Chapter 6

Isabelle Campbell

I woke up feeling tired and cramped from the position I slept. I was ready for the day. My job as Mr. Charles’s chef still stands and I am grateful for it. I might have to wait till the end of the month to get my paycheck but at least I have some money I expect at the end of the month.

It’s not all that bad.

I was sitting inside the bus when my phone rang.

“Isabelle?” a lady’s voice says from the phone.

I frowned then looked at my phone screen to see the caller's name. My eyes lit up with hope. She’s an old, well-paying customer.

“Oh, hi. I didn’t know it was you” I cleared my throat. “How are you doing? It’s been a while”

She chuckled. “Yes, it has been. How’s business going?”

“Fine” can’t share my problems with everyone.

“I would like to request a cake and some snacks with it.” I felt my heart do a million summersault. “I need it by Friday, I will make payment by the end of today and will send details of all that I need to you too”

If I wasn’t on a bus, I would be jumping right now and probably screaming till I lose my voice. No, I need my voice.

“Sure, Mrs. Alison. I will be expecting them. Thank you” The line got disconnected and I stared at my phone like it was gold. It is. I know Mrs. Alison well enough to know that she’ll pay more than the intended amount and would even add huge tips. She’s that generous.

Soon, I got to my destination and I stood up to leave the bus.

“I hope your day is as bright as your smile” I looked over my shoulder to see who said that. It's an elderly-looking woman who had a kind smile on her lips.

I returned the smile and left the bus. I am so assured of a good day.

…

“Is there any other thing you need before I close for the day?” I asked Mr. Charles when I brought his dinner.

He looks up at me and smiles.

“No dear, thank you” he sounded weak, probably tired from the day’s event.

We had so much fun today. This man can light up the entire world with just his kindness and smile. He’s funny, a great storyteller and I keep wondering how lucky his late wife is to have such a great man like him for a husband.

‘I wish’ I say within but shook my head when the image of his grandson flashed in my mind.

“Good night, Mr. Charles” I leaned in to hug him. I see him as a grandfather than an employer now, even though it’s been just days since I started working for him. He’s a great man.

“Good night, dear” he smiled then went on to eat his food.

I picked up my bag and then made my way to the door so I could leave.

“Wait dear” I halt in my step then turn around to face him. “I need to ask you something”

I walked back to him. I sat on the chair close to his bed and then waited for his question.

“Are you and Alessandro back together?”

Wide as a saucepan, is the perfect description for how wide my eyes opened. ‘back together? What the hell did his grandson tell him?’

I quickly composed myself and sat straight up, thinking of what I could say that wouldn’t get me into a compromising situation.

“Don’t worry, boss and employee relationships are a thing these days.” He urged me to lean closer “It’s romantic too” he winked.

I felt stupid for blushing. “Ah, it’s complicated” was the only thing I could say. I needed to talk to Alessandro first before saying anything to his grandfather. I don’t want to hurt his feelings. He’s been so nice to me from the start.

He chuckled lightly and nodded his head. “You young couples love that word but it’s fine. Sort out your differences. Just know that every relationship has its ups and downsides, don’t let something so little tear you apart” he advised.

I felt a little guilty that I was leading him on.

“Thank you for the advice” I stood up once again. “Good night” I waved and he waved back.

I left the room and let out a sigh. I tried to calm myself down and not think too much about things.

…

Here I am, standing in front of Mr. Darren’s home. My heart racing fast, the tips of my fingers felt cold and my legs felt like jelly. I’m not scared of him, I’m just scared of what his response would be to my request.

I raised my hand to knock on his door but stopped when the door opened to reveal Mr. Darren and Penelope, my number one nemesis and business rival laughing at what one of them said. They looked like they were acquainted with each other. And this leaves a strain of panic in my heart.

“Mr. Darren” I called his attention to me and like the tsunami washes home away, his smile died upon noticing me.

I didn’t miss the glare coming from Penelope but I ignored her presence.

“I hope you didn’t come here to ask for the place back because it has been sold out to this wonderful young lady” he grinned when they looked at each other.

I grimaced at that.

“Yes, Isabelle. I win once more and you lose as always” she laughed.

I glared at her, trying to restrain myself from slapping her across the face and decorating her face with scratches.

I didn’t respond to her taunts and returned my gaze to Mr. Darren.

“Give me till the end of this week and I promise to pay the amount you increased the rent to. Just give me till Friday and I will have your money ready” I pleaded.

He looked me over and hissed. “She’s paying for the space tomorrow and everything will be finalized then. I don’t pay bills with pleas. Money does the trick” he grinned.

I felt defeated already but I am not letting go of this space without a fight. I need this more than anything I own.

“I will get the money by tomorrow” the words spurt out of my mouth, leaving three of us in shock. “I will get it tomorr-”

“She couldn’t afford to get rent on time, what assurance do you have that she will get the entire payment by tomorrow?” Penelope asked in between gritted teeth.

I ignored her question and stood on my words with a promise. I don’t know how possible that will be but I am hoping for the best.

Mr. Darren seems to be excited by the tension rising between me and Penelope. He clapped and said in an excited tone.

“Whoever can get twenty thousand dollars ready by tomorrow morning gets the place” he clapped again like an excited child who got what he wanted for Christmas.

“I will have fifty thousand dollars ready,” Penelope said with a smirk, arrogance lacing her words.

“Looks like we have a winner” he laughed then said his goodbye to Penelope before entering his house.

My heart skipped at his words. I couldn’t say anything. I had to seek ways to get twenty thousand dollars or I'll lose the place for good.

…

I entered my apartment and let out a sigh. I tore the notice paper that was pasted on my door and then disposed of it. I am feeling tired not just physically but about everything.

I am not about to give up just yet, my mum didn’t give birth to a quitter.

‘Even when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ the words of my mum quoting a popular quote played in my head.

That’s the encouragement I need now and I will keep it with me.

My phone rang and I picked it up to check the caller. It was Mrs. Alison.

Today was just so hectic, that I forgot about our conversation from earlier.

“Good evening Mrs. Alison, I didn’t get your message about the other things you’ll need for that day,” I say immediately I answered the call.

“Good evening, Isabelle.” She greets curtly “About that, I won’t be needing your services anymore. I am really sorry if I caused any sort of inconvenience to you. Maybe next time?” my heart stopped beating for a second.

I couldn’t hear anything and my shoulders dropped in defeat.

Maybe I lost after all.

“Are you there, Isabelle?” her voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “I’m sorry, Isabelle, I’ll call when I need your service next time, okay?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded my head.

“Sure” I croaked out. I didn’t stop the tears that slipped out of my eyes. I need to get it all out.

“Good night, dear”

“Good night,” I say in a whisper and disconnected the call.

I sat on the floor. I couldn’t cry out loud. Just sat there, letting the tears stain my cheeks continuously.

I guess I don’t have a choice now.