Grace of God

1

Isabella

"No Tris, I can't. I have a job to go to... Yes, there's this big party coming and Joe needed extra hands... I owe her that much Tris; she helped me when I needed it the most, besides it's a good pay and you know how much I need money right now...It's just one night!... Come on, we can do it tomorrow...Yes, I promise. You can come over...She's fine, Lily's with her...Yes she'll be with her all the time... Okay then, see you tomorrow."

I let out an exasperated sigh and stare at the ceiling of the empty classroom I am sitting in. Tris can be a handful sometimes. Though I desperately need our girls time, I need the money more. I worked at Joe's bar for some time as a waitress after I graduated high school and moved to Portland with my brother Caleb and his then girlfriend— now wife, Lily. Last year I found my own place not so far from their house with a little help from my brother. He'd done me a lot of favours— so much that I'm heads deep in his debt. He never mentions it still it feels like a burden. I know he loves me and I am grateful for what He and Lily have been doing to make me feel comfortable. He helped to pay my college tuition fees and even paid more than half the price of my small apartment. He is a successful lawyer and Lily owns a bakery that was once her grandma's.

Soon the bell rings and people start coming in; sounds of giggles and loud conversations overpowering the quiet thoughts of the forgotten and loners. Me, of course, being one of them. I don't have time for personal life outside of my work and my responsibilities and education. Thus, my friends are close to none. None is rather accurate. I am sitting at my usual spot— far back in the corner. Being 21 years old and only in my sophomore year, some are little curious about the loner girl. But I have other things on my mind and my education is extremely important to me.

Tristine is the only friend I have since we were 4 and I am extremely grateful for her. She will graduate from an art school this year. Every student here is 18 or 19 at the most but I didn't have the privilege to study right away. I had to work my ass off to afford everything. Caleb helped, sure, but it still wasn't enough. I worked double shifts every day for a year so I could be living a somewhat comfortable life. I left my second job at the bar after I joined college but Joe and I are still in contact. I occasionally go there to help her out whenever she's in dire need of manpower; like tonight. I don't usually do night shifts but tonight's an exception. I work at Lily's bakery after college hours and in the morning before lessons. I also work at a café near my home on the weekends now. When I need more cash, I just do extra shifts. I know that for a good future, I need this degree.

"Ahem."

A cough comes from in front of me, bringing me out of my thoughts. I glimpse at the guy who is somewhat popular among the girls. Before he can speak, the teacher strolls into the class, closing the door loudly as usual in order to gain the attention of students, and proceeds to write on the board.

The class is somewhat interesting— finance, and I start taking notes; giving the teacher my full attention. The class goes on and on and I feel the stares of other girls boring holes in my back as the guy from earlier chooses to sit beside me. He is what you would call handsome but I don't have time or will to check out or date boys. Normally I would have been graduated this year but that's not the case. Students here gossip about me and I must say, it does hurt to hear hurtful remarks about you. I always wear baggy sweaters and comfortable jeans, don't wear any makeup and just tie my dark brown hair back into a ponytail or an easy low bun to keep it out of the way so I don't have to brush them much. Because of college and my two jobs I have less time and sleep at home. I must be looking like a zombie coming straight outta a horror movie but I don't give a fudge.

Except for that boy sitting beside me and trying to talk to me, my entire day goes like usual until the night finally dawns and I have to leave for Joe's bar. For the first time in her life, the entire place got booked for a function. There are going to be many rich guests and she desperately needs more staff. After what feels like a lifetime, I put on some light makeup on my tired looking face— just some mascara and lip-gloss. I braid my hair into a low bun, wear a white blouse with black leggings, take my purse and leave for my job. I park my second hand chevy in the lot and head for the backdoor.

"Hey girl, you look thinner than the last time I saw you!" Joe grabs me in a bear hug as the other waitresses snicker to themselves.

"Glad to see you too Josephine, you don't look bad yourself." She waves a hand with a big smile on her face. She is a very jolly woman in her early forties.

"So what's the deal?" I ask as we start walking towards the changing room.

"Well—" she starts in her usual dramatic tone, "There is this big company— they are celebrating their new deal or something. And out of all upscale restaurants they chose US!!!"

Happiness and excitement are radiating off of her as she continues.

"I've heard their CEO is very hot but that's not the point. They've booked the entire place and your job is to carry and serve drinks. You can leave at any time you want after an hour of serving and don't forget to come to me to get cash before you leave." She winks while handing me the apron as I chuckle to myself.

"Oh, I won't forget that for sure." I reply and go to my work.

The CEO guy comes after 11 pm but I don't have time or a chance to get a look. I've already completed my hour and there are so many guests, it feels wrong leaving the work. One of the waitresses, Ruby, hands me my new serving tray and I once again start roaming through the large mob of office employees.

I catch sight of a beautiful woman in her late twenties, wearing a tight red dress that's hugging her curves perfectly. She's wearing red stilettos and dark red lipstick. Her sun kissed blonde hair flow down her back as she takes a sip from her wine glass while talking to a tall guy in charcoal grey suit. His back is at me, still I can tell he's very masculine underneath the clothes.

"Don't you think he's a little young to be the CEO of a company?"

Ruby says in a squeaky voice. So this is the CEO guy. As I look again in his direction, he is kissing the red woman with so much passion. A strange uneasiness swarms through my pit and I look away.

"Do you know the name of this company by any chance? I think Joe forgot to mention it." I ask Ruby while serving the drinks.

"Yeah, I know—" she replies while giving some bald man a glass of champagne, "it's Elliot Enterprises."

Fear leaps in my chest as I slowly turn to look at the most talked about guy in this bar tonight. He turns to me at the same time and I see the smile vanish from his beautiful face as he freezes in his actions.

The familiar green eyes stare right back at my hazel ones as if he saw a ghost. The red woman kisses his cheek but he's too stunned to react. I notice a small ring box he's about to pull out of his coat pocket. He is going to propose her. Before she can trace his gaze; I quickly turn away, give another waitress my tray and apron and waltz towards the back door, a single tear flowing down my cheek.

"I thought you wouldn't forget your cash." Joe comes out of nowhere with a huge grin on her face. But the smile soon turns into a deep frown as she looks at my face which is damped with stray tears by now.

"What happened dear?" She asks in a soft voice, holding my paycheck in her hand. I take it from her and go straight to the door. Before opening it, I take a deep breath and look back at my now worried employer,

"He's here." Is all I manage to say before shutting the door with a loud thud behind me and run towards my car.