I Was Chosen by a Gift E-Book

Romina Betvardeh

• Herausgeber: Inspiring Publishers / ASPG
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

When helping a random man on the street Sandy never thought her life will change for ever. But months later the man found her and gave her an ancient old looking gift.

An un-normal gift found its way to Sandy. Worried and concerned she returned the gift to the man but mysteriously the gift found its way back to Sandy.

A story full of challenges and magic, where the powerful bully the weak and the rich press down on those less fortunate without being aware that the cycle of life is vicious and it will turn its wheels against them.

Editor: Inspiring Publishers:
Romina Betvardeh takes you on a journey to a fantasy world, but is it any different to ours? Why not find out in her exciting book, I Was Chosen by a Gift.

Leseprobe

Copyright © 2019 (Romina Betvardeh)

All rights reserved worldwide.

No part of the book may be copied or changed in any format, sold, or used in a way other than what is outlined in this book, under any circumstances, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Publisher: Inspiring Publishers,P.O. Box 159, Calwell, ACT Australia 2905Email: [email protected]://www.inspiringpublishers.com

National Library of Australia The Prepublication Data Service

Author : Romina Betvardeh

Title : I Was Chosen by a Gift

Genre : Fiction Fantasy

ISBN : 978-1-925908-72-5

In life some people are kind, loving and giving they never expect to be given anything and their only joy is to give happiness to others. They are always satisfied and never fall short in assisting others. They forgive those who do wrong to them and their policy is “Everyone deserves a second chance” and they never let material or greed take over their lives.

Then there is the other type of people whose policy is “take and take and take”. By breaking and destroying someone else they feel powerful. These kind of people have no feelings or emotions. Their hunger for power and money makes them the most dangerous species on earth.

These species are unaware that the cycle of life is vicious and it may turn the wheels against them.

Special Thanks toAlexander Bishop for extreme help with editing

Chapter 1

As Sandy was running to work wearing a black short skirt with a beautiful Royal Blue top the heads were turning behind her, men admired her beauty and well-shaped body and females just stared wishing for that faultless body. But Sandy was very insecure and thought something was wrong with her hair or clothing. That’s why everyone was staring at her.

The insecurity came from Sandy’s childhood when she was put down all the time, due to her kind nature. Her family or class mates would bully her, “Look at your hair, don’t you own a hair brush?” or “God you have a big nose.” At school she was pushed and her food taken from her but she never said anything and always convinced herself that they must have been hungrier than me.

Although she was a professional manger in one of the leading retail stores and loved by everybody she always underestimated herself, this young beautiful girl managed the biggest store in the country but could not manage the dark side of her own life with insecurity. She lived in such a dark world that if someone complemented her on her beauty she would get disheartened thinking they’ve been synclastic.

That morning when she got to work Sandy found her coffee ready on her desk and her assistant Angela standing next to it. Angela had the habit of arriving at work early and wait by window. As soon as she saw Sandy crossing the road she would run and make her coffee ready.

“Angela how many times I have to tell you do not have to make my coffee”, Sandy called out with a smile on her face.

“I am happy doing this because it makes me feel better.”

That morning the board of directors had a meeting. Nearly half an hour after the start of the meeting, they sent for Sandy.

For a few minutes Sandy got worried as to why they should call her to the meeting? But as soon as she walked in to the meeting Paul one of the directors looked across the table and said “Here is our relief, not only she is hard working but very trust worthy” Paul continued,” I honestly believe that Sandy is quite capable of running the show while we are away in Europe for the opening of the new store.”

Being a shy person Sandy went all red in the face when everyone turned and looked at her.

When Paul put the motion to the other directors they all agreed by simply putting their heads down.

“How do you feel about doing our jobs for at least three months while we travel overseas?”

“Three months overseas! Holidaying?” She asked.

“No” replied Paul “Preparing for the opening of the new store”

Sandy could not believe her ears. She was covered with excitement. This was a big honour, and with a very shaky voice she said, “Sir are you sure about this offer?”

With a cold look Paul replied “Are you doubting our decision?”

“Of course not”

“Then what is it?”

“I just think that there are more worthy people than me to take this role on.”

The decision is made. Paul continued “You may go back to work now.”

“I will do my best sir, to make you proud.”

“I am already proud because I know you can do this.”

Walking out of the board room Sandy barely could fit into her skin. She made her way straight to the ladies room, after making sure there was no one there to judge her. She started crying. The happiness she was feeling at that moment was overwhelming and crying was the only way for her to settle.

Going back to her desk after a long cry Sandy managed to do some work, but she could not wait to get home and share the good news with her parents. Her eyes were glued to the clock and from inside fireworks were exploding.

Unlike any other afternoon, Sandy knocks off work at exactly five o’clock, the beautiful smile that was glowing on her tiny face made her more attractive than ever. Not one person went pass without complementing her on her beauty.

“How come you are home early?” asked her parents when she arrived home.

Tears filed her beautiful brown eyes.

Don her father quickly noticed the tears. “Is something wrong Sandy?” He cried out

“No everything is fine.”

“Why the tears then”

“You don’t know how excited I am. Today was the best day of my life.”

“Well hurry up and share some of that excitement with us.”

“Today I was asked to replace our directors for three months while they open another store overseas.”

Don was a strict man who could never show his true feelings and affections to anyone. He stared at his daughter with satisfaction. Then said “I always knew you would be successful in life, God is helping you reach your goals according to your kind heart and down to earth personality, I honestly am so proud of you.”

Donna her mum didn’t give a chance to Sandy to reply. She shouted, “Enough of these talks. We should celebrate this promotion”.

