Chapter 7 Chapter 7
Chapter 7
“I thought they’d turn me down,” Celine said, her face glowing with excitement as she stirred her soup. “But they didn’t even ask for papers.”
Ariana smiled across the table. “I thought as much. You have that charm that makes people trust you.”
Celine laughed quietly. “Charm? I was shaking the whole time. My palms were sweating. I almost dropped the pen when I signed the form.”
“You did great,” Ariana said proudly. “See? I told you everything would fall into place.”
They were sitting in the dining room, plates half empty, the sound of crickets faintly coming from the open window. The air smelled of garlic and fried fish — Ariana’s favorite.
Celine leaned her chin on her palm. “I still can’t believe they gave me the job. Even if it’s just a temporary staff position, I’ll try my best. Maybe they’ll keep me.”
“That’s the spirit,” Ariana said. “Hard work never goes unnoticed. And Castellan Enterprise isn’t just any company. Once you get in, opportunities follow.”
Celine nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful. “Everyone there looked so serious, though. So focused. I felt like a small fish in a big ocean.”
Ariana chuckled. “Everyone starts somewhere, dear. You’ll get used to it. Just be yourself.”
“I hope so,” Celine said softly. “I want to make new friends too. Maybe go out after work sometimes. I want to explore, meet new people. I just… I want to live again.”
Ariana’s smile faded a little as she watched her. “You talk like someone who lost everything.”
Celine looked down at her hands. “Maybe I did. I just don’t remember what it was.”
A short silence passed. The ticking clock in the kitchen sounded louder.
Then Ariana reached across the table and touched her hand gently. “You’re doing fine, Celine.
You may not remember the old you, but the new one is strong, brave, and full of life. Don’t forget that.”
Celine smiled faintly. “Thank you, Ariana. You’ve done so much for me already. I don’t know how to repay you.”
“Stop saying that,” Ariana said with a small laugh. “You don’t owe me anything. Just live well, that’s enough.”
Celine grinned. “I’ll try. But when I start earning, I’m buying you a whole new kitchen set.”
Ariana laughed, holding her stomach. “A new kitchen set? You’re funny. You think I’ll let you spend your first salary on me?”
“Of course,” Celine said. “You’ve been cooking for me, taking care of me. It’s only fair.”
“Alright, we’ll see about that,” Ariana said, shaking her head. “But I want you to use your first pay for yourself. Maybe get a new phone or something nice.”
“I already have a phone,” Celine said.
“Yes, the one I bought,” Ariana teased. “You need something that’s yours.”
Celine smiled. “Maybe a watch. Or a necklace.”
Ariana gave her a playful look. “Or maybe you’ll meet someone who buys you one.”
Celine’s eyes widened. “Ariana!”
“What?” Ariana laughed. “You’re young, pretty, and single. You can’t just work and come home every day. You should meet people.”
“I’m not thinking about that now,” Celine said, laughing shyly. “Besides, no one even looked at me today. Everyone at that office was too busy to even breathe.”
“They’ll notice soon enough,” Ariana said, still teasing. “Just don’t let any smooth-talking man fool you. Those ones in suits always look too good to be true.”
Celine giggled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
---
After dinner, they moved to the couch. Ariana poured them both a glass of juice and turned on the TV, but the sound stayed low. The news played in the background while their conversation continued.
“So, what exactly will you be doing?” Ariana asked.
“They said it’s mostly admin work,” Celine replied. “Sorting out files, printing documents, updating records. I think it’s simple, but it’ll keep me busy.”
“That’s a good start,” Ariana said. “You’ll learn how the company works.”
“Yeah,” Celine said, sipping her juice. “The HR woman, Mrs. Angelina, said I’ll be under a supervisor for a while. She seemed strict, but nice. She said if I perform well, they might keep me after the testing phase.”
Ariana nodded. “That’s your chance. Just stay focused and polite. Don’t gossip with anyone, you hear me?”
Celine laughed. “I won’t. I don’t even know what to gossip about.”
They both laughed.
After a while, Ariana looked at her again. “You know, when I found you that night near the rocks, I never imagined we’d end up like this. You, living here, smiling again. It feels good.”
Celine turned to her. “You talk like you picked up a lost puppy.”
Ariana laughed. “In a way, I did. But look at you now. You’re glowing.”
Celine smiled. “Maybe because I finally feel like I belong somewhere. You gave me that, Ariana.”
Ariana smiled warmly. “You deserve it.”
Celine stood up and stretched her arms. “I think I’ll go to bed early. I want to wake up strong for Monday.”
“Good idea,” Ariana said. “Big day ahead. Just don’t overthink it. You’ll do great.”
Celine nodded. “Thank you again, Ariana. For everything.”
Ariana smiled. “Goodnight, dear.”
---
In her room, Celine placed her bag on the table and stood by the window. The night was calm. The moonlight touched the edge of the curtain.
She looked at her reflection on the glass.
“I can do this,” she whispered.
For a moment, she tried to imagine her old life — where she lived, who she was, what kind of friends she had — but nothing came. Only silence.
She sighed softly and sat on the bed. She picked up the little notepad Ariana had given her to write down daily thoughts. On t
he first page, she wrote:
Day One — I have a new job. A new chance. I don’t know who I was, but I’ll decide who I want to be.
She closed the book gently and lay down.
The room was quiet, the sound of waves faint in the distance.
A new week awaited her.
A new beginning.
