Chapter Five

Selena POV

A few weeks had passed since I left the mansion and I haven't been able to secure another job.

I wasn't going to lie and say it doesn't bother me because it did. I need to get a job to support both myself and my mom.

Sometimes, I can't help but wonder how different our lives would be if my dad were here with us.

Speaking of my dad, I don't know if he's still alive or not. The thought of his existence has often lingered at the back of my mind leaving me with unanswered questions.

Why has my mother never spoken of him? What pain has he caused by her?

Pushing the thoughts aside, I dragged myself out of bed and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up.

Feeling refreshed, I ruffle through my wardrobe trying to figure out what to wear. I finally picked a simple and corporate dress. I applied a touch of makeup on my face and tied my hair back in a neat ponytail.

Satisfied with my look I slung my bag over my shoulders and stepped out of my room, heading towards the living room.

I found the living room empty, my mom wasn't there, it was unlike her. She's always in the living room knitting or the kitchen cooking.

I went to her room and knocked on the door gently before entering. I found her still on the bed wrapped in a blanket.

"Mom, are you alright?" I asked

"Yes dear, I'm just a bit tired," she replied softly.

"Okay Mom, I'm off to my job hunting."

"Hmmm….Good luck darling."

"Thanks, Mom." I smiled, trying to hide the worry within me.

I stepped out of her room and made my way to the front entrance, exiting the house with some steps away into the crisp morning air.

With my mindset, I made my way into town with my bag in my hand.

I spotted a nearby coffee shop, walked in, and made an order for a cappuccino.

Taking a seat, I took out my notebook and pen from my bag and flipped open to a page filled with scribbles and notes.

My eyes scanned the list of companies that had vacancies I had jotted down in the newspaper. I ticked the companies that I would go to for my job hunting for the day.

Soon, my order was placed on the table before me. "Enjoy your coffee, " the waiter said with a smile across his face.

"How much is it?" I asked, getting myself ready to pay.

"It's three dollars."

"Oh okay, " I uttered, reaching for my purse the next to pay up.

Opening it, I realized that I had only a little left inside. Now I'm wondering how my mom and I will survive.

Having no choice, I paid the waiter the money and resumed with my list. Sipping out of my creamy cappuccino while ticking out the companies I'll visit today.

In a short while, I was done with my cappuccino. I grabbed my jotter and placed it into my bag, before exiting the shop to start my job hunt.

Goddess, see me through, please.

Stepping back into the streets, I decided to trek down to my first company of interest.

The distance from my point is far and taking a cab will cost. I don't have enough for a cab.

I had to increase my speed, walking through the busy roads, until I finally arrived at the location of the first company on my list.

"Thank goodness," I signed in relief, stepping into the building quickly with pace.

I hope am lucky.

Getting in, I was directed by a security, to the office where I'll carry out my interview. And from the looks of things, I guess I'm the only one who noticed the job vacancy.

Arriving at the door, nervousness filled my entire system. I took in a deep breath, and knocked on it, until I heard a response inviting me inside.

Stepping in, I met a lady seated on a high desk, with a tag on her table, which indicated her as a Secretary.

She had her focus on her computer, as she typed with speed without looking my way.

Her face alone was already giving me an off vibe.

"Good morning ma'am", I greeted politely, starting up the talk.

She responded with a nod while her eyes remained on the screen.

"Ma'am, I noticed a vacancy advertised in the papers. I am here to apply for a job," I said, getting my file out from my bag.

" Sorry dear, the vacancy has already been filled ." She lifted her gaze at me, with her brows narrowed out.

"No room, " She uttered, dropping her gaze back to the system.

Gosh! What kind of luck is this?

Nodding, I said, "Thank you."

I retraced my steps out of the office at once. Didn't wait for her to do it. I left the building and made my way to the next company on my list.

"Gosh, will I ever get a job? I'm already losing hope. " I felt helpless.

"Don't lose hope yet. You still have three more companies on your list. You might be lucky," Ember encouraged me.

I felt better again.

I can't give up.

Soon, I arrived at the second choice on my list. The secretary attending to me didn't look like one who was ready to attend to anyone.

I don't know, why do all these secretary's have to look so scary?

Unlike the first, this one had her mind on her phone. She was so engrossed in it while I was talking to her.

"I'm here to apply for a job, " I said after greeting her.

She raised her head to look at me. Her eyebrow gave me a scrutinizing look.

"How can I help you?" she asked ignoring my words. Her tone was devoid of warmth.

"Is she deaf? " Ember asked.

I was going to ask the same question, but I better hold myself.

"Ma'am, I'm here to apply for the vacant post."

"Let me have your CV." She stretched her hand out at me.