Don smiled “And I bet you want Sandy to pay for this celebration”.

Donna, “well off course, She is the one getting promoted, not me.”

The three of them laughed.

Come on dad. Let’s go get ready. I will pay when we finish.

“Who is driving?” Don asked

“No one dad, I will call a cab because I want us to have fun.”

The bar at the beach where they went was beautiful. When their first drinks arrive Don grabbed his glass and stood up “Let’s drink to Sandy’s achievement and all the eyes that are glued to her right now”.

They all had a sip from their drinks. Sandy put her glass down. “Thanks dad”, she said “You are my inspiration and I thank you for celebrating with me tonight.”

Don replied, with a wink and a smile, before picking his glass for the second time.

“I am feeling a bit hungry, I’m going to see if the restaurant is open, “Donna said while getting off her chair.”

“I will go mum, you sit.”

Your father is right “replied Donna” There is not one person that is not looking at you. It feels safer if I go.

“Why are they staring? Is something wrong with what I am wearing?” asked Sandy.

“No Darling. They are stunned by your beauty.” replied Donna

Fortunately the restaurant was open. After booking a table Donna walked back to the bar to collect the others. As soon as they finished their drinks they walked to the restaurant. A waitress greeted them and showed them to their table.

The atmosphere was so beautiful and relaxing. There were no brick walls at back of the restaurant; instead there was a massive glass wall. The beautiful moon that was shining on the sea was completely visible. It truly was a magical view.

A few young men tried to grab Sandy’s attention but she wasn’t in the market for a boyfriend. Eventually one of them found the guts to go to Don. “Good evening sir do you mind if I complement your daughter?”

“Not at all” Don replied while winking at Sandy

The man then turns to Sandy. “I am lost in your beauty”

Sandy went all red in the face. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for talking to me”

“Now do you mind? We are having a family time.”

“Oh sorry” said the young man. “Please I beg you sir. Here is my number I would love to take her out to dinner.” He then put his business card in front of Don and left.

Don couldn’t stop smiling to a point that Sandy got embarrassed “Dad please stop it”

“I haven’t done anything. I just feel sorry for the bastards that are attracted to you.

Donna got offended. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well look at her. Even if the most beautiful man on earth went past her she wouldn’t notice. Sandy I really hope that you decide to stay single because I don’t think there is a man that deserves you.

Donna slowly pushed her hand under the table and pinched Don. He screamed “What was that for?”

Sandy laughed at her parents. “Listen you two my plans are never to get married.”

“You see Donna.” At least our daughter has a good sense of humour.

The family were enjoying the night so much that they kept on ordering drinks all night until the early hours of the morning.

The alarm went off at six am the next morning. Struggling to get out of bed Sandy was really felling the effect of last night drinks, but finally she forces herself up and runs into the shower. After a quick wash she gets dressed, grabbed her bag and quickly ran out of the house, while tucking her shirt inside the skirt.

Driving towards work Sandy is looking around, admiring the beauty of the day. Then a man on the other side of the road grabs her attention. She slows down into the slow lane. The man stops two pedestrians and says something to them. Those two pedestrians pushed him. When he fell on the floor they spat on him and walked away.

Sandy puts the breaks on and stops to see what the man will do next. He stayed on the floor and slowly pushed himself close to the wall where he could lean.

Curiosity took over Sandy. She parked the car and walked towards the man “Are you all right sir? Do you need help?”

The man puts his head up and looks at Sandy. Covered in tears he tries to fix himself. “No I am ok. Thanks mam”.

For some odd reason Sandy didn’t give up. “I saw how those two pedestrians pushed and spat on you”

“That is my problem mam.”

“Please tell me why they did that?”

“Why are you so nosey? Mam”

“I never look at people but there must be a reason of why you grabbed my attention before I got to you.”

“You mean I was put in your path?” asked the man

“I think so.”

Shame and pain reflected on the man’s face while tears were pouring out of his eyes. He said “I received a phone call this morning. My son is very sick and I need to go back.

“I came here in hope of finding a good job to support my family and create a better home for them, but I not only couldn’t find work but all my belongings got stolen.

“How?” asked Sandy

“I thought it is safer to leave my money and belongings in the room that I was renting than carrying them with me. One day when I came back from job hunt my window was broken and everything I had was gone.”

The man stops for a second then he continues “After receiving the phone call about my son, I had to find a way to hospital, and I thought asking a few pedestrians for money is the only way to pay for my ticket home. Those two were the first people that I approached but as you saw they pushed me and started cursing me. Calling me peasant”. The man starts crying even harder.

Not a word came out of Sandy. She rushed to her car, grabbed a bottle of water and a few tissues. “Here clean yourself”.

While the man was cleaning himself Sandy reached for her volute, pulled out all the money she had. “Here take it; I hope this is enough to take you home.”

The man with an unbelievable look looked at Sandy and said. “This is too much. I can’t take this.”

Sandy grabbed his hand and said. “Please take it I do not need this money now. If you have a sick child you might need it”.

He tried to kiss Sandy’s hand but she did not let him

The man then asked “Why are you helping me? You do not even know me”?

Sandy looked at him and said “I do not think anyone deserves to be treated the way those pedestrians treated you. They could have just said no. But remember this “no pain and no wealth stays for ever.” Life has a lot of ups and downs. What happened to you now could happen to me tomorrow.”

Looking at the time Sandy shouted. “Oh my god I am really late”. As she walked away from the man she said “God always opens a small window when all the doors close.”

The man called out. “My name is Charles. Where can I find you to give your money back?”

Sandy turned and smiled at the man. “If it is meant to be, we will meet again.” She then quickly jumps in her car and takes off.

