Toxic Camouflage

In the busy streets of the city, I reached my workplace late, not because I wanted to but because I missed my bus. I tiptoed and entered the grocery shop silently but I was caught by Edward; the manager who was giving me a death glare. I gulped and passed him a smile,

"Good Morning," I greeted. He scoffed and left and I let out a sigh and went to my counter.

Since we don't have enough money to pay for my education because all the money is spent on the medical expenses of my brother. I have just completed my graduation and now I am doing an accountant's job.

Let me introduce myself, I am Sophie Skye. I turned 21 just a few weeks ago. I have an hourglass figure with a fair complexion. I have long brown hair accompanied by my hazel eyes. 

My mother, Amelia Skye, gives home tuition to elementary kids. My brother Eugene Skye has been in a coma for the past 3 years, he is my twin brother. The money I earn is spent on my brother's treatment and the money my mother earns is spent on home expenses. It's not like we are in a state of crisis. We are doing just fine.

I was working, as usual, even though I don't like this job but I have to work hard. I give it my all. To be honest, I want to become an English Professor. I want to do a Masters in English Literature but it seems like fate has something else in store for me. It's not like I can do anything about it.

I sighed deeply and continued my work but I felt a presence behind me and saw my boss Edward. I flashed a smile and asked,

"Do you need anything, Sir?"

"No, I want to give you this." He said as he handed me an envelope. Hoping deeply that it might be the bonus check but it was something I never expected.

"You are dismissed," Edward said. My lips began to quiver in horror as I never thought that I'd be fired.

"Please don't do this, Sir," I said, praying that he might understand.

"I can't." He said and gave me a sympathetic look. "Why?" I asked.

"Why? You are coming late for almost a month. Last time, you gave me the wrong quotation. And you haven't given me the recent one too," He continued to scold me as I almost cried.

"I am sorry." He said as he turned away and left. I bit my lips to stop myself from crying and took my stuff and left for my home.

Now that my job is gone, all the expenses will be upon my mother.

I took a deep breath and entered. I saw mother cooking lunch, she tilted her head in confusion and asked, "You're home early." I nodded and hugged her. She chuckled and kissed my forehead.

"I have lost my job," I said as her eyes widened in shock. She shook her head 'no' and I shook my head 'yes'. She began to pant,

"Oh my God, What will happen now?" She said worriedly. I hugged her and said, "I will search for a new job tomorrow. Don't you worry" I said reassuringly. She took a deep breath and said, "I believe in you." I smiled back.

It's night and I am laying in my mother's lap having a feeling of solace that calms my very soul. She runs her hands in my hairs as I snuggle closer to her,

"Sophie.." Mother trailed off. I hummed in response as she continued,

"Have you ever thought about marriage?" She asked. "No, I didn't. I can't leave you guys behind." I said. I sat up and looked at her and said.

 "I won't marry until I'll assure a better medical treatment for Eugene and a big house with lots of servants, including me, to take care of you." I smiled widely. Mother hugged me and said, "Oh, my love." I giggled and spoke up again.

 "Besides, I am very much interested in meeting the Knight Aunt Eleanor told me about." We both chuckled and my mother replied, "Maybe that Knight is coming for you?". "I hope so." I chuckle,

'A knight will descend for you..' I mumbled and slept in my mother's embrace.

The next day, I was getting ready for work. I went to a library in search of a job as a receptionist but was rejected. I search for a job in a couple of places but to no avail. I even gave an appeal for a job in the Employment Center.

After spending the whole day, I came back, Mother smiled and came to me. I hugged her and went to my room because the mother was giving her tuition classes to the kids. I sighed and plopped myself on the bed. I stare at the ceiling feeling utterly helpless.

I shouldn't feel low in just one day. I should search for a job and believe that one day, I will get a decent job.

The next day, I have no choice but to apply to whatever job is available. After wandering aimlessly in the streets, I came back in the evening being jobless...

1 Month Later:-

Becoming depressed that we are short-hand on money and I am still jobless. Since Eugene's medical expenses are far more important, we have to compromise with our home expenses. Mother's money is not enough to run all this. 

Our money was equally distributed, we don't have any savings either.

I am feeling so powerless that I can do nothing but search for a job.

Today, once again, In a dire need of a job, I left home. I prayed from the bottom of my heart that I would get a job today.

After struggling for a while, I received a call from the Employment Center.

"Hello," I said.