The Next Day – Beatrice's Office
Hailey sat on a chair, shivering despite the calm atmosphere, rubbing her hands together and biting hard on her lips. Every minute ticked like a bomb in her heart; her mind was at war.
Beatrice was on a call, standing by the open view, nodding in affirmation. Hailey's heartbeat increased with every movement Beatrice made until the call ended.
Beatrice glanced at Hailey, then at her phone. The vastness of the office gave Hailey time to pray silently as Beatrice stared at her for a moment before sitting on the guest chair opposite her. Hailey sat upright; even with the soft, neutral tone of the chair and the cozy chill in the office, she continued to shudder.
Still staring, Beatrice glanced at her phone again and then back at Hailey.
"It's becoming obvious, and I'm getting tense with the nature of things between us."
"I will be better, I promise," Hailey said, breaking.
"Do you know why you wanted to work here?"
"I really love this job."
"Wish I could believe that."
She handed her a paper. "Maybe you'll do great in another organization. I'm sorry, but we have to let you go. It's not working here. I'll talk to your mum," she said without resentment.
"Mrs. Beatrice, I… I… I'm so sorry. Please let me try," Hailey sobbed, holding back her tears.
"No. This is best for everyone. I appreciate every effort you made," Beatrice said calmly.
Hailey let the tears flow.
A knock came at the door. Lili walked in.
"I'm so sorry, ma. Hailey, someone called—your mum is at the hospital."
The words sucked the air out of the room. Hailey's heart left her body.
...
"Chronic stress," the doctor explained. "When the body is stressed, the muscles tense up. Muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction—the body's way of guarding against injury and pain.
With sudden-onset stress, the muscles tense up all at once and release when the stress passes. But when muscles remain taut for long periods, it can trigger other reactions and promote stress-related disorders."
"Thank you, Doctor," Hailey said, holding Teresa's hand as she lay on the hospital bed. Beatrice sat beside them.
"Um… she's going to be okay," Teresa said reassuringly.
"She needs rest—plenty of it. Watch for stress effects: mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion."
"Thank you, Doctor," Beatrice said, nodding as he left.
"We'll take you home so you can rest," she added with a soft chuckle.
"I don't take that word lightly," Teresa replied.
"Mum, it's serious. You have to stop stressing your body," Hailey said firmly.
...
At Teresa's Home
Teresa lay on the bed while Beatrice sat on the sofa facing her. Hailey walked in with a tray and a plate of soup, placing it beside Teresa.
"Like the doctor said, you need rest," Beatrice affirmed.
"Why are you repeating it? I heard," Teresa complained.
"You're not going to be stubborn. We're sticking to whatever the doctor said," Hailey declared.
"I have work to do. I'm not sitting here all day," Teresa protested.
"You are doing exactly that, Teresa. Hailey will be useful," Beatrice replied.
"She works?" Teresa asked in frustration.
"Yes—for now. You need the help," Beatrice answered.
"I can't just sit?" Teresa raised her voice.
"You are doing just that. No jokes—I'm not playing, Mum," Hailey snapped, walking out.
"What was that?" Teresa asked Beatrice.
"I didn't say anything, but you need to listen. She's your daughter," Beatrice replied before joining Hailey.
...
In Hailey's Room
Hailey lay on her bed crying as Beatrice walked in.
"I just lost my job, and then this," she sobbed, wiping her tears.
"I skipped the part where I get drunk because my boss is here," she added with a weak chuckle.
"This has nothing to do with what's happening," Beatrice said gently, sitting beside her.
"How am I going to tell my mum I got fired because I was trying to seduce my boss?" Hailey said, staring at Beatrice as tears slid down her cheeks.
"I loved the job. I wanted to be part of your team, and now these feelings are destroying me."
As she stared into Beatrice's eyes, Beatrice embraced her. Hailey froze, shocked to the core, eyes wide and mouth slightly open as butterflies stirred in her stomach. Beatrice couldn't keep her eyes on Hailey's face.
"I should be going. I'll come back when she's feeling better," Beatrice said before leaving.
Hailey smiled, jumped onto the bed, her face glowing with joy.
...
One Week Later
Hailey walked out of the bathroom dancing, picked up a purple gown from the bed, and stood before the mirror, matching it against her body. Smiling, she tossed it aside and picked another—a short black gown with sleeves and a V-neckline. She nodded approvingly.
Teresa walked in and sat on the bed, watching Hailey dance from one end of the room to the other.
"Mum, I can still make you breakfast," Hailey said, applying light powder to her face.
"I'm fine. What's all this excitement—going to work?" Teresa asked with a smile.
"I love my job," Hailey replied dramatically, making a funny face.
"Looks like you've got a new catch," Teresa teased.
"Mum, I love my job. I refuse to be one of those 'I hate my job' memes. I love it so much," she said, rubbing lipstick on her lips.
Teresa applied lotion to her palms and gently smoothed Hailey's hair down to her shoulders.
"I'd love it if you never had to work, but I love that you do—because you're smart, and loving your job makes me worry less," she said, brushing Hailey's hair.
"I know, and I love you too. At least I help with some bills," Hailey replied.
"I don't want to be that kind of mum," Teresa said softly, kissing her hair.
"Mum, I want to. You've been killing yourself to get me through college and university," Hailey said, holding her hands.
"That's my job as a parent, and I'm not expecting a reward," Teresa replied.
"Mum, I'm so happy doing what I do. I have to go—I hate getting to work late," Hailey laughed as she walked out.
"Be on your best behavior. Beatrice is doing everything she can not to kick you out," Teresa warned, adjusting Hailey's outfit.
"She doesn't complain, but I know when Beatrice isn't comfortable."
"Okay, Mum. Bye," Hailey said, frowning playfully as she left.
"I can drive you."
"My taxi is waiting!" Hailey yelled as she rushed out.
Please vote, like and comment. Please it helps, if you love the book please support