Lonely At the Top

It was a chilly morning in Beverly city, Amelia slowly stirs from her slumber. With a determined glint in her eyes, she rises from the comfortable embrace of her bed, ready to tackle the day that lays ahead. First, she makes her way to the bathroom, grasping her toothbrush firmly, diligently scrubbing away any remnants of sleep. With each stroke, her pearly whites regain their sparkle, radiating a confidence that matches her spirit. After a refreshing shower, she emerges from the bathroom, her skin glowing and her spirit invigorated.

Next, she expertly applies makeup, enhancing her natural beauty with just a touch of elegance, accentuating her striking features. As she stands in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection, her phone chimes with a familiar tone. It is a call from her boyfriend, James. Amelia fumbles for her phone on the bed-side stool as the shrill ringtone pierces through the tranquility of the morning.

"Good morning, my love," Amelia greets James, her boyfriend of two years. She knows the routine by heart, playing the part of a devoted partner. Deep down, however, her heart has begun to yearn for something different.

"Morning, beautiful," James replies, his voice laced with genuine affection. It is the kind of greeting that once made Amelia's heart flutter. Now, it only reminds her of the love she has lost.

"Did you sleep well?" Amelia asks, her voice tinged with the remnants of a night filled with troubled dreams.

"Like a baby, thanks to you," James responds, his words brimming with adoration. But his words feel hollow to Amelia, echoing through the void in her own heart.

"Do you have any plans for the day?" she asks, attempting to sound genuinely interested.

"No, not really. Just the usual, I guess," James replies. His answer mirrors the monotony of their relationship—a perpetual cycle of predictability.

Amelia's mind drifts away from the conversation, thoughts of escape and liberation captivating her attention. She yearns for the courage to break free from the chains that bind her to a love that no longer resonates with her soul.

"I am thinking," Amelia begins cautiously, her voice trembling with the weight of her hidden truth. "Maybe we should take some time apart, you know, to figure things out."

A heavy pause fills the air, anticipation and uncertainty dancing between the two lovers. Amelia holds her breath, her heart pounding, waiting for James to respond.

"I... I don't understand, Amelia," James stammers, his voice cracking with confusion. "Are you saying... you want to break up?"

Amelia hesitates, the truth that has been buried within her for so long now bubbling to the surface. The moment she has both dreaded and longed for has arrived.

"Yes, James," she says, her voice steadier than she has imagined. "I think it's time for us to go our separate ways. We've grown apart, and it's not fair to either of us to continue pretending."

Silence hangs in the air, punctuated only by the distant sounds of traffic outside Amelia's window. In that quiet moment, the weight of their shared history and shattered dreams looms heavily over both of them.

Finally, James's voice breaks the stillness, filled with a mix of resignation and sorrow. "I suppose I can't force you to stay, but... this hurts, Amelia. It really does."

Amelia feels a pang of guilt in her chest, knowing that her decision has caused pain to the person she once loved. But she also knows that staying in a loveless relationship would have been far more damaging in the long run.

"I'm sorry, James," she whispers, her voice tinged with regret. "But we both deserve to find happiness, even if it's apart."

As they hang up the phone, Amelia can't help but feel a sense of liberation mingled with sadness. The morning light now holds the promise of a new beginning, a chance for her to rediscover herself and chase the happiness that has eluded her for far too long.

Amelia's mind wanders briefly to her past, her family, and the hardships she has endured. Growing up in a poor neighborhood, her family struggles to make ends meet. She is the oldest of four siblings, constantly wrangling her mischievous brothers and sisters, their laughter echoing through their modest home. Her father, plagued by a gambling addiction, passed away when she was just a teenager, leaving behind a legacy of debt and broken dreams.

With a final glance in the mirror, Amelia reaffirms her determination. Today is not just an interview; it is a chance to transcend her past, to prove that beauty and resilience can coexist. And as she steps out into the world, her head held high, Amelia knows that she is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, armed with her indomitable spirit and the beauty that radiates from within.

***********

The uncontrollable trembling of my leg, which is beautifully folded across my lower knee and exposed by a snug business skirt, does not help. Cell phones ring and the fleeting sound of the lift door opening breaks up the sound of a swarm of women's heels rattling on the endless marble floor. Even breathing causes my chest to rip open like a razor.

With the fingers of my left hand, I quickly straighten the strands of hair, which are already neatly and firmly behind my ear, and straighten the folds on my skirt. My gaze quickly flies over the face of the secretary who lowers the phone, nodding her head affirmatively, and shoots us a look.

She pulls on her fake smile masked by a vivid red lipstick when our eyes meet.

"Amelia Baldwin, you can come in now."

I reciprocate with an equally fake smile, which covers my tension and sleepless nights.

''Thank you.''

I walk past her and continue toward the massive wooden door, the walls claustrophobically narrowing around me.

This is the last chance for my redemption. To atone for the sins of others. A ticket to my freedom. I knock three times and the echo bursts through the hallway as a deep male voice rings out.

''Come in.''

I take a big breath and stick my head through the huge door. I also straighten my body. I shouldn't be displaying my vulnerabilities right now.

"Hello, I just wanted to say thank you for returning my call and allowing me to come into your office."

My chest moves quickly and regularly as I speak, nearly expressing how important this is to me despite the seeming nervousness in my voice.

He looks at me penetratingly, not taking his eyes off mine, as if reading my thoughts and studying every cell in my body.

"Have your seat, Miss Amelia."