Project Queen (Urban Fiction)

Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Shae threw herself into her work in an effort to dull the ache in her heart. After six months, she got a raise for being such a dedicated employee at the bank. Her manager informed her of a program that helped people receive their GED, so she enrolled in the class.

Mrs. Watson had glimpsed the potential the first time she'd encountered Shae Byrts. It was uncommon for them to hire someone who significantly lacked education. But, she'd felt that the young woman had what it took to become a great asset to the Union First Bank if given a chance. She'd been right.

For a while, she'd sensed a deep sadness in the girl and it tugged at her heart. The story of what her mother had done had been plastered in the headlines for weeks. There wasn't anyway she could have not known, but she wasn't one to pry into people's personal affairs. If and when Shae wanted to talk, her door would be open.

After everything the young girl had experienced, she wanted to do something to give her proof that her life could be turned around. She just couldn't give up. And Shae had already proven that she was a fighter.

How many people could rise above a life of poverty and abuse, survive a stabbing, and deal with the horror and shame of her mother's incarceration? Yet, Shae had endured and she'd persevered.

In spite of everything that had happened, Shae remained an exemplary employee. She came to work daily and on time. She was a team player who never complained about the strenuous workload. She even stayed well past five o'clock some nights when they were short staffed, even on Fridays.

When she'd suggested that Shae further her education, she could see the light behind her eyes shine with renewed hope. Giving someone a chance was the Godly thing to do and Mrs. Watson was all about honoring Him. She felt truly blessed and was only too glad to become a blessing to someone else. It was her Christian duty, and she knew that it would be pleasing in the sight of God.

Since being so busy, Shae didn't have much time to dwell on the past. On occasion, she'd catch herself thinking about how life could have turned out if things had been different. At that point, none of the things she'd thought so important seemed to matter. She didn't care about fancy cars, money, clothes, or jewelry. She wasn't even concerned with her looks. She came to the realization that just as God had given her looks, He could also snatch them away.

Her hair had almost grown to its regular length. She realized that she actually liked it better shorter. She found a hairstyle in Black Hair magazine that fit her and got it cut. With a bob, she looked professional and classy. After coming so close to death, she'd grown to appreciate the simple things life had to offer. She now knew how to, as Ma Violet used to say: take time out and smell the roses!

She truly missed Larry and wanted to get in touch with him. The thought of being rejected again held her back. Loving Larry and not being able to have him caused a constant ache in her heart.

She remembered the night he walked off when she told him about being raped. It had hurt her to the core of her being. Larry, her best friend, hadn't been able to understand. He couldn't deal with the idea of her having been with another man, even if it had been by force. She didn't know how she'd do it, but she had to make a life for herself. It would be one filled with happiness because she deserved it. She'd have that life, even if it meant having it without Larry.

She would work hard and eventually that hard work would pay off. She'd already received a raise. Her manager had informed her about GED certification offered at PinellasTechnicalEducationCenter. She enrolled in their night classes and only had three more weeks left before she received her GED. Once she obtained that, she would try to get promoted to head teller. She might even consider furthering her education by going on to college. She'd purchased a computer and could even take online classes at St. PetersburgCollege. There were so many possibilities. She wouldn't stop living because Larry didn't want her. She'd find someone who could love her in spite of her flaws and imperfections. Even so, that didn't stop her from missing him.