Chapter 2 My Worst Nightmare

Phoebe

Humans are pigs! I wiped the copious amounts of sweat from my forehead and sighed heavily. I detested working in this filthy motel; it was my worst nightmare. It really made me realize how awful people could be. I was ready to go. I needed to find a new job, but it wasn't simple because the job market at the time was terrible. The location of this establishment was close to me, which was a positive. Why would you leave sheets covered in semen in the middle of the space? At least my shift was about to end. I couldn't wait to see my baby girl, Abby, when I got home. She was the loveliest thing in the entire world and had just turned six. She made the arduous work at this low-paying job worthwhile. It wasn't as difficult when I gazed into her eyes and realized why I was doing it. I was just fortunate to have my closest buddy Terran there to take care of her. Pablo's commanding voice echoed through the bedroom door, "Phoebe ?" I need to speak with you at my office after you leave here. However, that concludes my shift. I merely desired to return home. Pablo was babbling on about health and safety regulations, and I didn't want to hear him. I must return for my daughter. It won't take much time. I felt a shiver run up and down my spine as soon as I heard him speak. It is necessary. For goodness' sake! I rolled my eyes and exhaled angrily as Pablo walked away. The last thing I needed was this. I decided it was adequate after casting my eyes over the space. Most of the work had been completed by me. It was OK because I wasn't paid enough to stay past my shift. The semen was gone, and there was no longer any dirt in the space. In my opinion, that was a victory. I tugged my apron over my head and pushed the cleaning bucket back into the cabinet. The clothes I was wearing underneath were filthy as hell, but it didn't really matter. It wasn't as if I had a pleasant place to be. I spend all my time these days at home or at work. I said aggressively, "Okay, Pablo," and pushed open his office door. "What's happening? Is this a brand-new law? Can I just obtain a worksheet or other resource to use for learning? Oh no, it's not that at all. He made a menacing sound by tapping his fingers together. "This is distinct from that. Take a seat, please. I did what he asked, folding my arms across my chest the entire time as I calculated how long it would take me to return home. To say goodnight to Abby before she went to bed, I wanted to be there before she did. That seemed much more significant than this-or whatever this was-at the time. Okay Phoebe , as I'm sure you're aware, we need to make some changes around here. A: "There are?" In the eighteen months I'd worked here, I hadn't observed any changes. Many things needed to be cleaned up, but I couldn't see that ever occurring. "Like what?" you ask. Well, primarily our staff. That, well, made my heart a little weaker. It didn't seem like the best approach to start a meeting to discuss staffing adjustments. "The motel has been losing money over the past year, and we need to reduce our workforce to cover the costs." "Wouldn't sprucing it up a little help?" With a desperate ache in my heart, I questioned. I was able to see where this was headed and I did not like it at all. "Perhaps draw in a better clientele." But doesn't that cost money, too? He arched an eyebrow at me like I was a moron. "We don't have any money." "Oh, right," I experienced shame and silence. "I see. What are you saying then? "I'm suggesting that we have to make some regrettable cutbacks, and one of them is you. You are no longer really necessary to us. "You don't need a cleaning service?" I could feel my body shaking with panic. I had to halt this somehow before it got out of hand. "The place needs to be cleaned; you must have someone do it." He remarked piteously, "You aren't the only maid we have on the books. "Unfortunately, you are the first one out because you are the newest one in." I have a daughter, though. I require the job. As I anxiously attempted to figure out how to win Pablo over, my mind raced like crazy. I hadn't necessarily been harsh with him, but I also wasn't excessively friendly. Even though he was my employer, I didn't put any effort into it, and now I deeply regret it. I can't let myself go that easily. "Well," he said, deliberately pouting his lips. There must be something I can do, I guess. "Anything, yes. I'll take any action. That's great to hear, I say. As he slid his chair out, he tucked his hands behind his head and gave me what appeared to be a provocative smile. Because I'm positive we could take some action. "What..." The energy in the room completely changed, and I swallowed anxiously. "What exactly do you mean by that?" He nodded downward while puffing out his chest. As my eyes slowly moved to the area he was pointing to, disgust overcame me as I noticed a hardness in his pants. Did he believe I was some ignorant eighteen-year-old bimbo? He must not have known that I was a 32-year-old woman