The Second Chance At Love

Ugh, the story of my life - having to work twice as hard just to get half as far as everybody else. It's like the universe hands you a little something, but then instantly snatches it back with the other hand.

This struggle? It's been my constant companion.

"Sophie, come down! Breakfast is ready, and you'll be late for work," called my mom, the one person in my life who hasn't turned into a burden.

"I'll be down in a minute, Mama," I replied, rushing to the dining table.

"Good morning, Mommy," greeted my child. Yes, I have a child too. Now you know there are two people in my corner.

"Good morning, baby," I said, planting a quick peck on his cheek before almost inhaling my breakfast and ignoring my mom nagging about taking it slow. I was too pumped for this new job to care about little indigestion. With food still in my mouth, I squeezed both of them and hurried outside, ignoring my mom's reminder to drink some water.

"Be good, sweetheart. I love you," she called after me.

At work, the day was just beginning. I settled into my role like I was born for this. I was operating on pure adrenaline and nerves. I was determined to prove my worth and show my employer that hiring me was no mistake

"What do you think you are doing?" Celine, the head of my department asked as I was about to go grab a bite for lunch.

" it's lunchtime so I was about to get something to eat," I said feeling confused and unsure if I had done something wrong

"Do you think this place is for people like you? Celine's expression hardened

"I..."I tried to get a word out but I couldn't as she interrupted

"Oh, or u think you deserved to be here. Girl you have to work for your place here. I don't even know why the job was given to you. Everybody here went to a prestigious school and worked hard to earn their place here and then there is you coming from a no-name and less prestigious school and you think this place is your playing ground?"

My feet couldn't move from the ground neither could my mouth come up with anything coherent to say as I slowly sat back on my chair. Tears welled up in my eyes and all I could say was

" I. I'm sorry. I Didn't mean to offend you. I just saw others going out and I was told of the lunchtime policy when I was employed that's why I thought it would be fine to go" I manage to stammer out

"Others, not you and if you must work under me, you must do it my way or kiss this job goodbye" She declared before leaving the office.

Not exactly how I'd pictured my first day going but I promised myself in that moment - Celine was going to eat those words. One way or another, I'd prove to her that I belonged here just as much as any of them so I cleaned my eyes, and took my phone out to look at the pictures of the two people who mattered most to me which were my mom and my baby. They are my motivation and I can't quit.

Working hours were finally over, but I wasn't done with the task Celine gave me, so I decided to stay back to complete it and make her happy by morning. I was the last to leave the office, and when I got home, my mom was outside waiting with concern evident in her eyes.

"Where have you been?" she asked, with a sigh of relief immediately as she saw me. Before I could answer, she added, "You look so exhausted. Let's go in so you can eat."

I was too tired to even answer her question. After dinner, I went up to Dawson's room where I saw him sleeping peacefully. Gently, I pressed a kiss on his cheek and then went to my room to take a shower. As I was coming out, I was surprised to see my mom sitting on my bed.

"Mom, you should be resting. I apologize for keeping you awake at this hour."I said feeling guilty for being the reason she was disturbed

"I don't think I like this job. It's too dangerous to be coming back by this time, and the way you were rushing your food was obvious you didn't have lunch. Talk to me," she expressed her concern.

"I just love your meals, and you know it," I said, trying to hide the truth from her because I didn't want to worry her. "Go and sleep, and I have to sleep too because I have an early morning," I added playfully, pushing her out of the room.

"If you ever need to talk, just know you have someone," she said with a caring tone.

I nodded and then closed the door, letting the thoughts of the day fill my mind until I drifted off to sleep.

....

It was another challenging day with Celine. I had worked hard on the file she assigned to me, staying up late to complete it. I approached her table, feeling hopeful that she would recognize my efforts.

"Celine, this is the completed file," I said with a smile, adding " I had to stay up late for it"

"And, I'm supposed to applaud you for doing a job you're paid to do," she said condescendingly.

She then turned her attention to Mia, praising her work while ignoring me entirely. "Hmm, Mia, this is good. You've made progress. Keep it up."

"Should I come back?" I asked feeling dismissed

" I'm not pleased with your work, redo it" she threw the file at me

"But you haven't even opened it," I said

"Are you questioning my judgment". Wait so you are now the head and I'm under you. Sorry boss, please how do I serve you? She said sarcastically and everybody burst into laughter. " know your place, you're here to follow instructions".

"In what area do you want me to work" I managed to ask feeling helpless

"You are educated, right?" She didn't wait for an answer before continuing, "EVERYTHING. That's absolute trash, and you would have spotted that if you went to a good school."

As I stood there, feeling helpless, she announced that the new president would be arriving that day. She instructed everyone to get ready for the conference hall, but she pointedly excluded me. "That doesn't include you, Sophie, so get out of my face to your desk and start working."

With my head bowed, I took the file and returned to my desk, while everyone else prepared to meet the new president.

I was flipping through each page of the file, trying to identify what needed to be changed, but I couldn't place my finger on it. I was still engrossed when they all returned from meeting the new president. Laughter and friendly banter filled the air.

