VIOLET
-------------------------
Lady Violet Rose Stern
Door 150 Smithson Village
Metropolitan City, AK 99520
March 26, 2018
Mr. Jerry John Smithson
CEO, Manager
Jerry's Junction
123 Smithson Village
Metropolitan City, AK 99520
Dear Mr. Smithson,
I'm writing to notify you that I will be resigning from my position as Assistant Manager effective March 27, 2018.
I would like to take this chance to thank you for the opportunities and the kindness that you have given me. I have enjoyed working for Jerry's Junction over the last 3 years. The support and personal development you've provided have helped my career immensely.
If I can help or answer any questions during the transition, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Lady Violet Rose Stern
--------------------------------
Finally, I have completed my letter!
I re-read the draft of my resignation letter that I have made while drinking my homemade coffee latte.
The smell of the brewed coffee in front of me makes my senses alive every morning.
Today, I'm having three pieces of sourdough bread toasted and scrambled eggs with mixed fresh herbs, thyme, flat-leaf-parsley, basil, and mint. It's my go-to breakfast, quick and easy.
Then, I open my journal notebook beside my mug of latte and fold the letter then insert them on the cover pocket.
And started to put a checkmark on the search for Amelia and noted to call her on the number that I have collected from my mom's SIM card.
And put a highlight on the garage sale with a date beside it March 28, 2018.
Since today is the 25th of March, I still have time to prepare for my resignation, the items to sell, and the advertisement for the garage sale.
Then suddenly my phone vibrated on the table, it's my alarm clock telling me it's already 7 am and time to take a bath.
I gulp down the remaining latte on my mug and rushed myself towards the bathroom.
After 10 minutes, I'm already ready to start my bike ride.
The blue sky, the morning sun, the cool breeze, the pond in the woods, the peaceful rides, I will surely miss it all when I leave.
Then suddenly, someone is calling me at my back.
"Hey, Violet!" Ellie shouted and ride her bike beside mine.
"Hi, Ellie!" I responded to her while focusing on the road.
"How are you? I have heard about the incident last night. My mom is talking about it this morning."
"I'm fine," I replied abruptly, no more explanations because the news in
Smithson Village is selling like hotcakes and they are all ears even if it's true or not.
"Do you know that Sheriff Moore was too early to visit in the neighborhood? My mom saw him visited the house of Penelope and Natalie which is next to ours. Their mom got hysterical knowing what they did last night and now what? They are grounded for two weeks! Then, my mom meets Zoe and Caroline's mom at the bakery early this morning, they were talking about Darcy's misbehavior and talking about being a bad influence, they're very furious!" She giggled.
"Yeah, I hope that they will leave me alone! They always waste my time and they are trouble makers."
"Yes, that's for sure! Sheriff Moore is very serious about giving them some punishment for what they did to you. I'm glad that you do not have any major bones broken!" She sighed then continued, "They deserve imprisonment! They are total brats!"
[Sometimes, Ellie's blabbermouth has its positive side. Just like now, she gives me the news that I needed to hear.]
We already arrived in the parking area of Jerry's Junction, I quickly locked up my bike.
"Oh, by the way! I overheard that Maria, the cashier in the Smithson grocery shop wanted to testify on what happened inside the shop." She called out as I walk limping towards the entrance of the restaurant as my ankle hurts from the bruise made by the grocery trolley.
[Ugh! I haven't felt the pain earlier at home and while riding my bike.]
I could hear her rubber shoes squeaking as Ellie run herself towards me entering the door.
"Hey, Violet! Are you alright?" she asked while checking my ankle then continued, "You should take a leave, you know! For sure, Mr. Smithson will be worried seeing you limping around."
"It's okay, no worries, I'm fine Ellie!" Then I start to move forward for my biometric attendance, it says 7:30 am, I'm a bit early today.
Ellie followed me for attendance and rushed towards the locker room to change.
Then, I heard Mr. Smithson's voice from the doorway "Good morning everyone!"
[Why is he too early today? He is supposed to come in at 9 am.]
I tried my best to walk as normally as I could towards the locker room.
"Hey, Violet! Are you alright?"
"Yes, Sir, I'm fine!" I doubt if he accepts that.