with self-assurance, respect for myself, and a desire to produce money in a way that took care of me. Never, never, never this. You've got to be joking, right? I yelled as I sprang to my feet and stood. "Are you kidding? Do you think I would do that to remain working as the housekeeper at this run-down motel? No way!" Okay, good luck with your job search then. His voice took on an icy tone. The air was so dense that a knife could have been used to cut it. "I'm certain you'll land a new job soon." I put my palms on his desk and fixed my gaze squarely in his direction. I required that he notice the fury in my eyes. He needed to know how furious I was with him. I would do a lot of things, but that is not one of them, to give my daughter a wonderful life. I then twisted around and stalked out of his office. He continued to slur behind me, but I was unable to hear him because my heart was pounding so loudly inside of me. I muttered fiercely to myself, "Fuck that." There is no way in hell that I would act in such a manner, so I don't deserve to be treated that way. I'd sooner go broke for a few days than approach that horrible man's...thing. Reality didn't set in until the biting cold of the night air slapped my face. It would take more than a few days to get by without a job. I had to find another job immediately, and I had to do it. Abby required of me. My feet moved fast as I made my way home. As I was doing so, I noticed Abby and Terran creating legos on the carpet. I took a brief break and simply observed them having fun. My shoulders started to relax a little bit. When nothing else worked, Abby always made me happy-but the tight knot in my stomach persisted. "Are you alright?" Sensing my anxiety, Terran enquired. "You seem to be angry." Oh no, what a day. I grinned wryly. Pablo was a... Pablo , you're aware. They must apparently make cuts, and I am one of them. When I continued the story, Terran's eyes became even wider in shock, which was only about to become worse. Unless I was ready to, you know. "Ugh." She scrunched up her nose in disdain. "That's awful." Yes, it is now time for me to look for a new employment. I let out a sigh and collapsed onto the couch, briefly closing my eyes. Abby climbed into the chair next to me and encircled me with her arms. My heart was heated, and I drew her nearer to me so that I would at least have her. Not all of it was horrible. I gave her black curly hair on top, "Right, sweetheart," and planted a kiss there. Abby had her father's nose, but we both had dark hair and piercing blue eyes. The only trace of a life that has been lost. "Go to bed now, you need to. Okay, go get cleaned up and put on your pajamas. I agree, Mommy. My kid jumped up as usual and dashed into the restroom. I'll be there shortly. "So, what are you going to do right now?" As she scooped up the scattered toys from the floor, Terran enquired. What place are you going to search? Terran was a cook for my ex-husband, Abby's dad, so talking about work was a little difficult. If that weren't the case, I was confident that she would have asked for me by now. I answered groggily, "I'll find something." Tomorrow, I'll phone around to see what I can find. I am aware that this is a challenging moment to start a new work, but there must be a solution. She inquired, enthralled, "So, what did Pablo say?" Did he really ask you to have sex with him, you know? I instantly shuddered as the recollection suddenly came back to me. It was revolting, and I'm still queasy just thinking about it. The most offensive thing of all is that he even considered that I would. He chose me almost as though he sensed some vulnerability in me as a single mother, which made him the worst asshole on the earth. He then nodded towards his erect cock after saying there was something I could do to avoid being laid off. I shook my head and pretended to be ill. "It was awful. As if, is what I mean. "You always seem to have bad luck! Surely you have a legal option to pursue? Sexual harassment and unfair dismissal must both be addressed. "I'm sure I could, but I'm short on time and resources. I believe I'd want to concentrate my efforts on finding a new job. She rubbed my leg and offered me a dejected smile while saying, "Yeah, you're probably right." If it's okay with you, I'll buy us some wine while you put Abby to bed. "Thanks, Terran," I said with appreciation. "That's fantastic." I entered Abby 's room. I sat on the edge of the blankets after she crawled beneath them and encircled her in my arms. I was absolutely filled with love; I was overflowing with it. I sometimes thought I had to go above and beyond to make up for being a working single mother. I desired for Abby to understand how much I cherish her. This was the reason I had to arrive home from work on time; I couldn't miss such lovely occasions. I gave her a gentle cheek kiss. I'll see you in the morning, love, and good night. Thank you. It's a lot. She sighed and said, "I love you, too, Mommy," as she began to doze asleep. "Goodnight."