It had been two days since Leonel gave Melinda an ultimatum to bring Chelsy back to the house after she threw her things out. For the last two days, Leonel had not spoken to Melinda, nor even spared her a glance. Melinda could not handle the silent treatment and the fact that she could not go out nor buy anything.
''Oh God. How did I get to this point with my husband?'' As she spoke she gnashed her teeth. ''I have a lot of things I need to get. And my cruise vacation is supposed to be next week. If I don't go over now and beg Chelsy to come back, Leonel will definitely kick me out.''
She chewed on her nails and made up her mind to go over to Rachel's house to beg Chelsy to come back home.
Back at Rachel's house, Chelsy had just come out of the bathroom, and she was putting on her clothes. Rachel walked in and sat on the bed. "Chels, are you ready to start at your new part-time job? Why don't you apply to the PR department at my dad's company? You know you will have a job there, right?"
Chelsy, who was wrapping her hair up in a bun, smiled back at Rachel and said, ''Rach, we are not doing this again, okay?'' She turned and faced Rachel. '' Sis, you know my reason for wanting to leave is to start afresh in a new environment. I know your dad can offer me a job. But I really want to do this on my own. I want to start from scratch and build myself in a way that no one will ever trample on me ever again or will I ever be a pawn in someone else's game. Besides, I am no longer working at Cedar House Assisted living, after the Roberts forced their director to fire me. Taking this part-time job at a clothing shop as a sales assistant will help me interact with new faces every day. You know I am doing this in order to save some money. Going to a new city, I will need all the funds that I can raise within this short period.''
Rachel gave a heavy sigh and said, ''Baby girl, I understand, okay? I really just wish there was something that I could do to make you stay. But I understand you have to go for your own self growth. You know I will always support your decisions, right?''
There was a grin on Chelsy's face, and she said, ''I know sisi. Anyway, I have to get going. I don't want to be late on my very first day at work. I won't be back for dinner since I will be working till nine pm. So don't wait up for me.'' Chelsy spoke and left.
Shortly after she left, there was a knock on the door. ''Chels, did you forget something?'' Rachel asked as she walked to the door. When she opened the door, she was shocked to see who was standing at her door. ''Holy, cow. What in the name of the spirits are you doing at my door? Did you miss your way? Or did your fellow witches drop you off on your way to your witches' kingdom?'' Rachel's cold voice asked Melinda.
Melinda, who was boiling with rage inside, cleared her throat and gave a fake smile. ''Greetings Miss Hannigan. Please is Chelsy at home? I would like to talk to her.''
Rachel, who was stunned and could not help laughing, said, ''Wait a minute. Melinda, did you wake up on the wrong side of your bed today? What is it with all this, Miss Hannigan formality and the fake smile on your face? Faking being nice doesn't suit you at all. I am already used to your real face and ugly attitude. So drop all this fake nonsense and tell me the real reason you are here. That fake facade isn't going to work on me, my darling.''
She crossed her hands against her chest and leaned on the door frame.
Melinda, who couldn't pretend any longer, snapped back with a loud voice. ''Listen to me, you this crazy woman. I didn't come here for you. I am looking for Chelsy. Just tell her I am here.''
Rachel clapped her hands with a big laugh and said, ''Now, this is the Melinda I know. For your information, this should be the first and last time you will walk up to my door and start screaming like a mad dog. This is not a veterinary clinic, and we don't rear animals here. Animals like you should be tamed in an animal center.''
Melinda, who couldn't stand the insults anymore, sneered and turned around and left. Rachel shut the door behind her with a big grin on her face.
The baby clothing shop where Chelsy worked was situated in one of the biggest malls in the city Centre. Chelsy was busy arranging the dresses on the shelves when a female colleague of hers walked up to her with a smile. ''Hey Chelsy, I am sure you are getting acquainted with your new job. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask me, okay?''
Chelsy smiled and said, ''Thank you, Rita. I really appreciate your help.'' Chelsy had always been meticulous and resilient in whatever she did. So getting the hang of her new job wasn't difficult.
