Chapter 2: Go Find a Job
As my uncle walked in, my aunt rushed to his side, relieved to have a backup. She started spewing lies, blaming me for the fight, while her children blindly supported her. I sighed and rolled my eyes, letting myself collapse onto the couch, exhausted from the morning events and the argument.
My aunt had a knack for draining the energy out of people, and whenever we fought, I felt myself growing older. I closed my eyes, seeking a moment of respite. I hope our neighbors live a long life despite being neighbors with my aunt. Because I sure as hell won't.
My uncle sat in front of me, placing his suitcase on the coffee table. Concern laced his voice as he asked, "What happened at your job?"
"Some pervert tried to touch me, and I defended myself by injuring him," I calmly explained.
Uncle Irvine looked back at my aunt and said, "I don't see why you're mad, honey. Irene was just protecting herself."
"You can't be sure she's not lying! Who knows what trouble she got herself into?" my aunt responded, clearly displeased that her husband wasn't taking her side.
I felt oddly happy because my uncle was not buying my aunt's word blindly.
Uncle Irvine stood up for me, saying, "Irene wouldn't lie. I've known her since she was a child. Instead of being mad at her, you should be furious at the guy who tried to touch her."
I almost nodded in agreement. My uncle never disappointed me. He was the kindest person I had ever met, and he always supported me against my aunt's wrath. He is protective of me qnd he treated me like his own child. Without him, I'll probably end up in the street.
"Are you upset because she got fired? I can provide for all of us. Just calm down and take a shower. I'll take care of dinner," Uncle Irvine guided my aunt to their room, wrapping his hand around her shoulder. Her body relaxed in response to his touch.
As much as I tried to deny it, my aunt and uncle's marriage was full of love and sincerity. Despite my aunt's demon-like personality, I couldn't deny that she genuinely loved my uncle. It was their sincere relationship that kept me in their lives over the years. My uncle's pure heart balanced out my aunt's foul personality.
A perfect match, Sadly it is.
I stood up and made my way to the kitchen. Seeing my uncle's tiredness, I realized that even if I couldn't contribute financially, I could at least help at home. The kitchen was clean and organized, not no hint of clutter or mess. I set the table with five plates and utensils, ready to serve the meal my aunt had already cooked.
We ate in silence once my aunt had calmed down. Though she still shot me hateful glances, it was a relatively peaceful dinner. Uncle Irvine did most of the talking, sharing stories about his day and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
After we finished eating, I quickly washed the dishes and retreated to my room. It was the smallest room in the house, but it provided enough space for me alone. Painted in white and brown, I hadn't had much time or money to decorate it. Some remnants from my childhood still lingered, giving the room a touch of nostalgia.
Simple yet warm, it consisted of a large bed with light gray sheets, a small wooden desk, bookshelves filled with neatly arranged books, and a small closet housing my usual attire. Posters and paintings all over the walls in an attempt to make it more lively. Key word, attempt.
Feeling the need to release my stress, I grabbed my phone and called my best friend, Megan. Her voice answered, already in her self-care mode.
Oh, how I wish everyone could have their self care time.
"I was fired," I blurted out, unable to contain the news.
Megan didn't respond immediately, and silence hung in the air. I wondered if she had hung up on me. I hope not. I mean, I admit that I always complain about getting fired almost every time I call her, but still, she's my best friend.
"What else is new? And what did your aunt do this time?" she replied casually.
"Well, she almost kicked me out," I sighed, lying face down on the bed. "I want to get out of here and be free from her volcanic mouth." I groaned at the pillow.
"Do you need money?" Megan asked, concerned. "No, what you need is a proper job where you can grow. And guess what? I have the perfect opportunity for you." I can already see her eyes glinting in determination.
Megan's determination made me nervous. The last time I heard that tone, she left her house, suitcase in tow, while her clothes were being thrown after her by her mother. Her determination is out of this world! Or the milky way galaxy! Heck! It can surpass the universe!
"What kind of job are you talking about?" I asked cautiously.
"I'm sure you'll love it. It's a secretary position for an executive in the company where I work," Megan said confidently.
"A secretary? I just got fired as a secretary a few hours ago. I seem to have bad luck in that role," I sighed, burying my face in the pillow.
"But this time it's different," Megan insisted. "I know who will be your boss, and he's a wonderful person. He's like the father figure of the whole company. The previous secretary got married and moved away, so he needs someone new."
I hesitated. "You work far from home, and I can't just leave my uncle with his demonic wife."
"Irene, what you need is a change of scenery. Get out of that polluted city and come here," Megan urged, her voice tinged with exasperation. "And don't forget, your aunt may be a demon to you, but she's an angel to your uncle. What's holding you back?"
A demon disguise as an angel in front of my uncle.
"I'll think about it and call you tomorrow, okay?" I replied, considering Megan's proposal.
"Okay, but make sure you call me. I'm hanging up now to put on my sleeping mask. Goodnight!" Megan said with a hint of annoyance.
"Yeah, goodnight," I mumbled before Megan ended the call. I groaned and placed my phone by my side table, staring at the moon that was hiding behind a tall skyscraper outside the window.
Oppurtunity. It just poofed in front of me. Who am I to reject it?