right beside me. My heart was beating faster than normal.

The moment my phone beeped, my heart skipped a beat. I prayed deeply that it would be another message from the company. Skeptically, I picked up my phone and unlocked it. A ray of smile shone through my face as I saw the heading of the message.

"It is real..." Tears welled up in my eyes as I read the message. I would have to move to California by the weekend so that I could resume my work on Monday.

I heaved a sigh of relief. I wondered how my siblings would take in the news. They would probably be sad that I would be taking them away from the friends they had made but I couldn't leave them here either. Just as I thought about them, they walked in with gloomy faces.

"What's wrong?" I arched a brow, staring suspiciously at them. Daisy plonked to the couch while Zayn walked to the kitchen to get water.

"School sucks sometimes, you know." Daisy rolled her eyes. They kept on blabbing about how bad their day went and how poorly they thought of their classmates.

"So, guys, guess what?" I shrieked, too happy to contain my excitement. There I was thinking how bad they would take the news not knowing that fate was already one step ahead of me.

None of them said anything but just shared short glances between themselves.

"I got a job in California and we will be moving there by this weekend. Saturday to be precise." I beamed.

"We?" Daisy shrieked. "Why can't we just stay here? I know how long it took me to get used to this place and trust me, I'm not ready to start all over." She crossed her arms across her chest.

"Who exactly do you want to stay with?" Zayn inquired from her. She stuck out her tongue at him. He only rolled his eyes and walked to his room.

I heaved. This was exactly what I was scared of.

"I'm sorry, Daisy, but I can't leave you guys here. I hope you understand." I sat beside her and patted her hair.

"I know this is unexpected but it's for a greater cause. We can live the life we've always wanted and get the things we want. We could afford anything we want, dear. Isn't that what you want?"

"Well... If we could do these things you just said, then I have no problem with it. But you owe me big time for this. It's not easy leaving my friends behind." She stood up and walked to her room. I chuckled before standing up. Everything was settled. We could finally go to Cali.

*********

Exiting the terminal building, two black cars were waiting just exactly where I was told it would be. Three hugely built men stood beside the cars, and in their middle, stood a very petite lady with very light blonde hair and a huge smile.

"Are you sure this job is legit? I feel scared already." Daisy whispered. I shushed her and faced the lady with a small smile.

"Hello, and welcome to California." She greeted.

"Thank you for picking us up," I replied warmly.

"No problem. It's my pleasure. Now, let's get you settled in."

Our bags were loaded into the back of the car and we were ushered in nicely. The drive to wherever we were going was smooth and relaxing. I could tell the twins enjoyed the journey because of how awed they were by the outer looks of the city. They seemed pretty excited and probably couldn't wait to explore the place.

Finally, we reached our location. It was one of the houses located in a massive estate. I was fascinated by the structure of the houses; they all looked the same but in an elegant way.

"Wait a second, is this where we will be staying?" Zayn's eyes popped out in astonishment.

"Of course, sweetheart. This is your new home. And I know what you must be thinking. It is too expensive and all that but just to let you know, Mr. Elton owns the estate. So, don't feel bothered in any way." The lady spoke fluently.

After which, we were shown around the house. It was better than what I expected. I could never have been able to afford to even though I work ten years of my life.

But, I was still bothered about something.

"Isn't there like an interview or a scenario where I have to meet the HR? I feel like I got this too easily."

"Don't you worry about that, Miss Maxwell. Our boss handpicked you himself. You were able to impress him with your qualifications."

I still wasn't satisfied with her answer and she could tell by my facial expression.

"Let's go shopping for work. You can ask the boss why he chose you when you get to work, yeah?"

"Alright." I raised my sunken shoulder.

I wondered who this boss was. And I hoped he wasn't doing this for something else. I would never trade my pride as a woman for money. What would Daisy and Zayn think of me if they ever found out I did something like that?