A customer walked into the store and was looking for a dress, but couldn't find it. Chelsy walked up to her with a smile and asked if she needed help. ''Greetings ma'am. Is there anything I can help you with today?''
The lady who saw the warm smile on Chelsy's face responded with a bright smile, ''Yes please. My daughter's second birthday is coming up, and I am confused about which dress to get her.''
Chelsy asked her to follow her to the section where there were princess outfits. She picked a pink ballroom princess dress made of mesh and lined with pink satin. The waist area and arm area were embellished with pearls and glittering silver beads. The dress was truly beautiful. Chelsy paired the dress with flat silver shoes made up of rhinestone bow embellishment which matched the silver beads on the dress.
When the lady saw what Chelsy had put together, she marveled at the combination. ''Oh my goodness. This is perfect. Thank you for your help, miss.'' Chelsy looked at her and said it was her job to assist her with whatever she wanted at their shop.
As the lady paid for the dress and left, Chelsy heard a familiar voice from behind,
''Chelsy? What are you doing here?''
When Chelsy turned, she saw Ken and Helena together. They had come to pick out some baby stuff. Chelsy had not seen Ken since the incident at his villa. Her heart was pounding, and her emotions were running helter-skelter.
Oh God. What are the odds that I get to meet these two on my very first day at work? Chelsy thought to herself. She cleared her throat and spoke with a smile and sweet voice,
"Welcome Mister Roberts and Miss Richards." How may I assist you today?''
Ken stood there lost in thought and didn't even know what to say. ''How are you? And how have you been, Chelsy?'' He asked.
Helena, who couldn't stand it, shouted at Chelsy. ''What are you doing there mopping at us? Can't you see we are here to get clothes for our baby?'' She rubbed her tummy as she spoke.
Chelsy pressed her lips together and said, ''Miss Richards, there are lots of baby clothes here. Please tell me your preference and I will sort them out for you.''
As Chelsy was walking past them to take them to the newborn clothing section, Helena stretched her leg and Chelsy stumbled over it and came crashing down on her knees. Ken, who watched everything with concern in his eyes, bent down and held Chelsy by her shoulders, ''Hey love. Are you okay? Are you hurt?'' His eyes were full of concern and tenderness. He didn't realize his hand was cupping Chelsy's cheek.
Chelsy winced in pain as her knees were bruised. She slowly pushed Ken's hands off her face and said, "Mister Roberts, please let go of me." She struggled and stood up. Her knees were already bleeding from the fall.
Helena, who stood there furious, said in a loud and angry voice. ''Chelsy, aren't you ashamed to be flirting with my fiancé in broad daylight? I guess crashing our engagement dinner wasn't enough, you had to bring it right here.''
A crowd had started gathering and people started talking among themselves and pointing at Chelsy. One lady said, ''Is this not the home wrecker whose face is all over social media? Is this not the lady trying to destroy the relationship between Ken Roberts and Helena Richards?''
The other lady standing beside her said, ''Yes. She is the one. How can she be following this couple everywhere? She is truly shameless. The ladies started talking and cursing Chelsy. Helena gave a sly smile.
The manager, who heard the commotion, rushed down and said in a panicked voice, ''Mister Roberts and Miss Richards, I am so sorry for the inconvenience. I am Clyde Peters, the manager. Please let me be the one to help you out.''
He turned and looked at Chelsy with a stern look and said, ''Miss Powers, what are you doing? Apologize to our clients right now.''
Chelsy's hands were clenched in fists. She calmed herself and fought back the tears that were threatening to fall. She cleared her throat and said, "I am sorry if I did something wrong." Helena gave a victorious smile and clung to Ken's arm like a Koala.
''Mister Clyde, it is okay. I understand that people like Miss Powers here who were badly brought up can't help but stir trouble wherever they go. I guess I am exhausted already. Honey, let's go. We will come some other time to shop.'' As she spoke, her hand was on her growing belly. She pulled Ken out of the store and they left.
What will happen to Chelsy? Will she be fired on her very first day at work? Or will the manager tamper justice with mercy?