21 October 2012
Chapter 40:
The air was bright and woke me from my hazy sleep. I automatically made my way to the phone, desperate to speak to my mum. It buzzed for only a few seconds, until her familiar voice greeted me. "Hi mum! It's me, how are things?" "Hello darling, how are you! How's New York? Yes, everything's fine here, the shop's very busy!" "Oh mum, I'm sorry I've dumped everything on you. I can come home if you need me." I trailed off slightly. "Oh no! If I'm honest with you, I'm loving it! It's keeping me busy, and I love meeting all the new women." "I'm glad you're having a good time, mummy. But wait, what are you doing about the baking? Has jasmine been in touch?" I said, hurriedly. "Yes, well, I've been meaning to tell you what's happened. You see, jasmine came in yesterday, looking for you actually." "Yes, and what did she say?" I was suddenly curious. "She came to tell you that she's moving back to Denver. Her mother's coming with her to help look after the baby; they're moving in a couple of weeks. She wanted to say goodbye. She just didn't want her baby growing up without her father, besides their apartment is far to small anyway. I'm sorry, Sophia, but you still have time to say goodbye." I didn't speak for a while. I was upset, angry, hurting. "Sophia? Are you there?" "Yeah, I'm here mum. I'm ok." "Oh sweetheart, you can always go and visit her, and your godchild." "I know. Well, anyway, I have something to tell you," I wanted to distract myself before I got too upset. "I've been offered a short time job in a law firm. It's nothing serious, I'm just trying it out. So, what do you think?" "Oh well that's great! What's the name of the place?" "Hart's, it's really famous here in the US." I replied, proudly. "Well, make sure you have a break too. And be careful about what you're getting yourself into. Sophia, I can't look after the shop forever! Although I love it, it is your responsibility." "I know mum, but maybe this was meant to happen. Besides, this Hart's woman knows I'm not staying long, but she seemed impressed with me. I'll come home with a bit if cash to spare, pay off some bills." "Ok, well you take care, I love you." "Love you too, mum."
I walked briskly to the bus stop, occasionally being stopped by oddly dressed people handing out flowers and pamphlets. I reached the shop, looking up at the sign. Strangely, one of the letters was wonky, just like above my shop.
Sarah was waiting for me, coffee and doughnut in hand. "Sophia! You came! Follow me, sweet cheeks." She guided me towards the kitchen, treats lined up on the counters. "Now, we got: bagels, doughnuts, pancakes, bacon, waffles, cupcakes, toast, eggs, oh and muffins." I paused for a minute, overwhelmed by the feast before me. "I'll have a coffee, please." She burst out laughing, "I'll have a coffee." She said mocking me in a friendly way. "Sweetheart, you're in New York! people don't have coffee on it's own, that's an insult! You gotta eat big! We've got a big day lined up."
After feasting on my "breakfast" I was escorted to a small desk, where a list of instructions had been laid out for me. "You just follow these instructions; if you get bored, let me know, I'll pay you and you can go, no problems. Have fun!" She waved from behind as she strolled towards a young man's desk, shouting at him sternly.
I began making the phone calls and filling up people's diaries; I had gathered that Sarah had done her research on my qualifications, after all, she wouldn't let a stranger be in control of such important details. It didn't take long for me to settle in, and I was enjoying it so much that i hadn't realised it was already 4:00pm. "Good job, girl! You've done a whole day of work. How do you feel?" Asked the girl who was situated next to me in the office. Her name was Chantelle, and I can honestly say that I've never met someone as funny as her in my whole life. "It feels good! This place is so much fun!" I said, standing up from my comfy seat. "Good, cause tomorrow is when the real fun begins." Chantelle said with a wink. "What do you mean?" "You're going to put your real law skills to the test, you're first real case!" I suddenly felt a huge weight on my shoulders. I wasn't ready for that, and didn't want to get started on something I may later regret.
by vera©
The Wedding Shop • Opuss № I