CHAPTER SIX

-a d d a n n a-

I got to work a few minutes early, as usual, and I clocked in. The day started off normal and cheerful as the regular holiday travellers began to flood in. A new decorating team was admitted on the property to change the traditional christmas decorations to a more modern and livelier one.

The COO (CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER) came by the hotel today and decided that the decor could use a different theme this year. With suggestions from myself and some other members of the welcoming team, he settled for 'white christmas'. A grand white christmas tree with silver, gold, red, green and blue decorations was hoisted in the vestibule. There were also cute snowflakes of all sizes hanging from the ceiling in the lobby area. Each snowflake had a beautiful glow light inside which would give the hallway a very mesmerizing effect in the night time.

There was even explicit instructions that employees should refrain from using all other lights in the lobby so to facilitate the glow of the snowflakes. It was a strategy that ensured that the guests can enjoy the charm of the glow of the snow.

My entire shift was very interesting as I had the chance to interact with alot more people as well as make friendly talks. I felt so confident, almost as if I was in a new skin or body. I just felt renewed and my smiles and laugh were no longer polite or forced but they were genuine.

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During my lunch break, Austin found me and we sat and spoke while we ate our lunches. It seemed that he took his lunch break the same time as me or maybe it was pure coincedental.

"Hey umm, Addanna? I was wondering if we are still up for the ball in the next two weeks" he nervously brought up the topic. He was slightly shaking as if he just asked me to marry him and my answer would determine life or death.

I was not necessarily good at decifering personalities but I could definately see that Austin was a nice guy. I mean every one had ulterior motives but I don't think he was the type to intensionally hurt someone.

But then again, intensional or non-intensional hurt is still hurt.

"Yeah, as long as you will still have me" I said with a light chuckle to break the tension he had.

"Ofcourse I still would love to take you. I mean you know how many people envy me when they heard that I am taking you to the ball? Not that it's a competition or anything its just that alot of men here admire you, you know" he began to ramble again.

I just smiled at his awkwardness and told him that it was totally ok. He cleared our table and then he accompanied me to the vending machine to get a sprite.

My lunch ended five minutes after and when I got back to the lobby area, the decorating team was almost finished with the new theme. There was just a magnificent mood created in the hotel and I was confident that guests would absolutely love it this year.

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"I see we have a new face around here. You look a little too shy to be a receptionist love." I heard the voice and quickly looked around to find the source.

When I looked down from the elevated black glass compartment which purposed as my work station, I saw a cheerful old woman. She was well dressed and seemed to be about 4ft 9inches tall. She was so adorable and pleasant that I completely zoned out on what she had said previously.

"Pardon me?" I asked in hopes that she would not find my response offensive or that she would not realise that I didn't exactly hear what she said before.

"Oh no, don't get me wrong my dear. I am not saying you are not suited for your job, I just thought that maybe you are just a bit too shy and that needs some working on if you intend to continue working in this field" she explained thoroughly.

I quickly smiled and replied, "how could you tell that I am reserved?"

"I am a observer of character and based on small actions you do, you unconsciously send a message to the on-lookers that you are conservative"

"Wow, I never knew that was actually a thing. I always thought that my character was perfect for the professional setting"

"Well that may vary. In an environment such as this one, where family is the main target or focus, a cheerful and friendly personality is just what you need. You should start interacting more with the guests instead of just politely checking them in and out. Engage in small talks and ask about their visits or how has their year been so far. Also leave space for them to direct questions back at you and trust me you will be surprised to see the feedback."

After the old lady had finished talking I was not just amazed but I was also grateful because these were useful tips which I never knew I needed.

"Wow, thanks alot Mrs. Ummm, am sorry I never got your name" I chuckled nervously.

"That's okay, I never got around to telling you. But how did you realise that I am married?"

"Oh thats easy-" I perked up, quickly adapting and finding comfort in her presence.

"When you just approached the counter your left hand glistened with a lovely wedding band, however that was the first and last glimpse I got of it as our continued conversation, your left hand was kept tucked away in your coat's pocket" I eagerly explained to her.

"Oh I see, quite the observer. That is most comforting to know Addanna Moncrieffe-" I was taken aback by her, compliment? But I was even more stunned that she knew my full name. I then began to think back, trying to recall if I had told her my full name sometime during our conversation because guests are only given our surnames to address us by.

"-And I am Mrs. Fuller." She said introducing herself.

"Mrs. Fuller? Is there a possibility that I told you my name in it's entirety? I can't seem to remember if I did."

" Oh no my dear, you haven't told me your full name but I had inquired after you and that is how I received your full name." She eagerly explained.

"Well, I hope that you have a lovely stay Mrs. Fuller and if there is any thing that you need just please buzz me and I will do my best to accommodate you." I told her with a smile.

I loved the old lady. She was knowledgeable, poised and filled with warmth. My day moved from regular to enlighted because I met such a wonderful older woman who was so uplifting.

"That is most comforting Young Addanna. Have a productive day." And with that she smiled and went to the elevator leading to her room on the penthouse.

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My shift at the hotel was almost over and I had to prepare myself mentally for my next job. As soon as I left the hotel, I had to go to the restaurant to put in my six (6) hour shift.

Since the last time when I was personally assigned to serve the two intimidating looking men, my shift had increased to six hours and I only work three times a week when they are present at the restaurant. I was also priviledged to have a pay increase. Previously, I was paid twenty-five dollars ($25) and hour, however, currently I am paid forty-five dollars ($45) an hour.

Don't get me wrong, the increase was amazing but it was a bit suspicious that I was paid such a huge increase while receiving generous tips. After the first two pay cheques, I opened a second bank account and saved all the extra payments I have been getting.

Call me paranoid or whatever but I just needed to have the money just in case I was being given it by accident and I was asked to return it.

But, if not, I was going to use the extra money to treat the children for the holidays and make sure they have one of the best christmases of their lives!

♤

Sooooo, guys!!!! What do you think of the story so far?? I know it might seem boring but as I said before I need the story to be as realistic as possible.

I don't was my story to be cliché. I want my readers to see the mental and personal growth of my characters as we proceed forward.

Anyways thanks for your support guysss and remember....

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