Obsession

You're Hired

After my strange encounter outside the bathroom with that stranger, I went to find Monica. I was just about done with this party and was ready to go home. 

"Oh, there you are, come I have someone you should definitely meet." She appeared out of nowhere and started to pull me along with her. Oh boy. I'm going to have to talk to people. I hate talking to people. 

We came to a stop as we reached by the buffet table, with a woman standing there with a plate in her hand. She was breathtaking to say the least. Her dark black hair stopped right at her shoulder. She was wearing light makeup and her dress looked amazing. There was something about her face that seemed familiar, but I brushed it off, because I was sure I've never met her before.  

"Mrs. Russo, this is Deirdra my best friend and Dee this is Mrs. Russo, a very kind-hearted lady with a beautiful soul." Monica introduced us and I saw her smile while placing her plate on the table behind her. Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing her while Monica was pointing everyone else out.

"Oh child, don't flatter me. Nice to meet you Deirdra." She held out her hand and shook mine. They were really soft.

"Your friend was telling me that you needed a job?" 

"Yes, Yes I have been looking for a job." She nodded her head and smiled. Have I mentioned she also has a beautiful smile?

"That's great, I'm looking for a caretaker, is that something you can do?" I didn't even hesitate before I answered.

""Of course! I mean I can definitely do that. I even have some experience in that area." I explained to her feeling overly excited. Is this it? Am I finally going to get a job? 

"Great. This is my card. You could give me a call and from then I'll give you further instructions, where and when we could have a formal interview." She handed me a card that she took out of a bag I didn't even realize was on behind her.

"Ok I will definitely give you a call." I told her while looking at the card. At that point I realized how much my hands were shaking. 

After we said our goodbyes, Monica and I went back to the bar. 

"I could kiss you right now, but I don't know where your mouth has been." She gave me a playful glare and shoved me after she took a sip from her drink. 

"Girl, shut up. You know you love me."

"You're right, I do love you and I'll forever be grateful to you Mo. I honestly don't know what I would've done without you." 

The rest of the night went like a blur and soon we were back to our separate lives. After taking a shower immediately went to bed. My mind kept replaying the encounter I had with that strange man at the party. For some strange reason his face was a bit blurry in my mind. It was as if he wasn't real and was just a figment of my imagination. I honestly wouldn't be surprised as everything about him felt unreal. 

Morning came and faster than I would have liked, but I got up and got my chores done and made me some breakfast before heading out to see my mom. 

I entered my mom's room and was greeted by sobs. Without a second thought I rushed to her side and held her hand. 

"Mom?" I called out to her, but she only continued to cry.

"Mama are you okay? Are you in pain?" I asked her while reaching out to press the emergency button, but she pulled me back. 

"No, I'm.... I'm okay Dee. I was just thinking about my life and how much it's affecting you."

"Oh mom-" 

"I know what you're going to say, but it is really not okay. I know how much you are struggling to make ends meet and then there's me. You are a very young vibrant woman who should me making her money to spend on herself but instead you have me burdening you and your pocket." I felt my eyes sting and I knew I was about to start crying too. 

She thinks that she was burden to me, but she was far from it. I would do absolutely anything for my mother and I wanted her to know and always remember that. I wanted to wait but I decided against it and just went ahead and told her.

"I got a job interview this evening and I think this is the one." I explained hoping to lighten her mood.

Her face immediately lit up and she pulled me closer to her.

"Oh, that's great news sweetheart. I too believe that you will definitely get this job." I could see the excitement on her face, and it was enough to make me feel better. I had to get this job. Not for me but for her. 

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"Right this way Ms. Lewis." A short light skinned woman, who I assumed was the maid due to her uniform, spoke as she led me to the living room where she said Mrs. Russo was waiting for my arrival. 

This house was nothing like I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of beautiful houses. Its beauty was beyond any words I could come up with to describe it. The exterior was just a prequel of what was to come because the insides were astonishing. I would, not in a million years, be able to afford to live in a house such as this one. Even the chandeliers that hung high in the ceiling seem to worth more than any amount I've ever made in this lifetime.

I followed closely behind the maid careful not to get myself lost in this maze of a house. If I do get this job, I'll definitely need a map of the house. 

It took a while, but we finally arrived in the living room where I saw Mrs. Russo sitting on a chair at the corner of the room. It seemed as if it was an office in the living room, with office chairs surrounding a table. 

"Ah Deirdra, you've made it right on time. Please, have a seat."  I smiled at her and took a seat, all of a sudden feeling nervous. 

"I really appreciate this opportunity Mrs. Russo."

"It's fine dear. So, as you know my youngest son Alessio, met in an unfortunate accident and that has left him paralyzed. We've tried hiring a few caretakers, but they never seem to stay for too long, always leaving with no explanation whatsoever. So here I am trying once again." Her explanation made me start to question if I wanted to stay and take this job. I mean it's very suspicious that previous caretakers would just up and leave like that. This screams red flag.

"I can see that look on your face. You are considering not to take the job but I'm pleading with you to reconsider. You will be paid five thousand dollars a month plus lots of benefits, seeing that this will be a live in job, you'll have free shelter and be fed three square meals a day."

"Wow.... Um...." I was left speech less. Five grand a month! Now this is more than screaming red flag. What would I possibly be doing to be paid five grand a month. 

"Please think about it Deirdra. Monica mentioned that you needed the money and I need you, so it's a win win situation."

I gave her a skeptical look as I bit my bottom lip. I could have sworn Monica was oblivious of my predicaments. I thought wrong. At that moment my mom came in my mind. This job would be the breakthrough I've always been looking for. This money would go a long way in helping with all the bills I had to take care of as well as myself. 

"Okay, I'll take the job." 

She stood up enthusiastically and clapped her hands together. 

"Great. Now that's settled you are officially hired. You can start tomorrow. And also, there are a few documents that you will be required to sign but that can all be done when you arrived for your first day of work. Can have another one running off on us now, can we?"

The smile on her face was enough to give me a gnawing feeling but I went against my better judgement and shook off the feeling, smiling back at her.

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