Charles waited and stared at Sandy as she was driving away. He could not believe a total stranger out of nowhere came to his aid. Soon he cleaned himself and ran towards the railway station.

A few minutes later Sandy was at work, Angela quickly ran to her. “Sorry your coffee went cold and I washed the cup. I will make you a new one now.”

“Please wait. I am going to make you a cup coffee today” Sandy replied

“You can’t make me coffee.” Angela replied

“Why not?”

“You are my boss and it is not right for you to make me coffee.”

“What makes it right for you to make me coffee. I did not put that in your job description.” Sandy replied

“But.”

“No buts Angela. You better tell me how you take your coffee?”

Minutes later Sandy came back with two cups of coffee. “See Angela I can make my own coffee. Please from tomorrow, I do not want you to have my coffee ready. Not only does it make me feel bad but I need to move a little bit as well.”

Sandy then starts walking out of her office to do the routine check. Sandy always addressed all the employees by their names and asked them how they are. She loved making people happy. When she finished cheering all the floors she made her last stop at the basement. The cleaners were so happy for the attention they were getting because Sandy believed every human has its own values and they should respect each other regardless of their jobs or living standards.

By interacting with each employee, Sandy kept them all motivated. The levels of sick leave people having dropped by ninety percent since she started working in this department and this made her peers very happy.

This beautiful young lady glowed when talking to people. Her beautiful innocent smile and comforting voice would win any heart in seconds; her goal was to let everyone know they are special.

For weeks Sandy and Paul worked together until the time came when the directors went on their trip to prepare the opening of the new store.

“Angela, unfortunately we are going to spend a lot of time here because we will be filling in for another four people until they come back.”

“That is fine with me Sandy. “Replied Angela

It is now the first week that the directors are away and Sandy is already feeling the pressure but that would not stop her from the routine cheering of her employees on a daily basis.

One morning when passing one of the employees she felt so much tension going through her body, she turned “Hi Rebeca what is wrong?” she called out.

“Nothing.” Everything is good. Thanks for asking.”

Although the girl was in good spirit, Sandy felt that something was terribly wrong with that young girl.

That morning Sandy did not finish her routine of cheering. The tension that she felt, drained all her energy so she went straight back to her office and leaned back into her chair.

Angela runs inside “Are you ok?”

“Yes”

“Then how come you didn’t finish your routine walk around?”

“I went past this girl and somehow all my energy was drained.”

“Sandy, don’t tell me you believe in the evil eye.” Said Angela with a sneaky smile.

“What is that? Forget I asked but can you please go and page Rebecca to come to my office.”

“Ok” So it was Rebeca who gave you the evil eye.”

“Knock it off Angela. Just go and page her.”

When Rebeca heard her name, she started panicking, thinking she is called to the office because they want to lay her off work. She was hesitating and shaky but slowly made her way to Sandy’s office.

“Hi Sandy did you want to see me?”

“Yes I did. Please come in and take a seat.”

“Is everything ok?” Rebeca asked with a very shaky voice.

“Sandy looks up and notices the fear on the young girl’s face.” I am so sorry if I scared you by paging you.

“Not at all.” replied Rebeca.

“Don’t worry,” Sandy said with a smile.” The reason I called you is because I felt something is terribly wrong with you. I know that is none of my business to push my head into your private life but I just want to let you know I am here if you need help.”

Rebeca with unbelief looked at Sandy “Why are you asking me? Did someone say something about me?”

“No.” Why is there something that I should know about?

”No.”

“This morning although you smiled at me your eyes were very sad. It seemed as if you’ve been crying. I hope no one is upsetting you at work.”

”No.”

“If you have a problem that I can help you with, please tell me.”

It is nothing to do with you or work.” Rebecca replied

“That’s ok.” Sandy implied.” You can go back to work, but remember my door is open for you if you decide to talk.”

Rebeca gets up “Thank you Sandy.” Then she left.

Sandy knew definitely something is hurting the young girl. So bad that she is losing control of her feelings but without Rebecca’s confession, there was nothing she could do.

Days went by and Rebecca’s sad face became obvious to everyone. Quite a few times she was found crying in the rest room. Things looked so bad for Rebecca, she decided to take Sandy’s offer and ask for help.

She went towards the office a few times but couldn’t find the courage to knock on the door and went away. Angela, who was watching her the whole time, followed her to the rest room where she heard her crying.

“Who is crying?” called out Angela

“No one” replied Rebecca

“Come on. Whoever you are you know this place has a no tear policy?”

All sudden Rebecca walked out of the rest room. “Are you serious about the policy?”

“Yes girl.” replied Angela

“Oh please, don’t tell anyone I was crying, I don’t want to lose my job.”

“Girl something is bothering you a lot. Why not ask for help?”

“From who?”

“Your boss, she already offered to help you. Take up the offer; it will make you feel better.”

“I am embarrassed.”

Angela laughs “Don’t worry, I will hold your hand and walk you in.”

When they made it back to Angela’s office, Rebecca said, “Thanks Angela but I will take it from here”. She knocks on the door.

“Come in” said Sandy. Then she looked up to see who was entering her office. “Oh it is you Rebecca” said Sandy, covered in excitement.

“Do you have five minutes for me?”

“I have all the time in the world for you.”

“Sandy please don’t hold this against me, but I have no one else to talk to.”

Sandy slowly gets off her chair and goes towards Rebeca “You know that I am here all the time. I asked you to come and see me if you need anything”.

At that Rebecca started crying, and Sandy said to her “It’s ok to cry. What is upsetting you so much?”

“You know that I am from a very strict family, and girls are not allowed to have a boyfriend.”

