Waking up a new woman

Emma woke up the next morning feel more refreshed and well rested than she could remember being for a very long time. It was like she had woken up a new woman: Refreshed, energised and filled with a newfound determination.

However, she was surprised to find herself on the bed when she woke. The last thing she could remember was breaking down in tears just by the door, hallucinating that the large black dog had appeared, and then hugging it for comfort. She supposed that she had crawled into the bed at some point in the night, and simply couldn't remember.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, she sat down at her tiny table and stared out of her apartment window at the small sliver of sky that could be seen between two tall buildings. She sat there staring for a long time, seemingly mesmerised by the swirl of white clouds against the clear blue of the sky. When she stood up after a long while, she had a plan of action.

The first thing she did was to send a short and formal email to the manager of Mr. Long's club, informing her that she was very grateful to be working there, but due to some personal circumstances she was obliged to quit her job, effective immediately. The moment she pressed the send button, she felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders.

Only then did Emma realise how much the whole dilemma with Mr. Long had grated on her. Despite the fact that she had lost her main income, she felt invigorated to be free of the burden. She could deal with being tight for money, but she could not deal with that obsessive and controlling beast.

Emma spent the rest of the day, surfing on the internet, looking up listings of part-time jobs and sending out a few resumés. Hopefully, she would soon have another job to bring in some money. But in the meantime she needed to come up with a solution for covering her immediate expenses.

She chewed her bottom lip nervously for a while, trying to pluck up the courage to do what she knew that she must do. In trepidation she stared at the contact and number displayed on her phone. Drawing in a deep breath, Emma dialled the number. Despite her resolution, Emma felt her heart beating nervously as she heard the first ring.

"Hello?" A soft female voice sounded over the phone.

Emma drew another breath, steeling herself for what she knew was going to be a difficult conversation.

"Hello, mother," she replied, trying to keep her voice friendly and pleasant.

"Oh, it's you, darling."

"We haven't talked for a while. How are you doing, mother? How is New York?"

"Fine. I'm actually up in the Hamptons right now, visiting a friend." A short pause. "Why are you calling, darling?" Her mother sounded a bit impatient, like she wanted to just get the conversation over with.

Despite being used to this kind of treatment, Emma still gritted her teeth in frustration. Most mothers complained about not getting enough calls from their children, but Emma's mother couldn't even be bother to ask her how she was doing. She sighed, trying to suppress the resentment she felt gnawing at her insides. Her mother had never shown much interest in her, and she supposed it was much to hope for that she would start caring now.

"I need you help, mother. I've gotten myself into a bit of trouble, and -"

"Are you pregnant?" Her mother cut her off.

"What? No!" Emma exclaimed. "Why would you even think that?"

"You said you're in trouble," her mother simply replied.

"No, I'm not pregnant, mother" Emma said, rubbing her forehead in frustration. "I just need some money."

A few seconds of silence. "Can't you ask your father, darling. He is supposed to be responsible for you."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Mother, you know I haven't spoken to father in several years."

"Well, I'm sorry, darling. But I'm a bit busy at the moment. Can't you-"

"Mother!" Emma said sharply. "Your daughter, your only child, whom you left behind eight years ago when you went abroad, and whom you haven't seen in person for two years, is asking you for help. I just need your to help me out a bit financially until I can get a job. Please, mother."

Another few seconds of silence.

"Do I have to beg?" Emma spat out in frustration.

"Please don't be overdramatic, darling!" her mother scoffed, obviously offended at Emma's outburst. "I'll tell my assistant to wire you some money. It should be on your account in a few days. But now I really have to go, darling. I'm off to lunch with friends."

With that Emma's mother hung up on her without giving Emma time to thank her or even to say goodbye.