"But, you look troubled with your feet?" He surveyed my feet then he stood up and let me turn around, checking for any injuries.
"I will be in the office, you can tell me what happened to you last night." [That voice makes me want to cry every time.]
I nodded and lowered my head, trying to hide my teary eyes with my wet hair.
After 7 minutes, I'm already seated at my table inside the office, while Mr. Smithson is busy working on his computer.
Then, I opened my computer when he cleared his throat and said, "I happen to meet Sheriff Moore this morning when I had my early jog around the village and he mentioned the incident last night. Is this still connected with the incident that happened in the restaurant yesterday?"
"I apologize sir but they had been following me around. I'm trying my best to control myself but last night... Darcy's behavior is intolerable! I had more than enough of them. I never meant to hurt anyone but if I need to defend myself, I will!" A sob escaped my throat and Mr. Smithson approached my table and hug me.
"Sssh... Hush now... You do not need to explain yourself. I'm glad you record the encounter that you had with Darcy and her friends or else they could turn the story around."
"That's what I'm thinking sir! I know that I have nobody to defend me. I am alone and the recording will be the only way to support my words."
And I'm crying, I couldn't stop myself from self-pity.
"Sssh... Everything is fine now. They are already reprimanded and given a warning for their characters and behaviors. Don't worry, Sheriff Moore will make sure that it will not happen again." He brushed my hair with his fingers.
Then suddenly, my phone vibrated as it rings.
Mr. Smithson disengaged and signaled that he's going into the kitchen.
I nodded in response while checking my phone, "Niki Calling" appeared on the screen.
I tap received and heard Nicole's worried voice, "Vi? Are you okay? My mom called me about the trouble that you had last night with Darcy and her minions. Wish I was there to fight for you... Darcy is too much!" I could see in my head, her red face and veins in her neck as she thunders her curse out of fury.
"Hey, I'm fine Niki! Do not worry about me. It's just a few bruises, no major damage." I sighed.
"Are you sure about that? Mom said that Darcy reported you for a misdemeanor but it was a false accusation? I'm pretty sure that you fight to defend yourself! How did you manage to convince Sheriff Moore that his beloved niece makes up everything?"
"I did voice recording on our encounter. That's the only way to defend me. That time, I knew that I need solid proof of evidence because I knew... I couldn't hold myself to fight back anymore."
"And that's the rightful thing that you did! I'm very happy that you did give her a powerful punch. She deserves more than that! If only, I was there... I could kick her ass to the ground!"
I laughed heartily. Niki is the only one who makes me laugh like this even in the most crucial times.
I remembered on our 6th grade that we had a field trip, we had a hike at the Curry Ridge Trailhead in Denali State Park. We almost lost everyone when I asked her to accompany me to pee and we forgot to ask permission from our teacher, who is walking ahead of us.
And we ended looking for our group, I cried while Niki enjoyed the scenery and collected some wild berries as we passed by.
"I'm glad that we are left behind, we could get all of these berries for ourselves!" The most hilarious comment that she had. And we are laughing.
"Hey, Vi! Are you still there?" Nicole's voice cracked up my reverie and bring me back to the present.
"Yes, I'm sorry. Were you saying something?"
"As I was saying, you should take care of yourself and call me if you need my help, okay?" Her impatient voice makes my ears hurt.
"Yes, I will. Thanks, Niki! I miss you so much."
"Aw, I miss you too Vi! Hope you could visit me here in Alabama!"
"I hope I could." I'm reminded of my journey to England and uncertainty.
"Why? What's wrong with coming to Alabama? Is there something that you want to tell me?"
"I will tell you... when it's the right time Niki! I have a lot of things in mind right now. And it's already 8 am, patrons will be coming in for breakfast." She sighed on the phone.
"Alright then, call me when you need someone to talk to. I'm still free since registration for new students will be the first week of June."
"Yes, I'm sure will. Love you Bestie!"
"Love you too! Take care...Bye!"
And I bid goodbye. Then the phone beeps as the call ended.
I pushed myself out of the office when I heard Mr. Smithson's voice echoes calling out orders.
That's an indication that many people are coming inside the Junction.
Then, I'm speechless to see the crowd.
It's the very first time that many travelers and visitors coming in for an 8 am breakfast.