” Yes”

“Well I started seeing someone a few months ago and somehow things got heated between us. Not only have I lost my virginity but I am also pregnant.”

Sandy smiled. “Congratulation you should be happy. Why you are crying?”

“My brother somehow found out that I have a boyfriend and dobbed me into my parents.”

“My parents were going to kill me. That’s how angry they were. But instead they decided to give me a second chance. But then I started having morning sickness.”

“Then what happened?” asked Sandy

“They kept on asking me questions but I had no answers and that made the situation three hundred times worse. Eventually they dragged me to the doctors and made the doctor do a pregnancy test. When the doctor came back with the results my heart dropped because he went straight to my parents.”

“Congratulation you are going to be grandparents.”

“At that moment I wished the ground would swallow me.”

“What did your parents say or do?”

My father lost it completely. He could not wait to get home so he could punish me. As soon as we arrived home he started swearing at me then he physically attacked me. He bashed me so much that I thought I lost the baby. Somehow I don’t know how I was able to escape.

Where did you go to?

I had nowhere to go, so I drove my car into a park and slept there.

Have you gone home at all?

“No, I have been living in my car since. I use the public rest rooms to have a wash and my car, to rest and sleep.”

What about your boyfriend. Can’t you go to him?

Ever since his parents found out that I was pregnant they stopped him from talking to me. I really don’t know what to do?

I am so sorry to hear you are going through so much. This is not good for the baby. Are you going to keep the baby?

It is too late to do anything now.

Ok here is what I can do for you. I will ask the bosses if I can pay you in advance of your wages so we can find you a place to live. After you settle we will slowly deduct the money from your weekly pay.

Oh thank you so much!

Once you settle you need to find a way to talk to your boyfriend and sort something out for the baby’s future.

I really appreciate it

If you would have told me when I asked you, you wouldn’t have suffered so much

I was so lost

“Don’t worry” Sandy replied. You can go back to work now. I will call you when I need you.”

Sandy straight away calls the directors and asks for their approval and they approved it straight away. She then contacts a few local real estates and finds a one bedroom unit with low rent. She makes arrangement with the real estate so that Rebeca can see the unit. If she is happy with it, they can finalise the paper work.

In the afternoon when Rebecca finished work Sandy took and showed her the unit. Rebeca was so happy that she could not back her tears.

By that evening Rebeca had a place of her own to sleep in and have some peace of mind to deal with her other problems.

Using most of her time helping others, Sandy was getting left behind in her work. She would start at five am and work right through the night. Helping all those in need gave her such satisfaction that she never felt tired and her spirit was boosted with happiness.

The amount of work Sandy had was over whelming and it did not leave her much time to meet with her friends or go out. Slowly, slowly her friends started to keep their distance believing that the promotion she got has affected her personality.

Chapter 2

Don, Sandy’s dad, was a proud high ranking business man, but away from every one’s eyes he spent most of his free time helping the disadvantage families by buying them the necessary homeware, furniture. At times he would do grocery shopping for them. Don, a rich man, unlike any other rich man, believed “if someone has been blessed they should share their blessings and not store it where it will never be used.

Donna, his wife was so down to earth most of the time, people would find her cleaning for elderly people, those, whose families deserted them. She would help the elderly with their showers and daily routines. No one would believe that Donna was from a very wealthy family. It seemed that Donna and Don were a perfect match from heaven.

It was a mystery that the family would do all those good deeds but never mention it to anyone even to their small family.

One evening Don and Donna were invited to the twentieth anniversary of their friends. When they got there they were seated on a table with a few other high ranking business people.

The only subject discussed between those business people was money and the tricks they used to force small and middle size businesses out of the market by squeezing them where it hurt the most. These greedy men were hungry for power and wanted to own all the market.

Don started getting very annoyed. He hated every second and every word that came out those men’s mouth. The sudden sadness started showing on his face, but Donna was quick enough to notice and react. “Don would you like to dance”?

“No not now.” Don replied

“What’s wrong?” She asked

“I do not know!” Don replied

Donna persisted that Don get up and dance with her. When they got to the dance floor, Donna asked again, “Don what is wrong with you? You have been quite all night and have not said a word”.

“Donna you know how much I hate people that drag about their riches. Look around us. They are a bunch of people who think they have class. They take pleasure in their wrong doing. What do these kind of people think? Do they think they will take all that money to the grave with themselves? If they have so much why pray on small businesses that are barely managing to pay their bills.”

Donna patiently listened to Don and when he stopped talking she said, “Don I have never heard you talking like this before. What changed in you?”

“When I dropped you at the front this evening, I went to park the car. Behind me I saw Angelo and his wife getting out of the car while their driver was holding the door for them. A kid that looked like an orphan ran to them and pushed his hand towards Angelo. Instead of Angelo putting a few coins in his hand, he turned to his driver, I do not know what he said but after that the driver slapped the kid and pushed him on the floor, he pointed to him to go away. As Don was talking about this a tear dropped from his eyes so they stopped dancing and went on to the balcony on a corner.

“Then what happened?”

“Nothing. They started walking in. As I ran towards the kid to see if I can help him he got scared. While tears had covered his face, he run away.”

“Don you tried. So why are you so upset now?” Donna asked

“I am upset because you heard them on the table how they cheat other people out of business to grow their own. Look at them. They are drinking wine that is over three hundred dollars a bottle. Look at Angelo. Wearing a watch that is worth thirty thousand dollars and his wife’s dress as she said cost her ten thousand dollars. So how hard was it for him to give that little boy a few dollars instead of pushing and hearting him?” (At this time tears stopped Don from talking).

