"Grrr." The worn-out alarm bell rang shrilly. Olivia, exhausted from sleep, rolled out of bed in preparation for the day ahead. She had spent years searching for a decent job, yet success continued to elude her.
Olivia had always dreamed of working at Morgan's enterprise, but opportunity had yet to come knocking on her door.
As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, she noticed her tired, patched-up foam mattress and a bedsheet filled with stitches. She sighed, accustomed to such conditions.
Throughout her life, Olivia had never truly experienced family. She grew up in an orphanage, where life was often harsh. Bullying was common, and she was taunted as "The Rejected" because no family had chosen to adopt her.
However, the truth was somewhat different. Miss Patricia, the woman in charge of the orphanage, despised Olivia. She used her as a maid and often prevented her from being presented to prospective adoptive families. Even those who saw her on their way in were told Olivia was already up for adoption, which was something that wasn't true.
At seventeen, Olivia decided to escape the orphanage, eager to avoid turning eighteen in that environment. Fortunately, she had her high school diploma with her and was awarded a scholarship to a local college.
A knock at her door pulled Olivia back to the present. Hoping it wasn't her landlady, Donna, she quickly moved to open it.
Standing before her was Kenzie, her only friend. Unlike Olivia, Kenzie was lively and mischievous.
"Good morning to my favorite person in the world," Kenzie said with a playful smile.
"Yeah, good morning, Zie. What do you want?" Olivia replied, a hint of exhaustion in her voice.
"Is that how you greet your best friend, Olive? I thought you knew better," Kenzie said with a mock frown.
"What do you want, Zie? Your overly cheerful attitude makes me suspicious," Olivia responded with a smirk.
"Fine, fine. I guess you know me too well. Anyway, we have a job at Mrs. Jonah's mansion," Kenzie announced casually.
"Us? Or you? Last I heard, you were the one who took the job," Olivia asked skeptically.
"The pay is really good, Olive, and it might help you settle your debts. You can't keep running from Donna forever," Kenzie encouraged.
"I know, but I'm just so exhausted from yesterday's cleaning job," Olivia admitted. "I really need some rest."
"And what if Donna comes searching for you?" Kenzie pressed.
"Alright, fine. Let's go," Olivia sighed. "I pray Morgan's enterprise will present a real opportunity for us. I'm tired of all these dead-end jobs, Zie."
"I understand, Olive. But until then, we need to look out for ourselves."
Dressed in a worn-out pair of jeans and a top, Olivia tied her hair in a bun and prepared for the day ahead.
As they headed home, Olivia and Kenzie decided to check the local news, a routine they'd maintained in hopes of catching any updates on Morgan's enterprise.
"I guess it'll be more of the same," Olivia said, sounding unenthusiastic.
"Let's see," Kenzie replied.
As they approached their destination, a headline caught their attention—they had finally found the opportunity they'd been seeking: Morgan's enterprise was now offering positions to local college graduates with first-class honors and distinctions.
Both were thrilled. Their hope had finally paid off.
"Oh my goodness, Olive! I'll finally get to see Mr. Playboy in person and his handsome friend Lucas," Kenzie exclaimed excitedly.
"Is that the only reason you wanted this opportunity, Zie? I hope you're not just a fan girl willing to give herself to him," Olivia teased, raising an eyebrow.
"You know I would never do that, Olive. He's handsome, but I cherish my dignity. Still, I must admit, he's a marvel of creation," Kenzie said with a wink.
They burst into laughter, their spirits lifted.
"We need proper clothes for the interview," Olivia said. "I plan to use the paycheck to buy them. I'll find a way to stall Donna."
"Sounds good. We can go shopping tomorrow," Kenzie agreed.
Walking home, their hearts filled with excitement for the interview ahead, they remained silent, each contemplating the possibilities the future might hold.