For a while, the earthquake was a very prominent topic. From phantom tremors only individuals felt to theories of ominous signs of doom, everyone expected it would leave a more significant mark on their lives. However, besides being a frightening experience everyone would remember for some time, it quickly faded into the background and became just as talked about as recent fashion trends, exchange of juicy gossip, or club activities.
The stalwart academy resisted its wrath, proving it would stand for hundreds of years as it has before. The only thing that was sparked by it was a revision of crisis protocols and refresher lessons for the students. Besides that, life continued as it had before.
However, today, the earthquake was the last thing on Maya's mind. As she stood at the threshold of the Alumni Association at Downtown Amellan, the anticipation was bubbling within her. In her company were Keith and Elena, both already familiarized with their surroundings. However, this will be the first one for Maya and an important milestone in her life.
Keith gave her a supporting smile. Then, the polished glass door swung open with a soft chime, welcoming her into a world where the fruits of her labour awaited, and they entered.
As she stepped into the Association's lobby, Maya marvelled at the distinguished atmosphere that surrounded her. Plaques adorned the walls, commemorating accomplished alumni, each name representing the potential and success she, too, aspired to achieve. The hum of distant conversations and the scent of coffee filled the air, creating an ambience that resonated with the spirit of accomplishment.
Approaching the front desk, Maya's heart quickened its pace. The receptionist, a poised woman with a warm smile, greeted her with a nod of acknowledgement. At that moment, Maya felt a surge of pride—she was about to collect her first paycheck for the hours she had dedicated to cleaning the academy.
The receptionist handed her an envelope, its weight more significant than the paper and ink it contained. Maya held it delicately as if cradling a treasure. With a quick exchange of pleasantries, she thanked the receptionist, feeling a subtle shift in her status from a student cleaner to someone contributing to the academy's upkeep.
As Maya opened the envelope, the crisp scent of new bills wafted through the air. Her eyes widened at the sight of her earnings neatly stacked within. It wasn't a fortune, but it was all hers to spend. The numbers on the pay stub became more than figures; they were a testament to her ability to balance academics, magical training, and a part-time job.
At that moment, surrounded by the subtle opulence of the Alumni Association, Maya's chest swelled with accomplishment. It wasn't merely about the money; it was the pride of earning her keep, of contributing to the academy's legacy. The paycheck became a symbol of her resilience and tenacity, a small victory in her new life in Mellgrah.
"Well, it's not enough to buy you a car, but it's doable if you save up," Leo patted her on the shoulder.
'Leo, have you actually seen any cars around here?' Maya answered in her mind and rolled her eyes. It was unfortunate he couldn't hear her.
Maya arrived in this world via car, but there was no space for such means inside city walls, or would there be a point. Amellan was a small walkable place. It would take you a while to descend from the Temple of Light to downtown city gates—the farthest points of the town, however, no person would require it in their everyday schedule. The town was organized in a clever way to cluster facilities one would need around the points one frequents the most.
'Besides, what would I do with a car without a driving licence? Are driving schools even a thing in Mellgrah?'
Many aspects of this world differed from what she was used to in the world she knew of. At least in Amellan, as she couldn't speak for other places she never visited. However, from their history lessons, she could assume that most residential areas of Mellgrah are cramped inside of thick city walls and are kept at smaller sizes that are easier to protect.
With the paycheck safely tucked away, Maya rejoined Elena who was smoking outside. Since Keith was still inside, they idly waited for him.
'Come to think of it, when was the last time Elena and I had a proper conversation?'
It seems they have achieved a harmonious co-existence, inhabiting the same space and keeping each other company when doing menial tasks such as this. However, even though Elena wasn't being mean to Maya, they also didn't talk a lot. As Maya was just about to initiate conversation, Keith exited the building with the chime of the door.
"What do you say we go get a snack, girls? How about that dessert place? Éclat? My treat," Keith suggested.
However, as he was still showing the fresh bills from an envelope in his wallet, Elena swiftly swooped in and grabbed them.
"Damn, do you get rid of bodies at that laundromat or is it just money laundering?" Elena spread his Tetradyms into a fan and was casually waving them.
Maya's eyes widened at the amount. It may be expected that someone as reputable as Keith would be paid more, but it was still a student part-time job. Does Keith have another side gig?
Thinking back, Elena would tend to return from their dates having received a gift from Keith. It would be a small trinket or a piece of jewellery that Elena would carelessly toss into a drawer stashed full of them and never touch it again. Maya felt sorry for the pretty jewellery going to waste so she once even asked Elena if she could wear them.
"Why do you have so many when you rarely wear things like that?" back then, Maya couldn't help but wonder.
"Because I told Keith I'd rather receive jewellery than flowers."
"Oh, they're gifts?!" Maya quickly realized her mistake. "Then I can't wear them."
"Why not?"
"They are from your boyfriend! What would he think if he saw it on me?"
So… if Keith had enough money to casually gift Elena with things she would never use, he truly must be earning a lot.
'It's not like he can spend it on buying a car. Senior life must be quite sweet!'
"That could've been you," Leo mumbled to himself.
"Do you think you can put in a good word for me with your boss?" Elena grinned. Dreaming of having a good-paying job herself.
Keith laughed nervously at Elena's remarks and took the money back. "They are not accepting new workers," he was trying to turn her down gently.
"Then get someone fired."
For a moment, both Keith and Maya blinked in shock at Elena giving an outrageous proposition with a straight face.
"Jeez, I'm joking. I wouldn't leave Maya clean other people's shit all by herself," Elena winked at Maya, slapping her on the back.
"Babe, you shouldn't joke like that." Keith took Elena's hand and squeezed it.
Still feeling uncomfortable, Maya blurted: "Éclat, sounds good!"
Keith's previous suggestion was something Maya knew she should turn down, not to be a third wheel to a couple, but in desperation to avoid this new awkward situation she agreed. And before she knew it, she was standing in front of a shop staring at big 'Éclat Pâtisserie & Café' letters over the entrance. Beside it was a panel marked 'today's specials' with delicious-looking desserts and coffee combos.
After entering, the tantalizing scent of sweet desserts and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air enticed her senses and ignited her sweet tooth. Maya's eyes widened with delight at the array of mouth-watering treats displayed behind the glass counter. Rows of exquisite vibrant pastries, each a work of art, beckoned her.
She noticed a particularly tempting raspberry tart topped with a glossy glaze and a trio of layered chocolate mousse cakes that seemed to defy gravity. Then her gaze landed on the colourful array of scrumptious macaroons, and she narrowed her eyes at the green ones in particular.
"The trip to the infirmary was quite the adventure," Keith remarked with a playful grin, "But I hope you're not planning on repeating the experience."
Maya couldn't help but chuckle at the mention of the incident when Keith had to rush her to the infirmary due to a severe allergic reaction. It had been an embarrassing moment, but Keith's quick thinking and concern had left a lasting impression.
"Don't worry, I vowed to stay away from green desserts from now on."