Chapter 4

Arita’s POV

My focus shifted from the plates to my phone and then to Mom. I didn’t pick up my phone immediately. Mom did. I watched as she unlocked it, her eyes focusing fully on the screen.

Suddenly she screamed, her body standing up in haste, feet hitting the hard floor as she danced to no music. Her once saddened face shifted so quickly to a happy one.

I was happy she was finally out of that saddened mood, but at the same time I wanted to know what changed, what message suddenly brightened her mood.

Mom, what’s it? I asked, not knowing the exact way to ask the question.

Arita, the family we worked for at their mansion some hours ago just made the payment and even added extra for your service.

You don’t mean it, Mom, I exclaimed, not believing how everything could change in a minute.

Your mom means everything, and the good news is the job still stands, she added. We have more than enough to pay for rent.

I stretched forward to hold her hand, my eyes almost teary as I couldn’t contain my joy. At some point, I thought I was not only ugly but also a bad luck jinx, ruining everyone around me. I’m happy I’m not bad luck, I cried.

Oh my child, don’t cry, Mom said, her hands cleaning the tears that fell on my cheeks. You are the best thing that has happened to me, Arita.

After so much jubilation like we won some lottery, as if it wasn’t the pay for what we worked for, Mom called the landlord and transferred the money for our rent.

I had almost forgotten I had a message too. My hand picked up the phone lying on the table.

I checked my notifications, my mind kind of hoping it was Ray, but my face met disappointment as it wasn’t anything related to him.

It was the academy, the same one I applied to for their scholarship yesterday. It stated that all applicants should make it to the school by Monday for the exam. It had been rescheduled earlier than the former time.

I informed Mom about it.

Best of luck, my child. Let me know if you need anything, Mom said.

I looked at her with warmth. Even when things aren’t that rosy, she always tries as much as possible to satisfy my needs, and that I did not take for granted.

That night I slept late, busy reading and solving past questions. The next day wasn’t any different, as I spent all day reading things related to school. I even went as far as going to the community library to borrow some books.

The long awaited day was finally here. I left home earlier before the time scheduled for the exam.

At exactly an hour before eight, I was standing before the beautiful school with tall buildings. This was my first time in the school. I had only seen it on TV. I took my time to stare at every building and statue representing legends.

The school was so big that one could get lost. Luckily for me, I saw the directional boards the school had fixed at every corner to help guide folks like me who didn’t know their way around.

Before long, I got to the hall scheduled for the exam. A few of my mates were already standing, some seated on the chairs outside. I joined them but not too close.

In no time, an elderly woman with glasses on walked in her heels before us. The glasses on her eyes made her look weird as she placed them underneath her eyes, making her eyes bulge from above. Who the hell wears glasses this way?

All applicants are welcome to the school. You don’t need to come in with anything. Drop your things at the locker there, as all writing materials will be provided for you in the hall. When you walk in, search for your registration number on the seats and sit according to it.

A young man guided us in and we all settled down. There were about twenty five of us. The exam questions were distributed. I answered every question well, as there were some questions I had treated during the weekend. Only a few were new.

The exam ended on a good note for me.

All applicants should exit the hall now and check your portal regularly for any additional information.

I dragged my legs out of the school, heading toward the right to board a car leading to the next neighborhood instead of going home.

I wanted to see Ray, and wanted to beg him again.

I know he is not that type to lash out. Maybe he has something bothering him. I gave myself a chance to doubt.

I slept off halfway through the ride. The academy was quite far from home, and the fact that I didn’t sleep early yesterday because I studied late for the exam didn’t help.

The driver woke me up, announcing my arrival at Ray’s place. I paid and stepped down from the car.

The place looked completely different from the last time I came. No arranged chairs, no loud music or decorated lights. Everywhere looked quiet, like it was supposed to be the day of his birth celebration.

I walked my way to the door and knocked on it loudly, but no one came to answer me.

My hand turned the door handle to confirm if he was home or if he was purposely ignoring me, but the door went wide open instead.

I decided to check for Ray since I had already opened the door. No one was in the living room except scattered clothes on the floor.

I moved slowly to the room, and there I heard it again, just like the other day when I was here. A moan, but this time it was that of a male. The voice was too masculine to be female.

My hands unlocked the door, and what I saw made my jaw drop wide open.

This is definitely not Ray, my conscience screamed.