Donna was touched by this story and asked Don, “Do you want to leave?”

“No it’s ok. If we leave Colin and Collet would be upset. It’s their anniversary. We should wait until they cut the cake.”

Don then excuses himself so he could go to the bathroom to clean his face. Donna went back to their table. As soon as she sat on the table, Michelle Anglo’s wife looked at her. She asks “where do you buy your dresses from?” (While looking at the other women on the table).

Donna being a very smart woman noticed where the wife was going with this, she answered back, “Obviously not from the same place that you do”.

Everyone on the table went quite for a few minutes; Donna smiled, knowing that she hit the right nerve.

Although Donna was wearing a simple dress with simple jewellery, she was glowing. Her beauty was amazing. The goodness of her heart was reflecting in her face and most people fall for her beauty.

It is not long before Don is back on the table. Michael another famous business man addressed Don, “You should come to our meetings sometimes. It’s going to help you grow your business plus we can have a few drinks together.”

Trying to be polite Don answered “Thanks I’ll do that”

The tension was growing strongly on the table. Don and Donna were very pleased when the cutting of the cake was announced. As soon as the cake got cut and served, they congratulated Collet and Colin and left.

“I am so glad we are out of there, “Donna said with a relieved voice”

“Yes, me too”

The restaurant where the anniversary was held was built on ten acres of land. It was one of those dream places. The building was historic. The garden and land escapes were amazingly eye catching. It took Don a few minutes to make it out of the gate onto the main road.

After driving for nearly two kilometres, Don notices some kids on the side of the road. When he looked closer, it was the little boy he saw earlier in the night. He called out.

“Look Donna, that’s the same boy.” He then quickly pulls over and runs towards the boy. Donna followed him.

When Don made it to the boy, he noticed there is a girl sleeping on his lap and a younger boy next to him, deep in sleep. Don called out “Hello”

But the boy did not answer. He cuddled his sister and brother with fear.

“Please don’t be scared. What are you doing here?

The little boy replied “We are on our way home.”

“Where is home?” Donna asked

“At Sunshine”

Don asked. “That is a long way from here. What are you doing here and why did you walk so far away from home?”

“I did not realise how far we walked.”

Donna says “Your parents are probably worried to death about you.”

The tears start running from the eyes of the little boy and said “I do not think so.”

“What do you mean?” asked Don

“Nothing. Thank you for stopping. Do you mind leaving us alone? I am waiting for my brother and sister to wake up so we can start walking again.”

“I cannot leave you like this plus you are still very far from home.” Don replied

“Why do you care? I was pushed and frightened by one of your kind this evening. So don’t pretend to care.”

“I saw you there. I tried to come to you, but you ran away. Get up now. We will drive you home.” Don implored

The boy looked at his brother and sister. Before he says anything Donna asked “Are we allowed to touch them. Can we pick and put them in the car?”

The boy with unbelief looked at the couple and said. “Ok”

As Donna and Don placed the two younger kids in the car, the boy stood there looking inside the car.

Donna said “Get in young man”

“Look at my clothes. Your car will get dirty.” the boy said

Don with a big smile on his face said, “It is only a car and you are more important than this piece of material”.

The boy then jumped in the car. On the way he asked them “Why you are doing this?”

Donna with a smart voice said “Doing what?” then she smiled.

“Helping us”

Donna, “This is no help. We are only giving you a lift on our way home”.

After driving for nearly four kilometres they got to a street and the boy said “You can drop us here.” Then he started waking up his brother and sister.

“Tell us where exactly your home is as we can drop you there? It is late in the night.”

But the boy refused. The car stops and the three young kids get out of the car. While closing the door, the boy said, “Thank you.”

Don was not the type of person to leave three kids on their own in the middle of nowhere specially at that time of night, so he parked the car and slowly started following the kids. As the two younger ones were still sleepy and were hanging on to their older brother, they did not realise they were followed.

Once they got to this shed in dark pitch he can see the boy, Stops. Looks at the sky and walks in with hesitation. Don goes around and finds a small window that was at the back of the shed. When he looked inside, there was an oil lamp on the floor that brightened the room. A woman was lying on the floor. The two younger kids have made their way to the woman and have put their heads on her while, struggling she moves her arm around them.

The older boy went to a corner and sat on the floor. He brought his knees up to his face and rested his head on them and went to sleep.

There was no sign of floor covering, food or any life in that shed. Don got very emotional and started walking back towards the car. When Donna saw how tears were flowing down his face she got worried. “Don is everything ok?”

Don then told her, what he had seen through the window.

“There is nothing we can do now. At least be happy that you know where they live.” Donna said

“You are right. I can’t believe that there is still people who live under these conditions. We are supposed to be a country that has welfare and ninety percent of people believe that our welfare system is good enough to look after everyone.”

They both went quite. Both of them didn’t say a word until they got home.

Sandy has waited for her parents to get home. When she heard their car, she was so happy. She ran to the door and said. “If you had been a bit longer I was going to call the rescue team.”

Don smiled and gave Sandy a big hug.

“So come on” Sandy said “You must have had an exceptional night to come home so late.”

“Yes we did” Donna said. “We will tell you all about it in the morning.” Don agreed and they all went to bed.

In the morning when Sandy got up, Don was already making coffee. “Would you like some coffee?” he asked

“No Dad, I am running late. I will have one when I get to work.”

When Sandy arrives at work she quickly gets in to her back log and tries to do as much as she can before the rest of the team show up.

Angela gets there at eight thirty with a smile on her face. “Sandy did you sleep here last night?”

