I was really nervous.. scratch that.. I was terrified!!!. I mean, who wouldn't be?. I never imagined that of all the nine companies I applied to, Brooks would call me first.
Of course it was better than the other eight and my degree is pretty, I just didn't think it was pretty enough for 'Brooks.co.' !. It was surreal. Applying to Brooks was like a ' yeah, let's just do it for the sake of doing it' decision. I honestly didn't put my mind at all.
Seems like luck is finally shining on me. I was offered a post of a secretary at Brooks.co. So many things where running through my head. I couldn't place a finger on what I was feeling at the moment. But I was sure of one thing; I had to make this count. I couldn't afford to fuck it up. Alot of people would kill for this job.
Karen and Jason were on my bed planning and listing off things I had to pack and buy within the few hours of today and Sunday afternoon. I was just looking at them even though I was still partially in shock.
Jason took the news better than Karen did. She was so excited that she couldn't make the cookies anymore. Rather, she ordered two large chicken pizzas, Ice cream for the kids and a really pricey wine for us. And she wasn't kidding when she said no one would notice because no one has called her to question her actions.
Hehe, perks of having a really wealthy best friend :)
"Earth to Anna!" Jason said waving his hands before my face. He dropped two sheets before me. One was really full and the other was almost empty.
"What do you think?" Karen asked.
As I went through the full sheet my eyes were almost popping out. It consisted of things they wanted to do and get for me and they were a lot.
I looked up at them as I felt my eyes tearing up. Karen was sniffing and Jason looked really sad. I knew they loved me but this.. this was a lot. A whole lot.
"Guys, you guys know you do not have to do this right?-" . I said. The tears were falling freely now and my nostrils were all gooey "-I mean, How do I pay you guys for doing all this for me. Supporting me and my family and loving me.. this is a lot guys."
I was bowing my head. I couldn't look at their faces. They had been with me through thick and thin. They were always there to support me and fight for me. I really didn't know what I had done to deserve everything they had done.
"Ah Ah babe. Tsk tsk tsk, don't say that at all." He took my hand and Karen's. "We are friends, infact siblings. We look after each other, stand in for each other, fight for each other and that's what that full sheet is. Standing by you, loving you and supporting you. We've got you. You may be far but you'd always be in our hearts besides we'd be visiting regularly until we all move over there, Okay?"
I nodded feeling lighter than I was initially because for some reason Jason always knows what to say especially when it's serious and I, Karen or both of us where sad. I've always found it really sweet and lovely ( he doesn't know that though).
Karen had stopped sobbing and was leaning against the headboard staring in space.
"What's up, Karen? Is there a problem?" I asked her inching closer to her.
"I'm going to miss you Anna and I need more wine.. I'm too sober for this shit" She said going closer to the other side of the bed to pick the wine bottle.
"I'm going to miss y'all more but I had to do this. I'm one call away. Please do not forget to call when anything happens no matter how small, Okay?"
"Yeah, that's what best friends do." Karen said pulling I and Jason really close and pecking our both foreheads.
At that moment I realized how lucky I was to have this family and how grateful I was.
It was evening already. The kids were having their siesta earlier and haven't woken up yet. While Karen and Jason left to get me a box or a bag...just something in that line. They wouldn't let me follow them and promised to send pictures of the ones they find 'purchase-worthy'. That was Jason not me.
They threatened to drug me if I followed so I didn't. If I've known my friends long enough, they do not make completely empty threats. They will carry it out. Probably not as bad as it might sound but they'd do something and I didn't know if or how I was going to like whatever they would have done so Nah.. I'm good here.
Mom was going to be home soon. I haven't told her about the job and after our 'moment' this morning, I honestly did not want to cry again or make her cry. But either way, I had to tell her.
I heard the front door open and shut so I sat patiently waiting to hear Jason and Karen bickering like an old couple. When I heard none and listened closely, I heard light footsteps that first stopped at the twins room and was coming closer to mine. It was then I realized it was Mom. She's always been light on her feet and it scares me shitless.