They are bringing camping bags while others bringing backpacks, ready to hike the trail of the mountains.
They are almost fifty travelers coming in aside from our patrons, the Smithson Seniors.
The Smithson Seniors love our regular pancakes and coffee every morning with limitless chatting with
their old friends and neighbors.
We always enjoyed the morning when they are around.
I approached the order window, checking the lined up orders.
When suddenly, "Hey, Violet!" a husky soft voice called my name.
I turn around to face him, "Oh, Hello Mr. Davis!"
He smiled and said, "Could you please give me some honey for my pancakes?"
"Yes, sure will! You can wait at your table Mr. Davis, I'll get back to you"
"Alright then, Thank you, Violet!" I quickly get inside the counter area, where the drawers are stocked up with honey bottles, sugar, cream, and ketchup sachets.
Ellie looks at me, I know she's feeling overwhelmed by too many customers lining up.
"I will get back to you," I whispered to her while taking a bottle of honey.
I rushed myself to Mr. Davis's table and was given the honey, "Thank you, Violet! You are the kindest! I know Mr. Moore's daughter is such a brat! I do not believe her words at all. She has a bad character!"
"Oh, Thank you, Mr. Davis." He reached out his hand, and I accept it then he taps it, for comfort "You are always a good girl! God, will always protect you." He added.
"I'm sorry Mr. Davis, I need to go. Ellie needs my help. If you need anything, just approached me at the counter, okay?" He nodded and started his breakfast.
"Hey, Ellie! Need help?" She nodded while she entered the orders. Her sweat is trickling on her forehead.
As soon as the order slip was printed, I took it and called out at the kitchen window then lined up the orders.
Then James put two trays with the orders on the first slip that was lined up, "Order's out!"
Our waiters quickly approached the window and took the trays.
After two hours of busy assisting the counter and the kitchen, I finally decided to get inside the office to massage my ankles, it's getting worse.
I turned on the computer to type in my resignation letter since I do not have any computer and printer at home.
It took me 10 minutes to complete my letter and have it printed.
Then, I immediately folded it and put it on top of Mr. Smithson's table.
"Violet! Where's Violet?" I'm stunned by Mr. Smithson's calling my name from the kitchen.
I quickly head out towards the kitchen limping, "Yes, Mr. Smithson?"
"You better take your lunch while you can, lunchtime is coming and we might have more customers coming for lunch. Molly and James will be accompanying you. Later, you can take the counter while Ellie will have her lunch."
"Yes, will do, Sir!" I slowly move toward the kitchen table and am seated beside James and Molly.
"You know what? Darcy deserved to be punished!" Dolly announced while we are eating our meal.
"You do not deserve to be bullied and accused by her actions!" She talks like a mom fighting for her daughter.
"Molly... No talking at the table." James hates it when chatting while eating our meal.
"But... Can't you see how painful her ankle is? Violet is limping!"
"Ssssh... That's enough! Violet was able to defend herself well. We do not have to worry." James gives me a wink.
And I smiled.
They are the best co-workers that I had. They are like a family to me.
"You better eat your meals, customers are coming in!" Mr. Smithson said authoritatively.
And we ate silently.
The 12-hour shift has ended.
Then, Mr. Smithson saw the letter on his table.
"Violet, what's this? Why? Why are you leaving Jerry's Junction? Where are you going?" He asked like he is worried and surprised by the letter.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Smithson but I need to go and find my real family."
He opened and closed his mouth. He is speechless.
Then I continued, "Before my mom died, she had given me a letter and this" pointing my finger on the heirloom ring.
"In the letter, it speaks about me searching for my real family and I saw her in my dreams calling me to come. I have done searching her aunt, to whom the letter was addressed."
"I'm sorry Violet, I never know. I know everything is difficult for you and finding your family would be best for you. I do not like seeing you being alone if you have a family that you can go home to? Though, it's painful for me to let you go, our best Assistant Manager. But I need to! You deserved to be happy with your real family. If you need help with your transportation, I'm willing to send you off." He is sniffing like he's controlling his tears.
"Thank you, Mr. Smithson! You are always a Dad that I never had. I will surely miss you and everyone and the Junction." He hugged me tightly and said, "You are such a precious gem! I know, everywhere you go, you will shine brightly."