Chapter 2:
The next morning, Sophia woke up in time before sunrise, she yawned and stretched her body full of fatigue.
There was the sharp chirping of birds outside her window. She couldn't sleep well yesterday.
She hadn't gotten much rest as she worried too much.
In her thoughts, she needed more than what she was earning.
"I will never fall in my arms and watch my mom die," Sophia murmured.
"How can she raise money for her mother's treatment? Not only that, another thought was "Where can she get a good job? Despite managing two jobs, the salary cannot pay her mother's medical bills anymore.
She turned to the other side of the small bed where her mother lay, hoping to see her weak smile, but instead, there was only silence. Her mom is still in deep sleep.
Her heart pounded with her mother's sleeping behavior.
"Mom?" she whispered, gently shaking her shoulders, no response. Her mom normally woke up late.
Sophia went to their small kitchen to prepare breakfast, she boiled porridge and a cup of tea. She placed it beside her mother's bed, hoping her mother would wake up soon and eat.
She went to Lisa's room. Lisa is the only friend in the compound. She begged her to check on her mother later in case she might need help.
Sophia returned to the room and dressed up quickly, then she went out searching for another Job, even If she was able to get a part-time job to add to her other two jobs. Or if she could get a good job that pays better than her present one.
She went to the bathroom and checked her face, she adjusted her hair and wished herself good luck with a soft smile, then she came back.
She took a glance at her mother before she grabbed her worn-out handbag and stepped outside.
Today had to be different. Today, she 'had' to find a good job to save her mother.
Sophia boarded a taxi with the little money she left. "Oh, what if I didn't get the job, how would I come back home?" She asked herself, headed to Crystal King's Hotel.
The driver dropped her at the "Crystal King's Hotel" junction, she then dipped her hand in her bag and brought out the money, giving it to the driver, and then she took a walk to the hotel.
Crystal King's Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in town. As she stepped inside, she adjusted her only decent blouse and skirt, trying to look good. She held her handbag.
She met a security man standing at the gates. "Good morning sir, I want to see the manager," She asked the security man. He pointed in the direction of the receptionist's office.
Sophia approached the reception desk." Hi, the receptionist looked at her, and he answered with a nod, "Welcome to Crystal King's Hotel, how may I help you?" The receptionist said. "I would like to see the manager," Sophia said politely.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow, he picked up the phone on the counter and made a call. A moment later, the manager emerged—a tall man in a navy suit.
His keen gaze scanned her, his face inscrutable.
"I'm searching for a job," she said, her tone calm and gentle. "I can work as a cleaner, a passenger, a waitress, or anything else." She stated.
The manager sighed. "There's no job for someone like you here, no space for those positions."
The words cut deeper than she expected. "Someone like you?" What did that even mean?
"But, sir—"
"I'm sorry," the manager interrupted, already turning away. "Have a nice day and Goodbye." The manager said and walked out leaving her confused.
She was stung by the rejection, but she had no option and no time to dwell on it. She turned on her heel and walked out.
Sophia moves out of the receptionist's office, imagining how the manager will walk away leaving her like that. Her mood changed. "Hey! Kids, are you okay?" The security man asked.
The way she walked out of the reception office, he realized there was a problem. Sophia didn't say a word, she walked out quietly and quickly.
She was walking on the streets, scanning every shop, and every building, searching for a place that might need extra hands.
She stood still, "What have I done to myself? I am supposed to be in my workplace presently, but here I am, receiving embarrassment." Sophia said to herself.
She feels confused, managing two jobs, but instead of going to work, she comes out searching for another Job.
Sophia saw a big decorated café shop on the corner, so she decided to check.
The inviting aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread filled the atmosphere.
She entered, her stomach filled with nervous energy. A middle-aged man wearing a striped apron positioned himself behind the counter.
"Hi," she started, "I need a job."
"Do you need any workers?"
The manager barely looked at her before shaking his head. "No space."
Her heart sank. She couldn't go home empty-handed. Not again. There has to be a solution.
"Please, sir," she said, her voice cracking. "I'll do anything. I just need a chance."
The man hesitated. He studied her face, and something in her desperate eyes must have softened him.
"I can't promise anything," he said gruffly. "But I can give you three days. A trial period. If you do well, we'll see."
Sophia nearly burst into tears. "Thank you! I promise, you won't regret it."
Her first shift started the next morning.
She walked out quickly. She remembers that she doesn't have transport with her, and it is a long journey, so she runs back to the manager.
"I am so sorry sir, please I don't have money for a taxi." The man bent his head on the counter, brought out some money, and dropped it for her. "Thank you sir bye…." She smiles, then she turns and leaves.
Sophia came back and pushed the door. "Mama, how are you feeling?" She sat down on the small bed holding her mother's hand. "My dear you are working too much," her mother said. Tears gathered in her eyes. "Don't worry about me mama, I am fine" she said.
She went to the kitchen and prepared food for themselves. She checked her watch, and it was 7:15 PM. Furthermore, she went and showered.
Later she checked on Lisa, her friend, and told her everything that happened.
The embarrassment and the new job. "What about your other jobs?" Lisa asked, "They are not paying me well." she responded.
Lisa advised her to seek permission for 3 days before the trial days will be over.
She went to their room, lying on her bed thinking about how she will start her new job the next day, while focusing on her mother's illness.