The dirt on jewel

Chapter 10

It was around eight when I got up from my seat again. I didn't expect him to turn on me on his first day,that was something unexpected and rather annoying. With his manners it felt like he thought himself no less then the boss here,it's a pity he forgot that he is just an intern.

There was no use in thinking about him,neither did the situation got any better by cursing him,so I left to directly head to the restaurant.

At the restaurant,sometimes I see families who come with children or their grandparents,many times a young couple on a date. But the people I envy most are the ones who come alone,because it means that they have nobody to take care of,no one to feed,no one to worry about. I think life for them must be a lot easier and smoother.

It was almost 1am when I got back home with my back aching.I felt a pang at the back of my head,and the incision on my leg smarts. I feel as weak as an insect which is has just been stepped on. For days now I have been skipping meals,mostly dinners.

Most nights I am too tired to sleep,but tonight I slept throughout without waking up.

I could hear something in the distance but it's hard to reach,I hear a woman's voice and I guess she is in pain. Then again a whisper which sends shivers down my back. I can't understand the faces. But I know I am familiar with those voices and the shadows...

"Ayana,sweety get up! It's morning already,come on I am waiting for you." That's my mother,she still wakes me up like she used to when I was in elementary.

"Morning sister!" Juan beamed at me.

"Juan!" I just sighed.

"Ayana today we have some great news to share with you!" My mother was elated by something I wasn't aware of.

"Yes?" I asked concerned.

"I got a job!" Juan announced.

"Job? Where?" I asked inquiringly. This made my mother a bit unhappy because she expected me to congratulate Juan first.

"At 'The Marquee Hotels'. He replied pleasantly.

"Marquee? Right I have been there!" I responded automatically.

"When?" My mother was taken aback by my sudden confession.

"Well,due to an official engagement. Anyways,what is your pay?" I asked him.

"Ayana,don't be so rude!" Mom,obviously does not like my behaviour. She thinks I have an attitude problem.

"Around $96 a day! I am the lobby attendant." He replied.

"Always better than sitting at home!" I said while getting up from my chair.

"Well bye mom,and good luck Juan!" I said while slamming the main door behind me.

Just eight more months before my father's third death anniversary. I don't know if mom and Juan remember,they must have been busy celebrating on his new job. I wish life ahead of Juan's could exist for mom.

"Hey Ayana!" Cullen greeted me.

"Morning! What are you up to?" Cullen is the only one who understood me,apart from Leya.

"I am calling the California girl!" He said playfully.

"Fine! Go on talk to her and tell her I will call her in the lunch break." I said while turning towards the elevator.

For the past couple of days the other elevator was out of order. So only one elevator was working on this floor. I got in and heard someone's footsteps enter behind me too. When I turned to press the button of the floor,I saw no other than Aldwin Hellard!

"Morning!" I said plainly,considering we were colleagues I thought that we ought to at least greet each other.

"Please bring the files to me!" He said in an ordering manner.

I am guessing he just keeps that attitude with me,seeing I already know his secret. Considering that no one else even suspects of Samantha having a brother,he must be acting arrogant in front of me because I know his family.

I was busy thinking why I hadn't seen Samantha work so effectively yesterday,when I came to realise that I had been in the elevator for nearly 5 minutes now.

"Is this stopped? Are we stuck?" I asked looking towards Aldwin.

"Stuck? Isn't it working?" He asked back.

"No! We have been in here for 5 minutes now!" I said a little too loud.

"Wait the emergency button...."

And just then I heard a bam.

"What was that?" I said a bit panicky.

"I'll try the emergency button. You should call at Arnold's office!" He said,still very composed.

"Fine!" I just did what he said.

The emergency button was not working but I let Arnold know of the situation clearly.

"He says he's on it!" I informed my companion.

"Right! Then let's wait." He said.

It took another fifteen minutes to get us out but just before The elevator door opened,I heard Aldwin say:

"I saw you...I don't know but do you think you know me..remember.." And just then the door opened and the light flashed in our faces,and he froze in his position.

That day I kept thinking what he wanted me to remember. Where had he seen me? Was I related to him? But nothing clicked my mind. The idea of him saying so and initiating such a talk was so absurd that I tried considering it a hallucination,but it was too real.

I couldn't answer my queries but before leaving the office I heard them talk....