"Grandma, I got the job!!!" Clara couldn't contain her excitement. She swayed and jumped like a little child who just got her favourite treat.
"My child I'm so proud of you" Grandma Eve beamed with pride. She was thrilled that Clara had finally decided to step out of her comfort zone and take up a job far from Ottad.
After Clara's parents died in a tragic motor accident when she was only seven, she was left deeply traumatized. Grandma Eve devoted herself to Clara, spending as much time as possible with her to help soothe the painful memories. Over the years, their bond grew stronger and stronger.
After college, Clara had avoided looking for jobs too far from Ottad. Though she found work, it was beneath her qualifications. Finally, she gathered the courage to look for a better opportunities beyond the familiar town.
"Clara, what made you change your mind"
Grandma asked curiously
"Grandma", Clara said softly "I'm a grown woman now. I want to give you a better life outside Ottad. You have spent your whole life here after my parents properties were confiscated. It's high time you had a change".
Grandma Eve's heart filled with admiration. Clara has also been a determined, loving and caring child but her eyes most times gives away the pains she held within.
"Ok so what type of job were you offered"
"Well Grandma I got hired as a waitress at Savron restaurant. It's a five star restaurant were influential men dine. It's very far from Ottad so I have decided to stay with Natasha, my friend from college".
Grandma Eve masked her sadness knowing Clara would be leaving her
"Grandma please don't be sad. I'll come back to visit whenever I can. And once I have saved enough, we'll get a nice place together in the city" Clara's giggle softened her words, trying to ease Grandma's heartache.
"Oh, my child, I can't wait" Grandma said, managing a smile.
After chatting with Grandma for a while, Clara went to pack her bags for the journey.
The day of the departure arrived, and Clara fought back tears as she hugged Grandma one last time before boarding the train.
Arriving in the bustling city of country X, Clara took a cab to Natasha's apartment. When she arrived, Natasha greeted her with a warm hug and helped her with her bags.
"Thank you, Natasha. I'm so grateful."
"Clara please do not sound like that! We have been friends since college, and you were always there for me. This is the least I can do".
"Awwn you're so sweet" Clara pinched Natasha's cheeks playfully
"Hey you haven't changed" Natasha sneered
"So as your cheeks" she retorted sticking out her tongue.
They both laughed over it
After taking her shower and preparing her uniform for the next day, she decided to go watch TV with Natasha in the living room
"What's up? What are you watching?"
"Just the business news" Natasha said with a wink
"Hmm, I know that look Natasha. What's the real reason you're watching the news?"
"Well, since you asked", Natasha grinned.
"The heir of Alexandro cartel everyone thought died years ago is now back, not just back from the dead but he is now looking more hotter and handsome than before!"
"Oh is that why you're so glued to the screen"
"Of course. Why else would I watch the news if not for handsome men" Natasha teased
"You're such a flirt Natasha. Don't you have a boyfriend??"
"I do and I love him. But admiring other good looking men doesn't hurt" Natasha teased
Clara hesitated before continuing
"Natasha, there's something you need to know.
Noticing Clara's serious tone, Natasha turned to her. "What's wrong?"
Clara began recounting how she and her Grandma had met Mitchell and how his father had eventually taken him home.
Natasha, usually a talkative, was stunned into silence. She had countless questions but was momentarily speechless.
"Wait... you lived under the same roof as the hottest bachelor in all of country X" Natasha managed
"He's not that hot. He's actually quite annoying and grumpy", Clara said, though she couldn't help but blush, recalling the moment she had seen him shirtless.
"Hmm, sure, not hot at all", Natasha smirked, noticing Clara's reddened cheeks. "Tell me Clara, do you like him?"
"Natasha, are you out of your mind?!
Of course not!"
"Alright, tiger, I believe you", Natasha teased, winking.
"I'm going to bed. I need to be up early tomorrow for work.
Goodnight!"
"Goodnight and try not to think about him, okay?" Natasha called after her, laughing.
In her room, Clara took of her glasses and collapsed on the bed, exhausted.
Yet again, her mind wandered back to the sight of Mitchell with only towel wrapped around his waist, water dripping from his hair over his chiseled abs and broad shoulders.
"Why am I even thinking of him?" she scolded herself. "Focus Clara. He's in the past; you have a future to build.
She tossed and turned, but sleep eluded her as Mitchell's name echoed in her mind. She got up, staring at herself in the mirror, trying to talk herself out of it.
"It's just a crush, it'll fade", she whispered.
"Mitchell's way out of my league. He's surrounded by rich, and beautiful women. I don't stand a chance".
With a sigh, she crawled back into her bed, and finally, sleep claimed her, her mind drifted to a world where maybe, just maybe, things would be different