We Are Not Forgotten

chapter fourteen.

Gabi forgave me eventually. It took a while but after distracting her with sweets and cookies, she soon decided that she wanted to talk to me. In a way, I felt awful for practically bribing my daughter into speaking to me again but I couldn’t bear not hearing her sweet voice. The deafening silence was just too much to handle. Besides, I didn’t think a five year old really had the capability to hold a grudge for too long.

I waved her off as she went to school and promised her that I would absolutely be waiting for her as soon as she got out. I don’t know whether she believed me though. Nonetheless, she skipped into the building merrily without being phased at all.

  

Meanwhile, I was actually exited to be going back to work. Although yesterday hadn’t exactly gone to plan, I was fond of Perry. He allowed me to forget about my terrible life for a few short hours. It was nice.

  

So after exiting the school gates, I hastily made my way over to the small, corner shop. It was empty as usual which in some ways wasn’t a bad thing. It meant the work was easy. I smiled at Perry as I strolled in,

“Morning!” I chirped a little too happily. I was just content with actually having a job, no matter how dull it actually was. However by the look etched across Perry’s face, I could tell he wasn’t as pleased to see me.

  

“What’s up?” I asked, before it suddenly clicked inside my head, “Look if it’s about yesterday I can explain… “

“No… it’s not that…” He mumbled, not looking me directly in the eyes. Something was wrong. I frowned and waited for him to continue because I was definitely worried.

“My manager said I shouldn’t have hired you…” Perry explained regrettably. My heart began to sink, this was not sounding good to me.

“W-what do you mean?”

  

“Well… the shop is going out of business and he can’t afford to pay for more than one employee…”

  

“But there was a help wanted sign in the window!” I replied incredulously. I couldn’t believe my ears, why would they advertise vacancies if there was no jobs?  It was ridiculous.

“I know… I’m really sorry” He grumbled, his head hanging in shame, “It was my fault, I shouldn’t have just hired you on the spot like that… I should have checked with him first… sorry.” I felt empathy for Perry. I didn’t want to blame him for this situation because he was just doing what he thought was right. I had thought it had been unprofessional of him to hire me there and then though. I guess I was right.

“I really need this job Perry…” I pleaded,

“Ahh Becky, don’t say that… you’re making me feel worse…” He did genuinely look upset so I didn’t want to make him feel overly guilty. He was a decent guy and he was only doing what his manager told him too. However, I had to remember that I had a daughter to take care of and I was slowly running out of money. Clara at the B&B had allowed us to pay ten pounds a night and that would only last us three more days. After that, we were homeless again.

  

“I have a daughter…” I announced shyly, although I knew this would make him feel worse so I instantly regretted it. His eyes widened and his gaze met me quickly. He had not been expecting this, but then again no one ever does. I don’t understand what was so shocking about it. I was twenty one with a kid, so what?