Page 31 of Straight to Me

I continue, “A positive of hiring me would be my absolute determination to treat each individual as exactly that. I’d bring with me the skills I learned and used in my teaching role; I’d find out about them, what they like and dislike, and get to really know the student for who they are. It’s only when we stop talking, do we really start to listen. A few cases that arose at my last place of work were of children who felt as though no one really cared about them. They felt under-appreciated and undervalued because they were different or lived different lives to others. I would want them to know that they could be anything they wanted to be, do anything they wanted to do, if they just believed in themselves and put in the effort.”

The speech I practised last night is flawlessly delivered.

After a few more questions Vivian stands and says, “Well, I think that concludes our interview.” I stand as she walks towards me. “I’ll contact you later on today with our decision.”

“Thank you very much for your time, Vivian.” I offer my hand, which she gently shakes. Her other hand tops ours as they’re held together.

“It was a real pleasure to meet you, Madison. I’ll speak to you later.”

As I walk outside, I feel amazing. It’s warm but there’s a cool, light breeze kissing my face. I take a moment to close my eyes and relax a little. I’d done it, and I felt pretty confident that I’d bagged myself the job.

Channelling my confidence, I decide to call up the estate agents. They apologise for not getting back to me sooner and offer to call me tomorrow to arrange a time to view the flat. Things were really moving fast now. Perfect time to message VP.

Me: Sorry, had an interview. Can’t believe I saw you

In the time it takes me to walk back to my car and start the engine, he replies.

VP: Hope it went okay. Can I see you later?

I’d love nothing more, but tonight is my night with Jess.

Me: No can do, I’m afraid. Having dinner at Vista Cielo

VP: Oh right

His tone is a little rude. I’m not letting anyone bring me down from the high I’m on right now. I scrunch up my face as I type another message.

Me: Another night?

He doesn’t reply. I must have upset the outlaw by saying no.Ridiculous.It’s been five weeks since we last saw each other. One more night won’t kill him. I drive home singing along to my music, mentally planning what I’m going to wear to dinner out with Jess.

Chapter Eleven

Iget back to Jess’s around four o’clock and let myself in with the spare key she gave me, swiftly bringing her up to speed on my interview. She’s as convinced as I am that I’ve secured the education worker role. Naturally, she takes all the credit for how I answered the last question, having practised it the night before with some serious alcohol-fuelled effort.

Hair washed and towel wrapped around my body in my room, I check my phone for any messages. There’s nothing. Had my plans upset him that much? Perhaps he was busy hurting some thug. Or did that make him the thug? My head hurts from the spiralling questions.

All I know for sure is every time I think of him, especially since deciding to move, the more my body longs for his touch. I’ve gone cold turkey for so long, some of these feelings should have worn off, but they seem to be getting stronger. Seeing him in passing at the traffic lights earlier only proved it.

My hair dryer blocks out my wails as I give my rendition of Guns and RosesSweet Child Of Mine. Jess saunters to my door, joining me with her hairbrush in hand. I crank up the volume and together we sing to our hearts content.

It feels so good to properly enjoy myself and not have to fake it for show. The last time I got ready to go out I hated every second of it. But thinking about Bex makes me smile and I decide to give her a call.

She’s glad I’m safe and that my interview had gone so well. After hearing all about how packing was going and how she’ll never have another baby due to morning sickness, I told her about VP.

She gasps when I mention he hasn’t responded since telling him I had plans and couldn’t see him tonight. “He’s got no right to get grumpy. It’s your first day there! He can’t just expect you to do everything he says, just because he wants you to.”

As she says it, I have a feeling that’s exactly what he was expecting.

When we were at the barbecue and he told me to kiss him, I did it, no questions asked. Then, when he messaged on that dreaded Sunday and told me to share my location, again I did it, no questions asked. He’s probably annoyed I haven’t kept up the pattern. He’d likely be used to everyone doing as he says, when he says it. But not me, not tonight. I’ve been looking forward to it all day. If he didn’t want to reply that was his problem.

I hang up, feeling confident.

Catching up with Bexishappiness. We’ve been apart one day, but there’s so much we could already talk about. The flowers I order her aren’t much, but they’ll let her know I love and miss her.

Turning round, the little black dress I wore the first time I met VP catches my eye, hung up in the wardrobe. When you don’t have much to your name, it doesn’t take long to get organised. Touching the hem of the dress, memories of the first night we met come flooding back. Even though I’m annoyed with him for still not replying, the thought of ever wearing the dress again,forhim, makes me shiver with excitement.

Tonight wasn’t about VP though. No, tonight was about me and Jess having a few drinks, eating some fine food and chatting the night away.

---