THREADS UNSEEN.
Aurora's Pov
I was fully dressed, sprayed my perfumes, tucked my CV neatly in my bag and headed to my dad's room.
I always made sure to check in on him before I stepped out of the house.
I entered and met him lying quietly on the bed, eyes closed, his breathing slow.
"Dad," I called out.
He opened his eyes slightly and smiled. "You're leaving already?"
"Yes," I said. "I'll be back soon."
He nodded, he held my hands weakly. "Be careful, Ora."
"I will," I replied, planting a kiss on his forehead.
I stood upright, waved at him, and rushed out.
***********************************************
The city was filled with different people, some dressed like they were going to work and some just casually walking. I gripped my CV tight, telling myself today had to be better as I hurried into my first stop.
It was a corporate café, it wasn't cozy, all I could sense was a sharp smell of coffee and the feel of pressure. The cafe was shiny, the floors were spotless, the place reeked of professionalism, everyone was busy with their tasks.
I went up to the receptionist, handed her my CV, and tried to steady my breath.I could hear my own breath.
"What position are you applying for?" she asked.
"Any position available," I replied.
I just wanted a job, I didn't mind what position they'd offer.
She glanced at my CV, then pointed to a chair.
"Please wait." she said politely.
I sat.
Minutes passed. Then more minutes. I watched people walk past me looking all busy, they barely noticed me.
My hands were knotted in my lap. I sat up straight, and fixed my expression, I didn't want to look desperate.
Eventually, the receptionist returned.
"We'll get back to you via email," she said politely.
"Thank you," I replied.
I stood out with chattered hope, I couldn't just stop there, I was desperate.
I went to two more spots. Everyone smiled the same, said the same words, and made promises that felt unreal.
I could feel my breath get faster. I kept hoping something would change, but it felt like I was walking in circles.
When I finally got home, my feet were sore and my hope was hanging on a thin thread.
At home, my father was awake watching his favorite show.
"How was it?" he asked, looking up from the TV.
"Old same," I said, sitting beside him.
He nodded, squeezing my hand weakly. "i believe in you my girl."
And just that was enough to keep my heavy heart light, it was time for his medications.
I handed him his medications and just hung around, chatting about nothing heavy, like our neighbor's loud radio, a show he wanted to watch, or memories of my mum that didn't hurt anymore.
Damien's Pov
The office was quiet.
Too quiet.
I pressed the intercom on my desk.
"Martha."
"Yes, sir?"
"Bring the quarterly files. Immediately."
"Alright, sir." she replied
I sat back in my chair, waiting in the files I asked for, when my mind drifted to the strange woman I had met the night before, I was gonna make a call, when I heard a knock.
"Come in" I said
Martha entered, placing the files neatly on my desk.
"Is that all, sir?" she asked
"Yes." I replied
She left without another word.
I opened the folder and started looking at the numbers and plans. Work was my priority, always has been, I'd place the call as soon as I was done.
I reached for my phone, when I had concluded my work and dialed a number.
It rang once.
"Talk," a voice answered.
"I need information, on a woman I met" I said calmly.
"Name?" he asked
"I don't know."
There was a silence
"Then give me something." he said breaking the silence.
"She's tall," I said. "Slim. Curvy. Caramel skin. Hazel eyes. Walks like she isn't bothered by anything."
"That's unclear." he said
"Find her father," I added. "Her mother. Where she lives. Anything that leads back to her."
There was another pause
"You're asking for a ghost."
"I'm asking for results," I replied firmly.
"And I need it as soon as possible" I said and hung up.
I set the phone down and started preparing to leave for home.
Aurora's Pov
My dad was asleep now and I was cleaning the kitchen, when I heard my phone ring.
I wiped my hands on a towel and peeped at the screen expecting it to be Damon.
It was Eliora.
For a moment, I just stared at the screen, not believing my eyes. It had been a long time since we last spoke, she has relocated since after college and we never spoke after.
I finally answered.
"Hello?"
"Aurora!" her voice burst through the phone, bright and loud. "You picked up!" she said with excitement
I chuckled lightly . "Eliora? Is it really you?"
"Yes! Oh my God, it's been forever."
I rested the counter, smiling without even realizing it, It was nice to hear her voice again
"I'm back in town," she said casually. "Just landed this morning."
My heart jumped with excitement. "whatttt… you're back?" I said almost tearing up, i had missed her so much
"Yes," she laughed. "Bags are out, and I'm totally smashed by jet lag.
I shook my head, still smiling. "I can't believe this."
"I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you too," she replied
"Remember how we used to sneak out just to get late-night snacks?" she teased.
I laughed. "And how we'd promise to study, then end up talking about everything but books."
"you were always stealing my fries," she added. I always make them share foods, I do it with Damon too.
"i borrowed them" I said playfully.
She laughed loudly. "you never change, do you?.
We talked about everything. Her travels. The cities she'd lived in. The people she'd met. She told me how lonely it felt sometimes, being away from everything she was familiar with.
I told her what I could. Not everything, but enough.
"I'm proud of you," she said randomly.
"For what?" I asked.
"For surviving," she replied softly.
I was silent for a minute.
"When can I see you?" I asked.
"Soon," she said. "Very soon. I want to see you in person."
"I'd love that." I said joyfully
I stayed still after the call, phone hugged to my chest 'cause I was so excited. It was the first time all day I felt a little light.
Little did I know a man was across the streets, willing to go length, just to find me.