abducted [s.g. + z.m. au]

5.

Weeks. Weeks had passed and I STILL couldn't find work. I was going on a month with no success already. I honestly didn't understand why I had to go through this, why I was having such a hard time. God only knows how much my family and I had struggled, and I was only doing this for the sake of them. It was such a frustrating process to deal with. Each and every day was full of rejection. With each day that passed, my motivation becoming lower and lower. I wanted so badly to just give up, but that would only prove to everyone else I wasn't prepared for this. It made me so upset, but I knew I couldn't just give up. I continued searching every day, even if I was still empty handed by the end of the day. The only thing that would make me even more upset than I already was was knowing that I didn't try hard enough or I could've tried harder, if that made sense. But, no matter what, there was always that negative aspect of everything, that one thing bothering me with so much intensity, all the other questions coming to mind. Why had no jobs come my way? Was I doing something wrong? I couldn't find the answer to either one. I figured maybe I just needed to search harder. Maybe I needed to have more faith in God and in myself. I had to try keeping a positive attitude about everything. That's all I can do at this point, I couldn't dwell in negativity, it would only push me back.

I walked into the local convenience store, trying to keep a positive mindset. On my way in, I accidentally ran into a man wearing a large black coat and fedora, knocking something out of his grasp. I knelt down to pick up whatever it was I caused him to drop as I questioned his choice of clothing within my mind before quickly apologizing. Our eyes met each other during the quick exchange and we both stood up as I finally broke the stare. I glanced once more at him, the man giving me some type of look, but I wasn't not able to read it.

I rushed inside the store and saw the store owner, Rafael. He rolled his eyes before turning to me and speaking, "No jobs currently available, Veronica."

My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. "What? How did you-"

"We all know you've been looking for work. Look, I'd love to help you but I already have all the help I need, okay," he told me, sorrow in his eyes.

Of course. I didn't know why I thought my luck would change. I nodded at Rafael. "Okay. Thanks anyways."

I walked outside slowly, tears beginning to form in the corners of my eyes. I tried hard and in return, I received nothing. Some logic, right? Suddenly, the man from earlier approached me.

"Sorry to bother you, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation in there? Seems like you're looking for work, huh," he questioned me and I was unsure whether to answer him or not.

But then I remembered to be positive and take advantage of whatever opportunity came my way. Could this be it? I quickly nodded my head up and down.

"Well, you're in luck. My company is offering some office jobs up in McAllen, Texas. They're simple and no experience is needed."

I stood there dumbstruck. I wasn't American, I'd lived in Mexico all my life. "But what about me? I'm not a US citizen??"

He smirked at me before answering, "No need to worry about that I have my ways. It's all covered." Was it really that simple? I didn't know what to think.

My eyebrows scrunched in confusion as I thought about his job offer. Something didn't seem right and I didn't know if I could trust him...but my family really did need the money and I didn't know if I would get this opportunity again.

He interrupted my thoughts, "c'mon, it's a great offer."

"It does seem like a great offer, but I don't know what to say...I don't even know your name." I spoke hesitantly.