“Don’t be smart. You saw me going last night. Sandy replied

It’s now around nine thirty and Sandy has done her normal daily routine of saying ‘hi’ to everyone. When she makes it back to her desk she sees a rose siting there. She quickly calls Angela and asks her “where did this rose come from?”

“The courier just delivered it. It was addressed to you.”

“With no card and no contact name?”

That is exactly how it arrived. “Angela replied”

“Well did you look at the courier truck?”

With a very shaky voice Angela replied “No I was so excited that I wasn’t thinking straight.”

Sandy wasn’t used to getting angry. Lifting the tone of her voice, she said “Angela next time you make sure if anything like this is sent to me you find out as much information as you can. If not, refuse to receive them.”

Angela who had never seen Sandy this angry replied. “Ok I am sorry” and walked away.

Chapter 3

On the other side of the city the rest of Sandy’s family are busy with their own lives keeping their distance from Sandy and her parents.

Jackie, Jasmine and their brothers Jason and Joshua seemed to get along well and have forgotten that they have another sister in the same city.

Jackie and Jasmine were the type of people who had to look good in front of others, at all times. They would dress to impress and lived a very high class life style. It was important for them to be recognized for what they had and what they wear. They were both married and each had two kids.

Their complexion was completely different to their sister, even though they were not bad looking. There was something about them that would turn people off.

Joshua was a high flying CEO proud yet he still had a bit of humanity left in him. Jason had his own small business. The two boys were happily married with two boys each. Why none of them would pay any visits to their parents, was strange. They were busy with their life style and thought it is a waste to spend their time travelling to visit their parents and their sister.

“Jasmine, have you heard from mum and dad?” Jackie asks asked of her sister when they met.

“No, I had no time” Jasmine replied. “Plus I hate calling their house, in case if that loser Sandy answers the phone.”

“Don’t let that bother you. She is looking after our parents. We all know that she is a loser. We should be happy that she stays with them. That means she will never go anywhere.”

In this instant Jason walks in. In a very high voice, he calls out. “Hi guys how are you? What were you talking about? Why did you stop when I walked in?”

“Nothing” Jasmin replied. We were talking about Sandy. The poor loser, she is unemployed. Pretending she is looking after mum and dad or at least she thinks she is.” If you ask me, I think she will be homeless without them.”

“That is a bit sad. We should really see if Sandy needs help.” Jason proposed

Jackie was quick in replying. “There is no need; you should only look after your own family. One approach of help will put us all in risk. She will be a burden on us.”

“Anyway,” Jason said “I just came around to invite you for dinner. I will call Joshua as well. Let’s sit around and have a bit of fun.”

Every one arrived at Jason’s house at around six pm. The beautiful odour of food had filled the house. Jackie couldn’t help herself and said, “Oh my god something smells so good.”

“That must be my cooking.” Jason replied with a smile on his face.

“Did you really cook?” Jackie asked

Jason says, “No my wife did. Any way let’s have a drink.”

Jasmine jumped in to the conversation “Every time we gather I feel so happy.”

Joshua grabs his glass, “Cheers everyone.”

After having a few drinks everyone moved to dining table. Everything was set beautifully.

At dinner Jason’s wife Mandy opened the conversation by saying. “We should have gatherings like this with your parents. I bet they feel neglected plus we should show them some love otherwise they might leave their entire estate to Sandy.”

Cindy Joshua’s wife, agreed. “We all can do with a bit of extra money plus if Sandy is left with all that money; she will spend it on the most stupid things and would go broke again.”

“We should take turns to visit them, every week. One of us should go there with the grandchildren.” Jason suggested.

“That is a great idea.” said Jackie.

Joshua said, “How about if we start from next Sunday. Me and Cindy can take the first turn. Then you guys can arrange your time between you.”

“That sounds good”

When they finished eating the boys moved into the dining room and the ladies helped the host to clear the table, then a small desert was served. After a few short games, everyone left.

On the way home Joshua was very quiet and when Cindy asked him “Josh what is the matter. You have been very quiet?”

Joshua says “I am fine. But this whole thing with Sandy is starting to annoy me. We are all treating her as if she is our enemy. Yet she hasn’t done anything to deserve this.”

“Well my love, your sisters are right. We all deserve to be in your father’s estate but by the looks of it Sandy is hanging around them to take it all.” Cindy Said.

Josh replied, “I am not in the mood for this conversation. Let’s finish it here.”

Jackie was complaining all the way home, “Why should we go. I hate being under the same roof with Sandy. She brings my class down.”

It seemed like the greedy woman forgot that if money wasn’t involved. No one could make her go.

Her kind and loving husband said, “Jackie no matter what happens, she is your sister and I really don’t like the way you talk about her. Look how happy she gets when she sees you. She is an exceptional aunt. Up to this day I haven’t seen her neglecting any of her nephews or nieces.”

“This is none of your business anyway.” Jackie Screamed.

In the morning Donna calls Jackie. “Hi darling”

“Hi mum”

“How are you? I hope that you and your family are all well.”

“Yes mum we are.”Jackie replied “How are you doing?”

“I am good thanks. Just called, wanted to hear your voice.”

“Ok mum. Love you”

“I love you too sweetheart”

Donna then called her other three children and had the same short conversation with all of them. When she finished with the phone calls, she sat on the couch, tears were rolling down her face while thinking, I can’t believe none of my four children asked about their sister or father. The weary of this occupied Donna, she flaked on the couch, and slept.

Chapter 4

It is Friday night and Sandy’s friends call her to go out. Normally each weekend they would call her because she knew a lot of bars and night clubs, and knew all the roads pretty well.

It was normal for Sandy to walk into night clubs and get surrounded by guys within seconds, but she herself had other things on her mind like finishing her studies, making her bosses proud by delivering good results and high profitability, and guys were the last thing on her mind.

