Shadows of Love: Healed

8. Hazel

Hazel's POV

"Are you awake?" Char inquired, noting the darkness outside. Glancing at the clock, I realized it was 7 p.m.

"Yes," I replied, rubbing my eyes. "I have a few tasks to attend to; you should have woken me up earlier."

Char explained, "I've never seen you sleep so deeply before. I assumed you must have been really exhausted, so I didn't want to disturb you."

I swiftly retrieved my computer glasses and gathered my hair into a messy bun before settling down to check my email.

I checked my email on my laptop, and indeed, the company had sent me a message regarding my results. I felt apprehensive about opening it, so I closed my eyes, clicked on the email, and asked Char to read it for me.

Char started reading the email aloud, "Good Evening, Ms. Hazel Gray. Your internship in our sports car company, Elysium, begins on May 1st. We hope you will support us through your journey in our company.
Here are the benefits:
1. You will receive a stipend of $3,600 upon completing the internship.
2. 6 hours per day, 30 $ per hour. 20 days in the whole month.
3. You will be given priority for a job in any of our companies after your graduation..." She continued to read, and I listened with my eyes closed, soaking in the details.

— ∞ ❁ ∞ ❁ ∞ —

As I rushed out the door, I realized I was running late for the office. It was already 8:00 AM, and I needed to be there by 9:00 AM. The commute usually took about 1 to 1.5 hours, so I was cutting it close.

Before leaving, I bid farewell to everyone, saying, "Guys, bye bye, I'll be back soon."

On my way out, Char handed me a drink and said, "Have it, you didn't even had your breakfast. See you later."

With a quick "bye bye," I dashed off, hoping to make it to the office on time.

"I should take a cab, or else I won't reach on time if I go through the bus or metro," I thought to myself as I rushed.

During my journey, I observed the diverse spectrum of lives around me - the poor, the rich, the middle class, and people like me.

However, one thing stood out — regardless of their status, nobody seemed to care for anybody else. Even doctors, we take them as gods just help us out for money. It was a stark realization of the lack of humanity in the world. People are just greedy, and the world is cruel. This experience taught me the importance of toughening up and relying on logic rather than emotions.

I spent very little time with my parents and my brother. I always regret that, but sometimes I wonder: What if my parents had never died, and I had never cut ties with my brother ? I would still be blind, naively believing in the seemingly beautiful world around me. I would never have realized people's true colors if I had never encountered this significant problem.

Anyhow, I set aside those thoughts for now. I need to work hard, be prepared, and always forgiving. Whatever people do, I have to let go. However they try to trouble me, I have to be strong enough to forgive them, at least for a few days. Then I can focus on my studies after the break. Mainly, I should never break down, showing people my weakness. I have to overcome this biggest task, not just for money, but for a better life.

The driver interrupted my thoughts, "Ma'am, we've reached the place." I checked the time and realized I was 10 minutes early. I thanked him, paid the fare, and made my way into the office. I noticed the elegant woman who had shown me the way in and out before. She seemed to recognize me, perhaps she had a great memory. Walking towards her, she instructed me to wait in the lobby.

A few more people like me sat around me in the lobby, all college students from various universities and majors. We exchanged nervous glances as we waited for our interviews or appointments, each lost in our own thoughts.

A young woman approached and instructed us to follow her. She handed each of us a form detailing the internship placement. It seemed that nobody interned in the main office; instead, the sub-offices were located closer to my university.

I collected my form, realizing that the internship was scheduled to start from May 1st, which was in two days, as they informed us. They also provided instructions on how to prepare a project, emphasizing the importance of following proper procedure and adhering to the dress code, which should be neat and professional.

It's already 4 PM, and I decided to visit a famous restaurant nearby. As I was leaving, I noticed Sarah there, looking furious. She was sitting opposite someone I couldn't see. Clearly upset, she left the place in disappointment and anger.

I hurriedly followed her, managing to catch up. Calling out her name, I finally got her attention, and she rushed towards me, embracing me in a hug. I couldn't help but wonder about the person she was with – was he her boyfriend? Sarah had never mentioned anything about him. However, I refrained from asking her any questions.

I hailed a cab, and as we sat inside, Sarah remained silent, staring out the window. Unable to see her upset, I decided to break the silence. "Sarah, are you okay? What happened?"

She turned towards me, her eyes brimming with tears. "Hae, I don't want to go to Germany."

"Then don't go," I suggested.

"I can't even stay here, it's causing me more trouble," she explained, her voice filled with distress. Sarah proceeded to share everything with me. So, the guy she was with is Sarah's brother, the chairman of Elysium and CEO of Viotto Groups – the very company where I wanted to intern.

"Sarah, just take this as advice; I'm not forcing you to follow it. Consider listening to your brother. Don't worry about Atlas. You're a beautiful woman, so if he troubles you, tell him you're seeing someone. If he still bothers you, endure it until the last week of the holidays. Then, tell your brother you need to return and have work to do – find a way to escape somehow. Just ensure you don't hurt yourself in the process. Call me, Char, and Ash daily; we'll suggest something useful. We'll miss you too. Treat it like an exam. You love them, right?"

"Hazel, you're more like a brother to me. Your words are literally the same as what he told me. I love your idea. It's a great thought. No wonder you're a top student," she exclaimed.

I giggled, "Top student? You're the topper of the major and in the top 5 in the whole university. Now, smile." She's one of those pretty people with a beautiful smile.

After reaching our dorm, both Ash and Char were surprised. Ash asked, "How come you both came together?"

We both looked at each other's face, and I said, "Ah, it's a long story."

_____________________________
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

Thank you guys for reading I wish you enjoyed it.
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See you all in the next chapter.
Bye bye, take care.