Finding Home

Chapter three - Finding a cousin

Photo: Charlie (Charlotte) Davidson - Tatiana Maslany

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To say I'm nervous about the interview would be an understatement.

I had changed my outfit at least ten times until I finally decided to go with a plain black skirt and white blouse, pairing that with some sandals. I had straightened my hair and gone over it many times until the point that it was paper thin and not a single wave. I then proceeded to pace the house for half an hour before it was time to leave.

When I arrived I wasn't sure what to do, was I supposed to go right upstairs? Or wait down here until someone came to get me? Before I dwelled on it too long a voice was calling out to me.

"Annabella!" I turn to see an overly excited Charlie rushing towards me, before I can manage a response she is tackling me into a bear hug. I awkwardly pat her back and chuckle softly. "I'll take you upstairs."

I only nod in response gulping nervously as she turns and practically skips to the stairs, I trail after her with less enthusiasm. As we start up the stairs she calls back to me, "You nervous?" Again, I only nod in response. She smiles over her shoulder and shakes her head. "You have no reason to, you're practically already hired. Just legally they are supposed to interview you and get to know a little about your background, work experience, etc."

"Sounds easy enough," I laugh nervously and she just smiles again.

"Exactly." When we reach the top step I feel my stomach twist in nerves, but when Charlie opens the door and both Mr. and Mrs. Davidson stand there with broad smiles. Upon seeing them I let out a breath I had been holding for a while, these people aren't mean and Charlie's words about the job pretty much already being mine help ease my racing mind. And if Mr. Davidson was being friendly, and smiling, that was surely a good sign.

"Hello, dear." Mrs. Davidson steps towards me and hugs me just like her daughter had. Mr. Davidson says hello but doesn't try to hug me which I am sort of grateful for, I mean that would be awkward to say the least.

"Hi." I respond trying to sound calm, cool and collected. I'm not sure if it works but Mrs. Davidson just smiles reassuringly.

Then Mr. Davidson finally speaks, "Shall we begin?" I envisioned those words making me quiver in fear but with Mr. Davidsons warm smile, I can't help but relax and smile back at him.

-

"Thank you so much," I gush for the hundredth time, my cheeks were still flushed as we went over the final details but I was ecstatic to have gotten the job. And by the looks of it, I would be getting a lot of hours which meant a lot of money.

"It's no problem dear," Mrs. Davidson smiles again and wraps me in another hug before leading me to the door.

"See you in two days?" Mr. Davidson asks and I nod. I have to restrain myself from thanking them once again. "And Charlie, we should be home around six so feel free to make dinner yourself or just order something."

"Sounds good," Charlie responds. During the interview I had slightly panicked when she left to go work downstairs but I forced myself to remain calm, and it had gone wonderfully.

"Will you be staying over?" Mrs. Davidson turns to me.

"Oh, I don't think so." I smile. Truthfully, it had been a long time since I've had a sleepover at someone else's house. I like to stay close to my dad in case anything happens.

Surprisingly Mrs. Davidsons face seems to fall but then brightens again when she asks if I would at least stay for dinner. I agree and they promise to make it home. We say our final goodbyes before Charlie is dragging me downstairs and to her rusty looking car.