Mr. Andrew Jackson waited for me to change back into my high heels and gather my purse and faux fur jacket. I put the jacket on as we exited the room.
Even though it was warm in the building, I wore it. Just so that the patrons wouldn't think I was a dancer here who was currently working.
While we walked down the staircase together, Mr. Jackson offered me a drink, joking that this one could have alcohol in it as it would be a celebratory drink. I giggled and gracefully declined, telling him that I was eager to run and tell my friends all the good news.
He laughed heartly at that, shook my hand, congratulating me again. Then he asked me to return tomorrow night at the same time and he would get me acquainted with the place and the people.
I could tell he watched me until he lost sight of me in the crowd. I could feel his eyes on my back.
As I returned to our house, I was so full of energy. I was happy; fuelled on the temporary high of life looking up. I had a job and job as a dancer no less! I was starting to live my dream.
The fact that my dream would only be short-lived didn't burst my happy bubble.
I opened the front door and as I shut and locked it behind me, I yelled, "Saoirse!"
I listened for a moment and heard a scrabbling noise from upstairs.
"Saoirse!"
I heard the thudding of her feet on the stairs as she answered, "Sinead? Sinead, what's going on?"
I left my heels on my feet, and rushed towards the stairs in excitement, just in time to catch her in a hug as she left the last stair step.
"Saoirse!", I exclaimed with a beaming smile, "I have good news."
Saoirse's smile became as big as my own, almost as big as a Cheshire Cat's smile.
My eyes sparkled with excitement; I was bursting to tell her everything!
Suddenly, we heard the scratching noise of a key turning in the lock of the front door. I let go of Saoirse and we walked toward the door as Amanda appeared.
"Amanda!", I exclaimed.
"Amanda, you're just in time! Sinead is about to share good news.", Saoirse informed her as she took Amanda's bags from her.
As Amanda took off her shoes and jacket, she smiled and replied, "It's so good to see you two getting along. For a bit there, I wondered if you'd had a fight or something! And I am glad you are feeling better, Sinead."
Saoirse and I glanced meaningfully at each other. Neither of us said a thing for a moment.
Then, as I took off my high heels, I said, "Well you know that Saoirse and I have been friends for a long time. We didn't have a fight. We would never let a small matter come between us. We've been friends for too long for that!"
Amanda took back her bags from Saoirse and said, "I am happy to hear that!"
"Why don't you and I go put our things away?", I suggested to Amanda, "And then, since we are all home, we'll have a drink and can catch up."
"That sounds perfect!", gushed Saoirse.
"Okay.", agreed Amanda. "Meet you two in the living room in fifteen minutes."
Saoirse gathered some light blankets and grabbed a bottle of white wine, by the time I joined her in the living room. I offered to get three wine glasses, and by the time I got back, Amanda was there too. We got a bag of chips, poured the wine and put on some background music.
We chatted about various things for a while. I made sure to listen and ask questions about the events in Amanda's past week before the conversation got to me and my news.
Saoirse looked a me with barely contained excitement. Yet she managed to keep quiet to listen.
In the end, it was clear that they were eager to celebrate with me. Amanda and Saoirse both gave me a congratulatory hug. Amanda declared that one bottle of wine wasn't going to be enough. We all laughed.
Enjoying each other's company, laughing and talking, time flew by. We were surprised when the clock gonged the chime of 3am. Realizing the time, we decided to clean up a bit before we all got ready for sleep.
After I completed my bedtime routine in the bathroom, I lay in my bed, half-asleep and dreamed of dancing. Soon, my daydreams became night-dreams.
The next morning, I awoke to the sound of my alarm. Fuelled by a good nights' sleep and the remembrance of my new job (my new career), I jumped out of bed happily and ready to start my day.
I decided to use the bathroom first. I brushed and styled my hair in a French braid, applied deodorant, and washed my face. Then, back in my room, I got my exercise clothes on, grabbed my charged phone, and got my key and wallet out of the purse I'd used last night.
I went downstairs quietly. In the kitchen, I filled my water bottle and got a drink. Locating my bag, I put my things inside. Then I got my running shoes on and left.
The entire run to my secret entrance of the park, I thought about how happy, excited, and energized I was to have this new job. I wanted to tell Alpha David about it. In fact, I even looked forward to telling him.
But I got the feeling he might gloat about it. I feared it would fuel his vanity when I told him, as he was the one who put the recommendation in for me. The idea of him feeling proud of himself on behalf of things accomplished for me, just rubbed me the wrong way.
Maybe I didn't get the job wholly on my own merit, but on the other hand, it wasn't him who danced for Mr. Jackson. If I danced poorly, I figured, then no matter what David said, I don't think I would have got the job.
I sighed audibly as I entered the cool shade of the trees and shrubs. I'd only gotten a dozen strides along my secret path when I came to a fast walk. My fox popped out of the undergrowth, chattering as loudly as if I was late.
I smiled and gave him an egg. A slight rustling of the bushes announced the arrival of Alpha David in human form.