** ** * ** * Crystal’s POV ** ** * ** *
I slumped onto the couch the moment I arrived home.
Today was yet another day of disappointment, I was unable to find a job.
I can’t believe that old man was making advances at me just because he was going to offer me a job as a cleaner. How shameless!
Although I am desperate, I also know where to draw the lines.
” Mary” I called softly
I wonder how Aidan is doing. I have been so busy searching for work lately that I don’t want to spend much time with him again.
Mary walked into the sitting room rubbing her eyes
Was she sleeping by this time of the day?
“Welcome ma’am”
“Yes Mary, where is mum-two and Dad-two” I queried
“They had left for a meeting” she replied
“Oh okay, what about Aidan?”
“He has falling asleep ma’am”
I was glad to hear that, at least I won’t have to bother about him till tomorrow.
“Ma’am, Aidan’s milk is running out quickly, and there is no money to get another,” she added.
That was the bad news I have been dreading. My baby’s milk is very important.
“It’s okay Mary, I will do something about it” I said and dismissed her
Is it really okay? No… It is not. Why does life have to be so difficult?
** ** ** **
The next day at college, the lecturer had just left the class so I used the free time to share my work seeking issues with Rhea.
“Don’t worry Crystal, I will make some enquiries for you, see if I can help you, I promise”
“Thanks dear, I would really appreciate”
We were busy chatting as Rhea had a lot to tell me, she always does.
A young guy walked up to us, he was probably between twenty and twenty-three, I couldn’t identify if he was a student here.
“Are you Crystal Lennox?” he asked
“Yes, that’s me… Is there a problem?” I asked anxiously.
“Why would someone be looking for me? Did anything happen to Aidan? I hope not.
“The principal has asked to see you” he informed me
So that’s what it’s all about, but why would the principal want to see me? He has never requested to see me before
“Alright, thanks for informing me” I said with a smile.
He turned and walked away while Rhea’s eyes trailed behind him.
I chuckled and she pretended like she wasn’t staring
“Crystal, why would the principal want to see you?” She asked in curiosity.
I scratched my head like Mrs Maggie will do whenever she doesn’t have an answer to a question. I really miss that old lady.
“I don’t know Rhea, I guess I should go and find out”
“Do you want me to accompany you?” she offered
I was about to say yes then I remembered that I have a secret that I wouldn’t want people to know
What if the principal discovers Aidan and wants to discuss about him, then Rhea will find out.
She will be hurt because I have kept this a secret from her for three long years.
“Thanks Rhea, but you shouldn’t bother yourself, I would manage”
she nodded and I stood up heading for the principal’s office.
Why would the principal want to see me? I don’t remember committing any offense so far and I am not even close to the principal if so we could have said that he might have called me over for a little chit chat
I got to his office door and knocked
He permitted me to come inside.
The moment I opened the door and stepped a foot in, a familiar scent struck my nose and I froze.
I looked around but it was only the principal there.
I know that scent! I’m just unable to remember who it belongs to
“Come in, Miss Crystal, please sit,” he instructed.
He sounded very nice and polite which made me feel more nervous.
“Good day Sir” I greeted as I took a seat, directly facing him.
“Yeah crystal, I know you wondering why I called you here”
“Yes sir” I replied
“Well, I heard that you were on a job hunt so I have a good recommendation for you”
I was surprised.
Firstly, I don’t remember telling anyone here that I was seeking a job, I mean I just told Rhea now and no one else, secondly… Since when did the principal start to handle matters related to his students’ part-time jobs?
The whole thing is strange to me.
“Yes Sir, I would appreciate it if you would give me a recommendation, but if I may ask how did you know that I was looking for a job?”
I couldn’t help but ask, else I would just go about thinking about it all day.
He was quiet after hearing my question, at least for minutes before he spoke
“Crystal, we care about our students welfare so sometimes we keep an eye on their after school activities, a trusted source told me you lost your job as a waitress so I assumed that you must be looking for a new job right now”
“Wow, that’s very thoughtful of you sir, thanks… Can I know what kind of work it is?” I asked
“Actually how would you like to work in a big castle, the pay is very attractive” he added
A Castle? I’ve never worked in a castle but I don’t think it will be bad though.
“That will be nice Sir” I replied with half-certainty.
“Alright, take this card it would help you get to the place” he instructed handing a plastic card to me
The address on the card was the same street where I used to work before.
I think I know every building there, so which Castle could he be talking about?
I thanked him and walked out of his office, I was a bit confused.
The whole thing was still strange to me. The principal suddenly called me and recommended that I work in a castle? Did he do that on his own accord or could it be that someone put him up to it?
I had my doubts about this, a part of me didn’t want to go but another part thought it was right to do so.
Finally I came to the conclusion that I would go and check it out.
I walked back to Rhea who was more than eager to know why the principal had sent for me.
I told her about his work recommendation and she was surprised as well