She opened the door a soundlessly and tried to peep alittle.
"Hey Mom."
"Hey baby, how you doing?, You put the kids to sleep early?" She asked stepping fully into the room and sitting in my bed before lying flat.
"Naa, I didn't. They haven't woken up since their siesta." I said joining her by her side.
"Then we should wake them up for dinner. I'm making Lasagna.-" She said smiling looking at me.
"- what did you guys have for lunch?"
"Karen ordered pizza and what's with the lasagna? What's the celebration?" I asked this time around facing her with my head in my palm as I leaned on my arm.
"Ohh, that's good."
"Yeah, and the lasagna?"
"Oh that, my boss gave me a fifty percent raise today because I returned a purse to its owner who apparently was the woman he is seeing."
"Oh wow, that's all it took to get a raise?! As stingy as your boss is? He must really like this lady eh?"
"Apparently, I just hope he doesn't fuck it up with his lame ass attitude."
"Yeah I hope so too."
There was silence between us. She was probably just resting a little bit but I was fidgeting on the inside.
" I can smell your nervousness from here, Anna. What wrong? Do you have a boy under your bed?!" She asked almost jumping up. It looked so funny I couldn't help but laugh.
"No, Mom. I got a job at freaking Brooks.co"
She was still for almost ten seconds then she jumped pulling me into a tight hug.
"Damn, my baby. I'm soo happy for you and I'm so proud of you" No, not the waterworks...not the water freaking works. I was shedding full blast tears whilst hugging my Mom really tight.
"I know, Mom. It's just this is too real. I've been living in my own world and now. I have to face a completely different world. I'm really excited but scared. I have no experience, I'm clutz-"
"Shhhhh-" She whispered, patting my back softly then rubbing it in circles.
"You are one of the strongest people I know, Anna. You are stronger than I am. You push ahead. You want to take responsibility. You are wonderful, my love. And I wouldn't trade you for anything ever. Hell I'm the luckiest mother. Luckier than your granny too-"
"Stop.. do not say that, Mom-"
"- I'm actually serious my love. Now, When you get out there baby, do not forget where your coming from, do not forget that you are smart and do not forget that you are your own person. No one owns you.. After work hours of course but you get the idea. Have fun and be good and do not worry about us. I got a raise today and baby, it will only get better. We'd stand up stronger this time around and nothing my dear, not even stupid death would be able to bring us down, okay?"
"Yes, Mom" I said sitting up better now. Mom has tears in her eyes but her cheeks were dry so they hadn't fallen yet. I hugged her from the side a little tight.
"Alright, that's enough tears for one day, baby. I do not want you to get a headache, please. I'm going to wake the kids and make lasagna. Now we can have a real party" She was smiling really widely. It was effortless and it reached her eyes. I hadn't seen her smile like that in a while. It really felt good to know that I could make her smile that well.
The shrill tone of my ringtone brought me out of reverie. Karen was calling. That's true. They were supposed to be home already.
"Karen?"
"Yeah, Anna. We won't be bringing it to your house today it's late and my tummy hurts a lot. I think it's something I ate. But we would be there first thing in the morninggggg so sleep early today, okay?"
"Okay, its cool. Moms making lasagna"
"Oh no!!!!, and I can't be there right now. And Jason seems exhausted. I think I tired him out"
" No shit, Sherlock." I deadpanned rolling my eyes.
" -We'd keep some for you guys in the fridge so you better come early tomorrow before Nathan is out of bed or else, well I believe you know the rest"
"Yes ma'am. We'd be there bright and early. And Hey, do not think too much, Anna. Everything would be fine. Okay?"
"Yes dear" I sighed "It has to be".
"Alright then, see ya tomorrow. Bye bittchhh" She basically screamed that in my ears. Why does she always have to be fucking extra!!!
"I'd kill you Karen. Bye." I said and hung up before she could scream again . I sighed again.
Everything should better be fucking fine. I went downstairs to help Mom with the lasagna.