Chapter 4 Starting All Over

The next morning, Sarah woke to the sound of birds chirping outside Beth's small apartment. For a moment, she forgot where she was, but the reality of her situation quickly returned... She sat up, her hand instinctively resting on her still-flat stomach. The baby. Her baby. The thought sent a mix of fear and determination coursing through her. She had made her decision-She would keep the child, but how? She had no job, no home, and no family to turn to. The weight of it all felt suffocating.

Beth was already up, humming softly as she prepared breakfast in the tiny kitchen. The smell of toast and eggs filled the room, and for the first time in weeks, Sarah felt a small flicker of comfort. Beth turned and smiled at her. "Morning, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?"

Sarah managed a weak smile. "Better, I guess. Thanks for letting me stay here." Beth waved her hand dismissively. "Don't even mention it. You're my best friend, and I will stand by you. Now, let's eat. You need all the strength you could gather for my goddaughter to grow well."

As they sat down to eat, Beth raised the question Sarah had been dreading. "So, what's the plan?" What do you plan to do now? You can't just stay at home and do nothing, and you can't stay here forever, as much as I'd love you to. My landlord is already nosy enough, and I don't want him asking questions. Sarah sighed, pushing her food around her plate. "I don't know, Beth. I have no money, no job, and no place to go. I can't go back to my uncle's house, and I can't keep working at the restaurant. Not after... everything.

Beth nodded thoughtfully. "I get it, Sarah. You are strong and you've survived worse, you will survive this too. We'll figure something out. Maybe we can find you a small apartment nearby. I can help with the rent until you get back on your feet." Sarah's eyes filled with tears. "Beth, I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through this without you. You've been my steadfast support, and I truly appreciate everything you've done for me."

Beth reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "That's what friends are for, right? Now, let's focus on the next steps. First, we need to find you a place to live. Then, we'll figure out work. You're smart, Sarah. You'll find something."

After breakfast, Beth called in sick to work, insisting that they spend the day looking for a solution. They spent hours searching online for affordable apartments and job listings. It wasn't easy-Sarah had no savings, and her only work experience was at the restaurant. But Beth refused to give up. by late afternoon, they had found a small, one-room apartment not far from Beth's place. It was tiny and run-down, but it was affordable. The landlord, an elderly woman named Mrs. Carter, seemed kind and understanding. When Sarah explained her situation-leaving out the details of the pregnancy-Mrs. Carter agreed to let her move in with a small deposit and the first month's rent.

It's not that spacious, Beth said as they stood in the empty apartment, but it's a start. We'll make it cozy. Sarah looked around, her heart swelling with gratitude. It's perfect. Thank you, Beth.

Over the next few days, Beth helped Sarah move in. They cleaned the apartment, bought second-hand furniture, and even painted the walls a soft, calming blue. For the first time in years, Sarah felt a sense of hope. This was her space, her sanctuary. She could start over here. But she still needs a job. She couldn't work at the restaurant anymore-The memories were too painful, and to avoid further embarrassment, she decided to stop working there. Beth suggested that she look for another job, perhaps in retail or customer service. Sarah agreed, but the thought of starting over in a new job while dealing with her pregnancy felt daunting. Over the next few weeks, Sarah dedicated herself to building her new life. She found a part-time job at a small bookstore, where the owner, a kind woman named Mrs. Thompson, was sympathetic to her situation. The work was simple-organizing shelves, helping customers, and managing the cash register-but it gave Sarah a sense of purpose.

At night, she would sit in her small apartment, reading books on business and law. She was determined to learn everything she could about her father's company and the legal system. If there was a way to reclaim her inheritance, she would find it. But for now, I'll focus on finding my feet, she said to herself.