Her Hope

Chapter 17

That simple sentence that was made up of ten words seemed to echo over and over in mind, for I was wondering how that person who said it knew where to find me yet alone at the place that I love the most. I have heard that person's voice enough times to know who it belonged to without turning around. In fact, it wasn't about me not turning around because I know who the person was, it was about me not being able to bring myself to turn around because my ego wouldn't allow me to after the humiliation that was directed to me from that person.

I felt the person sitting down beside me quietly without uttering anything, so I stayed silent as well. Unfortunately, I couldn't go back to reading my book in peace knowing that someone would be looking over me. This silence dragged by for what seemed like hours though it was properly only half an hour, and as the time kept passing, the tension surrounding us kept growing to the point where it became almost unbearable making me want to break it by saying anything. Until, it was suddenly broken by the person himself.

"You know, when I found out you weren't the culprit, I felt guilt flooding me, as I know how much you needed that job, and in one moment of foolishness, I managed to end all your dreams without a second thought, and I'll always regret taking that action without being sure it was you who took the money." Mr Smith sighed then continued, 'So, I have to apologize to you. I'm truly sorry.'

Hearing those words coming from him was a dream come true. How many times, in those past two days, did I sit around and imagine Mr Smith coming and being apologetic towards me; however, it was always a dream, something that I never thought would happen. So, when those words were uttered, they overwhelmed me, for I wasn't sure whether I should just swallow my pride and be happy or whether I should stand my ground and not accept the apology. This uncertainty was the reason I stayed silent while waiting for him to continue and say everything he wanted before I could finally react.

"After losing my wife, I lost faith and trust in everything and in everyone. You know, when I first met Emma, my wife, I was immediately enchanted with her and when we got married, she promised me that nothing would ever separate us apart, and we lived years after years in bless, but then one moment we were happy and enjoying life together, and the next moment, she disappeared right in front of my eyes, and the worst part was that I couldn't save her even when she was pleading for my help because I jumped into the water too late. How could I have been too occupied to notice that my own wife was asking for my help." I noticed some tears falling from his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away.

"So, then I decided I wouldn't put my trust in anyone, but you came and I kept thinking, what if she was my daughter and she was desperate for a job to go to college which is one of the most basic things anyone could ask for. And involuntarily, I felt myself trusting you and caring for you gradually until that money disappeared making my heart break over and over again because I thought that someone I trusted managed to break my trust again. I'm ashamed to say that I jumped into conclusion without letting myself believe your explanation, but then Lana came during that very same day that I fired you and told me that I gave her extra money by mistake." He stopped to take a deep breath before diving right back in to where he stopped.

"In that moment, I realized how much of a big mistake I made, yet I felt like I could do absolutely nothing about it until Emily came to me and said that she had been searching for you for two weeks and that she couldn't find you anywhere as if you disappeared into thin air. In that moment, I remembered how Emily told me that she first met you here at this beach, so I found myself making my way here only to find you sitting looking engrossed in your book, and here we are. I'm not using this story as an excuse for my action, but would you please consider coming back to work in the restaurant. I didn't notice how much you lifted up our spirits all day long until you were no longer there."

I was honestly speechless, for the idea of Mr Smith talking to me about his issues would have never crossed my mind in a thousand years. So, before opening my mouth, I started thinking. Should I accept his apology and just move in as if nothing have happened? I mean, I do need the money and who knows if I'd ever get hired somewhere else with no experience other than getting fired from the first job I've worked for being an alleged thief. This makes going back to the restaurant my best shot, but what about my pride? But, I have to remember that Mr Smith came to search for me and told me his story, he told me he regretted his actions. Ugh, this inner turmoil is howling like a swirling storm inside that's really stressing me out.

"What if something like this happened again? What if some more money disappeared, how would I know that I'm not the first one who's going to be fired without hesitance? I mean it happened once, so I'm pretty sure it could happen again, right?" I asked quietly.

"No, you wouldn't get fired first because this incident taught me that I couldn't just blame anyone without having solid proof, so I decided that I would install security cameras in the restaurant so that if any burglary occurred, I would immediately know what happened. The restaurant has been lucky for years now, but as the time passes, more shops and restaurants are getting robbed which is why it's time to install cameras."

"I'm going to be honest with you, Mr Smith. If things were different and my life was a little bit better, my pride and ego would've never allowed me to come back to the restaurant; however, as you already know, I don't really have the privilege of choosing where to work and where to not. But, the next time something like this happens, I'll never return to the restaurant. I know that me saying this is silly because there are lots of people who would love to work in your restaurant if it needs, but I really feel the need to tell you this." I said honestly.

"Okay, you've got yourself a deal." Mr Smith said with a smile on his face. And, I truly think that this is the first and only time I'll ever saw him smile.

"I'll leave you to continue whatever you were doing before I came, but just so you know, this chat doesn't mean that I'll smile at you every morning and all that. I'm still the same person you first met when you applied. Now, don't forget to come to the restaurant at eight am sharp. I hate tardiness."

And, with those last words, Mr Smith put on his cold mask and walked away from me. However, at least now I know that his cold personality was a facade and under it, there's just a man whose been severely hurt before.