Sandy had this habit to talk and dance with guys and in general enjoy her night out but the minute she left the night club she would go straight to a rubbish bin and threw all the telephone numbers given to her by guys.

Her friends were not very happy about this. They always questioned her as to how come all these guys come to you. Why don’t you give one of them a chance?

“Why would I need a guy in my life, when my life is full? I have great parents, good friends that I can hang with, and I have no one to dictate to me about what I can or can’t do”. Sandy would reply.

One day Sandy’s best friend Mona said, “I wish I could be like you but at times I really feel lonely.”

“Who said we can all like the same things. We are all different and Mona from the bottom of my heart, I hope one of these days you find someone really nice.” Sandy Said.

That Friday Sandy did accept the invitation. They all went to a night club and had loads of fun. On Sunday Mona calls Sandy and asks her if they can have lunch? Sandy accepted but said, “It has to be somewhere close by because I made plans with my parents in the afternoon.”

Mona picks Sandy up at twelve noon. On their way to restaurant Mona said, “Sandy, Friday night I did not want to say anything in front of the others but because you are the only friend that I trust and share things with. I want you to meet someone and since we were going for lunch, I asked him to join us at the restaurant.”

Sandy laughed. “Oh my god finally I am going to get rid of you.”

“Not now, not tomorrow and not in a hundred years, you can get rid of me.” Mona laughed back.

“What is he like?”

“He is kind and caring. Since I meet him my life has changed. He fills that empty spot in my life.”

“What about looks?” Sandy asked

“You should know. I only like nice looking guys.”

While they were giggling about this, a very nice looking guy walked in. Sandy said “Mona check that one out. If you look at this guy I think you will change your mind about the guy you are dating.”

Mona turns around and waves at the guy while telling Sandy. “Idiot that is him”

Steve was his name. He walked to the table, gave a kiss to Mona on her cheek and offers his hand to Sandy while saying, “Hi, I am Steve.”

After an hour of discussion and having lunch Sandy went to the ladies to freshen up,

Mona followed her to find out what she thinks of Steve.

“Hey Sandy what do you think?” Mona called out.

“Well I got to admit, I really like the restaurant and love the food.”

“Come on silly. I was not talking about that. I am asking about Steve.”

He seems like a nice guy and the respect he has for you is amazing. Please do not make him run away.” Sandy replied

“In your dreams, girl, you know Sandy; I hope that you find someone nice like him.” Mona continued “You mean a lot to me and I want to see you happy.”

“But you know I am happy the way I am. Where am I going to fit a guy in my life between my busy work, mum, dad and studying. It barely leaves me time to think.”

These things might look enough for now, Mona said. But the time will come when you will feel the pain of loneliness.”

“Mona are you really looking after Steve here? While we are chatting all this time, poor Steve is sitting at the table.”

Mona laughed and said. “Oh yes I forgot about him”

Finally the two girls went back to the table. Steve rose from the table. As he was pulling out the chair for Mona he said, “My god girls it looks like you were having a good chat in the bathroom. You were gone for a very long time.”

The girls apologized and made a few funny comments about the girl’s room.

While Sandy is out with Mona, Joshua arrives at his parent’s house as planned Don and Donna were surprised to see him and his wife. They were excite to see them and did not question him.

“Mum where is Sandy? I thought she is normally home.” Joshua asked

Donna without any hesitation replied “Mona took her out for lunch.”

“How are your sisters Josh? Have you seen your brother lately?” Don asked

“They are all well. I saw them all last week.” Joshua replied

“It looks like everybody is so busy with their lives because we do not see much of anybody these days. Lucky Sandy takes us out some times and when she has free time she spends it with us and sometimes even takes us out for dinner or drinks. Donna implied.

Don agreeing with his wife said, “Yes it is true. The poor girl does know how to look after us, while attempting to finish her studies. Not to mention her demanding job.

Cindy then got involved. “Oh so Sandy is working and studying now. We thought that she stays home and looks after you.”

Don with a funny look turned and looked at Cindy then he carried on by saying, “We are not helpless. We don’t need anyone to stay home to look after us, plus if her brothers and sisters would have kept in touch with her they would have known how wonderful she is. None of you know of how successful she is. The promotions she has received are beyond belief.”

Donna feels the situation is getting much too tense and tries to change the subject. “Is anyone hungry? I do not know why but today I cooked for over ten people. I must have known we would have visitors.”

Joshua replied, “No thanks we can’t stay that long”

“Josh don’t tell me that you do not miss my cooking? Anyway I will not have my son walking out of here without having lunch with us.”

Joshua felt his mother’s pain and said. “Yes Mum I do miss your cooking. Let me make a phone call and then we can have lunch.”

Cindy followed Joshua outside “Josh how long you are planning to stay? Your idiot sister will be back soon. I really don’t want to talk to her.”

“Please leave it there, Cindy. A part from Sandy being nice to you, what has she done to deserve this kind of hate?”Joshua asked

“If I knew you would do this I would not have agreed to come here in the first place.”

Joshua for the first time stood up for himself by saying. “Well you know what? If you are not happy you can leave.”

Cindy then goes back in and waits for Joshua to make his phone call, while Donna was preparing the table for lunch.

They all sit around the table. “The food smells so good Mum” Joshua said

“I hope it tastes as good.” Donna replied.

Don joined the conversation by saying. “No one has ever complained because you always make the best food.”

When they finished lunch they move to the tea room.

While Donna is making the tea Sandy walks in “Oh my god is that really you?” While running towards Josh she drops her bag on the floor, then she grabbed Joshua cuddled him and gave him so many kisses. She then goes towards Cindy and kisses her on cheeks.