"Oh. My. God. He is so dreamy like something out of a romance novel!" Mia gushed, giggling like a schoolgirl.

Derby, who's married, chimed in, "I can already picture having his babies!"

"Hey now, keep those babies to yourself, Mrs. Taken! The rest of us single ladies call dibs," Mia playfully nudged her.

I wished I could join in this conversation, but the pressure to deliver wouldn't allow me to act like a normal human being.

Celine did one of those loud cough-clears to get everyone's attention. "Alright ladies, that's enough daydreaming. Let's get back to business!"

As everyone shuffled back to their desks, Celine zeroed in on me. "You. Yeah, you over there. Can we have a word?"

I looked around, realizing she meant me. "Who, me?"

She rolled her eyes. "No, the invisible person behind you. Yes, you, dummy!"

I got up and walked over, bracing myself for her wrath. Celine had this way of making me feel about two inches tall.

"You know, whenever I try to talk to you, I feel like a complete bitch. But today, in our very first meeting with the new president, you made me look incompetent."

"I'm so sorry, Celine. That wasn't my intent at all," I apologized quickly.

"Save your sorry. You know the first thing he asked for when he got here? That file you oh-so-conveniently couldn't prepare for me. I had to bullshit my way through that one, and there is nothing I hate more than going in unprepared."

"I'm so sorry. It won't happen again" I said but in my mind, I was thinking, "It was ready, you chose to be mean to me only to get the heat."

"It better not," she said sternly. "Because you're going to present that file to him yourself tomorrow morning. And just so we're clear - I want the thacolouror scheme femme up a bit, got it? This is a professional services firm, not a frat house."

I started to protest that gendering the aesthetic didn't seem appropriate, but the icy glare she shot me shut me up fast.

"No problem at all," I replied carefully. "Feminincolouror palette. Got it."

"That's what I thought," Celine said with a sarcastic sweetness as she turned and headed for her office.

I headed back to my desk, feeling about two inches tall again. This was going to be a long night...

The clock ticked past midnight, but I barely noticed, too engrossed in the glow of my laptop screen determined to perfect this before morning.

"Still at it, huh?"

My mom's gentle voice pulled me away from the laptop screen. I glanced up with bleary eyes to see her leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, eyebrow raised in that classic look of disapproval.

"Yeah, just...trying to wrap up this task for my new boss" I replied sheepishly, running a hand through my dishevelled hair. "Want to make a good first impression, you know?"

She sighed softly, shaking her head as she crossed the room. "By running yourself into the ground before you even start?

"Mom, I got this. It's only temporary" I said trying to make her feel better.

She sank onto the bed beside me and placed her gentle hand on my arm. "Sweetie, I understand, but remember looking after yourself is crucial too. I've prayed endlessly for you to get this dream job, but your health and well-being matter just as much," she said, a touch of sorrow evident in her eyes.

"Mom, everything I do, every late night, every effort, it's all for you and Dawson. I want us to have a better life, to never feel looked down upon again. This is just a phase," I reassured her, trying to ease her worries.

"I hate seeing you struggle like this. It's heartbreaking to witness how you have taken on various jobs and endured insults from people, all because of us. And now that you've landed a decent job, it's like you're losing yourself, and I fear that your health will suffer. I just can't find that happiness in you anymore, but you won't open up to me. You shouldn't hear this burden alone. I can't help but feel like we've failed you, your dad, and I," her voice cracked as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Please don't say that, Mom. You and Dad have been incredible parents. I wouldn't trade you for anything, not in this life or the next," I said, my own emotions starting to surface as I hugged her tightly.

"Dawson doesn't have a father because of us," she began, but I interrupted gently.

"Mom, please. It's not your fault. It's on them, not you or Dad. Dawson is happy with just us. We'll be okay, I promise," I assured her, trying to offer comfort amid her worries.

She clung to me fiercely and I felt her body begin to shake with quiet sobs. We stayed like that for a long while. At last, Mom sniffed and pulled back, offering me a watery smile as she cupped my cheek. "My sweet angel. What would I do without you?"

I managed a half grin, covering her hand with mine. "Hopefully, we never have to find out. We've got this, okay? Like always – me, you, and D against the world

She nodded, a few defiant tears still sliding down her cheek. "Damn straight. This family's too stubborn to give up."

"That's the spirit, mama" I cheered as I reached for my laptop, fully intent on completing the task to Celine's satisfaction. It was a matter of finishing it today or facing Celine's wrath and the latter was not an option.

"Let me get you something to eat while you work. You've got this, my angel." She said as she got up and exited the room

I got to the office super early, eager for the presentation. It was an avenue to show my prowess and I would make the most of this opportunity. My sleepless night can't be in vain and it's time I make Celine see I am in the right place. As I hurriedly arranged the file, I whispered to myself, rehearsing exactly what I would say to him.

"Good morning" Mia greeted as she walked up to me.

