A Glimmer Of Hope

Chapter Five

Hearing that, Nolan prepares to leave, he stands at the doorway, resting his hand on the knob.

He shifts his eyes from Simeon to me.

The weight of the moment hangs in the air, thick, none of us have anything to say.

“Nolan, I say, breaking the silence, “I know this is a lot, this is a lot to take in”

He nods, he looks at Simeon again, his eyes furrowed deep. “Cutie, I wasn't expecting you to say this” he reveals, “You have given me choices to pick one. I really need some time to think about it, I'll get back to you”

I nod “I understand l, Nolan, take your time. You don't need to rush things”

. "Can I get your number? In case. I need to reach out later."

We exchange numbers-the gesture feels empty, a bridge between us that might or might not be crossed.

Nolan's gaze holds on mine, and for one fleeting instant, I think that he might say more, say something hopeful. But instead, he nods and turns to leave, the soft click of the door behind him.

I am enclosed in silence.

“Mummy” Simeon calls out, pulling me away from my thoughts. He turns towards the door, he feels so concern, “Is Mr. Is Nolan angry? Is he angry at me? Did I say too much? Did I say something wrong?

I bend down to his level, and straighten his hair with my left hand, “Nolan, you didn't do anything wrong. Sometimes adults take a while to figure out things, to figure out what's going on”

Simeon nods, though I can almost see the doubt still standing there in his eyes. He takes my hand as we walk into the living room, his grip a little tighter than usual. His silence speak volumes.

"How will we get money now?" He says, whispering “Now that daddy isn't sending money he's not helping us anymore and after what I had said, I am not sure if Mr. Nolan will still want you to work with me”

I fake a smile, “Don't worry darling. I'll talk to him. Nolan isn't the type to get angry easily, he will understand your plight. You don't need to worry”

He looks thoughtful for a moment, “Okay mummy. He will call you to congratulate you that you have been accepted. Thank you mummy”

Later in the night, tucking Simeon into bed, the weight of tonight's conversation still lingers heavily in the air. I find my solace in the silence, but sleep doesn't come that easily. My mind keeps wandering back to Nolan, to the unpaid bills, to everything that seems to be falling apart.

It feels as if I have just started drifting off to sleep when morning light filters through the curtains.

Something is not quite right.

I lean over to glance at the nightstand clock, realizing in a moment that no morning tea has been brought up. Frowning, I toss on my robe and head to the kitchen.

It's cool and collected as I enter the room; I can feel the tension in the air. The staff, grouped together, their faces taut with worry. "Why is my tea not brought?" I ask them, trying not to let irritation seep into my voice.

The head of chef came forward and says, “I am sorry ma'am. We are out of provisions and we are yet to be paid our salary”

It was as if the temperature in that room had just dropped. I didn't know things had moved this quickly. Yes, the financial tension had been slowly seeping in, but this-this felt real. No more turning a blind eye.

I say nothing and turn to leave the kitchen, back to my room, where I collapse onto the bed. How in the hell am I going to fix this? It hits me then I may have to let the staff go. I won't have the financial resources to continue paying them.

I reach for my phone and I dial Nolan's number.

He picks up, “Marie” he says, his voice so calm, but there's a distance to it, “Is everything okay?

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself, “Nolan, I want to ask about the job, the one I came for. I still want it pleasex

There is a pause on the other end. He finally speak up”Marie, we both know you are capable of this. You don't need an interview. So tomorrow you can resume. Resume as my secretary

I feel relieved immediately. “Thank you Nolan. I didn't expect this. I thought you were angry yesterday. I appreciate, thank you”

"One step at a time," he says, his voice softening. "We'll figure the rest out."

I smile, even though he can't see me. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Marie."

I nearly run to Simeon's room the moment the call disconnects, unable to contain my excitement. He sits on his bed, playing quietly with his toys, but he looks up the moment I burst in.

"Simeon!" I say brightly. "Guess what?!

He beams broadly, the sparkle in his eyes. "What, Mummy?"

"I got the job! I'm starting tomorrow!"

He grins bigger and bends down, swinging his arms around my neck. "That's great, Mummy! So we'll have money again?"

I nod, holding him closely. "Yes, sweetheart. Things are going to get better."

He leans back on his heels, looking pensive. "Mr. Nolan is really nice, then. I didn't think he'd let you work for him after what I said."

I smile, brushing his hair back. "You are a good boy, Simeon. Your father never took good care of us, but you still have a heart for him. And that is something I like about you."

He looks up to me with wide eyes and speaks softly, "But you deserve better, Mummy."

I hold him tight into my arms and feel my heart fill up. "We shall be alright, sweetheart. We're getting ahead, and now this job-many things will change.