“How was lunch Sandy?” “Don asked

“Not as good as yours. If I knew Josh and Cindy were coming I wouldn’t have gone.”

Cindy tries to be smart so she says “Tell us Sandy how is work?”

“You know work is work and there is nothing new.”

“But for us it is new. We didn’t know you are working. What do you do?”

“I get paid for something but I do not know what. All I know is that I am earning my living and that is it.”

“Do not underestimate her.”Don jumped into the conversation. “You know, Sandy got promoted. Right now, she is relieving the directors for three months.”

Cindy and Joshua looked at each other and put their heads down. It looked like they were embarrassed because only those two knew what was going on behind Sandy.

Don felt the shame look on their faces so he kept quite.

Sandy felt the tension and said, “Come on Josh tell us about yourself and what are you up to?”

“Nothing more than what I have been doing all my life. Replied Josh

Cindy quickly jumped by saying, “Josh has always been a CEO. There is no higher position than his.”

“What about you Cindy? Are you working?” Sandy asked

Cindy tried to change the subject by saying, “Josh we have to leave now. Remember you cancelled our lunch appointment. We really have to make the other one.”

Sandy was smart. She did not try to get an answer for her question because she did not want to embarrass Cindy more than that.

Joshua and Cindy then got up, said good by to everyone and left.

Monday morning, Sandy went to work. This Monday was to be different from any other Monday. She gets to work before everyone else and opens the doors. She sat behind her desk and from her window, stared at the empty store thinking I have to meet the director’s approval by increasing the sales. She stayed at her desk for quite a while making plans, until she noticed the first employee arriving. She ran to the door and greeted every one of them as they walked through the door. They were all shocked as to how down to earth she was.

When she let the last employee in she went outside to take a big breath. As she was admiring the fresh morning breeze she saw an old man looking in rubbish for food. Her heart stopped. She could not believe at this time and age people live in poverty.

Tears filled Sandy’s eyes. She ran to the man and said, “Please stop looking through the rubbish.” The then looked at her and said, “What do you know about hunger? I am hungry and need food”.

“Just stop and wait a minute. I will bring you food.” She quickly ran inside, grabbed her bag, bought some food and gave it to the man.

“Thank you Mam.” the old man said. “I am sorry if I was rude to you. Before I was hungry and when you approached me I thought you wanted to condemn me like everyone else.

Sandy turned around and said to him. “Who am I to condemn you?” She then walked back to work.

It was around ten am when two of her senior staff knocked on her door. Sandy asked them to come in. Rebecca and Sullivan walked in with some papers in their hands and sat in the chairs

Sandy said, “What is up?”

Rebecca then handed the papers to Sandy by saying. We have given Susan a warning which will be followed by a termination.”

“Susan?” Sandy called out.

“Yes, Susan. She has been late every morning and now she pretends that she is sick. Even when she is at work she is not productive.” Sullivan replied

“Have you talked to her to see what her problem is?” Sandy asked

“No everyone knows the rules, but Susan is ignoring them. Rebecca replied

Sandy looks at Rebecca with anger and says. “Sometimes we have to spend time and find out what the problem is. If we fire everyone that seems funny without finding out the cause, we will be left with no employees.”

Sullivan tries to back Rebecca by saying. “We are only following the rules.”

Sandy grabs the papers and says. “Thanks I will look into this. Do not take any further actions against Susan before consulting me.”

When Rebecca and Sullivan left her office Sandy went for her routine check. When she got to the section where Susan was working, she paused for a while watching Susan. After a few minutes she goes directly to Susan.

“Hi Susan how are?”

“Good thanks for asking” Susan Replied

“That is good” Sandy said

While walking away Sandy turns around to have a second look. That’s when she sees Susan leaning on the bench in front of her, so she decides to go back and investigate.

“Is everything ok”? Sandy asked

“Yes everything is fine.” Susan Replies

“Then why were you bending over the bench?” Sandy asked

Susan’s tears started rushing down on her face

“Sorry, I did not mean to make you cry.”

“Sandy I am so sorry to take your time. I know how busy you are.”

“Do not worry about me. Tell me about yourself?”

Susan then starts telling Sandy how she left her country and followed the guy she loved. When she got here he took her home but his parents refused to let her stay there. Away from their vision he placed her in the shed and would sneak her in and out of there. Nor did she have no money to rent a place, apart from her boyfriend, she doesn’t know anyone.

“I found this job to help me save enough money to rent a place but a few days ago his parents found out that I was living in their shed. They came and kicked me out. I sneak around and sleep in the store cellars. Recently some people found out and dobbed me in. I received a warning from Rebecca and Sullivan but I really don’t have anywhere to go.”

“Oh my god I am really homeless.” said Susan before she cracks into tears.

“Does your man work?” Sandy asked.

“He was before I got here but when all these things happened to me he quit his job so he can look after me.”

“Well I can offer your man a job, but you have to promise not to let anyone know about this. When he starts working here, you have to pretend that you have just met. In the meantime just stay in the cellar until you two have enough money to rent a place.”

Susan pinched herself while Sandy was talking. She was asked why you did that.

She replied. “I am making sure that I am awake and this is not a dream. Sandy, I seriously am so thankful to you.”

“Don’t forget your promise” Sandy said while walking away

The next morning Susan got to work early. Her face was glowing out of happiness and no one knew what had happened to make her feel so good.

Sandy went to Susan slowly and said, “Well what your man thought about my offer?

“My god” Susan replied. “He was so happy and said when we rent a place and settle down we should get married.”