The next day, I woke up with renowned hope, a shimmer in my eyes as I remembered about last night's job proposal. As I took a bath, yelled at my brother to wake up and made breakfast, I couldn't stop thinking about it!
It was like a dream, like the hand of a savior pulling me out from the depths of sorrow and stress.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an actual chance that could give me and my brother all the support we need to live a better life. No matter what, I can't miss this one.
It just might be my one and only shot.
Thank God, today is Saturday. Two days of no college, or any work shifts.
Pure bliss and relaxation for TWO whole days.
Everyone knows that the weekend is really the only thing that gets you through the weekdays.
Like the reward you earn after winning an intense video game- except, you don't really get second lives or healing potions in this one.
I smiled as I packed my brother's bag with some toys, games and yummy snacks- the ones I had bought from the market for a 10% discount.
Buy 1, get 2 free. A pretty formidable deal.
Today was his playdate with his best friend, who also happened to be the brother of my bestie, named Aria.
Aria was a real sweetheart.
She was loyal, caring and the closest thing I had to for emotional support. Of course, I didn't want to burden her with my problems either.
We were introduced to each other when my parents were still alive, and our friendship had stuck together even after their deaths. She never left my side.
Not for a second.
Unlike those backstabbing 'relatives' of mine who disappeared after my parents' funeral. As if we never existed, never shared a moment together.
They even refused to take us in.
Considered us too 'expensive'.
Guess they forgot all the times my parents helped them, those kind souls that wouldn't mind inviting a stranger in their house to keep them warm from the cold.
I'll never forget how they betrayed us. Those two-faced, good-for-nothing roaches.
Mom, Dad...why did you even bother helping them?
I sighed heavily, swatting those thoughts out of my mind.
I didn't need those people ruining my day the first thing in the morning.
"CALIX! Come here! I've packed your bag!"
My brother stuck his head out the bedroom door, grinned, and emerged outside. He looked so cute in his vibrant little clothes, jet black hair, and sparkling blue eyes, just like mine. He smiled thankfully and grabbed the bag, swinging it over on his shoulders.
"Sister, are you going to stay over at Aria's place too?", he asked me, hope filling his voice.
I hesitated.
My brother hated that I spent so much time, busy with my jobs. How am I supposed to tell him that I'm thinking about getting another one?
I had already messaged my friend, Liam, asking him about the details of the job. We had even agreed to meet later today so that he could wholeheartedly discuss it with me.
It was one of the main reasons that I agreed to leave Calix alone for his playdate at Aria's house.
Not that I didn't trust her...
But after that incident, I was afraid. Afraid of losing someone I loved again.
I looked up at him and gave him a small smile, cupping his cheek,
"I'm sorry, Calix. I have another important meeting today. But I promise, I'll pick you up as soon as I'm done. Got it?'
My heart broke upon seeing his crestfallen face, but the next moment he shrugged and gave an adorable smile.
"Okay!"
I held his hand, leading him outside the door, and locked the apartment. Then, we descended down the stairs, chatting merrily together. It was one of the simple moments I loved.
Soon, we were inside my car, the one I had bought after months of heavy saving, and I started driving. In no time, we reached Aria's house, a place which felt like nothing but home to me.
I knocked on the door.
It flung open, and Aria's younger brother, Aaron, flung himself on Calix, tackling him to the ground with a laugh. I held back my laughter as I watched them roll around on the ground, and entered the house to have a quick talk with Aria before I left for my meet-up with Liam.
"Hey Aria! I'm here!"
That gorgeous goddess looked up from where she was baking cookies on the kitchen counter, and flung herself onto me for a hug.
I chuckled.
Like brother, like sister I guess.
"It's so nice to see you after so many days! You've been so busy with your work and jobs, I was afraid you had forgotten about me.
If you would just let me help you...Please Camellia...you don't need to do everything yourself..."
I sighed. Typical Aria.
Ever since the crash, she's been trying to help us- financially, emotionally, in any way she could. There were times when I was more than ready to accept her offer, but it just didn't feel right to me. Call me stubborn, but I would only accept help when absolutely necessary. I can't bear another debt right now.
"It's alright, Aria", I reassured her, "You've done more than enough. Besides, there's something I need to tell you about. I have a really good feeling about this. I think...I think it can change our lives better for once and for all."
We both sat down on the couch, and I told her everything about the job offer. In the end, her eyes held flickers of hesitation as she started skeptically-
"I'm not sure about this.
It's a little too good to be true.
I mean, these people are some random, distant relatives of Liam. Why would they trust a stranger with a mansion worth millions, and offer them so much money at that? Have you talked with Liam?"
I sighed.
I know that too.
But I was- no, I am desperate enough to take this risk.
"I'm sure about this, Aria." I looked up at her with a determined glint in my eyes.
She must've realized that it's useless to try and change my mind now. She smiled gently and led me out the door, promising to take good care of Calix until my meeting with Liam is over. I kissed Calix goodbye, stroked his hair lovingly, grinned at his payback kiss, and sat down in my car.
The engine started with a roar.
"Camellia!" Aria called out, "Please...Be careful! Remember, no matter what, we're here for you."
I nodded.
"I know, Aria. It's going to be alright. Just fine."
Little did I know, as I pulled out of the driveway towards the cafe where I would be meeting Liam, that nothing would be alright from this point onwards.
If only I had realized that sooner.