This is good. I quickly brought out my CV from my bag and handed it to her.

I waited patiently to hear her response, with my heart beating with so much fear in me.

"Goddess, please. Let me be lucky," I made a silent prayer in my mind for a positive response from her.

"Hmm... " She started.

"Sorry, you are not qualified for the post. You don't have the necessary qualifications and working experience required for the post," she said after going through it, shattering any hope I had left.

She resumed what she was doing on her phone ignoring me. I quietly left the building feeling downcast. I wasn't motivated to go further.

*******

Soon it was noon, the sun was blazing hot, I was already tired, and I wanted nothing more than to go home after today's hunt.

I thought of taking a cab home but I was left with just two dollars leaving me with no choice but to trek back home.

"Something feels off, " Ember noted me as we drew closer to my home.

"What do you mean ?" I asked

"I can't say what it is, but I just don't feel okay," She pointed.

Wondering what could be bothering Ember while approaching my home, I entered the compound and made my way toward the entrance.

Upon opening the door, I was left shocked to see my mom lying unconscious on the ground.

"Mom! " I screamed, throwing my bag aside and rushing towards her at once.

"Mom! Mom! Mom, please wake up." My voice trembling with panic. I put her head on my lap and shook her gently.

I felt my body vibrating with intense fear. Mom wasn't opening her eyes it moving. This terrified me to the core.

"Selena check her pulse!" Ember suggested quickly.

I laid her down and placed my ear down on her chest. I immediately picked up a faint heartbeat in her.

She’s still alive.

"Oh thank the heavens. " I rose at once, rushing to the house line and contacting the hospital for help.

I explained my situation to them and they assured me that they'll be there very soon.

Once that was done, I returned to my mother and held her close in my arms. My eyes already welling with tears, as I wished I didn't leave the house to get a job.

"It's my fault. I'm so sorry," I cried, caressing her hair.

Soon the paramedics arrived and took my mother to the hospital. I sat in the ambulance with her, making sure that she was still breathing, until we arrived at our destination.

The paramedics rushed Mom inside, while I was made to wait for her outside the emergency room.

Fear engulfed me, as I found myself thinking of terrible reports on my mom.

I don't want such for her, No.

"Relax Selena. I'm sure she'll be fine," Ember tried to calm me, but I couldn't stay calm. I'm so scared.

After waiting for about thirty minutes, the door finally swung open and the doctor appeared.

"Miss Selena?" the doctor called out

"Yes, doctor," I replied, my voice laced with anticipation

"Please, come with me," he said, leading the way to his office.

I followed him.

Stepping in, he offered me a seat, and I clasped my hands tightly, eager to hear what the doctor had to say.

He cleared his throat and said, "Miss Selena, your mother is suffering from third-stage lung cancer."

(Third-stage cancer is when the cancer has spread beyond the lung where it starts to nearby lymph nodes or tissues but not to distant organs).

Cancer!!! Did he just say cancer?

My eyes widened with shock. "How come doctor? But my mom looks healthy. She only said she was a little tired this morning. How... Cancer?" I asked,finding it hard to believe.

"Well, that's because Cancer can grow in a body for a long time probably years before knowing it's there. Also, lung cancer doesn't cause symptoms in the early stage," he explained.

This is unbelievable. Mom has cancer?

Goddess no. This can’t be happening

"So, doctor, how can I save my mom," I asked, getting worried.

"Your mom needs to undergo immediate surgery to save her, and such surgery is quite expensive. It costs a hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

"What? " Ember exclaimed on my behalf.

Where on earth am I going to see such money?

I don't know how but I have to get the money.

"Doctor please commence the treatment while I go in search of the money," I said, getting ready to leave and start my search for the money.

"It's not done that way. This is a private hospital, you need to make an advance payment before we can commence treatment on your mother. I advise you to act fast because your mother's life is at risk," he pointed out to me.

This is terrible for my hearings.

With my heart filled with heaviness, I left his office and made my way to the emergency room.

I saw Mom being taken to a different room, where she'll be staying.

Guilt filled my heart, sending me out of the hospital with so much load within me.

I can't afford to lose my mother. I don't have anyone to help me with that amount.

I feel so trapped.

"What of the Alpha?" Ember asked.

"What?" I felt my heart skip on hearing Ember's suggestion.

"Yes, the Alpha. He might be of help. Ask him, " Ember suggested.

My mind went to the humiliation I faced which led to my removal from the mansion and my job loss.

"I don't think he would want to help after what happened."

"You never can tell. Just seek his help. Remember your mom's life is at stake here," Ember persuaded me.

She's right. Mom's life is at stake here and I need help in saving her.

But is the Alpha the answer to my problem?

Should I see him?