" Good morning Mia" I was surprised as this was the first time she had spoken to me since I got the job

" Don't tell me you will be meeting the president looking like this" she remarked with scorn on her face, her hand scanning me from my head to my toe

"And what's wrong with what I'm wearing," I said angrily

"Nothing anyways not like you stand a chance." She said with a dangerous smile and she added before sitting " That's my man so do the business you're being paid to do and don't get carried away"

"You must be crazy," I said under my breath

"What did you just say" she asked but I didn't dignify her with a response.

"I thought as..." Mia began to speak but before she could finish, Celine entered the room

"Hope you're ready because we will be meeting him in the next five minutes" Celine announced

"I'm more than ready" I replied confidently

"Don't get ahead of yourself" she cautioned, looking at me pointedly. "Hope you changed the colour palette"

"I did as you instructed" I replied

"Alright, it's time to see what you've got although I don't have any expectations," Celine remarked dismissively

My heart was racing with a furious rhythm as we made our way down the corridor toward his office. Each step felt heavier than the last. When we reached the door, Celine turned to me.

"Wait out here a moment while I let him know you've arrived," she said

I could only manage a tight nod in response. Celine slipped inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts-a perilous situation. Deep breaths, I told myself. You can do this. Just... keep it together.

What felt like an eternity later, Celine poked her head back out. "You can come in now."

"Good morning" I greeted trying to hide my nervousness

"Good morn..." He began, lifting his face and our eyes locked in. It felt like the ground should open up for me to get in. "This is the last person I want to see right now." I thought my mouth hanging open as I struggled to find words.

He turned to Celine. "Is she the one presenting"

"Yes, Mr Hernandez. Is there a problem?" She looked confused, her eyes shifting between me and him seeking answers

" There's no problem Celine. Let's get to the reason she is here. Introduce yourself and let me know what you have for me."

Is he kidding me right now? I should introduce myself, so Alex wants to pretend like he doesn't know me. Wow

I cleared my throat before proceeding "I'm Sophie and this is the file you requested for..." I trailed off, mesmerized by his penetrating stare. Celine not-so-subtly elbowed me, snapping me out of my daze. "Right, um, for the Landmark project."

Alex flipped through the pages, frowning. "What's this? Why is the colour palette like this?"

Before I'd answer the question, Celine had given me a look that said "You better not involve me."

"I'm so sorry. I just thought it would be best this way but I could change it" I said looking at Celine for support

"Mr Hernandez I'm so sorry she couldn't even do something as simple as this. She is new and still learning the ropes. I will ensure she is trained better. I take full responsibility" she said acting like a saint.

"There would be no need to tell me anything about this for now. Make the necessary adjustment and then you can come in for the presentation." He said turning his attention elsewhere,

"Thank you," we both said as we walked out of the office but I was out of my body. Cold running through my spine. That was Alex, the same Alex. Why him of all people? I was so lost in thought but I could see her mouth moving but didn't hear a thing she was saying.. she tapped me when she didn't get a reply

"Uh!" I exclaimed, startled

"I will ask again, what was the meaning of the madness you exhibited in his office"

I remained silent, unable to find an answer. All that occupied my mind was Alex. Seeing him after 5years has shaken me to my core. Thought I was over him but clearly that was a lie I had been telling myself as his face brought back memories I thought I had buried long ago.

"Sophie, do you know him? And this time don't you dare ignore my question" She asked with a serious look

"How can I possibly know him?" I said feeling deflated

"That's right, how can you possibly know him? You both are not in the same social class. I'm just an overthinker" she scoffed as she left me behind then stopped halfway and turned back "Remember that project was done by you and it was all your idea. Don't you ever say otherwise"

I nodded as there was no strength left in me to even construct a word for her. I felt like a ghost walking through the office, so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't notice Mia standing on my path and I almost bumped into her

"Are you blind, can't you see?" She asked shifting a little

"Oh, I'm sorry," I said about to leave but she held me by the hand and took me to the printing room that was just by the corner.

"How was he?" she asked excitedly

"Who?" I asked disinterestedly

" Who else? Alexander Hernandez, of course. My husband," she said smiling

"I didn't ask about personal matters, it was strictly business but he did look well," I replied

"Please let me take over this task. I heard Celine saying you will be working closely with him." She pleaded, pouting and giving puppy eyes

"We are not close enough for me to do you that favour" I replied

"Rome wasn't built in a day, you should know that, It's a gradual thing and this could just bring us closer" she insisted, pleading with her hands clasped together.

I don't want to be around Alex. I knew he despised me, so it seemed like a win-win situation. Mia could handle the task and be with him, while I focused on other things before I lost my sanity dealing with both him and Celine in such close quarters.

"Okay, you can have it" I agreed, hoping to spare myself the emotional turmoil of constantly interacting with my past. "But you will have to tell Celine you asked for it and you can hand over the project you are working on."

"Thank you. Thank you, Sophie. I owe you one." She said as she took the file and danced out of the room leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I leaned back against the wall, letting out a shaky breath as images from the past flickered through my mind. Our stolen moments, the way he made me smile, how he once looked at me like I was the only person in the world that mattered, and then the crushing disappointment when it had all come crashing down.