Rising

Job Offer

    The shower felt so warm and relaxing. I was able to take all the dirt and sweat off my body. That handsome man was so kind to help me, but I didn't want to trust him too much. I have heard people here can be mean and selfish.

    I left the shower and put on some clothes that the kind lady gave me. As I came out of the bathroom, I noticed his eyes on me and I blushed under his gaze. 

    "What a beautiful young lady" the lady said as she pulled me to the dining table and sat me down. She spoke Spanish very well, and I was glad. She made some food, and I started eating it a little too quickly, making her look at me and holding out a laugh. I was starving.

    From the corner of my eye, I could see him looking at me still. I looked back and smiled.

    "Can I help you?" I asked, not meaning to sound rude. He stood up from the couch and sat on the chair next to me. He put a strand of hair behind my ear, and I quickly pulled back.

    "I am sorry. That was inappropriate. I apologize" he raised his hands and took a cup of coffee she had put on the table for him. 

    "It's okay. It's just that we don't know each other, and you helping me is too good to be true," I replied and he just let out a laugh. That had my heart beating.

    "Can't someone be generous expecting nothing in return?" he asked, and I shook my head. I have seen so many people being taken advantage of, that it was hard to trust anyone who out of nowhere wanted to help.

    He nodded his head, "Understandable, but I promise, I want to help. Your people suffer too much in the hands of people who have more power"

    "My people?" I snapped out of nowhere "you say it like we are a plague or something"

    "Oh, no no no. I didn't mean it that way. I am sorry, I meant that there is a lot of injustice and prejudice in this country. And I just want people to see that they are hard workers," he tried to redeem himself.

    "I really appreciate this, but it is better if I go. Thank you so much for your help, " I was about to leave, when his hand grabbed mine. I felt a shiver run through my arms at his touch. I pulled away instantly and slapped him. I put my hand on my mouth, feeling ashamed while scolding myself as he laughed. 

    "Listen, I am truly sorry. Let's start over. I want to offer you a position in the company. There are a few maintenance positions and I am sure they will take you," he offered, and I was a little skeptical.

    "Well, I don't have documents with me" I confessed, risking myself from being sent back to my country. He raised his eyebrows and rubbed his chin.

    "That is not a problem. We can go and see if they can help with that. It might take a little while, but I might be able to pull some strings to make it faster so you can start"

    She looked at him worriedly. "What would you like in return? Nothing is free in life" I said and he looked at the lady and back at me.

    "You will work for my brother directly. He mistreats his employees, especially the ones on the lower positions. I want you to help him realize what he's doing is wrong"

    "How am I supposed to do that? You want him to mistreat me? Can't any of you just tell him not to do it?" I asked, fearfully.

    "I have tried, several times, but I will be there for you, every step of the way. I promise, " he said with a genuine smile. I looked at the lady, and she nodded, convincing me to accept. 

    "Okay, I will accept. But on one condition. If he insults me, I will risk losing my job but I will slap him" I said and that caused for him to laugh. He nodded and extended his hand to shake. I took it and felt his smooth and warm palms.

    "Very well, I will leave you here with Minerva, so you can get accustomed to each other," he said and facing the lady he continued "Minerva, take the rest of the day off and help her settle, here is my credit card, buy her whatever she needs" 

    That took me by surprise. "No, Sir. You don't have to. I can wear this" I said, and he just smiled and took my hands.

    "You need clothes and personal items. I don't mind, I want to help," he said while he walked away and gave Minerva his card.

    "By the way, just call me Jayden. Calling me Sir makes me feel old. You can go today, and I will make some calls and maybe pick you up tomorrow, does that sound good?" he asked, and I nodded. He walked out and when he closed the door, I let out the breath I was holding.

    I looked at Minerva, and she was smiling at me. "He must have seen something in you to want to help you. Although throwing you to the Lion's Den might be a little challenging" she said, scaring me even more. But I had to prove myself, and if he would help me, it was only fair that I helped him too.

    "Well, young lady, let's eat. We want you to get some food in that body, you look a little pale," she said while ushering me to sit down again and finish my food. When we were done, we left the apartment to see the stores. Clothing stores that looked expensive and made me look out of place.

    "Don't worry about the expenses, honey. My boss has a lot of money to spend, and he will take good care of you," she said, reassuring me. 

    "I am really grateful for all your help, but I can't help but being a little afraid," I mentioned, fiddling with the sleeve of the black sweater I had on.

    "No, my dear. You will be fine, and my boss won't ask anything that you can't do. He is very respectful and kind," she said, and I knew she was telling the truth.

    Tomorrow will be the start of a new life in this country. I just prayed to God to guide me all the way.