Page 29 of Feral Touch
Despite my reluctance, I grabbed my phone and checked it. It wasn't a message from Ren—it was an email from the events company.
My mood instantly cheered up. I tapped to open it, anticipating the details of the job.
Hello Ivy. We want to thank you so much for your audition. We have decided to go with someone else for this position. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
I blinked, confused, and re-read the message.
We have decided to go with someone else for this position.
I became vaguely aware of a pain in my chest. It felt tight, like a vice squeezing my ribcage.
I didn't get the job.
I lowered my phone. I heard it fall from my hands and thump on the carpeted floor. My vision went white, my eyes focused on nothing. I slowly dropped to the floor, a controlled descent, unable to keep myself standing upright.
My cheeks felt wet and my eyes were burning.
“I'll be okay,” I whispered.
I took in a shuddering breath. I tried to push back the despair, the fear. My lungs ached. I slowly let out the breath, but it came out in a hiccoughing sob. I pressed my hands over my mouth, trying to contain it. I knew if I started crying I would never stop.
If I got kicked out I'd have to move back home. I'd have to leave Natalie and Jen. I'd never see my friends again.
A gasping sob escaped my throat. Then another. Then another. No matter how hard I tried to swallow them down, they wouldn't stop coming.
My phone rang. I jolted upright, choking back a whimper.
Was it the events company? Had they made a mistake?
I ran my hands over my face to wipe away the tears even though whoever was calling wouldn't see it. I grabbed my phone and swiped quickly to answer it.
“Hello?” I cringed at how my voice hitched, rough and thick.
“Ivy?”
Ren.
“I was calling to—” he stopped. “Are you okay? You sound…”
“I—” My throat closed up. I couldn't tell him I was fine. I couldn't force the words out this time. I sniffled unconsciously.
“What's wrong?” He was immediately concerned. “Are you crying? What happened?”
“…I didn't get the job.” My voice was low and barely audible.
Ren let out a sound of distress. “I'm sorry. The event one?”
“Yeah. They chose someone else.” My breathing was shaky. I clutched my phone with trembling hands. “I really thought I had it. I thought I did so well.” Another tear fell down my cheek. “Ren, I don't know what to do.”
“It's okay. You'll get another job.”
I shook my head even though he wouldn't see it. “You don't understand.”
“Don't understand what? Ivy, tell me.” His voice was soft, calm.
“Ineededthat job,” I stressed. “I applied for so many scholarships and grants and financial aid, but they all rejected me and none of the other jobs fit around my class schedule. It would takemonthsto save up enough and this job would have paid me in cash right away, but I didn't get it and my tuition is due and my parents needed the money but if I don't pay on time they'll kick me out and I'll have to leave and go back home and I don't know what to do!” I clamped my mouth shut, choking back tears.
Ren was silent for a moment. I could hear his quiet breathing through the phone.
