IV. Roses~Simple and Affordable. See, easy?

It never stopped.  My maid had become my personal tormentor as if my conscience wasn't enough.  She was cruel.  She just wouldn't stop hurting me and I was a pathetic coward that couldn't reach out for help.

Would Mother help if I spoke to her?  

It was a late summer afternoon when she had suddenly barged into my room.  Her eyes were red as she held a glass bottle in her hands.  She was clearly drunk out of her mind.  

I stood up from the chair and rushed to help her.  Oh, I was such a fool.  She pushed me onto the ground as my eyes widened in horror.  Tears rolled down my cheeks as her sharp heel dug through the skin of my palm.  

I couldn't move.  I couldn't fight back as I waited for her to finish me off.

"You're such a disgrace, Emilia.  You're better off dead." She slurred as she shook her head in disappointment.  

Yes, I was better off dead.  Somewhere no one could ever know how pathetic I am.

All of a sudden, she swung the bottle at me as I screamed in pain and fear.  The glass shards pierced through my thighs.  Crimson colored my pants as my body shook in fear.  Pain, pain and pain.    

Blood...

I stare at my reflection as a dead and hollow woman looks back at me.  Her hair is tied into a perfect ponytail, all her flaws covered under makeup and her smile never reaches her lifeless eyes.  She is what I am ashamed of and I will have to live with it.

My feet carry me back to my room where the letter Cece mentioned is lying on the bed.  Cece had pulled some strings and arranged for an interview at one of his offices in the Palace.  

Of course, it makes me feel like crap for taking advantage of him but I have come to learn over time to seek help when I need it. I did do some research about the company I have an interview with. I place the letter in the simple black bag which Cece bought for my nineteenth birthday.  

After a quick check of everything I need, I am out of my room and in the living room.  Dennis and Ashton are seated at the kitchen counter talking and laughing amongst themselves. It's a warm atmosphere.  My lips curl up as I approach them with a soft smile.

Ashton waves at me. "Got a job already?" He stands up and disappears in the kitchen while I take a seat beside Dennis.

"My friend helped me."

Ashton places a bowl of oatmeal, orange juice and bread sticks. "That's good." He goes back to sitting beside Dennis while I process the sight in front of me.

That is a lot.

Dennis chuckles beside me.  "You've got to eat it all." Ashton reminds me as I giggle nervously.  "Wait till you see your lunch box..." Dennis whispers, making me shake my head.

Nonetheless, it doesn't shake my wide smile.  It's simply sweet that despite being strangers that have no obligation, they are taking care of me.

And it's the first day.

"Oh, I'm gonna drop you off at your workplace." 

*

Similar to the other buildings here, this one is no different.  It's huge and has a glass exterior probably placed to reflect the sunlight.  Ashton says that summer in the Palace is 'way too much to deal' and pretends to faint. 

A silly smile falls on my lips as I step inside the building.  Sparkly white floor is the first thing my eyes sees followed by the vast lobby area.  Small plants are around everywhere in the lobby. They are placed on extended platforms in cute, little pots.   It's natural and aesthetically pleasing.  People sport a variety of outfits ranging from a casual hoodie and shorts to the formal suit. 

Freedom, right?

My eyes trail around the foreign place before stopping at the similar logo I spotted at my new house.  C and A. Shaking my distracting thoughts, I walk up to the reception.  

A short, petite female smiles politely. "Good morning Mam.  Would you like something to have while you visit Roses?" They do this...it"s rare to see offices where they readily offer stuff without asking our visiting purpose.

It's a good change. 

I shake my head as I pull out the letter. "I'm here for an interview at 11:00 AM today." I answer as my gaze falls on the clock behind them.  It is a bit over 10:20 now. 

Satisfaction rolls through me for being quite early.  The nice receptionist's orbs skim through the contents before she smiles brightly handing the letter over.  I squint my eyes to get a better look at her name badge. 

"It's a pleasure to have you here, Miss Carson.  Let me escort you to the HR department." She steps outside and waits for me to follow her.

My heart can't take this sincerity.  I expected them to be snobbish and having a prominent scowl on their faces but these people were kind and sweet.  

This is what happens when you watch too many dramas.

My stilettos click against the floor as I let Liza, the kind receptionist guide me to the elevators. The elevator is partially occupied as Liza presses the 21st floor.  My fingers drum against my thighs as I watch the numbers change on the screen. 

As soon as the elevators ding open, my jaw falls at the unbelievable sight in front of me.

The whole layout of this floor is unusual and unique.  It isn't like the typical office room with dull white walls and a common work area divided by cabins.  This place has a friendly touch to it with the calm pastel walls.  

It's hard to believe that this place is an office. 

"This is the HR department, Miss Carson." Lisa's voice snaps me from my daydream.  

She smiles at me as she nods at the people we walk by.  They have small flower pots similar to the ones in the lobbies. I gasp in surprise as we take a turn to see wooden swings hanging down the ceiling, couches with pillows, sleeping pods and all that cool stuff.  I find myself pinching my arm just to reassure myself that this real.

Damn, this place is great.

"All the departments are designed in a similar manner." Liza adds as she takes in my face lighting up like stars.  

"That must be so cool"

She chuckles agreeing with my words.  From what I know, very few offices have this atmosphere where they nurture employees and invest in their success.

"Miss Carson, we are here. Have a lovely day," Liza smiles as we stop in front of a glass door where the words 'HR Manager' is printed in a metallic font.  

My eyes meet her kind ones as I smile.  "Thank you." She grins before walking in the opposite direction.  

I take deep breaths as I clench and unclench my fists.  Here I go.  I push the door open and shut the door behind me.  It's a classic office room except it's huge.  

I gaze at the interior of the room when a tall female jumps from the couch as she rushes to me.  "Roses, simple and affordable. See, easy?" I freeze in my place as I try to make sense of her words.

Uh...what?

She grins widely as she waits expectantly for my answer.  "Yeah, it is..." I trail off, unsure where this conversation is going.

Her eyes sparkle in happiness before her face hardens within a flash.  "Good morning, Miss Carson." She squints her eyes as she examines me up and down before going to her chair.   

That just gave me a whiplash. 

. . . . .